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Stories of Prayer

Day 1- THROUGH THE ROOF

The passage you are going to read today does not say the word “prayer.” But as you read it, pay attention to the effort one man’s friends took to get him to Jesus.
Read Luke 5:17-20
What was wrong with the man? What were his friends trying to do?
What happened when they couldn’t get him in the door? What did Jesus do for the man when He saw the friend’s faith? Did these friends have servant hearts?

Day 2- I AM IN… FOR YOUR WAY

If you want to see an example of genuine prayer of a servant listen to Jesus pray in the Garden of Gesthemene. This was right before He was arrested.
Read Matthew 26:36-46
What was Jesus’ first prayer to God?
Does Jesus want His will or God’s will to be done?
Jesus is facing the cross. Does He pray for the things He wants or what God wants?
This is a perfect example of someone who surrenders to God’s will. Jesus was human. He was not looking forward to the pain of the cross, but He was 100% willing because it was God’s will. He knew that if He did not die then no one would be saved.
What can you learn from Jesus about submitting to God’s will. Do you believe submitting to God’s will is what is best? How can you pray for God’s will to be done in your life today?

Day 3- PRAYING FOR NON-BELIEVERS

The Israelites back home were worshipped idols and did all kinds of evil. They did not believe in God and were living the lives they wanted to live. Daniel prayed whole-heartedly for his people and asked God to forgive their sin.
Read Daniel 9:4-19. List all the things that Israel was doing wrong.
Fast forward to today. Is our culture struggling with the same things?
What are some ways that people rebel against God in your country?
Re-Read Daniel 9: 15-19. What does Daniel ask those who don’t believe?
Is Daniel servant-hearted? What can you learn from Daniel praying for the evil people?
Spend some time praying for your country today.
Pray for non-believers to find mercy and forgiveness in Jesus today.

Day 4- PRAYING FOR GUIDANCE

King Solomon took the throne after his father (David) died. God came to Solomon and told him that he would be given whatever he wanted. God was testing Solomon’s heart. See what Solomon asked for.
Read 1 Kings 3:5-12. What did Solomon ask of God? Why?
How is Solomon an example of selflessness? How is he servant-hearted to God?
How is he servant-hearted to others? What can you learn from Solomon?
Read James 1:5. Does God give wisdom to Solomon generously when he asked?
Solomon could have had anything, but he asked God for wisdom so he could serve the people better. He understood what God wanted. How can you change your prayers to be about what is best for others?

Day 5- PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING

Hannah was the mother of one of God’s servant’s named Samuel. Hannah couldn’t have children and was being mocked by another women because of it. Hannah prayed and prayed for a child. She prayed so hard that the priest in the temple thought she was drunk! Read 1 Samuel 1:9-16
Why was Hannah praying so hard? Was Hannah grieving?
In verse 15, how did Hannah describe her prayers? Have you ever poured out your soul before the Lord? If so, how did prayer give you peace?
1 Peter 5:7 asks you to cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you. Hannah was doing this in prayer and God showed her that He cared for her. He gave her a son named Samuel. How does Hannah’s prayer life show she is God’s servant?
What can you learn from Hannah? Do you thank God when He answers prayer?

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Puppet Master of Culture

Day 1- YOUR ENEMY

Read Ephesians 6:12
Is your fight against people? Who are you fighting?
Read 1 John 5:19
Who is the influencer of the world?
Read John 10:10
What is Satan’s goal? Knowing that Satan is behind all the ways of the world, do you have more confidence in God?
What are ways Satan “steals, kills, and destroys” throughout the world?

Day 2- THE ENEMY’S CHARACTER

Read John 8:44
Who is the one who is guiding the world? What does Jesus call him?
What is the character of the “father of lies”?
Can you trust a liar?
How does the “father of lies” influence the world to lie?
If this is the character of the enemy who influences culture, does following the culture of the world sound appealing?
How does knowing about Satan’s character grow your confidence in God instead of the world?

Day 3- THE ENEMY’S DISGUISE

Read 2 Corinthians 11:14
Who does Satan disguise himself as?
Read John 8:12. Who is Satan trying to disguise himself as?
Read Matthew 7:15
The people who follow Satan are described as what?
Read John 1:29. Who are they trying to look like?
Jesus is the True Light and the True Lamb. Everything He does is good. Everything Satan does is evil, but the Bible gives you the inside scoop on how Satan works. Satan makes himself look like what he is doing is truth, light, and good, but when you look beneath the surface, it’s deadly.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Satan preys upon your weaknesses, but God gives you strengths. God turns weakness to strength. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Isn’t it time to have confidence in God to make your weakness one of your greatest strengths?

Day 4- THE ENEMY’S WEAPON

You have learned all about Satan this week. He is not your worst enemy.
Who is your worst enemy? It’s you.
Read Romans 3:23. What is mankind’s biggest problem?
Read Isaiah 59:2. How does this verse explain why sin is so bad?
Read Romans 1:21-25. In verse 25, what did the sinner exchange for the truth of God?
Read Romans 6:23. What do you earn for sinning? What does Jesus give you?
Satan would be a pathetic influencer of the world if the people in it wouldn’t sin. The sin of mankind is Satan’s weapon. He has no leverage with you if sin has no power in your life. His strategy is to make your sin look appealing and give you hundreds of different ways to participate in your sin. His success relies on the presence of sin. He knows if you keep blaming him, then you won’t point the finger at your own sinful self. Ignoring your sin keeps Satan’s weapon fully loaded. The good news is that Jesus gave us victory over sin. The Holy Spirit gives you God’s power to live in freedom from sin. If sin has no power in your life, then Satan will show himself as wimpy and he will move on to someone else.

Day 5- SATAN IS NOT GOD’S OPPOSITE

The movies always portray God and Satan as opposites. You often see a person with Satan on one shoulder and God on the other fighting for your attention. The problem with this little scenario is that God is not Satan’s opposite. God is so much bigger and more powerful than Satan. Read the following verses about God’s character:
Read 1 John 3:20 and fill in the blank: God is __________________
Satan only knows what God reveals.
Read Jeremiah 23:24 God is ____________
Satan isn’t everywhere. He deceives you by looking like he’s everywhere because of the media, the culture of the world.
Read Luke 1:37 God is __________
Satan only has the power God allows him to have.
Read Job 12:10 God is ____________
Satan has never been able to stop the plans of God… never… and he never will.

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The Weapon of Fear

Day 1- FEAR #1: I CAN’T SEE GOD

Read Matthew 5:8. How do you see God? Do you see why a life of purity is important?
Read Exodus 33:20. What happens if we physically see God?
God is so pure and so holy that He cannot have anything to do with sin. Since we are sinful humans, the only way we can be in God’s presence is because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ died giving you the purity you need to see God.
Read Ephesians 1:7. What does Jesus’ blood do?
Don’t let “not physically seeing God” hurt your confidence. He calls you to have faith.
Read Hebrews 11:1. What is the definition of faith?
Faith requires you to have confidence in what you don’t see. God has given you assurance that He is real. Think of all the ways you have seen God at work without physically seeing Him. List a few that you can think of.

Day 2- FEAR #2: I CAN’T HEAR GOD

Is your confidence on hold because you can’t hear God? He is always saying something. “Listening” will be your biggest challenge.
Read Hebrews 1:1-2. Who did God speak through in the Old Testament? Who does God speak through now? Where can you read about what Jesus says?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Can you hear God by reading the Bible?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. If you believe in Jesus, who lives inside you? How does the Holy Spirit help you? God may not be vocal, but He is not silent. Do you ever ignore the Holy Spirit when He is urging you to do what is right? If you are not hearing Him now, it may mean you aren’t listening in the right places.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Do you want to hear God more? Set yourself up to hear Him. Think about Kamp in the summer. You probably hear Him and see Him more at Kamp. Why? It’s a time you are unplugging from the world and plugging into God. You can do the same thing at home. Make some realistic goals on how to make it happen and then tell someone.

Day 3- FEAR #3: I DON’T WANT TO BE DIFFERENT

Are you afraid to have confidence because you don’t want to be different?
Read Romans 8:9
Who lives inside you? Do you realize the Holy Spirit is God? That God actually lives inside of you? How does knowing God is in you help you grow in confidence?
Read 2 Timothy 1:7
What is the Spirit of God like? What is the Spirit of God not like?
Do you have the fear of being different because you are afraid you will be alone? Do you think God would ask you to be different and then leave you to fend for yourself?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25
What does God ask you to never stop doing?
How could having a friend who loves Jesus encourage your confidence in God?
Where are some places that you can find friends who believe in Jesus?
If there are none… how can you start something?

Day 4- FEAR #4: LIFE IS TOUGH

It is easy when life is good to have confidence in God. Life, whether you believe in Jesus or not, will be tough. There is no way to avoid that. Sometimes life is tough because of your sin. Sometimes life is tough because of other people’s sin. Sometimes life is tough because of things you can’t control such as weather, accidents, or sickness. The good news is that God is bigger than all these things.
Read James 1:2-4. How do hard times make you stronger?
Read Romans 8:28. Does God work “some things” or “all” things for good?
Read Proverbs 16:4. According to this verse, God has made everything for what?
Have you experienced God at work in tough times?

DIG DEEPER

Paul spent the last part of his life in prison for doing nothing wrong. He was in prison for telling others about Jesus. His prison was actually a cold, dark hole in the ground. Can you imagine? Paul was confident in God no matter his circumstance. Read what he said in 2 Timothy 1:12. Are you convinced that God is good and will do good things no matter what?

Day 5- FEAR #5: I DON’T WANT TO LOSE ANYTHING

Read Matthew 16:24. Write it down and memorize it.

Does following Christ require sacrifice? Who is the ultimate example of sacrifice?
Read Luke 18:18-25
What did Jesus tell the rich man he had to do?
What kept the rich man from following Jesus?
It is not bad to be rich. It is not bad to have things. The problem comes when you value your wealth over God. The rich man in Luke 18 couldn’t give up earthly riches to follow God.
God will ask you to give up anything that you value more than Him.

Read 1 John 2:17
According to the Bible, who is lasting? What is temporary?
Culture applauds people who have everything. But having everything you want is an illusion. You cannot have everything in life. Don’t allow your fear of losing something lessen your confidence in God. Losing all your money or fame would be tough, but it’s nothing compared to eternity. God isn’t asking you to give up something you value “just because.” He asks you to give up something temporary for Him, who lasts forever.
Do you have confidence that God wants you to value what lasts?
Do you have confidence that God will give you something better than what you lost?

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The Weapon Of Approval

Day 1- POPULARITY

Is it tempting to follow culture instead of God because you want to be successful, popular, or famous? It is a natural feeling to want to feel worthy and liked. Seek popularity from Him, and He will give you worth whether people approve or not.
Read Colossians 3:23. Whose approval should you seek?
Read Romans 11:36 and James 1:17. According to this verse, if someone has something or is good at something, who is the reason why?
Remember that God can also use earthly popularity for His purposes.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. Do you think giving God the glory in public takes guts?
How can popularity be used for God?

Day 2- POPULARITY DOES NOT EQUAL SUCCESS

God’s idea of popularity and success is very different than the world’s idea of it. You might be the best basketball player to ever live, but God doesn’t value your trophies and medals. He values how you live your life for Him while you are on the team. You could be the most beautiful person in the world on the cover of magazines, but God only values what you look like on the inside.
Read Proverbs 31:30. What is more important to God? Do looks come and go?
Do you believe this is true?
Read Psalm 1:1-3. What is successful in God’s eyes?
Read Luke 9:24-25. If you gain the entire world, what do you give up?

Day 3- POPULARITY DOESN’T LAST

Many people throw their confidence in God to the curb when they have a chance to be embraced and loved by the world. God tells us that He is the only thing that lasts.
Read 1 John 2:15-17.
Try to write down the last five people who won the Heisman Trophy without asking anyone or looking it up. Can you do it?
Will you wear the same clothes that are popular now in 10 years?
What was the most popular sport of the 1700’s? Do you know it?  Which one of these questions did you know the answer to without help?
Name five people who have challenged you to live more like Jesus.

Day 4- POPULARITY CAN’T BE FOR EVERYONE

Read Colossians 2:8
How are the world’s promises of success and fame deceitful if you do certain things?
Read 1 John 3:1
Who are you to God? While the world is busy promising false hope in success, fame, and popularity, God is promising and actually giving significance to every single human. You have a .00008% chance of being significant to the world. You have a 100% chance of being significant to God.

Day 5- POPULARITY WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH

If you start down the path of the world, you need to know that what you do will never be enough. There will always be someone more successful. There will always be something else you want. At the moment you think you have it all, culture will change. If your pursuit is the world, then you have no choice but to change with it or lose success. The pursuit of the world might look appealing, but you should know it’s exhausting.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9.
What does God give that is “sufficient” or enough?
What else does God give you?

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The Weapon of Pride

Day 1- DEFINE IT

Pride: (n) a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own possessions and achievements or the possessions and achievements of others.
Pride is more than just putting your things and accomplishments before God… it’s also when you arrogantly give yourself credit for the things God has done. John the Baptist is a great example of someone whose pride was only in Jesus.
Read John 3:30 (hint: the “He” John is talking about is Jesus)
What was John the Baptist’s perspective?
Was John the Baptist prideful? What are some ways you are prideful?
What are some ways you can decrease and God can increase in your life.

Day 2- CULTURE ENCOURAGES PRIDE

Read Philippians 2:3
What does the Bible ask you to do? How can you keep your mind off of yourself?
Read Romans 12:16
What should you never be? Are your thoughts more important than God’s thoughts?
Do your actions reflect your answer to the question above?
How is this mentality different than culture’s perspective?
What are some ways this week you can get your focus off of yourself?
Can you live a life of purity if you’re focused on your wants and not what is best for others?

Day 3- YOU vs GOD

Read Jeremiah 9:23-24
List the things in which you are not supposed to boast. Who should you boast about?
Read James 4:10
Are you confident God will lift you up in the right timing?
What do you need to do to humble yourself before God?
God deserved all the credit because He has done all the work. If you are busy giving yourself the credit, you will miss out on what He is doing.

Day 4- BE READY TO BE HUMBLED

Read Proverbs 16:18
What comes before destruction?
What comes before a fall?
Read Proverbs 29:23
What happens to one who is prideful?
What happens for the one who is humble?
Read Proverbs 11:2
What comes after pride?
What comes with humility?
If you are humiliated because of pride and your spirits are down, it’s time to start looking up.
Read Matthew 5:3
What does the poor in spirit inherit?
Have you ever been humbled?

Day 5- ROLLING CREDITS

Have you ever stayed to the end of a movie to see the long list of credits? Everyone who worked on the movie gets credit. Your life isn’t over, but it’s time to start making the rolling credits.
Write down all your accomplishments, possessions, and strengths that you are proud of. Give God the credit for the things He has done and thank Him. Write down who God used in your life to impact you.  
“Let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:31

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Disarm Satan

Day 1- GIVE UP FEAR

Read Ephesians 6:10
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about fear.
What fears do you have? What sin comes from those fears?
How do the ways of the world encourage those fears?
How could these fears keep you from striving to live a pure life?
How can you give these fears to God? Have you told anyone you trust about these fears?
Are you confident God can help you overcome your fear?

Day 2- GIVE UP APPROVAL OF MEN

Read Romans 13:14
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about approval and acceptance. Re-read the verses from week 2 of this month.
How do you want to be popular? How can you use any popularity you have for God’s glory?
Do you struggle with gaining approval from friends and other people?
How could your desire for man’s approval keep you from striving to live a pure life?

Day 3- GIVE UP PRIDE

Read 1 John 5:4
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about pride.
Re-read the verses from week 3 of this month.
How are you prideful? What sin comes from your pride? How do the ways of the world encourage your pride? How could your pride keep you from striving to live a pure life?
What are ways you can get your mind off yourself?
In what ways can you give God the credit for what He has given you?

Day 4- CONFESSION TIME

Read 1 John 1:9. What does God want you to do?
Read Proverbs 28:13. What do you receive if you don’t hide your sin?
Spend some time today looking over the answers you wrote down over the last three days. God has already done the work to forgive your sins – your sin is already forgiven. Maybe it’s time for you to confess it to Him and start receiving it.

Day 5- FRESH START

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
Spend today writing out some goals on how you can live differently.
You are new… don’t act like your old self anymore!

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What God Says About You

Day 1- HE LOVES YOU

Read the following verses and write down how God shows His love for us.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20
How does God show His love for us?
Read the following verses and write down how God’s love is described.
Psalm 63:3, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 86:15, Lamentations 3:22-23
Love is not a feeling. Culture wants to explain love that way. Love is way more than the butterflies you feel in your stomach when you like someone. It’s so much more than when you see someone and think they are cute. Love can result in feelings, but love is not a feeling. Love is an action. Love is a decision. Loving someone means you are willing to sacrifice anything… including your life. Don’t let culture minimize love to a feeling. It is so much more. Are you confident God loves you? Why or why not?
How could your life be different because He loves you?

Day 2- HE CARES FOR YOU

Write down how God cares for you from these verses.
1 Peter 5:6-7, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 23:4, Deuteronomy 31:8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 6:26-33
God cares for you. Culture is not able to care for every single person on earth. It’s too busy changing and trying to move forward. Sadly, billions of people are never known or loved by the world. God is able to love and genuinely care for all the details of every person who ever lived. Do you have confidence that God cares for you? Knowing God cares for you, how should your life be different?

Day 3- HE CREATED YOU

Read these verses and write down what you learn about your Creator.
Read Revelation 4:11, Genesis 1:27, Romans 11:36, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 64:8
God created the world, and He created you. Psalm 139 explains that He created every little detail of you. He knows what you are meant for and how you can be your best. Every decade or so, culture has a new explanation how all things were created. Every theory man creates has inconsistency and problems. Every theory man has made has been proven wrong or has been overturned by something else. The only one that has remained strong and has been proven throughout 7,000 years of testing, is that God created you. You are complex and unique, and there has never been anyone ever like you. A large explosion, evolution from monkeys, and any other explanation could never create you and all that is inside you. Do you have confidence God created you?
Knowing God created you, how should your life be different?

DIG DEEPERIt’s pretty stinkin’ awesome that God created the entire world in just one week. You should read about it. Read Genesis chapter 1 and 2 to see how God created the world and you.

Day 4- YOU HAVE VALUE

Read the following verses and write down what value you have to God.
1 John 3:1, Romans 8:31-39, John 14:1-3, Genesis 1:27, 1 John 1:9
Out of all the things God created, there was only one species that God made in His own image…mankind. Humans are His only creation He desires to call “children of God.” God, throughout all of history, has included every person in what He is doing. He designed you uniquely for His will, yet the truest proof of your value is seen in God’s forgiveness. No matter what you have done or how much you have done, God will forgive you if you turn to Him. Are you confident God values you?
Does culture value you as much as God does?

Day 5- YOU MATTER

Read the following verses and write down what God has done to prove that your life and your existence has purpose. In other words, you matter.
1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10
The Bible tells us that God planned all things in the very beginning. This means He had plans for you before you even existed. His plans are good and give you the opportunities to do good things. He has made you to matter because you are significant to what God is doing. The world is always changing, which means those who matter…change. You might matter to the world at some point in life, but you are guaranteed to matter for eternity to God.
Are you confident God has given you purpose in His plan for you?
If your purpose comes from God, should you look to the world for direction?

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What God Knows About You

Day 1- GOD KNOWS YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
What does the Bible say there are many varieties of? Who gives them to everyone?
Read James 1:17. What comes from above? Who gives you your strengths?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Who makes your weaknesses turn to strength?
Do you believe God knows your strengths and weaknesses?
Should you go to Him for wisdom or should you go to the world for advice?

Day 2- GOD KNOWS YOUR DAYS

Read Psalm 139:13-16
When were the days of your life determined? Were a few of them or all of them determined?
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and memorize it.
Is there a season and time for some things or all things according to this verse?
Think about what you’ve learned about God. Are you confident He knew when you were born?
Do you believe God knows how long you will live?
Do you think the world knows the number of your days?
Did the world know when you would show up here on earth?
If God knows and the world does not, who should you look to for direction?

Day 3- GOD KNOWS YOUR ACTIONS

Read Psalm 139:1-4
How does God know your actions? Does He know your thoughts?
Read the following verses and write down what God knows.
Psalm 147:5, Job 28:24, Hebrews 4:13
God knows your actions. He knows your thoughts. He knows you because He created you. He also knows your sin and still forgives you. He understands you and also challenges you to be your best.
Read Ephesians 6:7-8. Who should you serve wholeheartedly?
How can you serve the Lord instead of men?

Day 4- GOD KNOWS YOUR NEEDS

Read the following verses and write down how God will provide for your needs.
Read Matthew 6:25-34
What does God say about meeting your needs? Does He care for what you need?
Read Romans 6:23 and John 5:24
True death is separation from God forever. How did God meet the need of your sin?
Read Philippians 4:19. How does God supply your needs?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How does God provide for you when you are tempted?
Ephesians 3:20
How does this verse describe God’s ability to provide for your needs?

Your biggest need is salvation. Struggles on earth are nothing compared to what it would be like without God in eternity. In addition to providing for your salvation, He promises to meet your needs on earth. God’s “pockets” are very deep. His riches and resources are limitless.  You can trust Him to come through with what you need in His timing. God will always provide for your need, but He doesn’t have to provide for your greed. When you ask God for something, ask yourself first if you really “need” what you are asking Him.

Day 5- GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART (#38b449 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Read the following verses and write down what the Lord knows about your heart.
1 Samuel 16:7. How does God measure a person?
Ezekiel 36:26. What is God able to do with a person’s heart?
Luke 6:45. What part of the body is a good picture into the heart?
Jeremiah 17:9-10. How is the heart described?
Who can search the heart and test the mind?
Psalm 51:1-2; 10
What did Jesus do to cover your sin?
How does Jesus give you a new heart?

There are many religions in culture that will tell you how to live your life. God is the only One who cares about the condition of your heart. He is the only One who has fixed the problem of your heart. He knows your heart. He has done the hard work to fix your heart by sacrificing His Son Jesus to die on the cross.

Do you have confidence Jesus knows your heart?
Do you trust He has your best interests in mind?

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What God Wants For me

Day 1- SALVATION

Read the following verses on salvation:
John 3:16, Romans 6:23, John 11:25-26, Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 5:8-9,1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 3:18, John 5:24,1 Peter 2:24
Did God go to great extents to bring you salvation? Do you have confidence God “does not want any to perish”? Do you have confidence God wants good things for you?

DID YOU KNOW…

No matter what has happened in the past, God will meet you where you are today and will take you where you need to go tomorrow.

Day 2- ABUNDANT LIFE

God gave you salvation but also wants you to live your life without the burden of sin.
Read John 10:10
What does God want you to have?
What does our enemy come to do?
How does Satan use the world to steal, kill and destroy your abundant life?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
How are you described in Christ?
How does Jesus give you a fresh start?
Read Psalm 1:1-3
What are the results when someone chooses to walk with Jesus instead of living a sinful life?
Romans 8:1
In Christ, are you free or condemned?
Culture will appeal to your senses. It makes sin look, sound, and feel good and fun, and might even make you happy for a little while. The truth is, damage will happen to you and others. You will be burdened with consequences, guilt, and shame. Sound fun? With God, you get freedom from sin, damage, guilt, and consequences. Your life will be filled with joy, hope, and purpose.  Are you confident God wants an abundant life for you?

GIVE IT A TRY!

If you want to know how rich you are, find out how many things you have that money can’t buy.

Day 3- GOD WANTS TO PROTECT YOU

God does say “don’t.” God does say “no,” but He does it because He wants to protect you. Read the verses below and write down how God wants to protect you.
2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 91:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:18,
1 Peter 5:8, John 16:33
God is not the “cosmic kill joy” the world portrays Him to be. He does not want to keep you from fun. He wants you to enjoy life in safety. He does not want to keep you from feeling loved. He wants to protect you from fake love. He is not like a strict authority who says “no” to control you. He is a loving Father who knows the danger that is before you and wants to protect you from it. Do you believe God wants to protect you?
Do you view God’s commandments and instructions as protection?

DIG DEEPER

A warrior wears armor for his protection. God describes what the armor looks like for His followers. Read about the armor you should put on in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Day 4- GOD WANTS HOPE FOR YOU

Hope is important. If you didn’t hope for something, then you would have nothing to look forward to. God gives true hope on earth. No matter the circumstance, you always have hope in God. Read the following verses about the hope God gives.
Read 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus conquered death and so can you! How does this give you hope?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1. Jesus makes you new. You get a fresh start… a clean slate.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
No matter what happens, why should you not loose heart? Is hope about what is seen?
Read Ephesians 1:18. The word “enlightened” means “to understand.” What does God want you to understand? Do you know you have an inheritance with God? In Him, you inherit eternal life. It’s in God’s will. Does this give you hope?
Read Revelation 21:4
Did you know that one day, when you are with Christ forever, these things will be true?
How does this give you hope?

Day 5- GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE A LIGHT LOAD

Read Matthew 11:29-30 today and memorize it
The world will tell you that what God wants is a burden to you. If you look to the world it will always seem easier to do it its way or your own way. God’s telling you He is the easy way. Memorize this verse so when it’s hard, you can remember that God wants to take you down the road with no burdens.

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What God Wants For You To Do

Day 1- BELIEVE IN HIM

Read John 5:24, Hebrews 10:22-23, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16, Hebrews 11:1, John 14:6
Culture doesn’t like firm belief. In fact, it’s “cool” in the world to have doubts, to believe different things, and to think there is more than one way to live. The world doesn’t really like people who are absolutely confident in what they believe because it knows a person who is absolutely confident won’t change with the direction of culture. You won’t value the ever-changing “newest thing” that claims to solve your problems. You won’t need the next thing it says you “have to buy.” The world wants your acceptance and participation in the things it promotes for its own benefit. God simply wants you to believe in Him for your own benefit.
Do you believe Jesus is your Savior? If so, what makes you believe this? Confidence in God or culture… have you made your decision?

GIVE IT A TRY!

If you want to read a cool story about some men who traveled far to see Jesus, read Matthew 2 about the Magi who visited Jesus after He was born. These guys who were not part of God’s people, showed up but they had a life-changing experience and left believing.

Day 2- WALK WITH HIM

“Let’s walk.” This is Jesus’ invitation to you every day.  He wants to walk with you. Joshua 1:9 tells you not to be frightened because the Lord will go with you wherever you go. Life can be simple if you accept Jesus’ invitation to walk with Him daily.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:7 and memorize it.
Did you understand things about God before or after you believed in Him?
Proverbs 3:5-6. If you acknowledge God, what can He do for you?
Psalm 119:133. What keeps your steps steady? What are some promises God has given you?
Read Galatians 5:16. Walking with God keeps you from what?
Why does Jesus want you to walk with Him? Does it comfort you to know He is there.

Day 3- BE A LIGHT FOR HIM

God is a bright light in this world of darkness. He wants you to act like a solar panel. Absorb His light so you can give light.
Read John 8:12. Who is the light of the world?
Read Ephesians 5:8. How are you to walk? Do you still walk in the darkness?
How can that be changed?
Read Matthew 5:14-16. Can you hide light? Why should your light shine?
Are you confident God wants you to be a light?
How can you be a light to the people around you today?

Day 4- LISTEN TO HIS WORDS

If you believe in God, then you should listen to what He has to say.
Your belief should result in action. Write down what the Bible says about obedience.
John 14:15, Acts 5:29, 1 John 5:3, Proverbs 10:8, John 13:17
If you believe in God, how can you show Him you love Him?
What are some ways you can be more obedient?

Day 5- DECISION TIME

It’s time to choose. There is no such thing as “waiting to choose.” Life isn’t “waiting to happen.” You are growing up and your decisions today will impact your life forever.
DO YOU CHOOSE
CONFIDENCE IN GOD OR CULTURE OF THE WORLD
Write down what you choose and why. Share it with someone and stick it where you can see it everyday to remind you.

CHECKPOINT #1

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 1 of 3

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God is the Author

Day 1 – Read 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is really God’s actual breath. It is His words! He has something to tell you, and it’s sitting on your bookshelf, waiting to be read. Write down why you are excited to read God’s Word this year.
Day 2 – Read 2 Timothy 3:16 again
Write out the verse. Circle all the words in the verse that tell why God’s Word is good for you.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are 66 books in the Bible, and there are 40 men who God used to write His words. Each of them lived during different times over thousands of years. God used ordinary people to write it all down.
Day 3
Look back at your circled words and answer these questions about the Bible.
How can the Bible teach you?
Has the Bible ever corrected you when you were wrong?
How does the Bible challenge you to do your best?
How does the Bible help you live a life that pleases God?

Day 4
Do a puzzle today. While doing it, remember that God is the author of the Bible, and all the books in the Bible fit together to tell us about who He is and what He is about. The Bible is like a puzzle. A puzzle is a big picture that is not totally seen until you put all the pieces together. The entire Bible is God’s big picture, written by Him. Each author was given a piece of the big picture and, they wrote it down. When you fit all the books together, you get to see the entire picture of what God is all about.
Day 5
Do you know someone who doesn’t have a Bible? If you have an extra one at your house, give it to someone who doesn’t have one. If you are reading this at Kamp, write down a name of someone who you want to give a Bible to when you get home.
DIG DEEPER
God not only was the author of the Bible, He is the author of your life.
Read Psalm 139:13-16.
See what the Bible says about God starting your life.

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God is Beautiful

Day 1 – Read and memorize Psalm 27:4

The world’s beautiful things are all about what you see. The world’s beautiful things don’t last. Think about something you wanted the most 5 years ago. Most likely that “something” is not cool any more. God is different than the world because He is the most beautiful thing to see, and His beauty lasts forever.

Day 2

Sometimes we question God because we can’t see Him. Remember, God’s beauty is more than just seeing… it’s experiencing. What if you went outside today and put a blindfold around your eyes? You wouldn’t be able to see anything, but you could feel, smell, hear and sometimes taste everything around you. Even though you wouldn’t see all the beautiful things outside, you can still experience them. Play outside today, and while you do, thank God that you get to experience His beauty today.

BIGGER & better

God is also different from the world because His beauty is much more than just what you see. You can experience His beauty. He is kind, fair, and everything He does is good.

Day 3 – Read Psalm 27:4 one more timeWrite out the verse and circle the words seek, dwell, and gaze. Look these words up in the dictionary and write down what they mean.

Day 4

Here are some examples of how you can see, feel, and experience Go beauty. When you go outside, how can you see God’s beauty?

How can you experience God’s beauty with your family and your friends?

Day 5Go outside today and collect or take a picture of something of God’s creation that you think is cool. Put it in your room as a reminder to experience God’s beauty every day.

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God the Creator

Day 1— Read Revelation 4:11

The Bible doesn’t say that God created some things: it says that He created all things. He is the Creator of all and deserves all of our praise! Look around you today and make a list of all the things that you are thankful God created.

Day 2— Read Revelation 4:11 again

Write out the verse. Your challenge today is to try to memorize this verse.

Give it a try!Memorizing a verse can be fun! Here are some ideas:

Draw a picture

Make the verse into a song or rap

Write it out and put it on your bathroom mirror

Write it on a rubber band and put it on your wrist

Day 3 – Today, think about the question, “What if..?” Answer these questions.What would life be like if God didn’t create the sun and moon?

What would life be like if God didn’t create the planets and the animals?

What would it be like if God didn’t create water on the earth or rain in the sky?

What would your life be like if God didn’t make man? Would you be here?

After answering, do you think God deserves all glory, honor, and praise?

Day 4Have you ever made anything out of Play-doh or Legos?

When you made your creation, you were the creator. You knew exactly what it was, what it would do, and how it would work. If anyone had any questions about it, they would ask you. This experience might help you understand how great it is that God is the creator of all things. Because He is the Creator, He knows everything about what He creates and exactly why He created them. He created you! Now that you know He is your Creator and there is a reason He created you, does that help you trust Him with everything in your life?

What are you going to trust God with today?

Day 5 — Make something today.Be a creator of something and remember that God is your creator.

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God is our Comforter

Day 1— Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4When you are hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable at Kamp, a cold glass of water is refreshing. It makes you feel better and keeps you going. Sometimes life isn’t always easy or comfortable. God is our comfort, and the Bible tells us that He will comfort you when you experience tough times. He even challenges us to comfort others like He has comforted us.

Day 2 – Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and write out the verse.Your challenge is to memorize this verse today.

King David experienced God’s comfort. Read what he wrote: Psalms 23:4

Day 3

There are people in our life that can help comfort us. Today, write down how you think friends, parents, and teachers can comfort you through a tough situation.

Day 4Yesterday, you thought about all the types of people who can comfort you. They each comfort you in a different way. God is the best comforter. He is always with you, and He knows you the best and knows what is best for you. He will teach and encourage you, and God can fix any problem or tough situation. God can comfort you in a way that nobody else can. He can give you hope. When times are tough, you can be comforted by the hope that it will get better. Can you think of a time when God has comforted you?

I PROMISE YOU…

Gods makes a huge promise to you that can comfort you all your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, He promises that he has planned good things for you and will NEVER harm you. God promises you an awesome future.

Day 5

Remember that God is our comforter, but He also asks us to comfort others like He has comforted us. Is there someone you can comfort today Keep your eyes open for an opportunity to comfort somebody

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God is our Deliverer

Day 1- Read Psalms 50:15

God wants to help you when you are in trouble. Ask Him for help and he will help you in the best way, His way.

Day 2—Read Psalms 50:15 and write out the verse

How can you ask God for help when you are in trouble?

Day 3— Answer the questions today.

Do you believe that God will help you and rescue you from trouble?

Has God ever rescued you from trouble?

How? Remember that God can use anything on earth to do His work.

DIG DEEPER

King Jehosaphat was fighting a battle that the Lord asked him to fight. It didn’t look like he could win the battle. Read what the Lord told him. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Day 4

There are so many movies out there that are about rescuing people. We all love a good rescue story. Think about all the classic Disney movies that you love. Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are delivered from a life of poisonous sleep. Cinderella is delivered from a life of cleaning and serving her ugly stepsisters. Rapunzel is delivered back to her family after being stolen and trapped by the evil witch. The biggest trouble you will ever be in is your sin. Your sin means that you deserve to be separated from God forever. God delivered you from that trouble by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins and rise again three days later. That is the most important rescue story ever.

Day 5

Have you ask Jesus to deliver you from your sin? If not, all you have to do is believe He can and He will. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, tell a friend about how He can deliver them from sin.

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God is Eternal

 Day 1— Read Revelation 1:8

Did you know that the New Testament was first written in the Greek language? The first letter in our alphabet is A and the last is Z. If we were to re-write this verse in our language, we could say that God is the A and the Z. God is using the alphabet to explain something about Himself. God is the beginning and the end. He has always existed and always will. That is what it means when it says “who was, and is, and is to come.” God is Eternal.

Day 2 –  Read Revelation 1:8 again and write out the verse Memorize this verse today.

God gave us an opportunity to be eternal. Romans 6:23says that Jesus has done everything to give eternal life to anyone who wants it. In Jesus, you get to live forever!

Day 3List a few things you know have a beginning and end. Here are a few to help get your list started: days, races, games.
Most everything we know on earth has a beginning and an end. God has always been there and will always be. He will never end. How does that encourage you?

Day 4

Last week, you used the sky to remind you that God is everywhere. We are going to use the sky again as a reminder that God is eternal. It’s not a perfect example because the sky is not eternal. It only exists because God created it, but you can use it to remind you that God is eternal. Think about the sky. Not only is it everywhere, but every person who has lived on earth has seen the same sky. The sky was there with Adam, and it will be there for future people who live on the earth.

Day 5 – Make a Family Tree  

With the help of your parents, make a family tree on a piece of paper. Try to go back as far as your family can remember. When you are done, look at your family tree. Next to each of the names write: “God was there.” Your family tree will keep going someday, and God will be there.

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God is Everywhere

Day 1 – Read Psalms 139:7-8

From the highest point to the lowest, there is nowhere that you can go that God won’t be there. He is everywhere! For fun, make a list of all the places that you have been. Next to each place write “God is there.” After you do that, write down all the places that you want to go someday and write down “God is there” next to each of them.

Day 2 – Read Psalms 139:7-8Write out the verses. Write these verses on a rubber band and put it around your wrist today to remind you that God is everywhere you go and more!

Day 3 – Answer these questions today

Are there people in Africa that know God? Are there people all over America that know God? Are there people in England that know God?
You could list many more places and your answer would still be the same. If God wasn’t everywhere, then how would those people know about God?

Day 4

Because we are human and are only able to be in one place at a time, it is hard for us to understand how God can be everywhere. We do have an example on earth of something that is everywhere… the sky. Look up and think about the sky. Every person, no matter where they are in the world, can look up and see the sky. Some people see a blue sky, while others are seeing a cloudy sky. Depending on where you live and the time of day, you might see the moon and stars while others see the sun and clouds. There is nowhere on earth that you can go that the sky is not present, even if you can’t see it. The sky can be a good reminder that God is everywhere. Where do you see God?

Day 5 – Write a letter today to a soldier who is overseas

If you don’t know a soldier, your church or parents might know one. Thank them for what they are doing to protect you and send them an encouraging verse to remind them that God is with them just like He is with you.

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God is our Friend

Day 1 – Read John 15:13

One of the most fun things about life is our friends. Write down all the reasons why you love your friends.

Day 2 – Read John 15:13 

Write it out. Your challenge today is to memorize this verse.

BIGGER & betterIf you have good friends, they will do a lot for you, but would your friends take your punishment for you when you get in trouble? Would your friends die for you? Jesus is the best friend you will ever have. He is the only one who did nothing wrong but died taking your punishment for sin away from you.

Day 3

 What is the greatest thing a friend has ever done for you?

Have you ever done anything for a friend? If so, what did you do?

Re-read John 15:13. How does God show us He is our friend?

Day 4

The story of Johnny Ferrier is a great example of God’s friendship. When Johnny’s airplane broke down, he had plenty of time to bail out and save himself. If he would have bailed out, the plane would have landed and exploded in a neighborhood, killing lots of people. Instead, Johnny sacrificed his life and stayed with the plane so he could land it in an empty field. He saved the lives of the people in that neighborhood.

Did you know?

Studies say that he average person spends 4-8 hours a day with friends! If you live 80 years, that is almost 200,000 hours with your friends! The question is, how much time do you take to spend with your closest friend, Jesus?Day 5

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins? If you don’t, ask your parents or someone at church to help you understand what Jesus did for you. If you do, do you have a friend who doesn’t know about Jesus? How could you share Jesus with a friend today?

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God is the Author

Day 1 – Read 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is really God’s actual breath. It is His words! He has something to tell you, and it’s sitting on your bookshelf, waiting to be read. Write down why you are excited to read God’s Word this year.
Day 2 – Read 2 Timothy 3:16 again
Write out the verse. Circle all the words in the verse that tell why God’s Word is good for you.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are 66 books in the Bible, and there are 40 men who God used to write His words. Each of them lived during different times over thousands of years. God used ordinary people to write it all down.
Day 3
Look back at your circled words and answer these questions about the Bible.
How can the Bible teach you?
Has the Bible ever corrected you when you were wrong?
How does the Bible challenge you to do your best?
How does the Bible help you live a life that pleases God?

Day 4
Do a puzzle today. While doing it, remember that God is the author of the Bible, and all the books in the Bible fit together to tell us about who He is and what He is about. The Bible is like a puzzle. A puzzle is a big picture that is not totally seen until you put all the pieces together. The entire Bible is God’s big picture, written by Him. Each author was given a piece of the big picture and, they wrote it down. When you fit all the books together, you get to see the entire picture of what God is all about.
Day 5
Do you know someone who doesn’t have a Bible? If you have an extra one at your house, give it to someone who doesn’t have one. If you are reading this at Kamp, write down a name of someone who you want to give a Bible to when you get home.
DIG DEEPER
God not only was the author of the Bible, He is the author of your life.
Read Psalm 139:13-16.
See what the Bible says about God starting your life.

See more..

God is Beautiful

Day 1 – Read and memorize Psalm 27:4

The world’s beautiful things are all about what you see. The world’s beautiful things don’t last. Think about something you wanted the most 5 years ago. Most likely that “something” is not cool any more. God is different than the world because He is the most beautiful thing to see, and His beauty lasts forever.

Day 2

Sometimes we question God because we can’t see Him. Remember, God’s beauty is more than just seeing… it’s experiencing. What if you went outside today and put a blindfold around your eyes? You wouldn’t be able to see anything, but you could feel, smell, hear and sometimes taste everything around you. Even though you wouldn’t see all the beautiful things outside, you can still experience them. Play outside today, and while you do, thank God that you get to experience His beauty today.

BIGGER & better

God is also different from the world because His beauty is much more than just what you see. You can experience His beauty. He is kind, fair, and everything He does is good.

Day 3 – Read Psalm 27:4 one more timeWrite out the verse and circle the words seek, dwell, and gaze. Look these words up in the dictionary and write down what they mean.

Day 4

Here are some examples of how you can see, feel, and experience Go beauty. When you go outside, how can you see God’s beauty?

How can you experience God’s beauty with your family and your friends?

Day 5Go outside today and collect or take a picture of something of God’s creation that you think is cool. Put it in your room as a reminder to experience God’s beauty every day.

See more..

God is our Comforter

Day 1— Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4When you are hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable at Kamp, a cold glass of water is refreshing. It makes you feel better and keeps you going. Sometimes life isn’t always easy or comfortable. God is our comfort, and the Bible tells us that He will comfort you when you experience tough times. He even challenges us to comfort others like He has comforted us.

Day 2 – Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and write out the verse.Your challenge is to memorize this verse today.

King David experienced God’s comfort. Read what he wrote: Psalms 23:4

Day 3

There are people in our life that can help comfort us. Today, write down how you think friends, parents, and teachers can comfort you through a tough situation.

Day 4Yesterday, you thought about all the types of people who can comfort you. They each comfort you in a different way. God is the best comforter. He is always with you, and He knows you the best and knows what is best for you. He will teach and encourage you, and God can fix any problem or tough situation. God can comfort you in a way that nobody else can. He can give you hope. When times are tough, you can be comforted by the hope that it will get better. Can you think of a time when God has comforted you?

I PROMISE YOU…

Gods makes a huge promise to you that can comfort you all your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, He promises that he has planned good things for you and will NEVER harm you. God promises you an awesome future.

Day 5

Remember that God is our comforter, but He also asks us to comfort others like He has comforted us. Is there someone you can comfort today Keep your eyes open for an opportunity to comfort somebody

See more..

God the Creator

Day 1— Read Revelation 4:11

The Bible doesn’t say that God created some things: it says that He created all things. He is the Creator of all and deserves all of our praise! Look around you today and make a list of all the things that you are thankful God created.

Day 2— Read Revelation 4:11 again

Write out the verse. Your challenge today is to try to memorize this verse.

Give it a try!Memorizing a verse can be fun! Here are some ideas:

Draw a picture

Make the verse into a song or rap

Write it out and put it on your bathroom mirror

Write it on a rubber band and put it on your wrist

Day 3 – Today, think about the question, “What if..?” Answer these questions.What would life be like if God didn’t create the sun and moon?

What would life be like if God didn’t create the planets and the animals?

What would it be like if God didn’t create water on the earth or rain in the sky?

What would your life be like if God didn’t make man? Would you be here?

After answering, do you think God deserves all glory, honor, and praise?

Day 4Have you ever made anything out of Play-doh or Legos?

When you made your creation, you were the creator. You knew exactly what it was, what it would do, and how it would work. If anyone had any questions about it, they would ask you. This experience might help you understand how great it is that God is the creator of all things. Because He is the Creator, He knows everything about what He creates and exactly why He created them. He created you! Now that you know He is your Creator and there is a reason He created you, does that help you trust Him with everything in your life?

What are you going to trust God with today?

Day 5 — Make something today.Be a creator of something and remember that God is your creator.

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God is In Control

Day 1 – Read Job 42:2The word “thwart” is a funny word. It means to prevent something from happening. You wear a rain jacket to thwart you from getting wet. You wear sunscreen to thwart being sunburned. This Bible verse tells us that God can do anything and nothing can thwart His plan. God is in control of everything that happens and nothing can stop Him from what He wants to do.

Day 2 – Read Job 42:2Write it down

Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Today, think of all the people who are in control of your life and answer the following questions.
Did you know that God is in control of everything that has happened and will happen in history?
Did you know that God is in control of everything that happens, even in your life?
Do you feel safe and secure knowing that God, who is good, is in control?

Day 4

Have you ever played the board game Life? It’s a game where you roll the dice, and as you move, you experience different things about life. In the game, if you pass a certain point you might be able to buy a car. When you land on certain spaces, you pull a card that might tell you to go back 5 steps because your car broke down. You roll the dice for things such as what job you will do or how many kids you have.
Sometimes, landing on certain spots makes you pay money for going to the doctor, or you might receive money because you won a prize. It’s a fun game, and if you have it, you should play it. The dice and the cards are in control of the game. Everything that happens while you play is based on what you roll or what card you draw. Real life is NOT like the game of Life. Your life does not depend on a random card drawing or a chance dice roll. God has planned it all out for you and is in control. There is no need to worry.

Did you know?

All throughout the Bible, Satan tried to stop God’s plan to save you? One example is when God parted the Red Sea for His people. The people were running away from Pharaoh’s army who was chasing them. When they came to the Red Sea, they had no way to cross it. Those people were Jesus’ ancestors. If they died, it meant Jesus, your Savior, couldn’t be born. Nothing can stop God so He parted the Red Sea, and His people walked across on dry land to safety!

Day 5

Today, write down why you are thankful that God is in control.

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God is Everywhere

Day 1 – Read Psalms 139:7-8

From the highest point to the lowest, there is nowhere that you can go that God won’t be there. He is everywhere! For fun, make a list of all the places that you have been. Next to each place write “God is there.” After you do that, write down all the places that you want to go someday and write down “God is there” next to each of them.

Day 2 – Read Psalms 139:7-8Write out the verses. Write these verses on a rubber band and put it around your wrist today to remind you that God is everywhere you go and more!

Day 3 – Answer these questions today

Are there people in Africa that know God? Are there people all over America that know God? Are there people in England that know God?
You could list many more places and your answer would still be the same. If God wasn’t everywhere, then how would those people know about God?

Day 4

Because we are human and are only able to be in one place at a time, it is hard for us to understand how God can be everywhere. We do have an example on earth of something that is everywhere… the sky. Look up and think about the sky. Every person, no matter where they are in the world, can look up and see the sky. Some people see a blue sky, while others are seeing a cloudy sky. Depending on where you live and the time of day, you might see the moon and stars while others see the sun and clouds. There is nowhere on earth that you can go that the sky is not present, even if you can’t see it. The sky can be a good reminder that God is everywhere. Where do you see God?

Day 5 – Write a letter today to a soldier who is overseas

If you don’t know a soldier, your church or parents might know one. Thank them for what they are doing to protect you and send them an encouraging verse to remind them that God is with them just like He is with you.

See more..

God is Eternal

 Day 1— Read Revelation 1:8

Did you know that the New Testament was first written in the Greek language? The first letter in our alphabet is A and the last is Z. If we were to re-write this verse in our language, we could say that God is the A and the Z. God is using the alphabet to explain something about Himself. God is the beginning and the end. He has always existed and always will. That is what it means when it says “who was, and is, and is to come.” God is Eternal.

Day 2 –  Read Revelation 1:8 again and write out the verse Memorize this verse today.

God gave us an opportunity to be eternal. Romans 6:23says that Jesus has done everything to give eternal life to anyone who wants it. In Jesus, you get to live forever!

Day 3List a few things you know have a beginning and end. Here are a few to help get your list started: days, races, games.
Most everything we know on earth has a beginning and an end. God has always been there and will always be. He will never end. How does that encourage you?

Day 4

Last week, you used the sky to remind you that God is everywhere. We are going to use the sky again as a reminder that God is eternal. It’s not a perfect example because the sky is not eternal. It only exists because God created it, but you can use it to remind you that God is eternal. Think about the sky. Not only is it everywhere, but every person who has lived on earth has seen the same sky. The sky was there with Adam, and it will be there for future people who live on the earth.

Day 5 – Make a Family Tree  

With the help of your parents, make a family tree on a piece of paper. Try to go back as far as your family can remember. When you are done, look at your family tree. Next to each of the names write: “God was there.” Your family tree will keep going someday, and God will be there.

See more..

God is our Deliverer

Day 1- Read Psalms 50:15

God wants to help you when you are in trouble. Ask Him for help and he will help you in the best way, His way.

Day 2—Read Psalms 50:15 and write out the verse

How can you ask God for help when you are in trouble?

Day 3— Answer the questions today.

Do you believe that God will help you and rescue you from trouble?

Has God ever rescued you from trouble?

How? Remember that God can use anything on earth to do His work.

DIG DEEPER

King Jehosaphat was fighting a battle that the Lord asked him to fight. It didn’t look like he could win the battle. Read what the Lord told him. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Day 4

There are so many movies out there that are about rescuing people. We all love a good rescue story. Think about all the classic Disney movies that you love. Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are delivered from a life of poisonous sleep. Cinderella is delivered from a life of cleaning and serving her ugly stepsisters. Rapunzel is delivered back to her family after being stolen and trapped by the evil witch. The biggest trouble you will ever be in is your sin. Your sin means that you deserve to be separated from God forever. God delivered you from that trouble by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins and rise again three days later. That is the most important rescue story ever.

Day 5

Have you ask Jesus to deliver you from your sin? If not, all you have to do is believe He can and He will. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, tell a friend about how He can deliver them from sin.

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God is our Father

Day 1 –  Read 1 John 3:1 

God is your Heavenly Father and you are one of His children. Think about what a dad is supposed to do. He loves you, guides you as you grow up, teaches you, protects you, disciplines you, and provides for what you need. Your dad is also your authority that God has given to you. There is no dad that is perfect and not everyone has a dad here on earth, but everyone has a Heavenly Father who will do all these things.

Day 2 – Read 1 John 3:1 and write it out.

Memorize this verse today.

No matter if your dad is active in your life or not, you all have an earthly dad. Did you know that Jesus had an earthly dad too? His name was Joseph. He wasn’t Jesus’ real dad, but Jesus loved and respected him like you love and respect your dad.

Day 3

How do dads provide for their kid’s needs?

Why do dads discipline their children when they are wrong?

What are some examples of how dads show love to their children?

How does your Heavenly Father love you, provide for you, and even discipline you?

Day 4

People love their children more than anything else, and the same is true for God. He loves His children more than anyone else can ever imagine. Everything He does is for you. He wants the best for you. Ties are great reminders of dads because they are always wearing them. Go to your dad or your granddad today and ask him for an old tie. If there are none in your house, you can grab one at a thrift store for 25 cents. Ask your dad or mom to tie the tie and then take it off. Take a sharpie and write “God is my Heavenly Father” and pin it to a bulletin board. It can remind you that you are His child, and He wants to love you and take care of you.

Day 5Take time today to write a thank you note to your dad. If you don’t have a dad you can write your granddad or any man in your family who helps you. Tell him you love him and thank him for all he has done for you. Also, pray to God and thank Him for being your Heavenly Father and for all He does for you.

DIG DEEPER Here are some other verses about how God is our Heavenly Father:
Ephesians  1: 3 and Isaiah 64:8.

 

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God is our Friend

Day 1 – Read John 15:13

One of the most fun things about life is our friends. Write down all the reasons why you love your friends.

Day 2 – Read John 15:13 

Write it out. Your challenge today is to memorize this verse.

BIGGER & betterIf you have good friends, they will do a lot for you, but would your friends take your punishment for you when you get in trouble? Would your friends die for you? Jesus is the best friend you will ever have. He is the only one who did nothing wrong but died taking your punishment for sin away from you.

Day 3

 What is the greatest thing a friend has ever done for you?

Have you ever done anything for a friend? If so, what did you do?

Re-read John 15:13. How does God show us He is our friend?

Day 4

The story of Johnny Ferrier is a great example of God’s friendship. When Johnny’s airplane broke down, he had plenty of time to bail out and save himself. If he would have bailed out, the plane would have landed and exploded in a neighborhood, killing lots of people. Instead, Johnny sacrificed his life and stayed with the plane so he could land it in an empty field. He saved the lives of the people in that neighborhood.

Did you know?

Studies say that he average person spends 4-8 hours a day with friends! If you live 80 years, that is almost 200,000 hours with your friends! The question is, how much time do you take to spend with your closest friend, Jesus?Day 5

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins? If you don’t, ask your parents or someone at church to help you understand what Jesus did for you. If you do, do you have a friend who doesn’t know about Jesus? How could you share Jesus with a friend today?

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God is Gracious

Day 1 – Read Ephesians 2:8

This verse tells us that by grace we have been saved through faith.
It also tells us that grace is a gift from God. 
You are a sinner, and you deserve to be separated from God for eternity. He is not okay with being separated from you, so He gave you His Son, who did not sin, and He took your punishment for sin on the cross. Because of Jesus, you get eternity, a gift you don’t deserve.

Day 2 – Read Ephesians 2-8Write the verse out. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Have you ever gotten anything that you didn’t deserve? Explain what it was and how you felt when you received it.
How do you think God is gracious to you?

Give it a try!

The hardest time to give someone grace is when someone is mean or does something bad to you. They don’t deserve your kindness to them, but you should do it anyway. Why?

Think about how many times you hurt Jesus by sinning.

No matter how you hurt God, He still gives you grace!

Day 4

Imagine if you had to take a test at school that you didn’t study for at all. Let’s pretend this test was so important that you couldn’t pass on to the next grade unless you got a certain score. What if while you were taking the test, you decide to cheat, and while looking on your friend’s paper your teacher catches you. You are sent to the principal’s office knowing you deserve to not move on to the next grade. Now imagine the principal and your teacher coming into the room and telling you they decided to give you a second chance to take the test. You didn’t deserve a second chance. In fact, there was nothing you could do to get a second chance, only they could give it to you. The principal and teacher would have given you the gift of grace.

Does this story help you understand how God is gracious? Romans 6:23 states that you deserve death. You deserve to be apart from God forever because you sin. God is gracious by sending us His Son to die on the cross. Because of Jesus, we get what we don’t deserve: a relationship with God forever.

Day 5

How can you be gracious to someone else today? Think of some ideas and go be gracious. When have you needed God’s grace?

CHECKPOINT #1Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 1 of 3

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God is Light

Day 1 – Read John 8:12

Look around and see the light around you. What is lighting your room and keeping it from being dark? God is light. Where He is, there is no darkness. Sin and bad things can’t “hang out” with God, and when they do, they are exposed for what they are. Light shows everything, it keeps us safe, and it guides us where to go. God is our light, and if we spend time with Him, we can be a light, too.

Day 2 – Read John 8:12

Write out the verse. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

When you walk into a dark room, what do you do first?
Why do you turn on the light in a dark room?
How does turning on the light help?

Give it a try!There are lots of things that you can make that are glow-in-the dark. Craft stores sell glow-in-the-dark paint. The Internet has lots of ways to make glow-in-the-dark slime. This week, turn off the TV and ask your mom or dad to help you make something glow-in –the dark. You could paint a picture frame or make some slime. Sit it under the light all day, and when you go to bed, watch it light up in your room. Let it be a reminder that God is light and spending time with Him will give you His light.

Day 4

Solar power is the coolest way to light your house. Your family might have a house that is powered by the sun. To do this, you have to put solar panels somewhere on your roof. The solar panels sit out in the sun and soak up the light. As they soak up the light, they are collecting energy from the sun to power your home’s electricity. Basically, the sun’s light gives your home light. God works in the same way. If you spend time with Him, you soak up His light, and it powers YOU to be a light to others.

Day 5What are some ways you can spend time with God so you can be a light to others?

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God is Jesus

Day 1 – Read Matthew 1:21:23Your mom and dad might have used a baby name book to pick your name. Every name has a meaning based on the way your name is formed. It is fun to look up what your name means. The Bible tells us that Jesus’ name means Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus was God who came to earth as a human. Why would God leave His awesome heavenly home? The answer is to save you from your sin and to show you how to live on earth.

Day 2 –  Read John 1:29John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God. In the Old Testament, before Jesus was born, people who followed God had to sacrifice a lamb to take care of their sin. God asked them to do that while He made the way for Jesus, but the plan was always for Jesus to be the “true Lamb.” God had to become human to die for our sins.

Day 3

Why did God come down to earth?
How does it make you feel that the #1 reason God came to earth was to save you from your sins?

Day 4

God was a human. Think about that for a minute. Big ‘ole God, who is everywhere and eternal, came down as a baby and lived like you. God cried in His mom’s arms, God had to go to the bathroom. God might have stubbed His toe. God was bullied. God had friends. God played outside. God ate food. God was tempted to do wrong. God had family members. God might have had the flu. The list can go on and on and on. Jesus did everything a human does except He did it all without sinning. Are you amazed? You should be! He never fought with His siblings. He never complained about anything. He never disobeyed His parents. When bullied, He never fought back in anger. God came to earth and not only died for our sins, but showed us the right way to live our life.

Day 5Years ago, the “What Would Jesus Do” bracelets were popular. It challenged us to do things like Jesus would do. It’s time for a new saying, and you are going to come up with it. Think of a new saying or logo. It can be original, or it can play off of something that is already popular. The goal is for it to be a reminder to live like Jesus.

DIG DEEPER

Read Luke 2:25. Luke chapter 2 is the only part of the bible that told us about Jesus as a kid. Luke 2:25 tells you how He grew up in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man. At Kanakuk, we call this the 4 Square Life. How can you grow like Jesus did?

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God is Just

 

Day 1 – Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6

God is fair, and He will always do what is right. He will punish evil at the right time, and He will reward good at the right time. Sometimes, you want to take matters into your own hands when you think you deserve something. Sometimes, you think someone else needs to be punished, and you are the right one to do it. God is the only one that can do it the right way so we should leave it up to Him.

Day 2 – Read Thessalonians 1:6 again and write it down.Read Thessalonians 1:6 again and write it down.

This is the promise from God that you should memorize today.

Day 3

Sometimes, God punishes evil quickly, and sometimes it takes a while. Do you think it is hard to wait on God? Why?
The Bible tells us that God is patient with people when they do evil because He wants them to turn to Him. Are you glad that God was patient with you when you did something wrong?

Day 4 – Read Matthew 5:44

It will be easy for you to want to treat others as they have treated you. God tells us to do the exact opposite in this verse. What are we supposed to do for our enemies?

DID YOU KNOW..You spend most of your day focused on you. For example, you make sure you got dressed, you try to make yourself better, and often try and get what you want. God tells us in the bible to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you understand

Day 5

 You can trust that God will punish evil in the perfect timing. How can you respond to those who hurt you? While you trust God to deal with evil, it is always good to get help from an adult you trust if someone is doing something to hurt you.

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God is Holy

 Day 1 – Read 1 Peter 1:16

Holiness means you are perfect, without any flaws. It is also something that is different from anything or anyone else. Today, think about how God is perfect. How is God different from anyone else?

Day 2 – Read 1 Peter 1:16

Write this verse out.

Memorize this verse today.

Day 3God is the only One who is perfect, but He asks you to be holy like Him. To be like Him, you have to be different and stand out. How can you be different from who the world wants you to be in these situations?
How can you be different when someone is mean to you?
How can you be different in how you treat your parents?
How can you be different when you don’t get what you want?
How can you be different in how you use your words?

I PROMISE YOUGod knows it is hard to stand out in this world. He knows you will be tempted to do things the worlds way. He promises is in 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 that He will not allow you to have a temptation that you cannot handle. He will also give you all the help you need to do what is right.

Day 4It’s not easy being different in this world. It is easier to blend in and do what everyone else is doing, but God asks you to stand out. At Kanakuk, some Kampers get to go caving. You walk through a cave that has no sunlight at all. When you get to the back of the cave, if you turn your light out, you cannot see a thing because there is no source of light. The counselors press the button for their watch light to come on, and the tiny little light stands out in a big way. The crazy thing is that a watch light is so little. In the daylight you can’t even see it, but in the darkness it stands out and is bright enough to lead you out of the cave. The world can be a dark place, but if you live your life to be like Christ, who is holy, then you will be a light for the whole world to see.

Day 5

A few days ago, you were asked to think of how to be different. Make a commitment today to DO those things. Tell someone how you want to be like Christ and ask them to help you do it.

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God is Merciful

Day 1 – Read Ephesians 2:4

We studied a few weeks ago that grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Do you see the difference? God, through Jesus, gives us eternal life with Him. That is His grace. God, through Jesus, gives us a way to avoid getting what we deserve. We deserve to be separated from God forever. This is how God is merciful.

Day 2 – Read Ephesians 2:4Write it out. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3 – Read Romans 6:23A wage is something you deserve.

What do we deserve?          

What did Jesus do for you on the cross?
Did Jesus do anything wrong?
Did He deserve to die or did you? How did God show you mercy?

Day 4Imagine you were on trial for a law that you had broken. You are standing before the judge, who is about to give you the sentence you deserve, and someone walks in and says “WAIT! I will go to jail for you.”  This person has done nothing wrong. You are the one who deserves the punishment. This is what Jesus did for you. God’s mercy is seen in Jesus taking the punishment for your sin so you don’t have to die and live apart from God forever.

Day 5

If God is merciful, then we should be merciful. How can you be merciful today?

DIG DEEPER

Read Luke 10:30-37
You can’t be merciful unless you have compassion for people. Compassion means you care for someone enough to help them in some way. God has more compassion for us than we can ever imagine. The Bible tells us a true story about a man who had compassion for another person. Read about the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. If you want to be merciful, then you have to care for others. How does this story challenge you to care for others in need?

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God Knows Everything

Day 1 – Read Psalms 139:1-4

God knows everything about you. He knows your thoughts, He knows what you are doing, and He knows what you will do. He, not only knows about you, but He also knows about everybody and everything in the world. There is nothing that surprises God. You don’t have to worry because God knows everything.

Day 2 – Read Psalm 139: 1-4 and write it down

Place it somewhere you will see it every day. Then memorize it!

Day 3Now that you have learned God knows everything, think about how that can help you in these situations. If someone is sick, do you feel better knowing that God knows what is wrong?
When something happens that you didn’t expect, do you feel better knowing that God knew it would happen?
Is there another situation when knowing God is in control brings you comfort?

Day 4Today, when people want to find an answer to something they grab their computer and “Google it.” The Internet is big and has lots of information, but it does not know everything. In fact, everything it says isn’t true. Often, there are some websites that tell you one thing and another website that teaches you something else. When you go to God to find answers, you can trust that He has one answer, and it’s the right one. He knows everything. Google’s got nothing on God!

Day 5God knows everything, and for four months He has been teaching you, through this Bible study, what He knows. What are some of things that you have learned from God while doing this Bible study?

BIGGER & betterHumans spend all of their time researching and finding out why things happen and what makes them happen. God knows it all. He doesn’t have to research or find answers because He knows the answer. Do you know how many hairs are on your head? To find out, you would have to start counting. The Bible tells you in Luke 12:7 that God knows even the craziest details like the number of hairs on your head!

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God is Love

Day 1 – Read 1 John 4:7-11

The dictionary could put just one word by its definition of love… God. Any love that you have, it comes from God. We only know about love because God first loves us. He is the example of true love.

Day 2 – Read 1 John 4:7-11

Memorize it. Circle every time the word love is used.

Day 3

Look at the verse that you wrote down yesterday. Today, answer some questions about God’s love.

Where does love come from?
How did God show us His love?
Is loving someone more than just saying it?
Because God loved us, what does He want us to do?

Day 4Have you ever thought about how much we use the word “love?” Put a rubber band around your wrist, and every time you say the word “love” put a mark on the rubber band. At the end of the day, count how many times you said it for any reason. You don’t realize it but you say things like “I love ice cream,” “I love my favorite football team,” “I love those shoes.” When you do catch yourself saying the word “love,” think about if you really mean it. God’s definition of love is sacrificing your life for something or someone you love. Would you really sacrifice your life for that scoop of ice cream or that pair of shoes? The answer hopefully will be “yes” for people who you love such as your family and friends. What if we only used the word love where it really applied? Would it make love more special? Since God is the definition of love, don’t you think it needs to be more special?

DID YOU KNOW…Americans buy 145 million Valentine’s Day cards every year.  People in our country also will spend 1 billion dollars on chocolate for Valentine’s Day. All of that money is spent to tell someone that you love them. Could you imagine what the world would be like if American’s spent that money on showing people they love them by helping them with their needs?

Day 5

Make a list of people you love. Have you shown them you love them lately? Think about how you can show each person on your list love today.

How have you seen God’s love?

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God is Near

Day 1 – Read Psalm 145:18It is easy to think that God is far away, but He promises that He is near. He is close, and no matter where you are, you can talk to Him any time.

Day 2 –Read Psalm 145:18

Write it down. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

There are billions of people in the world that God could listen to everyday, but He promises that He is near if you call on Him. How special does that make you feel?

I PROMISE YOU

Jeremiah 33:3 says that God gives us a HUGE promise. God says that if we call Him, He will answer and tell us things that we don’t know. God wants you to know Him, so He is right there waiting for you to ask Him.

Day 4

 The most important thing we have in our relationship with Jesus is that we can talk to Him any time. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to never stop praying to God. Could you imagine how close God would feel if you never stopped praying? This doesn’t mean you have to be on your knees praying every moment of every day. You can talk to God when you are driving to school. You can thank Him when something happens. You can ask Him questions, and even ask Him for help right when you need it. You can also think about Him as you go through your day. Write down other ways you can talk to God throughout the day.

Day 5You can talk to God right now. He is near so spend some time praying to God today. He wants to hear how life is going. He wants you to ask Him for help. He wants to listen to you today.

God is the ONE AND ONLY

Day 1 – Read 1 Timothy 1:17The world says that there are many gods. The Bible says that God is the only God and none of the others are true. He has proven He is the one and only in the Bible and He proves it every day. Do you believe that God is the one and only God? Why?

Day 2 – Read 1 Timothy 1:17

Write out the verse. Memorize this verse today.

The Secret Service agents don’t have to study all the different kinds of fake money. They spend their time studying and knowing the characteristic of the real dollar so they can spot any type of fake dollar. Spend your time knowing God, and you will be able to spot anything or anyone that claims to be God or claims to have value and know they are not the real thing

Day 3If God is the one and only God, then how special is He?

Should anything else be more important than God?

Day 4The Secret Service is a group whose job is to protect the President and all of the important American government officials. Did you know that the Secret Service has one other task? Most Secret Service agents spend all their time making sure American money is not fake. The agents work very hard to make sure the money we use is real and not counterfeit. A counterfeit dollar is not worth anything. It might look good, but it can’t buy you anything because it has no value. There are things about a real dollar bill’s paper, the way it’s printed, and even the stuff inside the paper that show that it’s real.

People who make fake money can get pretty good at making it look real, but there is no way for them to recreate the real thing. Only the American treasury has the ability to make a real dollar bill. Ask your mom if you can put a dollar bill in your Bible next to 1 Timothy 1:17. Just like there can only be one true dollar, there is only one true God.

Let the dollar remind you He is the only real God who holds true value.

Day 5

Look back through your book and see all the things you have learned about God through your ABC’s. What have you learned that proves that God is the one and only God? Write your thoughts down.

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God is the One and Only

Day 1 – Read 1 Timothy 1:17The world says that there are many gods. The Bible says that God is the only God and none of the others are true. He has proven He is the one and only in the Bible and He proves it every day. Do you believe that God is the one and only God? Why?

Day 2 – Read 1 Timothy 1:17

Write out the verse. Memorize this verse today.

The Secret Service agents don’t have to study all the different kinds of fake money. They spend their time studying and knowing the characteristic of the real dollar so they can spot any type of fake dollar. Spend your time knowing God, and you will be able to spot anything or anyone that claims to be God or claims to have value and know they are not the real thing.

Day 3If God is the one and only God, then how special is He?

Should anything else be more important than God?

Day 4

The Secret Service is a group whose job is to protect the President and all of the important American government officials. Did you know that the Secret Service has one other task? Most Secret Service agents spend all their time making sure American money is not fake. The agents work very hard to make sure the money we use is real and not counterfeit. A counterfeit dollar is not worth anything. It might look good, but it can’t buy you anything because it has no value. There are things about a real dollar bill’s paper, the way it’s printed, and even the stuff inside the paper that show that it’s real.

People who make fake money can get pretty good at making it look real, but there is no way for them to recreate the real thing. Only the American treasury has the ability to make a real dollar bill. Ask your mom if you can put a dollar bill in your Bible next to 1 Timothy 1:17. Just like there can only be one true dollar, there is only one true God.

Let the dollar remind you He is the only real God who holds true value.

Day 5

Look back through your book and see all the things you have learned about God through your ABC’s. What have you learned that proves that God is the one and only God? Write your thoughts down.

 

 

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God is our Provider

Day 1 – Read Matthew 6:31-34

God tells you in the Bible, that you don’t have to worry about what you need because He promises to provide you everything you need. Look around you. Do you have shelter over you every night? Do you have food on the table every meal? Do you have a closet full of clothes? If you have any of these things, then you have a lot more than many people in the world. God provides for your needs so you don’t have to worry.

Day 2 – Read Matthew 6:31-34Write it down three times. Put one copy by your closet, another by your refrigerator, and one by the door you walk into your house the most. It’s a good daily reminder that God provides for your needs. Memorize verse 33 or 34.

Day 3

Sometimes, we confuse what we want for what we really need. God promises to take care of what you need.

Sometimes, we don’t get everything we want. You can pray for something, and you may or may not get it. God is wise enough to know exactly what you need and what you don’t.

Have you ever gone a day without somewhere to live?

Have you ever gone a full day without any food to eat?

Write down all the things you need that God has provided for you daily?

Spend some time thanking Him.

DID YOU KNOW…660 million people in the world live off of less than $2 a day. 385 million people live off of less than $1 a day. If your family had $1 a day to live on, one of you could eat one meal from a fast food menu and everyone else wouldn’t eat. You would not have any money left over for clothes, a place to live, or anything else you need. You couldn’t go to the doctor when you get sick. Does this make you thankful for what you have? Think of ways you can help people in need. Do you realize that you can show someone in need that God is our provider? Help someone, and when they say “thank you,” tell them it was God, not you.

Day 4

A few months ago, you read about the true story in the Bible where God saved His people from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea. Today, you are going to learn what happened after they crossed the Red Sea. When God’s people left Egypt, they had to go quickly. God’s people didn’t have much of anything to take with them, but because of time, they couldn’t even take the little they had. They were in the desert with no food and no way to get food. They cried out to God and look what God did. Read Exodus 16:9-17. How did God provide for His people?
Do you think He will do the same for you?

Day 5

Do you know that God can use you to provide for someone in need? How can you help someone in need today? How can you give someone clothes, food, or even encouragement?

CHECKPOINT #2

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 2 of 3

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God is Patient

Day 1 – Read 2 Peter 3:9

God is always patient. His heart breaks when you sin and do bad things, but He never gives up on you. He wants to have a relationship with you forever.

Day 2 – Read 2 Peter 3:9

Write it down and memorize it.

Day 3 – Read 1 Timothy 1:16It says that God has unlimited patience for you. No matter what you mess up, all you have to do is turn to Him, and He will be there with open arms.
How has God been patient with you?
Thank God for all the ways He has been patient with you.

Give it a try!

God is patient so you should be patient. You can start by being patient with God. God has perfect timing, but it’s not always when you want it to happen. Is there anything you are waiting for God to do? What can you do to be more patient?

Day 4There is a story in the Bible about a father and a son. The son wanted to leave and live the way he wanted to, so he left. The son lived a hurtful life and found himself with nothing. He couldn’t even eat. He decided to go back to his dad for help but was worried that he wouldn’t call him his son anymore. The dad had been patiently waiting for his son to return home and threw a party in his honor when he came home. You can read this story in Luke 15:11-32. How is the father an example of God’s patience for you?

Day 5

God is patiently waiting for you to make your relationship with him the most important thing in your life. How can He become #1 in your life? Think about how you can change your life around to make him #1.

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God is Quick to Forgive

Day 1 – Read Daniel 9:9God will forgive you no matter what you have done. He knows what you have done wrong, and Jesus has provided a way for you to be forgiven of your sins. God will not only forgive, but He will forget. You just have to ask Him for forgiveness.

Day 2 – Read Daniel 9:9

Write it down. Think about and memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Have you ever asked God for forgiveness of things you did wrong?

Get some cards and write down some things you have done wrong. Only write them down if you are really sorry for what you have done. Ask God to forgive you.

Write “Forgiven” in red pen or marker over what you wrote down. Jesus forgave you BEFORE you sinned. He forgave you when He died on the cross.
Thank God for forgiving you and then throw those cards away. Jesus forgives and you don’t have to carry that sin around any more.

Give it a try!

Try this fun activity to understand God’s forgiveness. Take an old t-shirt and cover it with food. Have fun with this! Hang the shirt outside for a few days. Watch the shirt get gross for those few days. It will smell and be covered by bugs. It might even have holes from other animals. That t-shirt represents your nasty sin. After seeing the shirt, would you wear the shirt again? I am sure you will say “No Way!” but God would put it on for you. He would not only put it on for you, but He will forgive you and give you a brand new shirt to wear.
How does this teach you about God’s forgiveness?

Day 4

There is another story in the Bible that explains how God forgives you and how you should forgive others. A “debt” is a word that we use when we owe something to somebody. This story is about a man who had a huge debt to a king; one so big he couldn’t pay it back. Read this story and see how the king forgives him and how the man responds to others after he was forgiven.

Read Matthew 18: 23-33. How is the king like God, who forgives you for your sin? How should the man have responded after he was forgiven?

Day 5

Is there someone that you need to forgive? This week, when someone wrongs you, try to forgive them. God forgave you so you should forgive others.

 

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God is Righteous

Day 1 – Read Psalm 145:17

God is righteous, which means everything He says or does is right. He cannot do things that are wrong; it’s not a part of His character.

Day 2 – Read Psalm 145:17

Write it down below. Memorize the verse today.

Day 3If God is right in all His ways, then we should listen to Him when He asks us to do something. Today, you will read some of the things God has asked us to do. Think about, or write down, why you think His way is perfect in each of these situations.

When someone is mean to you, God asks you respond by being how? Is God’s way better?

God asks you to think of others as more important than yourself. Why is this the right thing to do?

God asks you to obey your parents. Why is obeying your parents the right thing to do?

Day 4

If you had a math tutor to help you with your homework, you would want that person to teach you all the right ways to do your math problems. What if you went to a math tutor who gave you all the wrong ways to do your math problems and you made bad grades on all your tests? You wouldn’t listen to the bad tutor; if you did, you would fail math. Of course, you would choose the math tutor that gave you all the right ways to do your math problems so that you could do your best on the test. You would feel confident, learn, and be able to do math. God is righteous, and His ways are perfect. You can always trust Him to do things the right way and teach you the right way to live. When have you followed the wrong tutor? What happened? Can you remember a time when you followed the right tutor?

There was a king of Israel named Josiah, who became king of all of Israel at the age of 8. The Bible says in 2 Kings 22:2, that Josiah did right in the eyes of the Lord. If Josiah was young and did right in the eyes of the Lord, so can you.

Day 5Today, you will probably face many situations where you or someone else has to make a decision about right or wrong. You will experience it at home, school, and with your friends. You will even watch characters in movies or on television be challenged to make those decisions. Today, pay attention to actual situations around you or situations you see on a TV show. Stop and think what God would want you to do in those circumstances.

DIG DEEPER

Read Daniel Chapter 1
Daniel and his friends are a great example of choosing to do what is right. They were in a situation where people were asking them to do something that God didn’t want them to do. They had to stand up for what is right.

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God is our Savior

Day 1 – Read John 3:16God loves you so much that He does not want you to get hurt. Sin hurts and it keeps us from God forever. God became our Savior when He died on the cross for our sins and rose again three days later. He took the punishment that we deserved so that we would be with Him forever.

Day 2 – Read John 3:16

Write it down.
Memorize this verse for today.

Day 3Jesus’ death saves you from taking the punishment for your sin. Because Jesus rose again, you can conquer sin and have a relationship with Him forever.

How does your sin hurt you?

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for you?

Do you believe that the way He lived His life can help you?

I PROMISE YOU…

The story of Jesus saving you from your sin is called the Gospel. What the Gospel says and does is the most important promise God gives you. Here is an easy way to remember what the word “Gospel” means: Gods Only Son Provides Eternal Life.

Day 4If you believe in Jesus, your sin is forgiven. Because you are human, you still will sin. It’s part of your nature. The great thing is that Jesus’ death saves you from that sin, and the way He lived His life can show you how to do things without sinning. Sin is harmful, and Jesus showed us how to avoid sin. Today, read Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus came face to face with Satan, and He didn’t sin. What can you learn from Jesus here?

Day 5Ask your parents or someone at church if they believe in Jesus as their Savior. Ask them why they believe it and what it means for their life. If you don’t know anyone you could write your counselor from this summer and ask her/him. Go to www.kanakuk.com to get the Kanakuk phone number so that they can help you get your counselors’ contact information.

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God is the Holy Spirit

Day 1 – Read and memorize John 14:16-17

Did you know that God is three persons? Take out a pencil and draw a triangle. In the middle of the triangle, write God. At one tip of the triangle, write God the Father, at another write Jesus, and the last write the Holy Spirit. The triangle represents God and shows there are three persons who are God. In the last few months, you have learned that the God the Father is God. You have also learned that Jesus is God. Today, you will learn that the Holy Spirit is God.

Day 2 – Read John 14:16-17

Write it down. Circle all the words that describe the Holy Spirit.

Day 3

Jesus is talking in this verse. How does He describe the Holy Spirit?
Where does the Holy Spirit live?
The Bible tells us that Jesus, for a little while, lived on earth with us. After He died and rose again, He went up to heaven to live there with God. After Jesus went up to heaven, the Holy Spirit came down to earth to live inside those who believe in Jesus. God lives in you, and His name is the Holy Spirit. If you believe in Jesus, you have God’s spirit within you. He is there to guide you, teach you, comfort you, and help you.

Day 4

In science class, you learn that water is made up of H20. If a liquid is not made up of H2O, then it is not water. Water has three forms. It can be ice, steam and liquid. Each form of water is made up of H2O, but it looks and feels different. Each form of water has different purposes. The same is true for God. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit are all God. Just like H20 can be ice, steam, and liquid, God has three forms. Ice, steam, and liquid water contain the same elements, just as the three forms of God have the same characteristics of God. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have different purposes, but they are all God.

Day 5

The Bible verse this week tells us that we can’t see the Holy Spirit with our eyes but you have probably noticed Him. Maybe you didn’t know who it was. Have you ever thought about not doing something because you knew it was wrong? That is the Holy Spirit helping you to choose what is good and right. Have you ever seen someone and thought, “I need to help them out”? That is the Holy Spirit.  Try to pay attention to the Holy Spirit today. He is in you.

DID YOU KNOW…It seems hard to understand that God is three people at the same time, but you don’t realize how that is a pretty normal concept in every day life. For example, think of your mom. She is your mom but at the same time she is your grandmom’s daughter, she might be someone’s sister, and is also someone’s friend. Your mom is one person but has many different roles! It’s not a perfect example, but it can help you grab onto the truth that God is three persons in one.

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God is Trustworthy

Day 1

God is true, which means He is trustworthy. You don’t ever have to wonder if God will do what He says. He always does what is right and what He says is always true.
Be confident in God. He will take care of you and what He says is trustworthy.

Day 2 – Read Psalm 37:5 and write it down.

Memorize this verse today.

You start to trust someone or something as that person or thing keeps their promise. The Bible is full of promises. There are more than 3000 promises in the Bible and God has kept His word on every single promise. God has done way more than enough to gain our trust. There is no one more trustworthy than God. Do you believe God is trustworthy. 

Day 3

What has God done that makes you trust Him?
If you trust God, what should your life look like everyday?
If God is trustworthy, do you have any reason to be afraid?

Day 4Every day, you place your trust in things, and you don’t even realize you are doing it. More than likely, you are sitting in a chair right now and didn’t think twice about sitting in that chair. You know what it is, you know what it’s supposed to do, and you trust that it will hold you… so you sit. You may have been timid to sit in a chair when you were little, as you watched people sit in chairs, you learned that a chair meant to hold you. You began to trust the chair enough to sit. Sitting in a chair is a part of your everyday life. It’s a silly example, but our trust in God should be something we do every day. As you learn about Him, you will take steps of faith to trust Him. The more you trust Him, the more His ways will become who you are and what you do naturally.

Day 5

Grab a parent or an older family member. Ask them to stand behind you. Tell them you are going to lean back and ask them to catch you. This is a trust fall. Make sure you do this with a parent in a safe way and in a safe place! This would not be a good idea with a little brother or sister because they are not strong enough to catch you. Did you trust the person to catch you when you leaned back? Did you even think twice about it? Why or why not? How is this like trusting God?

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God is Unchangeable

Day 1 – Read James 1:17

It seems like everything changes in life. People change, seasons change, popularity changes, and technology changes. These are just a few examples of how the world is always changing. God never changes. He doesn’t change His mind, and He doesn’t change who He is. You can rely on Him forever.

Day 2 – Read James 1:17Write it below. Think about and memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Make a list of everything that has changed in your life. Why is change hard? 
You can trust that God will never change. How does that help you be confident in God?

Day 4

The Bible is a great illustration of how God never changes. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, and it has never changed. Not one word has been added to the Bible since God finished writing it. It has survived thousands of generations without one sentence or one word changing. It might be written in different translations so everyone can read it, but the meaning of the words and the events that happened have never changed.

Day 5

Sometime this week or weekend, ask someone who is older, like your parents or grandparents, to share with you how the town they grew up in has changed. Ask them how they have seen the world change. It will be fun to learn about the changes, but it can also make you thankful that God never changes.

DID YOU KNOW…

Did you know the first text message was sent more than a decade ago? It didn’t become popular until years later, but today, the number of text messages sent every day is bigger than the number of people living in the world.

Did you know that the world has been around for about 7,000 years, and the television has only been around for less than 100 years?

Did you know Facebook is less than 10 years old?

The world is changing every day. The way we travel, communicate, and do the things we do, change. Through it all, God will always be the same.

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God is Victorious

Day 1 – Read John 3:16

God is victorious. If you are on His team, He has made you victorious. There is nothing that can separate you from Him. There is no power that can defeat God, and in Him, there is nothing that can defeat you. You might experience hard times in your life, but those are temporary because God has won, and you get to be with Him forever. One day, when you are with Him forever, you won’t have to experience hard things.

Day 2 – Read Romans 8:37 and write it Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

What does it mean to conquer something?

God tells you that, in Jesus, you can conquer anything. How can that help you in any situation?

Day 4Super hero movies are the most popular movies these days. The characters we love like Spiderman, Ironman, Thor, Captain America, and Batman have been around for many years. Everyone loves a good super hero because no one can defeat them. They might get hurt, and experience tough times, but in the end they always win. In Christ, the same is true for you. Jesus defeated death and evil by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Evil can’t win. If you are on His side, you are more than a conqueror… you are a super hero from Him. Life might be tough, but He has given you His power, and you will be victorious, too.

Day 5

Watch a fun super hero movie or read a book about a real life super hero today. Be reminded that God is victorious and because He has defeated evil, you are a super hero too.

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-53

Today, read the story of David and Goliath. You get to see a real life super hero that God used to defeat His enemy. David was young, and no one thought he could defeat the giant. But with God, he could do anything. The same is true for you.

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God is Wise

Day 1 – Read James 1:5

God is wise. There is no one who has more wisdom than God. In fact, the Bible tells us that if you need wisdom, go to God because He is the wisest, and He will give His wisdom to men if they ask.

Day 2 – Read James 1:5

Write it down. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Who do you go to for advice? Why?

Do you go to God for wisdom?

How can you get wisdom from God?

The Bible says the wisest human to ever live was a man named Solomon. He was a king over Israel in the Old Testament. Read 1 Kings 3:5-12 and see that Solomon, the wisest man, asked for his wisdom from God.

Day 4

When you need help, you more than likely will go to someone who knows more than you. If you need help at school, you go to your teacher. If you need help with something in you life, you can go to a parent or mentor. Do you realize that your teacher, parent, or mentor goes to someone wiser than them for help? Your teacher has a teacher. Your parents have parents. Your mentor has a mentor. All the wisdom that gets passed down has to come from somewhere. God is true wisdom. Anything wise comes from Him. He is the most wise, and He gives wisdom to anyone who wants it. Everyone can go to God for advise, teaching, and help. He promises us that He will give us His wisdom to help us in any way.

Day 5

Write down some questions you have for God. Give them to someone you look up to like a parent, youth pastor, or Kamp counselor. Have them help you see how God’s Word will answer those questions.

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God is Wrathful

Day 1 – Read Romans 1:8

God only gets angry when it is right to be angry. His anger is always concerning sin and evil. He does have wrath against evil and will bring punishment at the right time.

Day 2 – Read Romans 1:18 again and write it out.

Circle all the things that anger God.

Day 3

God’s anger is different than your anger. Your anger can get you in trouble because it causes you to do hurtful things. God gets angry at things and people that hurt others and promote lies. His anger is right. God doesn’t sin. He is perfect so good must come from His anger. When He punishes sin and evil, good comes from it.

An earthly example of God’s anger can be seen when an authority figure, who loves you, disciplines you for what you do wrong.

Have your parents ever been angry for something that you have done wrong?

Your parents love you, but did they discipline you for what you did? Why?

Did you learn from that experience? What did you learn?

Did good come from you being punished?

Day 4

In the Bible, we see Jesus’ anger in God’s temple. Read Mark 11:15-17. The people, during that time, were supposed to give their best to God. Back then, a man’s wealth had to do with all the animals he owned such as cows and sheep. The wealthy people were supposed to give their best cow/bull. The poor, who didn’t have animals, were allowed to give a small dove. A dove was very cheap and all they could afford. What angered God, was that those who had many animals to give were buying cheap doves to give to God. They were cheating God out of their best. By selling doves, the business at the temple helped people to cheat God. Jesus was angered by how the people were treating God, who is worthy of their best. He punished the people at the temple by over-turning their tables and kicking them out of God’s house. I know it’s hard to understand because you didn’t live back then, so here is a modern day example. Let’s pretend you had a brand new coat, and God asked you to give your best coat to Him so He could provide it for someone who couldn’t afford one. You want to keep your brand new coat so you go to a thrift store and buy a really old one for less than a dollar. Instead of giving God your best coat, you give Him the old one that didn’t cost you anything. Just like the men at the temple, you are cheating God out of your best, and God has the right to punish you for your actions. God is wrathful against sin and evil and will bring punishment for those things. The best thing for you to do is follow God so you can avoid His wrath for sin and evil. The good news is that evil will be punished! Be thankful that your God is not okay with evil, and in His timing, He will do something about it.

BIGGER & Better

Read Romans 12:19 and think about what God says is only His. Because He doesn’t sin, He knows when punishment needs to happen. You have to wait for His timing. The world is all about getting revenge, but you are bigger than revenge because you have God.

Day 5

Write down some questions you have for God. Give them to someone you look up to like a parent, youth pastor or Kamp counselor. Have them help you see how God’s Word will answer those questions.

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God is XTRA ORDINARY

Day 1 – Read Matthew 19:26Did you know that you serve an extraordinary God? It is easy to follow people, but they can’t do the impossible like God can. Decide to follow God, and you will see how extraordinary He is.

Day 2 – Read Matthew Write it down. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3

Have you seen God do something impossible in the Bible?

Have you seen God do the impossible in your life? If you haven’t, keep watching because He will someday… it is who He is.

Day 4

Sometimes, we only look for big things that God does. But you can find how extraordinary He is in little details. Here are a few for you to think about.

Did you know your brain has 100 thousand billion electrical connections? There are more electrical connections in your brain than all the electrical appliances on the earth. 

Did you know there is a 7 foot long DNA strip in each of your hundred trillion cells. If each DNA strip in your body was stretched out and connected together, it would stretch from here to the moon and back a half million times.

Did you know, in one day, the blood in your body travels 168,000,000 miles!

God is an extraordinary God, and these things happen every day in your own body.

You can also see how extraordinary God is in creation. Make sure you pay attention.

Day 5

Spend some time today thanking God for all the Xtra-Ordinary things that He has done!

DIG DEEPER

Read Matthew 14:22-23

All throughout the Bible, God does extraordinary things. This is the story of how Jesus walked on water. The cool thing is Peter got to walk on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, you will do extraordinary things!

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God is Yahweh

Day 1 –  Read Exodus 3:13-15

God has many names, and all His names describe who He is. Your Bible is translated into your language so you see the word “God” or “Lord,” If you read the original language of the Bible, you would see different names of God. Yahweh (pronounced “Yaw Way”) is a Hebrew name for God that is used the most in the Bible. It is used more than 6,000 times. It is His most common name. In Exodus, Moses asks God what to tell Israel His name is, and God uses “Yahweh.” Your Bible says the words “I Am.” God is telling us that He is God, and He has always been there and always will be.

Day 2 –   Read Psalm 83:18 and write it out

This is a different verse in the Bible that uses the word Yahweh. You see the word Lord. Memorize this verse.

Day 3

This week, you read two verses that show God’s most common name “Yahweh.” Remember that this means He has always existed and always will. If God is always going to be there, what does that mean for you?

If God has always been there, why should you trust Him?

Day 4

It isn’t crazy for God to have many names. You have many names. You have a first name given to you by your parents. More than likely, it is your most common name like “Yahweh” is God’s most common name. You are also called daughter/son, brother/sister, friend, and might even have a nickname or two from different experiences. Someday, you girls might be called mom, and you guys might be called dad. Later on in life, you will be called either grandmom or granddad. Your names are based on the different relationships you have with people. The same is true for God. His names are based on how we have a relationship with Him. They tell us something about Him and about our relationship with Him.

Give it a try!

Here are some of the other names of God used in the Bible:

El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty

Jehovah- Raah – The Lord is my Shepherd

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord that heals

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide

El Elyon – The Most High God

Adonai – Lord, Master

Immanuel – God with us

These are just a few of God’s names. Isn’t it cool that you have learned about some of them in this study?

Day 5Write down all the reasons why you are thankful that God has always existed and why you are thankful that God always will. Put this list in your room somewhere.

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God is Zealous for You

Day 1 – Read Zephaniah 3:17

God loves you, and He desires to have a relationship with you. He wants good things for you and will pursue you to be with Him your entire life. He could have decided to have nothing to do with you because you sin, and He does not, but He was not okay with you being apart from Him forever. Everything He did in history was to get Jesus on earth so He could die on the cross for your sin and overcome death so you could overcome death. He spends all His efforts to show you who He is every day.

Day 2 – Read Zephaniah 3:17 again and write it Memorize this verse today.

Day 3 

The verse you read this week tells us that God rejoices over you. This means that He has joy because of you. He loves you.

How does it feel when people rejoice because of you? Do you feel special?

How does it feel when people love you?

Knowing that God does this for you, how does that make you feel?

Day 4 

When you walk into Kanakuk, you get a small glimpse of how God is zealous for you. Everyday at Kamp, no matter if you are jumping off the tower or learning how to dive, there is a cabin mate or counselor rejoicing in what you are doing. Everyday, you are told you are special because you are. He desires to be with you forever and wants nothing less for you. Do you realize how special God thinks you are? Do you realize how much He loves you? 

Day 5

 You have finished an entire month to month Bible study.
Take some time today to think about all you learned about God.

CHECKPOINT #3

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 3 of 3

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Phillip and the Ethiopian

Day 1- 01 THE STORYA man, named Phillip, was traveling when he saw an Ethiopian man reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit helped Phillip know what to do. Read what happened.
Read Acts 8:26-34
What did Phillip see the Ethiopian doing? What did Phillip ask the Ethiopian?
What did the Ethiopian need help with?
Did Phillip get to share the good news of Jesus with the Ethiopian?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Phillip obeyed God and was able to tell someone about Jesus! How cool was it that God made sure that Phillip was there to help the Ethiopian? God knew the Ethiopian needed help so God sent someone to help him. Do you see what God will do for you? He loves you so much that He will give you help when you don’t understand. He does all the work for you!
Read Ephesians 2:8

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read Acts 4:12
Salvation only comes from whom?
Try to memorize this verse today! Write it on a notecard and put it on your bathroom mirror to help you review it every day this week.

GIVE IT A TRY!

International missionaries leave their country and all the comforts of their home to go share the gospel with others. It would be a fun thing to send a missionary you know a letter or care package. Missionaries need encouragement, too! Send them a letter encouraging them and maybe throw in a few things to remind them of home! If you want to, ask them to write back telling you what they are doing! Don’t know a missionary? Ask your church! They will know exactly who to send your letter or package to!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Salvation comes from Jesus. God makes it happen, but He can use you to help Him. Do you want to be a part of what God is doing? God wants you to teach others about Jesus.
Read Matthew 28:19
Go and make __________________ of all the_______________, baptizing them in the name of the ______________, the _________, and the ________ _________.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

There are many missionaries that go to different countries and share Christ with people who don’t have churches. Next time you go to church, ask if they have any true stories about missionaries. Read their story to see what it’s like to be a missionary. Your mom or dad might be able to help you find a story, too.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Phillip.

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5,000 Hungry People

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus always had compassion for what people needed. One day, there were thousands of people who wanted to come learn from Him and see Him.
The disciples didn’t have any food to feed them. Look what Jesus did.
Read Matthew 14:13-21
How did Jesus feed the 5,000 people?
Did Jesus have more than enough to give?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSCan you imagine how amazed these people were when they saw God provide for them? God always provides for you what you need.
You just need to trust Him to do it.
Read Philippians 4:19
What does God promise that He will do for you? Do you believe that God will provide for your needs?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God is rich. Yep, you read that right. Everything in the earth and on the earth is His. He is not only rich but in control of all the earth’s riches. God does not keep His riches to Himself; He wants to share them with everyone.
Read Philippians 4:19 again
Where does God get His supply of things to help you?
Read Psalm 24:1
What does God own?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God’s motive is to help you. He loves you and wants to provide for you. You might not get everything you want, but you will always have what you need.
If you need proof, look outside the United States.
God promises to take care of you.
Read Luke 12:24
How does God promise that He will take care of you?

GIVE IT A TRY!Think of the last time you were really hungry. Can you imagine feeling that every day of your life? There are millions of people every day who are hungry with nothing to eat. Ask your parents if you can sign up to serve food at a homeless shelter. If you can’t do that, take canned food to a shelter to give to others. God wants you to help people, just like He asked His disciples to help Him feed the 5,000.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTIf there is something you need, take some time to ask God for it. Remember, what you want and what you need are two very different things. If you don’t get something you asked for, then God probably thinks you need something else. HE will provide that too… trust Him.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.

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Jesus' Temptation

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus was human in every way and just like you are tempted to sin, He was tempted to sin.
Read Matthew 4:1-11. Satan tempted Jesus three times. Each time what did Jesus use to resist Satan? (look at Jesus words “it is written”… why do you and I have to know what God has written?) What was the last thing Satan asked Jesus to do? What was Jesus’ answer?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

God puts this story in the Bible because He wants you to witness Jesus’ temptation. Jesus is the only human not to sin… ever. Jesus showed that with God, you can say no to temptation. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
God won’t let any temptation happen to you that you can’t handle. How does this encourage you?
Who will help you when you are tempted? Wouldn’t it be easier to fight temptation if you knew a friend was going to ask you about whether you gave in or not? This is called accountability!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God is not a God who sits in heaven and tells you what to do without understanding what it’s like to be you. He totally understands what you are going through.
Read Hebrews 4:15
By the way… Jesus has many names in the Bible and one of them is our High Priest.
This verse is talking about Jesus.
How can you relate to Jesus? How is Jesus different than you? Why should Jesus be your example in how to fight when you are tempted to do wrong?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Did you know that you have the same power within you that Jesus used to resist Satan? When you believe in Jesus, the Bible tells you that you have the Holy Spirit inside of you. The Holy Spirit was the power inside of Jesus! You also have God’s Word. Jesus used scripture to fight Satan. You can fight temptation to sin by knowing what God wants for you instead of what you want for yourself.
Read 2 Peter 1:3
Circle the things that God has given you to help you fight temptation and live for God.
Friends    

People to Look Up To

Church 

Bible
Jesus’ Example   

Bible Study 

Parents 

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Read Ephesians 6:13-17
The word “resist” is a war term. You are a warrior against temptation and need to resist your enemy. Draw a picture of a warrior and draw the different weapons and armor God gives you to help you fight temptation and resist the devil. Use the space below

GIVE IT A TRY!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of when Jesus was tempted.

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Jesus the Kid

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Jesus’ life as a child but it does tell us how He grew up. At Kanakuk, you are challenged to live an I’m Third Life… God first, others second, and yourself third. Since 1926, Kanakuk has also given the challenge of living a “4 Square Life.” This lifestyle is based on how Jesus grew up in Luke 2:52. The cool thing is that this is not just for when you’re young. Someone 100 years old still needs to strive to live a “4 Square Life!”
Read Luke 2:52
What are the 4 areas where Jesus grew? What are different ways you can grow in each area?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

There were many witnesses to Jesus as He grew up. He had family, friends, neighbors, brothers, and teachers just like you. The Bible doesn’t really give details of the first 30 years of His life. One thing is for sure, God was preparing Him for the last three years of His life. Check out one way God was preparing Jesus to be a teacher.
Read Luke 2:46-47. What did people witness while Jesus was at the temple?
Why were they astonished?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God gives you people to guide you. You learn from your parents, teachers, your Kamp counselor, and many other people. You learn by reading, watching, and doing. Jesus was just like you. He spent time asking questions and learning. Just like God was preparing Jesus, He is preparing you for something too. Soak up this time to learn and don’t let anyone hinder you from learning. Look what Jesus said to His disciples when they were stopping kids from coming to see Him.
Read Matthew 19:13-14. What did Jesus say about the kids? How do you make time to learn about Jesus? Who helps you learn about Him?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Find these words:
Faith
Grow
Favor
Man
Four Square
Stature
God
Wisdom

(Insert word search)

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read 1 Peter 2:2
God gives analogies in the Bible to help you understand things. An analogy is an example of something similar so it’s easier to understand what God is telling us. He uses a simple life example to show you what it means to grow in your faith. When you are a baby, you only drink milk. It’s all your body can handle, and someone has to feed you. You cannot feed yourself. As you grow up, your body develops. You not only get to eat more solid foods, but you also learn how to feed yourself. Eventually, you have moved way beyond milk and can eat meat and chocolate cake and all things your little body couldn’t handle when you were a baby. God wants you to grow physically, but how you grow in your faith is the most important thing to Him. Have fun soaking up all God has to teach you. Read your Bible, listen to your parents, and watch the example of those you look up to like your Kamp counselor, older sibling, or Sunday school teacher.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down how you have grown this year.
Write down how someone has taught you something by being an example to you. Challenge yourself to be an example for someone else to follow!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of Jesus as a kid.

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Hello Holy Spirit

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

After Jesus went to heaven to be with the Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit came down and started living inside all of those who believe in Jesus. Jesus actually told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would show up.  Here is what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.
Read and write out John 14:26
Who sent the Holy Spirit? What does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do?
You know that bad feeling you get after you’ve done something wrong? Or maybe you didn’t help someone when you know you should have? Or you lied to your parents when they asked you a question and you feel guilty? That’s the Holy Spirit inside of you.

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control

(Insert word search)

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Did you know that people can witness the Holy Spirit in you?
Read Galatians 5:22-23
What are all the fruits of the spirit? (fruit is what should be seen if Christ is in you just like an apple is produced from an apple tree) Which of these fruit do you need to work on? Remember that Jesus said the Holy Spirit will help you.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

If you read the Old Testament, God lived in a house. The house was called the temple. He doesn’t live in that house anymore. Because of Jesus, He can live inside of you!
You are where God wants to live!
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Who lives inside of you? What does God call you?
How special you are to God that He would want to live inside of you! He loves you that much! If you believe in Jesus, He is with you always!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God has your back. You never have to worry. If He asks you to do something, you can do it because His power is in you. He will give you the strength, the courage, and the words!
Read John 16:13
Fill in the blank. The Holy Spirit will guide and teach you

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think about a lamp today. A lamp can give a room light, but it will never be able to do what it’s supposed to until you plug it into the power source. When a lamp is plugged in, it has power! The same is true for you. You have the Holy Spirit. He is in you. You just have to “plug in” and listen to Him. How? Ever wonder how you remember a Bible verse? That wasn’t you, that was the Spirit! Have you ever been somewhere and you knew that you should be there? That wasn’t you… that was the Spirit! Have you ever thought, I shouldn’t do that; it’s not right? That is the Spirit! He is talking to you all the time, just pay attention and listen.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of when the Holy Spirit shows up.

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The Man With Leprosy

Day 1- 01 THE STORYIn Jesus’ time, doctors didn’t have what they have today. People who had leprosy were considered unclean. Leprosy is contagious, and since there were no medicines to cure it, people who had leprosy lived their life as outcasts. No one wanted to be around them, and they spent most of their life alone.
Read Matthew 8:1-3
Who did Jesus heal? Did Jesus care if the man was an outcast?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSThere are many true stories in the Bible of how Jesus would heal people. He healed people with leprosy, He healed a man who couldn’t walk, He healed a sick girl, and He healed a bleeding woman. Those were just a few of the many stories. Many people got to see God work in this way. Most people have seen God use His healing powers to heal someone’s heart… including their own. God is most concerned with healing your heart. He does not want you to live life or die without knowing Him. He will heal everyone who wants to be healed from their sin. He does have the power to heal sickness, but He doesn’t always use the power to heal someone’s sickness. Why? Sometimes, He uses sickness to bring people to know Him. Sometimes, He uses sickness to bring people home to Him, which is much better than living life on earth. God tells us that we can ask Him for help when someone is sick. He can heal, and if He doesn’t, He has something even better planned.
Read Romans 8:28
Do you believe that in every situation God will do good things?
Spend time praying for someone who is sick and trust God to do things His way.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCERead Matthew 8:1-3 again
Is there someone who is considered unpopular at your school? Think about that person. Why are they considered an outcast? Do you think it’s easy for them to be treated that way? The Bible tells us over and over that Jesus cares about the people who are outcasts.
Read 1 Samuel 16:7
What do people look at when they determine if someone is cool?
What does God look at in a person? How did God do this for the man with leprosy?
How does this encourage you?

GIVE IT A TRY!Here is a word find for you to do. You have to answer the questions to know what words to find. You might have to look back through your book to remember some of the answers.
Question #1 – How many people did God feed?
Question #2 – What religious leader asked Jesus questions
Question #3 – What woman was too busy to hang out with Jesus?
Question #4 – Who was the person who Jesus called to walk on water?
Question #5 – Who was the lady that gave all she had to God?

(Insert Word Find)

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

If God cares for outcasts, can you too? Did you know that you were once unlovable because you were a sinner?
Read Romans 5:8 and write it out.
What did God do for you when you were a sinner?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTReach out and make a new friend to someone who doesn’t have many friends.
Maybe it’s simply eating lunch with them so they don’t have to each lunch alone.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus and the man with leprosy.

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Fishers of Men

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus spent time with 12 men who learned from Him and watched Jesus be God for three years. Here is one story of two brothers who Jesus asked to follow Him.
Read Matthew 4:18-20
What was Peter and Andrew’s job?
What did Jesus say He would teach them to do if they followed Him?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Peter and Andrew were not really going to fish for men in the water.  Jesus was using an example to help them understand what He wanted them to do. He wanted them to stop catching real fish for a living and instead tell men about Jesus and bring them to Jesus. If you are a believer, you are a “fisher of men” too.
Read Mark 15:16
What does God tell you to do here?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God sent Jesus to save you from your sin. He will also send you to tell others about Himself.
Read John 20:21
Why do you think God wants you to tell others about Himself?

GIVE IT A TRY!

If it’s pretty outside this weekend, ask your mom or dad if you can go fishing. As you fish, remember that God wants you to be a fisher of men and tell others about Himself! If it’s too cold or you don’t have stuff to fish, you could always play the card game “Go Fish!”

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Did you know every country has a job called an Ambassador? America has a person who is hired to be an Ambassador in almost every country on earth. That person is an American but lives in the country to help the people there understand what is like to be an American. Did you know that God has given you the job of Ambassador? God wants you to live on earth and help people understand who God is, and that they need Him.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20
Write down some ideas how you can tell others they need Jesus.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down a friend’s name whom you want to tell about Jesus.
Pray for God to help you and then go tell them!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of when Jesus called his fishers of men.

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Rich Man

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

When you believe in Jesus, you will have to give up the things to make him the most important thing in your life. It is okay to have things like toys, money, and clothes, but those things should never be more important than Jesus. Things, no matter how cool or valuable the world says they are, should never get in the way of what God wants you to do.
Read Matthew 19:16-22
What kept the rich man from following God? What did God want the man to do with his money? What was God going to give him instead?

I PROMISE YOU

Make a list of everything that is valuable to you:
Would you be able to give up all these things to God? God promises you that He will reward you for what you give to Him. That reward will come true when you are with Him in heaven. There is nothing on earth that could compare to the sweet reward you have in heaven.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Read Matthew 6:25-33
Should you worry about things? Does this verse say that God will provide for you what you need? If the rich man would have given all his money away to the poor, would God have provided for what He needed? Have you ever seen God provide for you?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Being rich isn’t bad. Loving being rich more than loving God is what is bad.
Money isn’t a bad thing either. God can use money for lots of good things.
Loving money more than God is what is bad. Loving money keeps you from loving God. The rich man wasn’t able to give up being rich to give his money to the poor because he loved his money and things too much.
Read 1 Timothy 6:10
Do you love God more than money? Do you love things more than God?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Luke 9:23
What do you have to do to follow Jesus?
Circle some ways you might have to deny yourself to follow Jesus.
(denying yourself means giving up what you want and doing what God wants)
Give up things and give them to others
Stop having a bad attitude
Stop treating people in a bad way
Stop doing things the way you think it should be done
Stop spending time with friends who encourage you to do bad things
Give up doing something you want to do to help someone else

Is there any other way you might have to deny yourself?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This challenge is going to be a hard one. You get to decide if you want to do it. You know all that allowance you have been saving? What if you gave it to someone that needed it? What if you donated it to an organization that helps others? You might have a pit in your stomach because you don’t want to. That is probably how the rich man felt, too. Remember that God will provide for you, and He can use you to provide for someone else. We encourage you to talk to your parents about some ways you could donate or give away your money.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of the rich man.

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Lazarus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

It was the time in Jesus’ life when He knew that He had to go to Jerusalem to die on the cross. But He had one more miracle to do. Mary and Martha, the girls you read about before, had a brother named Lazarus. Jesus loved Lazarus. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. When He got to their home, Lazarus had died. Jesus wanted to teach everyone that He could defeat death.
Read John 11:38-43
What did Jesus do for Lazarus? Do you believe that Jesus can overcome death?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Everyone who saw Lazarus come out of the tomb was grateful and amazed. Later, people would be amazed that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, He rose from the dead!
Read Romans 6:9-10
Will Jesus die again? The word “dominion” is another word for “power”. Death has no power over Jesus. Jesus has power over death! How does this encourage you?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Jesus can conquer death. He showed His friends and disciples that He could do it with Lazarus, but that was a sneak peek for what He was about to do.
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14
The words “fallen asleep” in the Bible can mean death. What does God promise will happen to those who believe He conquered death?

Did you notice that the first thing Jesus told Lazarus after He raised him from the dead was to take his grave clothes off? Those grave clothes were stinky and Lazarus was alive. He didn’t need them anymore… he was alive! When you die to Christ and believe in Him as your Savior, He wants you to take your grave clothes off. What? Your grave clothes is your sinful self. There is no need to act like a mummy… you are alive. Start living for Jesus!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVEDid you know that if you believe in Jesus you really don’t die? You leave earth but just move onto the next part of your life… life in heaven with God forever. Jesus defeated death so we don’t have to be afraid. He gives us hope. It could help you to think of your life as having two parts. Part 1 is your life on earth, and Part 2 is your life in eternity forever.
Read Romans 8:37-39
What did Jesus do for us?
Can anything separate you from His love?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTYou and your family are citizens of a country. Most Kanakuk Kampers are citizens of the United States but some are citizens from another country. Some people move to other countries but are still citizens of the country they came from. For example, if you are an American but move to England to live, you are actually a citizen of America. God tells us in the Bible that we are citizens of heaven. That is really our home. We just live on earth for a little while.
Read and memorize Philippians 3:20
Today spend some time thanking Jesus for conquering death. You couldn’t live forever with Him if He didn’t do it. Think about writing Jesus a letter as a way of thanking Him!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Lazarus.

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Sick Man and Friends

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was teaching in a house. While He was teaching, some men tried to bring their sick friend through the door because they needed Jesus to heal him. They couldn’t get through the door so they lowered their sick friend through the roof to see Jesus.
Read Luke 5:17-20
What did Jesus do? How did these friends show they cared about their friend?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

These men are great examples of the I’m Third lifestyle. It took a lot of time, strength, and energy to carry their friend and lower him through the roof to Jesus. Can you imagine these guys climbing on a roof while carrying someone! Their friend witnessed how much they cared about them, and Jesus witnessed it, too!
Read Luke 5:24-26

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read and write out Luke 10:27
Who are you supposed to love first? How are you supposed to love God?
What are ways you love God with your mind? with your strength? with your heart?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Repeat the verse from the day before.
Because you love God, who are you supposed to love second?
When God says “neighbor”, he means anyone around you at any part of your life… not just the people who live next door. What are some ways you love the people around you?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Living I’m Third is not just for Kamp. This week live out putting God first, other’s second, and yourself third. How could you do this? Write your ideas below.
01
02
03
04
05

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of the sick man and his friends.

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Jesus the Kid

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Jesus’ life as a child but it does tell us how He grew up. At Kanakuk, you are challenged to live an I’m Third Life… God first, others second, and yourself third. Since 1926, Kanakuk has also given the challenge of living a “4 Square Life.” This lifestyle is based on how Jesus grew up in Luke 2:52. The cool thing is that this is not just for when you’re young. Someone 100 years old still needs to strive to live a “4 Square Life!”
Read Luke 2:52
What are the 4 areas where Jesus grew? What are different ways you can grow in each area?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

There were many witnesses to Jesus as He grew up. He had family, friends, neighbors, brothers, and teachers just like you. The Bible doesn’t really give details of the first 30 years of His life. One thing is for sure, God was preparing Him for the last three years of His life. Check out one way God was preparing Jesus to be a teacher.
Read Luke 2:46-47. What did people witness while Jesus was at the temple?
Why were they astonished?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God gives you people to guide you. You learn from your parents, teachers, your Kamp counselor, and many other people. You learn by reading, watching, and doing. Jesus was just like you. He spent time asking questions and learning. Just like God was preparing Jesus, He is preparing you for something too. Soak up this time to learn and don’t let anyone hinder you from learning. Look what Jesus said to His disciples when they were stopping kids from coming to see Him.
Read Matthew 19:13-14. What did Jesus say about the kids? How do you make time to learn about Jesus? Who helps you learn about Him?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Find these words:
Faith
Grow
Favor
Man
Four Square
Stature
God
Wisdom

(Insert word search)

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read 1 Peter 2:2
God gives analogies in the Bible to help you understand things. An analogy is an example of something similar so it’s easier to understand what God is telling us. He uses a simple life example to show you what it means to grow in your faith. When you are a baby, you only drink milk. It’s all your body can handle, and someone has to feed you. You cannot feed yourself. As you grow up, your body develops. You not only get to eat more solid foods, but you also learn how to feed yourself. Eventually, you have moved way beyond milk and can eat meat and chocolate cake and all things your little body couldn’t handle when you were a baby. God wants you to grow physically, but how you grow in your faith is the most important thing to Him. Have fun soaking up all God has to teach you. Read your Bible, listen to your parents, and watch the example of those you look up to like your Kamp counselor, older sibling, or Sunday school teacher.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down how you have grown this year.
Write down how someone has taught you something by being an example to you. Challenge yourself to be an example for someone else to follow!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of Jesus as a kid.

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John the Baptist

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

John the Baptist’s mother Elizabeth was cousins with Jesus’ mother Mary. This made John the Baptist Jesus’ second cousin. John the Baptist loved the Lord. God gave John the Baptist the role of preparing the way for Jesus to start His ministry. Jesus is the Savior. He saves you and everyone who has ever lived of their sins. Jesus died on the cross so we could have salvation from our sins. The truth is, if you don’t know that you sin, you won’t see the need for Jesus. That is what John the Baptist’s job was. He told people to repent. He challenged them to see their sin and turn from it. God used John the Baptist to help people realize they need Jesus.
Read Matthew 3:1-6
What did John the Baptist tell people?
What did John the Baptist wear?
Do you think clothes and nice things were the most important thing to John the Baptist?
What was important to John the Baptist?

Repent (v): to feel bad for something bad you did and decide to turn away from the bad thing and not do it anymore.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

Did you know that John the Baptist experienced being around Jesus when he was in his mother’s womb. John the Baptist also got to baptize Jesus.
Read Luke 1:39-45
What happened to John while he was in his mother’s womb?
When did it happen?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

John the Baptist was a different dude. He lived in the wilderness, ate bugs, wore Old Testament looking clothes, and preached a really tough message to preach. The people of Israel became obsessed about image and status, but John wanted to be really different. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself for his own gain, but he wanted to be different so people would listen to what he had to say about God. You don’t have to eat bugs and wear crazy clothes to be different. That made sense in John the Baptist’s time. You CAN be different in how you act, how you treat others, what you wear, what you listen to, what you watch, and how you talk.
Read Romans 12:2. Why does God tell us not to be like the world?
Why is it good to be like God instead of being like the world? How can being like the world hurt you? How can you be more like God and less like the world?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read 2 Peter 3:9
Why does God have patience?
What does He want everyone to do?
How does this verse explain why God sent John the Baptist to tell others to repent?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This week you learned about why God wants you to repent. He wants you to realize you need Jesus AND wants you to be protected from how sin can hurt you. Write down a sin that you have done this week. Did you know that Jesus has already forgiven that sin?
Pray to Him today and tell Him you’re sorry. Ask Him to help you not do it anymore.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of John the Baptist.

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The Magi

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

After Jesus was born, He had visitors. These visitors traveled a long way to see Him. They were called the Magi. We sing a popular Christmas Carol called “We Three Kings,” and it’s easy to let the song explain all the details of the story in the Bible. The song is a fun song to sing, but the Magi were really not kings. They were astrologers. An astrologer is someone who studies stars. These men had heard about the prophecy of the star, and they saw the star over Bethlehem in the sky from thousands of miles away (a prophecy is a prediction of the future). The Magi’s first stop was to see King Herod. King Herod was not a Jew. He was a Roman ruler in charge of Judea, the land of the Jews. He didn’t like the fact that another king was showing up in the land. He was jealous. Read about Herod today.
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Who did the Magi go to see first? What did Herod want them to do?
Put your detective hat on… do you think Herod really wanted to worship Jesus? What do you think he was up to?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Read Matthew 2:9-12
When the Magi saw Jesus, what did they do? What did the Magi bring Jesus?
Did the Magi return and tell Herod what he wanted?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

After reading this story, did you wonder why the Magi would care to come and see the baby Jesus? Hundreds of years earlier, in the Old Testament, God was giving people clues about when Jesus would arrive. Those clues are called prophecy. God said one of the signs the Savior had arrived was a star. Somehow, the Magi knew about what God had said and watched to see it in real life. Did you know that hundreds of years before Jesus showed up. God’s plan was always Jesus. He planned it before time and has been making it happen since the day He created the earth. The Old Testament is a true story, but inside it are thousands of clues that point to Jesus. You, just like the Magi, can play detective and investigate what the Old Testament says and then see what God says is true as you learn about Jesus in the New Testament.
Read Isaiah 46:10
What does this verse tell you about all the things that God has planned?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

The Magi sacrificed so much to come and meet Jesus. They traveled a long way from home and it took a very long time to get to Jesus. They must have believed Jesus to be worth it all. When they arrived, they immediately gave Jesus the praise He deserved and then gave Him the best gifts that they could give. They gave Him the best of what they had.
Read Colossians 3:23-24
How did the Magi strive to please God?
Did the Magi worry about what man wanted? (hint… did they do what Herod wanted?)
Do you do all you can to give God your best? What do you think it means to give God your best? Do you think Jesus is worth it?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This week there is a nativity scene for you to color. As you color, it remember the story of Jesus’ birth and why He came for you. You could frame your coloring sheet and give it to your mother or father for Christmas.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of Magi.

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Jesus' Baptism

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Have you ever seen someone at you church get baptized? Or have you been baptized?
People choose to be baptized after they give their life to Jesus. Baptism doesn’t save you. It’s something you do after to tell everyone around you that Jesus is your Savior. Did you know Jesus was baptized? He is God so He didn’t need to get baptized, but He did it so everyone would be sure that He is God’s son.
Read Matthew 3:13-17
What happened after Jesus was baptized? What did God say? Where was God?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES (#92dad9 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

You never have to wonder if Jesus is God’s son. God said it Himself, out loud and everyone who was there heard it and saw the sky open up. Cool, huh? All throughout Jesus’ life, people recognized that Jesus was God’s son. One of Jesus’ 12 disciples was Peter – he spent a lot of time with Jesus.
Read Matthew 16:15-16. What does Jesus ask Peter? What is Peter’s answer?

Ringing the bell at Kamp is a way you can tell others that you believe in Jesus. Read about it at the end of your book.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Jesus is God’s son, but He is also God!
Read John 1:1 and John 1:14
Who/what was in the beginning with God? Does the Bible say the Word was God?
In verse 14, what does it say the Word changes into?
Sometimes the Bible uses the word “flesh” to talk about humans because we are made of skin…in other words, flesh! Jesus is the “Word” these verses are talking about.
Jesus is God and He became flesh… human!
Why do you think it’s cool that God became human?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read John 3:16 and memorize
Do you believe that Jesus is God’s son? Do you believe that Jesus is God?
Your answer to these questions will be what helps you decide how you live your life! Jesus is the most important person to ever live, and many people don’t pay attention to Him because they don’t answer yes to those two questions!

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Re-read the verses in Day 1 and draw a picture of what you think the sky looked like after Jesus was baptized.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of Jesus’ baptism.

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Jesus' Temptation

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus was human in every way and just like you are tempted to sin, He was tempted to sin.
Read Matthew 4:1-11. Satan tempted Jesus three times. Each time what did Jesus use to resist Satan? (look at Jesus words “it is written”… why do you and I have to know what God has written?) What was the last thing Satan asked Jesus to do? What was Jesus’ answer?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

God puts this story in the Bible because He wants you to witness Jesus’ temptation. Jesus is the only human not to sin… ever. Jesus showed that with God, you can say no to temptation. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
God won’t let any temptation happen to you that you can’t handle. How does this encourage you?
Who will help you when you are tempted? Wouldn’t it be easier to fight temptation if you knew a friend was going to ask you about whether you gave in or not? This is called accountability!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God is not a God who sits in heaven and tells you what to do without understanding what it’s like to be you. He totally understands what you are going through.
Read Hebrews 4:15
By the way… Jesus has many names in the Bible and one of them is our High Priest.
This verse is talking about Jesus.
How can you relate to Jesus? How is Jesus different than you? Why should Jesus be your example in how to fight when you are tempted to do wrong?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Did you know that you have the same power within you that Jesus used to resist Satan? When you believe in Jesus, the Bible tells you that you have the Holy Spirit inside of you. The Holy Spirit was the power inside of Jesus! You also have God’s Word. Jesus used scripture to fight Satan. You can fight temptation to sin by knowing what God wants for you instead of what you want for yourself.
Read 2 Peter 1:3
Circle the things that God has given you to help you fight temptation and live for God.
Friends    

People to Look Up To

Church 

Bible
Jesus’ Example   

Bible Study 

Parents 

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Read Ephesians 6:13-17
The word “resist” is a war term. You are a warrior against temptation and need to resist your enemy. Draw a picture of a warrior and draw the different weapons and armor God gives you to help you fight temptation and resist the devil. Use the space below

GIVE IT A TRY!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of when Jesus was tempted.

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Fishers of Men

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus spent time with 12 men who learned from Him and watched Jesus be God for three years. Here is one story of two brothers who Jesus asked to follow Him.
Read Matthew 4:18-20
What was Peter and Andrew’s job?
What did Jesus say He would teach them to do if they followed Him?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Peter and Andrew were not really going to fish for men in the water.  Jesus was using an example to help them understand what He wanted them to do. He wanted them to stop catching real fish for a living and instead tell men about Jesus and bring them to Jesus. If you are a believer, you are a “fisher of men” too.
Read Mark 15:16
What does God tell you to do here?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God sent Jesus to save you from your sin. He will also send you to tell others about Himself.
Read John 20:21
Why do you think God wants you to tell others about Himself?

GIVE IT A TRY!

If it’s pretty outside this weekend, ask your mom or dad if you can go fishing. As you fish, remember that God wants you to be a fisher of men and tell others about Himself! If it’s too cold or you don’t have stuff to fish, you could always play the card game “Go Fish!”

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Did you know every country has a job called an Ambassador? America has a person who is hired to be an Ambassador in almost every country on earth. That person is an American but lives in the country to help the people there understand what is like to be an American. Did you know that God has given you the job of Ambassador? God wants you to live on earth and help people understand who God is, and that they need Him.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20
Write down some ideas how you can tell others they need Jesus.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down a friend’s name whom you want to tell about Jesus.
Pray for God to help you and then go tell them!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of when Jesus called his fishers of men.

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Sick Man and Friends

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was teaching in a house. While He was teaching, some men tried to bring their sick friend through the door because they needed Jesus to heal him. They couldn’t get through the door so they lowered their sick friend through the roof to see Jesus.
Read Luke 5:17-20
What did Jesus do? How did these friends show they cared about their friend?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

These men are great examples of the I’m Third lifestyle. It took a lot of time, strength, and energy to carry their friend and lower him through the roof to Jesus. Can you imagine these guys climbing on a roof while carrying someone! Their friend witnessed how much they cared about them, and Jesus witnessed it, too!
Read Luke 5:24-26

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read and write out Luke 10:27
Who are you supposed to love first? How are you supposed to love God?
What are ways you love God with your mind? with your strength? with your heart?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Repeat the verse from the day before.
Because you love God, who are you supposed to love second?
When God says “neighbor”, he means anyone around you at any part of your life… not just the people who live next door. What are some ways you love the people around you?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Living I’m Third is not just for Kamp. This week live out putting God first, other’s second, and yourself third. How could you do this? Write your ideas below.
01
02
03
04
05

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of the sick man and his friends.

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Zaccheus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Back in the time when Jesus lived, people did not like tax collectors. Tax collectors were people’s enemy in those days. A Tax Collector would collect more than enough money for the government and keep some for themselves. They were stealing money from people and getting rich. This is a true story of a man who did bad things but decided to turn to Jesus.
Read Luke 19:1-8
Did Jesus ignore Zaccheus because he did bad things? What did Jesus do?
Did Zaccheus realize what he did wrong? What did Zaccheus do to make it right?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Sometimes, we don’t like it when good things happen to bad people. Jesus wants people who do bad things to change, and we need to care about them as much as He does.
Read Luke 19:1-8
How did the people respond when they saw that Jesus was going to spend time with Zaccheus? Should you want people who do bad things to know Jesus?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Draw a picture of the story of Zacchaeus below:

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

You might not break the law like Zacchaeus, but you are sinner just like he was.
God loves you even when you sin.
Read Romans 5:8
When did Christ die for us?
How does this verse tell you Jesus loves you no matter what?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Matthew 5:44
What does God tell you to do in this verse?
Why do you think God asks you to pray for your enemies?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Spend some time today praying for someone who does bad things.
Pray for the person whom you don’t get along with.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from this part of the story of Zacchaeus.

CHECKPOINT #1Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Parent’s First and Lame Name
One thing you learned
Bible Characters- New Testament
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 1 of 3

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Rich Man

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

When you believe in Jesus, you will have to give up the things to make him the most important thing in your life. It is okay to have things like toys, money, and clothes, but those things should never be more important than Jesus. Things, no matter how cool or valuable the world says they are, should never get in the way of what God wants you to do.
Read Matthew 19:16-22
What kept the rich man from following God? What did God want the man to do with his money? What was God going to give him instead?

I PROMISE YOU

Make a list of everything that is valuable to you:
Would you be able to give up all these things to God? God promises you that He will reward you for what you give to Him. That reward will come true when you are with Him in heaven. There is nothing on earth that could compare to the sweet reward you have in heaven.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Read Matthew 6:25-33
Should you worry about things? Does this verse say that God will provide for you what you need? If the rich man would have given all his money away to the poor, would God have provided for what He needed? Have you ever seen God provide for you?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Being rich isn’t bad. Loving being rich more than loving God is what is bad.
Money isn’t a bad thing either. God can use money for lots of good things.
Loving money more than God is what is bad. Loving money keeps you from loving God. The rich man wasn’t able to give up being rich to give his money to the poor because he loved his money and things too much.
Read 1 Timothy 6:10
Do you love God more than money? Do you love things more than God?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Luke 9:23
What do you have to do to follow Jesus?
Circle some ways you might have to deny yourself to follow Jesus.
(denying yourself means giving up what you want and doing what God wants)
Give up things and give them to others
Stop having a bad attitude
Stop treating people in a bad way
Stop doing things the way you think it should be done
Stop spending time with friends who encourage you to do bad things
Give up doing something you want to do to help someone else

Is there any other way you might have to deny yourself?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This challenge is going to be a hard one. You get to decide if you want to do it. You know all that allowance you have been saving? What if you gave it to someone that needed it? What if you donated it to an organization that helps others? You might have a pit in your stomach because you don’t want to. That is probably how the rich man felt, too. Remember that God will provide for you, and He can use you to provide for someone else. We encourage you to talk to your parents about some ways you could donate or give away your money.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of the rich man.

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Peter Walks on Water

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Did you know that Jesus walked on water? He walked from the shore to His disciples, who were in a boat in the middle of the sea. Peter saw Him and wanted to walk on water to Jesus.
Read Matthew 14:22-31. Draw a picture of Peter walking on water.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

It took a lot of faith in God for Peter to step out of the boat and take the first step on water.
Read Matthew 14:22-31 again
What did Peter do that caused him to fall?
Sometimes we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at the things around us instead.
Peter was walking on water but when he stopped and looked at the wind and storm, he fell. He fell because he was worried about the storm, and he took his eyes of Jesus. The good news is that Jesus was there to save him.
Have you ever been worried about what was happening around you, and you took your eyes off Jesus? What are some things that have caused you to take your eyes off of Jesus?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

All the disciples saw Jesus and Peter walking on water. If you went to a lake and tried to walk on water, it wouldn’t be possible. Peter couldn’t walk on water if he tried by himself either but anything is possible with God! When God called Peter to walk on water, he was able to do it.
Read Matthew 19:26
Write the verse here:
How does this verse help explain how Peter walked on water.
What does this verse say is possible with God?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Hebrews 12:1-2
What does God tell us to get rid of and forget about in verse 1?
Who are we to look at as we live our lives?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

God might not ask you to walk on water, but one thing is for sure. God can do impossible things through you if you keep your eyes on Him. Have you ever seen God do something impossible? Write about it here. If you haven’t, ask your parents or Sunday school teacher if they have.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Peter walking on water.

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Mary and Martha

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Today, you will read a story about two great ladies, Mary and Martha. (This Mary was not Jesus’ mother, who was also named Mary). Jesus came to visit them, and Mary spent time with Jesus while Martha busied herself with making dinner, cleaning the house, and finishing everything that had to be done. Those things are good things to do, but Jesus says that one is better.
Read Luke 10:38-42
What did Jesus say was more important?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Mary and Martha lived hundreds of years ago, and people still do the same thing today. I am sure you have witnessed this. Have you ever been too busy to spend time with Jesus? Sometimes all the great and important things we do in life get in the way of spending time with Jesus. Sports, school, activities, church, and all sorts of things can keep us from spending time with Jesus. Those things are not bad. We need to do them, but Jesus says it’s best if we make time to spend with Him.
Read Mathew 4:4
What is as important as eating food?
Do you make time to eat food every day?
Do you make time to spend with Jesus every day?

Day 3- 03 THE MOTIVE

Mary and Martha lived hundreds of years ago, and people still do the same thing today. I am sure you have witnessed this. Have you ever been too busy to spend time with Jesus? Sometimes all the great and important things we do in life get in the way of spending time with Jesus.

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Matthew 6:33
What should you seek first?
If you do this first, will everything else fall into place?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

You can spend time with Jesus by praying, singing to Him, reading your Bible, memorizing a Bible verse, and so much more. Think about how you can add 5 more minutes in your busy day to spend time with Jesus. Or is there something you can take out of your schedule in order to replace it with time spent with Jesus?

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Mary and Martha.

GIVE IT A TRY!

List things you do each day of the week to spend time with God.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY

WEEK 4- THE WIDOW

Day 1- 01 THE STORYA few weeks ago, you read about a rich man who couldn’t give all of what he had to God. Today you are going to read about a widow who gave everything she had. Jesus was watching different people give money to the temple, God’s house. Those who had a lot of money were giving some of what they had. The widow only had two measly mites. A mite was a coin in Jesus’ day, and it was very little. The widow was poor, but she gave all that she had.
Read Luke 21:1-4
What can you learn from the story of the widow?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSThe widow did not know that God was watching her put the coins in the treasury. The truth is that God will always see what you give. He will also know your heart and why you are giving.
Read Matthew 6:3-4
Are you supposed to give to others for your own gain? Or to be recognized by others? Does God see what you give?
Do you give to please God or make yourself look good in the eyes of other people?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

It doesn’t matter the value of what you give God. He values your heart when you give. The widow gave her all, and she did it for God and not for herself. She gave what matters to God more than money.
Read Colossians 3:23
No matter what you do, who should get all the glory?
Do you give God everything you have when He asks you to do it?

GIVE IT A TRY!

At Kamp, we give out an award called the Invisible Hero. We give the award for people who give their all without caring if anyone notices. It’s a reward for “invisible acts of kindness”.
This week, try to do one or two invisible acts of kindness.
Help someone out without getting the credit. It can be as simple as getting your neighbor’s morning paper and putting it on their porch. Be creative and have fun!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7 and write it out.
What should be your attitude when you give?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTGiving is so much better than receiving. Ask God to show you how to give something to someone this week. Giving doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes, God asks you to give your time. God might even want you to give your help. Whatever He asks you to give… do it with a cheerful heart. What is one thing you can give today?

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The Widow

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

A few weeks ago, you read about a rich man who couldn’t give all of what he had to God. Today you are going to read about a widow who gave everything she had. Jesus was watching different people give money to the temple, God’s house. Those who had a lot of money were giving some of what they had. The widow only had two measly mites. A mite was a coin in Jesus’ day, and it was very little. The widow was poor, but she gave all that she had.
Read Luke 21:1-4
What can you learn from the story of the widow?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

The widow did not know that God was watching her put the coins in the treasury. The truth is that God will always see what you give. He will also know your heart and why you are giving.
Read Matthew 6:3-4
Are you supposed to give to others for your own gain? Or to be recognized by others? Does God see what you give?
Do you give to please God or make yourself look good in the eyes of other people?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

It doesn’t matter the value of what you give God. He values your heart when you give. The widow gave her all, and she did it for God and not for herself. She gave what matters to God more than money.
Read Colossians 3:23
No matter what you do, who should get all the glory?
Do you give God everything you have when He asks you to do it?

GIVE IT A TRY!

At Kamp, we give out an award called the Invisible Hero. We give the award for people who give their all without caring if anyone notices. It’s a reward for “invisible acts of kindness”.
This week, try to do one or two invisible acts of kindness.
Help someone out without getting the credit. It can be as simple as getting your neighbor’s morning paper and putting it on their porch. Be creative and have fun!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read 2 Corinthians 9:7 and write it out.
What should be your attitude when you give?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTGiving is so much better than receiving. Ask God to show you how to give something to someone this week. Giving doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes, God asks you to give your time. God might even want you to give your help. Whatever He asks you to give… do it with a cheerful heart. What is one thing you can give today?

Give with a cheerful heart!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of the widow.

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5,000 Hungry People

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus always had compassion for what people needed. One day, there were thousands of people who wanted to come learn from Him and see Him.
The disciples didn’t have any food to feed them. Look what Jesus did.
Read Matthew 14:13-21
How did Jesus feed the 5,000 people?
Did Jesus have more than enough to give?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSCan you imagine how amazed these people were when they saw God provide for them? God always provides for you what you need.
You just need to trust Him to do it.
Read Philippians 4:19
What does God promise that He will do for you? Do you believe that God will provide for your needs?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God is rich. Yep, you read that right. Everything in the earth and on the earth is His. He is not only rich but in control of all the earth’s riches. God does not keep His riches to Himself; He wants to share them with everyone.
Read Philippians 4:19 again
Where does God get His supply of things to help you?
Read Psalm 24:1
What does God own?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God’s motive is to help you. He loves you and wants to provide for you. You might not get everything you want, but you will always have what you need.
If you need proof, look outside the United States.
God promises to take care of you.
Read Luke 12:24
How does God promise that He will take care of you?

GIVE IT A TRY!Think of the last time you were really hungry. Can you imagine feeling that every day of your life? There are millions of people every day who are hungry with nothing to eat. Ask your parents if you can sign up to serve food at a homeless shelter. If you can’t do that, take canned food to a shelter to give to others. God wants you to help people, just like He asked His disciples to help Him feed the 5,000.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTIf there is something you need, take some time to ask God for it. Remember, what you want and what you need are two very different things. If you don’t get something you asked for, then God probably thinks you need something else. HE will provide that too… trust Him.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.

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The Man With Leprosy

Day 1- 01 THE STORYIn Jesus’ time, doctors didn’t have what they have today. People who had leprosy were considered unclean. Leprosy is contagious, and since there were no medicines to cure it, people who had leprosy lived their life as outcasts. No one wanted to be around them, and they spent most of their life alone.
Read Matthew 8:1-3
Who did Jesus heal? Did Jesus care if the man was an outcast?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSThere are many true stories in the Bible of how Jesus would heal people. He healed people with leprosy, He healed a man who couldn’t walk, He healed a sick girl, and He healed a bleeding woman. Those were just a few of the many stories. Many people got to see God work in this way. Most people have seen God use His healing powers to heal someone’s heart… including their own. God is most concerned with healing your heart. He does not want you to live life or die without knowing Him. He will heal everyone who wants to be healed from their sin. He does have the power to heal sickness, but He doesn’t always use the power to heal someone’s sickness. Why? Sometimes, He uses sickness to bring people to know Him. Sometimes, He uses sickness to bring people home to Him, which is much better than living life on earth. God tells us that we can ask Him for help when someone is sick. He can heal, and if He doesn’t, He has something even better planned.
Read Romans 8:28
Do you believe that in every situation God will do good things?
Spend time praying for someone who is sick and trust God to do things His way.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCERead Matthew 8:1-3 again
Is there someone who is considered unpopular at your school? Think about that person. Why are they considered an outcast? Do you think it’s easy for them to be treated that way? The Bible tells us over and over that Jesus cares about the people who are outcasts.
Read 1 Samuel 16:7
What do people look at when they determine if someone is cool?
What does God look at in a person? How did God do this for the man with leprosy?
How does this encourage you?

GIVE IT A TRY!Here is a word find for you to do. You have to answer the questions to know what words to find. You might have to look back through your book to remember some of the answers.
Question #1 – How many people did God feed?
Question #2 – What religious leader asked Jesus questions
Question #3 – What woman was too busy to hang out with Jesus?
Question #4 – Who was the person who Jesus called to walk on water?
Question #5 – Who was the lady that gave all she had to God?

(Insert Word Find)

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

If God cares for outcasts, can you too? Did you know that you were once unlovable because you were a sinner?
Read Romans 5:8 and write it out.
What did God do for you when you were a sinner?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTReach out and make a new friend to someone who doesn’t have many friends.
Maybe it’s simply eating lunch with them so they don’t have to each lunch alone.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus and the man with leprosy.

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Good Samaritan

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Today, you are going to read about a man who helped someone in their time of need.
Read Luke 10:30-37
How many people passed by the man who was beaten and robbed?
Who helped him? How did he help him?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Read Luke 10:30-37 again
There were many witnesses to the poor guy who was robbed and beaten.
They might not have seen the crime, but they saw he needed help.
What are some reasons you think these men didn’t stop? (hint… think about reasons why you might not have stopped) Which person pleased God?
Do you think the Good Samaritan is an example of the I’m Third life?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read Isaiah 41:10
Who always helps you in your time of need?
Think about a time that God helped you and gave you strength.
Write how He helped you.

GIVE IT A TRY!

One way you can help others is by going through your room and giving away things that you don’t need. Ask your parents to help you with this. Remember to give people good things, not just old and gross things. If you have two winter coats, maybe you can give one of them to someone who doesn’t have a coat this winter.

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God helps you so you should help others. God even sees helping others as helping Him.
Read Matthew 25:35-40
You are helping God when you are helping whom? Do you take the time to help others?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Read Philippians 2:4
Write it down and memorize it today. Once you have it memorized, say it to a friend, parent, or sibling. Telling other people helps us remember what we memorize!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of the good samaritan.

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Nicodemus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time did not like Jesus. They didn’t believe Jesus was God. If you read the full story of Jesus, you will see that these leaders were always trying to stop Jesus or trick Him. One of them was named Nicodemus. He was a Jewish ruler who, instead of trying to stop Jesus, wanted to know more about Him. Nicodemus risked losing everything he had to go see Jesus. He was so afraid people would see him that he went to see Jesus in the middle of the night.
Read John 3:1-3
What did Jesus tell Nicodemus about getting to be a part of God’s Kingdom?
Nicodemus didn’t understand what God was trying to teach him about being born again. Jesus helped him understand.
Read John 3:16
What did God do for us? How do you get eternal life?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

In the verses you read yesterday, we don’t know if Nicodemus decided to believe in Jesus. It wasn’t going to be easy for Nicodemus to believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus meant he would be hated by his friends and family. They would bully him if he believed in Jesus. You want to know something awesome? The Bible does show you that Nicodemus eventually followed Jesus. Later on in the Bible it tells about when Jesus died.
Look which followers of Christ asked to bury Jesus?
John 19:38-42
Who buried Jesus in the tomb? Did they risk their lives to do it?
Get excited if you believe you will one day see Nicodemus in heaven!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Sometimes following Jesus isn’t easy, but Nicodemus gives us a great example of someone who decided to follow Jesus no matter what people thought of him. He wasn’t afraid to ask Jesus questions and find out what He is all about. You might not be popular because you follow Jesus. There might be a few people who do not like you. Jesus explains why this happens.
Read John 15:18
Why do people, who hate you for following Jesus, really hate you?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Don’t be discouraged when people don’t like you because you believe in Jesus.
Be kind to them and know that God is in control. Good things can come from anything, even bad situations!
Read Romans 8:28
What does God do for you? Does God work some things or all things for good?
Do you believe that God can turn anything into good?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Are you afraid of being a follower of Jesus because of what people will think of you?
Ask someone, who’s been a Christian for a long time, if they were ever scared of following Christ. Ask them if following Christ is worth it.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Nicodemus.

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Peter Walks on Water

Day 1- 01 THE STORYDid you know that Jesus walked on water? He walked from the shore to His disciples, who were in a boat in the middle of the sea. Peter saw Him and wanted to walk on water to Jesus.
Read Matthew 14:22-31. Draw a picture of Peter walking on water.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSIt took a lot of faith in God for Peter to step out of the boat and take the first step on water.
Read Matthew 14:22-31 again
What did Peter do that caused him to fall?
Sometimes we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at the things around us instead.
Peter was walking on water but when he stopped and looked at the wind and storm, he fell. He fell because he was worried about the storm, and he took his eyes of Jesus. The good news is that Jesus was there to save him.
Have you ever been worried about what was happening around you, and you took your eyes off Jesus? What are some things that have caused you to take your eyes off of Jesus?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCEAll the disciples saw Jesus and Peter walking on water. If you went to a lake and tried to walk on water, it wouldn’t be possible. Peter couldn’t walk on water if he tried by himself either but anything is possible with God! When God called Peter to walk on water, he was able to do it.
Read Matthew 19:26
Write the verse here:
How does this verse help explain how Peter walked on water.
What does this verse say is possible with God?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Hebrews 12:1-2
What does God tell us to get rid of and forget about in verse 1?
Who are we to look at as we live our lives?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTGod might not ask you to walk on water, but one thing is for sure. God can do impossible things through you if you keep your eyes on Him. Have you ever seen God do something impossible? Write about it here. If you haven’t, ask your parents or Sunday school teacher if they have.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Peter walking on water.

 

 

 

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Lazarus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

It was the time in Jesus’ life when He knew that He had to go to Jerusalem to die on the cross. But He had one more miracle to do. Mary and Martha, the girls you read about before, had a brother named Lazarus. Jesus loved Lazarus. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. When He got to their home, Lazarus had died. Jesus wanted to teach everyone that He could defeat death.
Read John 11:38-43
What did Jesus do for Lazarus? Do you believe that Jesus can overcome death?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Everyone who saw Lazarus come out of the tomb was grateful and amazed. Later, people would be amazed that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, He rose from the dead!
Read Romans 6:9-10
Will Jesus die again? The word “dominion” is another word for “power”. Death has no power over Jesus. Jesus has power over death! How does this encourage you?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Jesus can conquer death. He showed His friends and disciples that He could do it with Lazarus, but that was a sneak peek for what He was about to do.
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14
The words “fallen asleep” in the Bible can mean death. What does God promise will happen to those who believe He conquered death?

Did you notice that the first thing Jesus told Lazarus after He raised him from the dead was to take his grave clothes off? Those grave clothes were stinky and Lazarus was alive. He didn’t need them anymore… he was alive! When you die to Christ and believe in Him as your Savior, He wants you to take your grave clothes off. What? Your grave clothes is your sinful self. There is no need to act like a mummy… you are alive. Start living for Jesus!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVEDid you know that if you believe in Jesus you really don’t die? You leave earth but just move onto the next part of your life… life in heaven with God forever. Jesus defeated death so we don’t have to be afraid. He gives us hope. It could help you to think of your life as having two parts. Part 1 is your life on earth, and Part 2 is your life in eternity forever.
Read Romans 8:37-39
What did Jesus do for us?
Can anything separate you from His love?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTYou and your family are citizens of a country. Most Kanakuk Kampers are citizens of the United States but some are citizens from another country. Some people move to other countries but are still citizens of the country they came from. For example, if you are an American but move to England to live, you are actually a citizen of America. God tells us in the Bible that we are citizens of heaven. That is really our home. We just live on earth for a little while.
Read and memorize Philippians 3:20
Today spend some time thanking Jesus for conquering death. You couldn’t live forever with Him if He didn’t do it. Think about writing Jesus a letter as a way of thanking Him!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Lazarus.

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Jesus Rides a Donkey

Day 1- 01 THE STORYJesus was on His way to Jerusalem to die for the world’s sin. For the first time ever, He allowed people to worship Him in public as the Messiah. He wanted people, one last time, to know that He was their Messiah.
Read Mark 11:1-11
On what animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? What did the people do?
What did the people say?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSJesus always wants people to know who He is. Knowing Him is how you decide to believe in Him as your Savior. Read how He made sure Peter knew who He was.
Read Matthew 16:13-16
What does Jesus ask Peter? What does Peter believe about Jesus? Do you believe Jesus is the Savior?

Every Easter we celebrate Jesus riding in on the donkey on Palm Sunday. We call it Palm Sunday because the people laid palm branches down for Jesus to ride over. Every time you see a Palm tree, you can think of Jesus going to Jerusalem to die on a cross for your sins. Color the palm trees below just for fun!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Here is another verse that describes who Jesus is. He wants to make sure you know this one, too!
Read John 14:6
What 3 things does Jesus claim to be?
What does it mean “through Jesus?”

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE (#ffffff BKG) (#51afca Font)

The people in Jerusalem were worshipping Jesus and praising His name when He rode in on the donkey.
Read Psalm 150:6
How can you praise God today?
Circle ways you could worship Him:
Tell someone about Him  
Give God credit for something you’re good at 
Sing to Him
Represent Him on your sports team
Play music to Him
Thank Him for something He has done
Is there any other way you can think of to praise Him today?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACTDraw a picture of Jesus riding on the donkey. Put it somewhere to remind you to give Jesus the praise He deserves. He is your Savior!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus riding on the donkey.

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The Cross Bearer

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus went under trial, and the people chose to crucify Him. He had done nothing wrong. Jesus had to carry His cross, and since He was so tired and weak, the Roman soldiers commanded someone help Him.
Read Luke 23:26
Who was the man who helped Jesus?
What did he do for Jesus?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Simon was just a traveling guy. He wasn’t planning on doing anything crazy, until the Roman soldiers asked him to carry Jesus’ cross. Did you know the Bible says that everyone who believes in Jesus should carry a cross? What the Bible is saying is that we have to sacrifice what we want in life to do what God wants.
Read Matthew 16:24
Write down this verse and memorize it.
Once memorized, recite it to your parents!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

You probably think that carrying the cross for Jesus was really hard for Simon. Simon was taking the cross for someone else to die on… not him. It might seem hard to give up things in your life for Jesus, but when you think about not having to die for your sin, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Read Matthew 11:30 and write it out ——->
How does Jesus describe what He asks you to do? Are you thankful that Jesus died for your sin instead of you? Take some time to thank God for what He did for you on the cross!

There is a guy who walks around the world carrying a big huge cross. He goes to different countries every year and takes a large cross with him to carry. Why? To tell people about Jesus. People see him carrying a huge cross and ask him what he is doing. When they do, he will tell them how Jesus died for them. That is how God asked him to “take up his cross”. As you grow up you will get to see what God has planned for you to “take up your cross” and follow Him. No need to worry, God has planned it just for you!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Christ died for us. He literally gave up His life so we could have life. God wants you to give up your desires for what He wants. Usually, what we want are things that will go away but He wants what lasts forever.
Read Galatians 2:20
How can you “die to yourself” or give up things in your life in order to live for Christ better? Think about this today and write out your thoughts.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

A small reminder to “take up your cross” is wearing a cross. Wear something that has a cross on it this week and let it be a reminder to you to live for Jesus and not for yourself.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Simon the cross bearer.

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Thief on the Cross

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus died on the cross with two other men. Both men deserved to be on the cross because they were criminals. One of the criminals yelled at Jesus and said hurtful things. The other criminal decided to believe in Jesus right there on the cross.
Read Luke 23:39-43
Did the thief think he deserved to be on the cross?
Did the thief think Jesus deserved to be on the cross?
What did the thief ask Jesus? What did Jesus tell the thief?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

It is better to follow Jesus all your life because He can protect you from sin and your life will have purpose for good. Some people, like the thief on the cross, take their entire life to figure out Jesus is their Savior. It doesn’t matter what point in your life you decide to believe, as long as you believe in Jesus you will live with Him in eternity. God tells this story to teach you never to give up on anyone. No matter how many bad decisions someone has made, anyone can turn to Jesus.
Read Matthew 5:44. What does Jesus tell you to do for those who do bad?
Who can you pray for to know Jesus today?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Think of a time that God did not give up on you. Write about it on the next page. If you can’t think of any, ask your mom, dad, or even your grandparents to tell you about a time that God didn’t give up on them.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Write out 2 Peter 3:9
Does God want anyone to perish?
Why is God patient?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE (#ffffff BKG) (#51afca Font)

Read 1 John 3:23
What does God ask us to do?
Loving people no matter what they have done is what God wants you to do. If someone is making bad decisions, the best thing you can do is pray for God to change their heart. He can do what seems impossible!

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

The thief on the cross shows you that it’s never too late for you to believe in Jesus.
Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior?
Do you believe that your sin keeps you from having a relationship with God?
If you believe in Him… that is awesome! If you don’t know if you believe in Jesus, take the time to find someone to answer your questions. Don’t be like the thief and wait until the end of your life. Jesus wants to be in a relationship with you now!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of the thief on the cross.

CHECKPOINT

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Parent’s First and Lame Name
One thing you learned
Bible Characters- New Testament
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 2 of 3

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Peter Denies Jesus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Peter was a great man and did a lot for Jesus. Peter wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, too. When Jesus was on trial, right before He was crucified, Peter was following Jesus around to find out what would happen to him. When Jesus was being questioned by a Jewish Official, Peter was standing outside with people. These people started to recognize that Peter had spent time with Jesus. Peter made three big mistakes.
Read 18:15-27
What did the people ask Peter? What did Peter say? How many times did Peter say it?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

Peter did know Jesus. He had witnessed everything Jesus had done for the last three years. Peter was scared so instead of telling the truth and standing by Jesus’ side, he didn’t want people to know who he was. Did you know that this still happens to us today? People who know Jesus sometimes don’t want others to know that they do. Maybe they do it because they want to be a part of the popular group who doesn’t like Jesus. Or maybe they want something and think they might not get it if they know Jesus.
Following Jesus is the best part about you.
Read and write out John 3:30
What do you think it means for God to increase and you to decrease?
Circle examples below that show how God can increase as you decrease:
Telling people I believe in Jesus no matter if I am popular or not
Choosing to do things God’s way over my way
Helping others and giving God the credit
Now come up with some examples of your own and write below

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Peter did not have to be afraid. Jesus told Peter that He had big plans for after He was gone. Jesus told him that He would be with him always.
Read Deuteronomy 31:8
What does God promise you?
How can this help you never be afraid to stand strong for Jesus?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God wants you to be strong for Him.
Read Joshua 1:9
Memorize this verse today. Challenge your parents or a friend to see who can memorize the verse first!
Are you afraid that you know Jesus?
Write down why:

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

How can you stand strong for Jesus?
Write down three ways you can be strong for Him this week!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Peters denial.

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Mary Magdalene

Day 1- 01 THE STORYJesus died on the cross and two of His disciples buried Him in a big tomb. Tomb’s were almost like small caves back in Jesus’ time. They would be closed with a large stone that is too heavy to roll back open. Mary Magdalene, another one of Jesus’ friends was going to visit the tomb and she found the tomb, open with no one in it. She was sad because she thought someone had taken Jesus’ body.
Read John 20:1-18
Why was Mary Magdalene sad when she found the tomb empty?
Did Mary Magdalene recognize Jesus at first? What did Jesus go tell her to do!?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESSES

Mary Magdalene ran and told the disciples that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, and He had risen. They thought she was crazy!
Read Luke 24:11-34
Did the disciples believe Mary?
Did the disciples recognize Jesus at first?
How long was Jesus with them before they recognized Him? When did they finally recognize Jesus? What did they do after that?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCEJesus is alive! Jesus died and defeated death by resurrecting (coming back to life). If there were newspapers in Jesus’ time, this would have been the front page headline.
Romans 6:9-10. Will Christ ever die again?
He died to sin and now He lives for ______________

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

When Mary and the disciples finally recognized Jesus, they were amazed and immediately told others that Jesus was alive. In fact, these people will tell about Jesus for the rest of their lives.
Read Mark 16:15
Do you believe Jesus is alive? Do you think it’s amazing that He conquered death?
How can you tell others about Jesus’ resurrection?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT (#e5c194 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Read Romans 6:9-10 again. Jesus died to sin and now lives for God. If you believe in Jesus as your Savior, then you have died to sin, too! You are alive in Christ. Write down some ways you can live for God today.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Mary magdalene.

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Doubting Thomas

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus goes above and beyond to give you proof that He rose from the dead. There was a man named Thomas who doubted that Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus had just resurrected and people saw Him. Thomas had not seen Him yet. When the others told him what had happened, he said he wouldn’t believe until he saw the scars on Jesus’ hand.
Read John 20:24-28
What is the first thing that Jesus did when He came in the house?
What did Jesus challenge Thomas to do? What did Thomas do?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

God will always give you the information and proof you need to know that Jesus is the risen Savior. Thomas needed to see the scars on Jesus’ hands, so Jesus showed him. If you still are unsure about your need for Jesus, maybe take a minute to look at yourself. Jesus came to save people from their sins. If you don’t sin, then God wouldn’t need to send Jesus. Do you see sin in your life?
Read and write Romans 3:23
Does everyone sin or just a few people?
Circle the sin you have done:
Gossiped
Disobeyed your parents
Hurt someone with your fists
Hurt someone with your words
Thought something mean
Lied
Had a bad attitude
Thought of yourself first

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read and write out Romans 6:23
What do you deserve because you are a sinner?
What does Jesus give you instead?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

It is okay to be like Thomas and have doubts, as long as you look to Jesus for the answers. He will help you with your doubts because He wants you to know Him. Whenever you don’t understand something, ask Him about it when you pray.
He will help you understand.
Read James 1:5
What does God say He will give to you if you ask for it?
Write down a few questions that you have for God. Ask Him to help you today.
Take your questions to an older Christian and see if they can help you answer them.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Thomas got to see Jesus’ wounds healed. The scars were there, but he saw that Jesus was risen and alive! You don’t get to physically see Jesus’ wounds healed today, but you can hear how He healed another’s wounds. Ask someone who is walking with Jesus to share with you how Jesus healed their wounds. That might be the proof you need to believe!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of doubting Thomas.

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Phillip and the Ethiopian

Day 1- 01 THE STORYA man, named Phillip, was traveling when he saw an Ethiopian man reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit helped Phillip know what to do. Read what happened.
Read Acts 8:26-34
What did Phillip see the Ethiopian doing? What did Phillip ask the Ethiopian?
What did the Ethiopian need help with?
Did Phillip get to share the good news of Jesus with the Ethiopian?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Phillip obeyed God and was able to tell someone about Jesus! How cool was it that God made sure that Phillip was there to help the Ethiopian? God knew the Ethiopian needed help so God sent someone to help him. Do you see what God will do for you? He loves you so much that He will give you help when you don’t understand. He does all the work for you!
Read Ephesians 2:8

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read Acts 4:12
Salvation only comes from whom?
Try to memorize this verse today! Write it on a notecard and put it on your bathroom mirror to help you review it every day this week.

GIVE IT A TRY!

International missionaries leave their country and all the comforts of their home to go share the gospel with others. It would be a fun thing to send a missionary you know a letter or care package. Missionaries need encouragement, too! Send them a letter encouraging them and maybe throw in a few things to remind them of home! If you want to, ask them to write back telling you what they are doing! Don’t know a missionary? Ask your church! They will know exactly who to send your letter or package to!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Salvation comes from Jesus. God makes it happen, but He can use you to help Him. Do you want to be a part of what God is doing? God wants you to teach others about Jesus.
Read Matthew 28:19
Go and make __________________ of all the_______________, baptizing them in the name of the ______________, the _________, and the ________ _________.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

There are many missionaries that go to different countries and share Christ with people who don’t have churches. Next time you go to church, ask if they have any true stories about missionaries. Read their story to see what it’s like to be a missionary. Your mom or dad might be able to help you find a story, too.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Phillip.

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Hello Holy Spirit

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

After Jesus went to heaven to be with the Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit came down and started living inside all of those who believe in Jesus. Jesus actually told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would show up.  Here is what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.
Read and write out John 14:26
Who sent the Holy Spirit? What does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do?
You know that bad feeling you get after you’ve done something wrong? Or maybe you didn’t help someone when you know you should have? Or you lied to your parents when they asked you a question and you feel guilty? That’s the Holy Spirit inside of you.

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control

(Insert word search)

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Did you know that people can witness the Holy Spirit in you?
Read Galatians 5:22-23
What are all the fruits of the spirit? (fruit is what should be seen if Christ is in you just like an apple is produced from an apple tree) Which of these fruit do you need to work on? Remember that Jesus said the Holy Spirit will help you.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

If you read the Old Testament, God lived in a house. The house was called the temple. He doesn’t live in that house anymore. Because of Jesus, He can live inside of you!
You are where God wants to live!
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Who lives inside of you? What does God call you?
How special you are to God that He would want to live inside of you! He loves you that much! If you believe in Jesus, He is with you always!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God has your back. You never have to worry. If He asks you to do something, you can do it because His power is in you. He will give you the strength, the courage, and the words!
Read John 16:13
Fill in the blank. The Holy Spirit will guide and teach you

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think about a lamp today. A lamp can give a room light, but it will never be able to do what it’s supposed to until you plug it into the power source. When a lamp is plugged in, it has power! The same is true for you. You have the Holy Spirit. He is in you. You just have to “plug in” and listen to Him. How? Ever wonder how you remember a Bible verse? That wasn’t you, that was the Spirit! Have you ever been somewhere and you knew that you should be there? That wasn’t you… that was the Spirit! Have you ever thought, I shouldn’t do that; it’s not right? That is the Spirit! He is talking to you all the time, just pay attention and listen.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of when the Holy Spirit shows up.

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Paul

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

There was a guy, named Saul, who did not like Jesus, and He did not like those who followed Jesus. He would try to hurt them for sharing the gospel. The good news is that God changed Saul and even changed his name to Paul.
Read Acts 26:9-11
What were all the mean things that Paul did to Christians before he became a Christian?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Paul had a life-changing trip. He actually got to see and talk to Jesus! Read about it here.
Acts 26:12-18
What did Paul see while he was traveling?
Did Jesus know what Paul was doing to people?
Did God want Paul to preach the gospel to people?
Paul didn’t like God, but God gave him a second chance. Paul believed and started sharing Jesus with others!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

It seems crazy that God would want Paul to tell others about Him. Paul was a mean man and didn’t do what was right. The greatest thing about God is that He will forgive you…no matter what you have done. God gives you grace (forgiveness!). You don’t deserve to have a relationship with Him, but He wants to have one with you!
Read Ephesians 1:7
Does God tell you He will forgive your sin?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God loves you and wants good things for you. Paul was doing bad things, but God had good things for Him to do instead. God’s way is always better.
Read Jeremiah 29:11 and write it out.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think about how God has changed your life. Spend some time today writing a few ways God has changed you!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Paul.

I PROMISE YOU

God can change anyone! It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done… God can change you. God gives us a great example in His creation… a butterfly! A caterpillar changes into a butterfly! It seems impossible that a butterfly can look so different than it once did, but that’s how God works. Color this picture of the butterfly to remind you of how God can change you for good!

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Peter and John in Jail

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Peter and John started sharing Jesus with everyone. The same people that didn’t like Jesus, didn’t like them. Peter and John did nothing wrong, but because they shared the gospel with others, they were put in jail.
Read Acts 4:1-3
Why did Peter and John go to jail? Did people start to believe?
How many people believed in Jesus because of what Peter and John did?

MEMORIZE IT.

This week memorize Deuteronomy 31:6

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Following Christ on earth isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it when you get to spend eternity with God forever. There is not bad stuff in eternity with God. Peter and John got a chance to preach the gospel to the people who put them in jail. Look what these people said about Peter and John after hearing them speak.
Read Acts 4:13
Why were the people astonished by Peter and John?
Did Peter and John have any special training in Scripture? Do you see the lesson you can learn? Spending time with Jesus makes an ordinary person extraordinary.

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

God tells us that we don’t have to be timid.
Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Fill in the Blanks.
The Spirit gives you a power of _________ and of ____________and of  ________.
Did you know that the Holy Spirit was the One who raised Jesus from the dead? Did you know that the Holy Spirit was how Jesus was able to do all the miracles He did on earth? Did you know that same Spirit lives inside of you! You can do anything with God on your side!!!!!

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Deuteronomy 31:6 and write out Acts 4:4
What does God ask you to do?
How does God help you be strong and courageous?
Peter and John were not afraid. God was with them so they were able to tell people about Jesus. How many people know Jesus because they were bold?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

You probably won’t be thrown in prison for telling someone about Jesus. We live in a country that lets you tell others about Jesus. Did you know there are countries that it’s a crime to tell others about Jesus? Today, pray for Christians around the world to be able to safely share the gospel of Jesus without being hurt.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Peter and John.

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Jesus Goes to Heaven

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Jesus died on the cross for your sins and then He rose again three days later. He walked on earth for a little over a month with His disciples again and then it was time for Him to go be with God. The good news is that He will come back again!
Read Acts 1:9-11
How did Jesus leave this time? What did the two men remind the disciples?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

The men who saw Jesus live, die, rise from death, and go up into heaven were most of the men who wrote the New Testament. Jesus changed their lives and they couldn’t wait to tell others about Him.
Read Mark 16:19-20
Where did Jesus go? Who is He sitting next to?
What did the disciples go do?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

A few weeks ago, you read about Peter being afraid to stand strong for Jesus. Now Peter, along with the other disciples, are telling others about Him! They are changed. When you decide to follow Jesus, you change. You are not your old sinful self anymore. God has forgiven you and made you brand new.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
What happens to your old self when you believe in Jesus? How do you change?

The Bible tells us that Jesus went to heaven to be at the “right hand of God”. Draw a picture of God on His throne and Jesus sitting next to Him on the right side.

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Ephesians 4:22-24
How are you different because you believe in Jesus as your Savior?
What should you do that is different because you are changed?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Find a rock and write down the sin you are doing that you want to change and carry it with you. Jesus has already paid the punishment for the sin that you wrote down. He has already forgiven you. The next time you are near a lake, go throw that rock into the lake. Just like you don’t need to keep that heavy rock anymore, you don’t need to keep your sin around anymore.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Jesus going up to heaven.

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Timothy

Day 1- 01 THE STORYWhile Paul was traveling the world telling others about Jesus, he met a young boy named Timothy. Timothy loved Jesus. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him everywhere he went so he could teach him about sharing Jesus with people. Timothy was young, but he had a strong faith in Jesus.
Read 2 Timothy 1:3-5
What kind of faith does Timothy have? Who also had a sincere faith in his family?
Do you think he learned from his mom and grandmom?

Day 2- 02 THE SOURCE

Paul met Timothy during one of his trips around the world to share Jesus with people.
He went to a church and found young Timothy.
Read Acts 16:1-2
Did the people in the church (the Bible calls them “brothers”) have good things to say about Timothy?
Everything you do should be for the Lord, but if you follow Jesus, others will notice.
Do people notice you follow the Lord?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Paul was following God so he challenged Timothy to follow his example.
Timothy learned a lot about following God by watching Paul live for Jesus.
Read 1 Corinthians 11:1
Name 3 people you have watched follow Jesus and learned how to follow Him.
What did you learn from each person?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Timothy was young, but God used him for so many cool things! The same is true for you. God has a big plan for you, and He can do big things in you, no matter how old you are!
Read 1 Timothy 4:12 and write out
Even though Timothy was young, Paul challenged him to set an example for others in what ways?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

How can you set an example for others with your speech?
How can you set an example for others with your actions?
How can you set an example for others with your love?
How can you set an example for others with your faithfulness to do what you’ve promised?
How can you set an example for others with you are faithful to do what is right?

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Timothy.

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Paul's Jailer

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

Paul and a guy named Silas were put in Jail for sharing the gospel. God made an earthquake open the doors of the prison. The prison guard, who was in charge, thought he would be killed for the prisoners escaping, but Paul and Silas didn’t escape! They were singing praise and worship in the jail! They called out to the guard, and look what happened.
Read Acts 16:25-34
What did the Jailer want to know about? Did the Jailer believe in Jesus?
Did the Jailer’s family believe in Jesus?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

God does crazy things at crazy times.It is so fun to watch what He does! God wanted that Jailer to know Him. Paul and Silas had to first go to prison. They didn’t deserve to go to prison, but God had planned it so they could meet the Jailer. Not only did the Jailer believe in Jesus, his entire family did, too! Sometimes, hard stuff happens, but God is always in control. God often calls hard times “trials” in the Bible. He says He can make any trial turn into good. You can learn from the example of Paul and Silas. They were not mad…they were singing!
Read James 1:2
How were Paul and Silas joyful when they faced the trial of being in prison?
Circle some ways you can be joyful when something tough happens:
You are sad but still trust God
You pray and ask Him for help
You trust God to be in control
It is hard but you are excited to learn something new from God

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read and write out Philippians 4:13
Who gives you strength to do anything?
Do you believe God can give you strength when you are going through something hard?

DIG DEEPER

Philippians 4:13 is a great verse to remind you that God gives you the strength to do what He has asked you to do. Write “Philippians 4:13” on a large rubber band and wear it every once in a while to remind you that you can do anything that God asks you to do… even when it’s hard.

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE (#ffffff BKG) (#51afca Font)

Read Romans 12:12
Fill in the Blanks:
Rejoicing in _____________
Be _____________in hard times
Always be ____________________.
How do you think prayer will help you when something bad happens?
How do you think patience will help you when something bad happens?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

What are you going through right now that is tough?  How can God help you?
How can you be patient for God to turn it into something good? What if you changed your attitude a little?
If you get scared, you could always listen to or sing some praise and worship. Hearing God can help you feel better.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from Paul and Silas.

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Looking Back

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

God put true stories of people in the Bible so we can learn from their example of being faithful to God. Turn to your Character Bio Sheet and look through all the people in the Bible you have read about. Which story was your favorite and why?
Pick three Bible characters you learned from the most and write what you learned.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

God put true stories of people in the Bible so we can learn from their mistakes.
Look over your character Bio Sheet again.
Which person did you learn from their mistakes?
Write down what you learned from this person. (Read their story again if it helps you)

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read Psalm 18:30
After reading all about how God worked in the New Testament do you believe God is true? Why?
Do you run to God for protection and help?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Read Colossians 3:23
How has reading about the people of the New Testament taught you to do all you do for the Lord?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

You finished 9 months of reading God’s Word. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to hear about all you learned this summer. You can be someone that God uses for His plan! Just like all these people you read about this year, YOU are a part of His story, and He loves you and has great things planned for you. Write down one thing you were most challenged in or learned the most about. Share what you’ve been challenged by with your family and friends!

CHECKPOINT #3

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Parent’s First and Lame Name
One thing you learned
Bible Characters- New Testament
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 3 of 3

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Barnabas

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

There was a man, who lived in the New Testament, whose name was Barnabas. The name Barnabas means encourager. Barnabas loved Jesus and would encourage people.
Read Acts 11:22-24
How did Barnabas encourage the people at the church?
Barnabas was a good man because he was full of the ___________ and of ____________.

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

Being encouraged by someone can make you feel special. It can help you do the right thing, and it can help you be who you are meant to be.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11
How do you like to be encouraged?
Why do you think it’s important to be encouraged?

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Read Psalm 139:14
What does God say about you in this verse?
How does that make you feel?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Write one short note to someone every day this week to encourage them. They may be your brother or sister, friend, coach, teacher, pastor, etc. Think of the 7 people you want to write a short note to here:
Grab some paper and a pen and write them. It can be as simple as
“Dear Mom, you are the best mom ever.”

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

God wants you to encourage others! Encouraging is more than just saying something nice. It’s about challenging them to be more like Christ!
Read Hebrews 10:24
You are supposed to encourage people toward ____________ and _____________.
Below are examples of how you can encourage another:
“You look nice today”
“Great job during the basketball game! You played so great!”
“So proud of you, keep doing a great job.”
“God made you exactly how He wanted to, you don’t need to try to be anybody else.

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

It’s time to be encouraging all day. Try to find something encouraging to say to everyone you are around today!

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Barnabas.

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Abram

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

You may know or have heard about Abraham before; but his name was “Abram” before God changed his name to Abraham. God made some big promises to Abram. Investigate what God promised Abram and if Abram believed in them.

Read Genesis 12:1-5

What did God tell Abram to do? What did God promise Abram He would do?

Did Abram do it?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

God asked Abram to leave the place that he was used to living because God had a plan. God sometimes asks us to do things that take us away from where we are comfortable.

Read Hebrews 11:8

Did Abram know where he was going?

Why does this verse say that he left?

Do you have faith in God to do what He asks, even when you don’t understand why He asks you to do it?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Abram believed God could do great things. Today you are going to investigate if that is true.

Read Ephesians 3:20

Have you seen God do great things – things greater than what you can imagine? Write some down.

Go outside and look at God’s creation and list all those great things He has created.

Just like God promised Abram, He promises you that He can do things you couldn’t even imagine! Do you trust Him enough to obey Him, even when you don’t understand?

I PROMISE YOU…

Just like God promised Abram some great things, He makes thousands of promises to you in the pages of the Bible. Here are a few of them.

He loves you… 1 John 3:1

He is with you… Zephaniah 3:17

He won’t leave you… Deuteronomy 31:6

He cares for you… 1 Peter 5:7

He will provide for you… Philippians 4:19

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Abram valued God more than he valued his things or his home.

You need the right motive to be like Abram.

Read Colossians 3:2

Is there anything you think is more important to God?

How can you make God more important than things on earth?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This will be a hard challenge this week, but you can do it with God’s help. Think of something that is important to you and give it up for God. Here are some ideas

Take your favorite toy (not the toy you don’t play with anymore, your favorite toy) and give it to someone who doesn’t have one.

Go play with someone during recess who doesn’t have many friends.

Give your allowance to someone or a charity that needs the money.

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Jonah

Day 1 –  THE STORY

God wanted Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh and tell them to change their evil ways. God wanted Nineveh to follow Him, but they were so wicked Jonah didn’t want to go. Instead of doing what God asked him to do, he ran away from Nineveh and got on a boat. While he was on the boat a great storm came. He knew that God brought the storm because of his disobedience. Jonah didn’t want any of the people on the boat to die because of his disobedience, so he asked them to throw him off the boat. They didn’t want to, but the storm was so bad they tossed Jonah over the side of the boat. To make sure Jonah would get back to Nineveh, God made something crazy happen.

Read Jonah 1:11-17

It’s a true story! What happened to the boat when

Jonah got off? What happened to Jonah when he was in the water?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Jonah knew exactly what He did wrong, and He knew that what was going on around him was his fault. Sin is disobeying God. Sin has consequences. Bad things happen when you sin and it can even affect other people. Jonah realized this and decided to get off the boat.

Read Jonah 1:11-17

Have you ever gossiped and it hurt someone?

Have you ever cheated and failed a test because of it?

Have you ever lied and people lost trust in you?

What are other ways sin can create bad things?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God will do some crazy things to get you to obey Him! He loves you and knows that obeying Him is what is best. God used a storm to get Jonah in the water and He used a whale to get him to Nineveh. Could you imagine living in a whale’s belly for three days?

Read Hebrews 12:6

Do you think God was disciplining Jonah? Do you think God loved Jonah?

Did you know God is showing you love when He disciplines you?

Give it a try!

Draw a picture of Jonah and the whale.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God wants you to obey Him! As you read about Him, He will tell you how to obey.

He has placed parents and leaders in your life to guide you and help you follow Him.

Read Ephesians 6:1

Do you obey your parents? How can you obey your parents better?

Did you know that your parents love you when they discipline you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Go to the grocery store this week with your mom. Stand next to the fish section and smell the fish just a little (If you have a fish market in town ask your mom to take you there). When you know how strong the fish smell is, think about what Jonah smelled every day living in a fish! Let it remind you that it is always better to obey God the first time… He wants you to avoid all fishy situations!

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David and Goliath

Day 1 –  THE STORY

David is still a young boy, but God has appointed him the future king. The country of Israel does not yet know that David will be the future king. This is a great story because it gives you a sneak peek of what it will be like when David is actually king. Israel is at war with the Philistines who have a seriously big guy, Goliath, on their side who says a lot of bad stuff about God. Goliath challenges Israel to bring one brave man who will fight him, but every adult in the army is scared to face Goliath. David comes to the battlefield to bring supplies to his brothers and happens to be there when Goliath comes out to make his daily challenge. David’s not afraid. This story is epic! Make sure you pay attention to everything that happens.

1 Samuel 17:17-50

Was David scared of Goliath? Why do you think David was so brave?

What weapon did David use to defeat Goliath? Did David wear any armor?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

There are so many great details to this true story. There are so many lessons to learn from David and how he was not afraid to face a giant because he had God on his side.

Read 1 Samuel 17:38-40

What did Saul give David to fight Goliath? Did David use the armor? Why not?

What did David pick up to fight Goliath?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God had given David every skill He needed to fight Goliath. God didn’t want David to use other people’s skills and armor. David didn’t need to be like anyone else, he just needed to be himself. God wanted David to be exactly who He had made him to be and use the gifts that David had been given to fight Goliath. The same is true for you. When God asks you to do something, He wants you to be you. If He wanted to do it a different way, He would have asked someone else. Just like David, all you have to do is trust God and be who He has made you to be!

Read 1 John 3:16

How had God trained David for this fight? What was David’s job?

Did David have confidence that God would help him?

Did David have confidence in how God made him?

Do you trust God? Do you have confidence in how God made you?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Ephesians 2:10

What does this verse say about you?

In the story of David and Goliath, how was David created by God to do good works?

Do you believe that God is preparing you for something He wants you to do?

Can you think of how He might be doing this?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down a list of all the things that you are good at. After you do that, make a list of how God could use you to do good things by using the skills you wrote down.

 

 

 

 

 

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Abraham

Day 1 – THE STORY

Last week you learned about Abram. Remember that God changed Abram’s name later to Abraham? When you read the Bible, you will see they are the same person. This week you are going to investigate him as Abraham. 

Read Genesis 22:1-14 – (this is a lot to read so have your parents help you if you need it.)

What did God ask Abraham to do? Do you think Abraham understood why God asked him to do something this crazy?

Day 2 – THE WITNESS

So God could show us the serious faith Abraham had in Him, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham didn’t know what was going to happen but He still trusted God to provide. Read Genesis 22:7-8 and see that Abraham trusted that God would not make him sacrifice his son.

When Isaac asked what they would sacrifice, he told him that God would provide what?

When God asks you to do something, do you trust that He will provide you what you need?

For example, if God asked you to give someone your only winter coat, do you believe that He will provide a way to keep you warm?

B & B

Abraham didn’t have to sacrifce his only son, but God did.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

We can be thankful God didn’t make Abraham sacrifice his son. Are you thankful that God sacrificed His only Son so you could live forever with Him?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE 

Abraham trusted that God would provide what he needed.

Read Matthew 6:31-33

What should you not worry about?

Why does God tell you not to worry about these things?

What are some things you need that you worry about?

Take some time to ask God to provide for the things that you need.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Why did God provide for Abraham? Why does He provide for you?

Today you will investigate God’s motive.

Read 1 Peter 5:7

Why should you not worry about anything? How has God shown you that He cares for you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Today take some time to look at all you have. Look in your closet, your fridge, and in your house. How has God provided above and beyond what you need?

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Jacob and Esau

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

Jacob and Esau were Abraham’s grandsons. They were twins but they did not look like each other. Esau was the oldest, which meant that he would get everything his dad owned when his dad died (that’s called an inheritance). Jacob wanted the inheritance and tricked his father into giving it to him. This made Esau extremely mad so the two twin brothers lived apart for many years. Jacob finally realized what he had done was wrong, so he traveled to his brother to ask for forgiveness. When Jacob got to the land his brother lived in, he sent a messenger to tell Esau he was coming. The messenger came back and told Jacob that Esau was coming with 400 men.

Read Genesis 32:10-11

What was Jacob scared that Esau would do?  

Who did Jacob turn to when he was afraid?

Who do you turn to when you are afraid?

 How can you turn to God?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

It took a lot of courage and obedience for Jacob to travel to say “I’m sorry” to his brother. Today, you will investigate how Esau responded.

Read Genesis 33:1-4

What did Esau do when he saw his brother?

What Jacob did to Esau was wrong and changed Esau’s life. Did that keep Esau from forgiving his brother?

How can you be a forgiving person like Esau?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Why did Esau forgive his brother? The world tells us to get revenge, but Esau didn’t.

Read Ephesians 4:32 and 1 John 1:9

Who forgave you? What did God forgive you for? How can you forgive others?

Give it a try!

The words “I’m sorry” are sometimes the hardest words to say. Do you need to say those words to a teacher, parent, coach or friend today? Don’t say it until you mean it. Saying the words “I’m sorry” when you don’t mean it can make things worse. Pray that God would give you courage and go for it.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Ephesians 4:32

Memorize this verse today. If you did what this verse asked of you, how should you treat people who do mean things to you?

Day 5 –  CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think of some ways you can be kind or do something nice for someone who has done something mean to you. This could be a friend or maybe even a brother or sister.

Write out your ideas and then go and do one or all of them.

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David and Saul

Day 1 –  THE STORY

David grew up and became the mightiest warrior and leader in King Saul’s army. David loved the Lord and the people loved him. King Saul was very jealous of David; so instead of leading Israel, Saul set out to kill David. David had done nothing wrong but had to hide from Saul. David and his mighty men were being chased by Saul and had the opportunity to get revenge on Saul for all he had done to them. Check out what David did here.

1 Samuel 26:1-11

Where did David find Saul? What was Saul doing?

Did David have the chance to end all of his problems with Saul?

What did David do instead? God had told David he would be king.

Here was his chance to be king. Why didn’t David take it?

DIG DEEPER

Read Psalm 86:15

Write all the words that describe God in this verse.

HOW CAN YOU HAVE A HEART LIKE THIS?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES (#ef4034 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

When Saul was king, God told Saul that he would not be king for much longer. God had planned for another king, David, to take his place. Look what God tells Saul about David here.

Read 1 Samuel 13:14

How did God describe David?

What do you think it means to have a heart like Gods’ heart?

Can you have a heart like God’s? How?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Since God is perfect and everything about Him is good, He is the only person who can take revenge. He knows the right time and the right way.

Read Romans 12:19

What does this verse clearly say is God’s? What does that mean you are supposed to do?

Have you ever wanted to take revenge for something that happened to you?

Why do you think God wants you to wait on Him?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Thessalonians 5:15

What does this Bible verse ask you to do?

What does this Bible verse ask you to not do?

How can you do good to someone who has done something wrong to you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Getting revenge is a popular thing. Revenge is in many movies, books, and TV shows. Sometimes revenge is funny and sometimes it’s mean. It is very rare to see a story of someone who “Got Kind” instead of “Got Revenge.” How can YOU be a story of someone who chooses kindness over revenge?

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Zerubabbel

Day 1 –  THE STORY

God’s people were in captivity for 70 years. The temple that God asked His people to build was destroyed by the world. The time had come for God’s people to rebuild it. Zerubbabel is who God asked to travel back to the place where the Jews had first built their temple and rebuild it so that they could worship God again. God was very specific in how He wanted His temple to be built. It had to be done an exact way so the temple could be what it was meant to be… a house of God. The people who lived in the land wanted to help Zerubbabel rebuild the temple. It seemed like they were being nice, but they were actually trying to build the temple their way. This meant they wanted to add their own gods. Zerubbabel said no because he knew he needed to build the temple the way God had instructed. Investigate what happens when he does.

Read Ezra 4:1-4

What did the people try to do to Zerubbabel and the others building the temple?

Have you ever been “picked on” or bullied because you did something that was right?

How did you respond?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

It’s easy to give up when someone tries to pull you down, but this didn’t stop Zerubbabel and the Jews.

Read Ezra 6:14-15

What did they do despite everyone trying to pull them down?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel about doing what is right?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel and the Jews about people trying to discourage you?

Did you know the temple that Zerubbabel rebuilt is not there anymore? It was destroyed many years later after Jesus had died. The good news is that you don’t need to go to the temple to worship God. Why? He has a new place that He lives… inside of you. Did you know that you were a temple of God? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19 to find out!

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

How can you, like Zerubbabel, keep doing what is right no matter how others may respond? The good news is that if you choose to do what is right and are discouraged by others, you are not alone. Jesus was bullied because He chose to do what God asked of Him. People hated Jesus so much that they crucified Him on the cross. They even bullied Him while He was on the cross.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3

What was Jesus’ attitude towards the people who were mocking Him?

Did Jesus respond in a hateful way or did He just keep doing what He was doing?

How does Jesus’ example encourage you to stand strong?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Zerubbabel’s motive was to stand strong. Jesus is that ultimate example.

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13

Memorize this verse today. What are some ways you can do what is right no matter what others think or say?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Standing strong is a courageous thing to do these days. It is hard, but it’s worth it. Grab some friends who love Jesus as much as you do and decide together two ways you want to stand strong for the Lord. Help each other keep your goals. Come up with the way you want to stand strong on your own. Here are a few ideas to help you: Choose not to gossip, choose not to lie or cheat, and choose not to listen to music that is junk.

 

 

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Joseph 1

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

Joseph was one of Jacob’s many sons. Jacob, his father, loved Joseph and gave Joseph a colorful coat. This made Joseph’s other brothers jealous. Then Joseph had some dreams God gave him about how God would make him great among his brothers. When he told his brothers, they became so mad they planned to kill him. They lowered him into a pit; but just as they were about to leave him, some Egyptians rode by. The brothers decided to sell Joseph to the Egyptians as a slave. Joseph headed to Egypt and became a slave in a wealthy man’s house named Potiphar. Joseph could have been sad and mad, but instead he was faithful to God in every situation. You are going to investigate how Joseph was an example of all the great things God can do to someone who believes in Him.

Read Genesis 39:1-4

Potiphar did not believe in God, but did he notice why Joseph was successful?

What did Potiphar give Joseph?

B & B BIGGER & Better

When you read the story of Joseph, it’s easy to get mad because Joseph did nothing wrong but still ends up in a land far away. If you read more about the story, you will see that Joseph does nothing wrong again and gets thrown into prison for two years! Joseph is not the only person that is punished for being innocent.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus did nothing wrong on earth. He lived a life without sin but was punished for everyone’s sin, including yours on the cross.

Day 2 –  THE WITNESSES

Joseph became the highest person, besides Potiphar, in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar was extremely wealthy so he probably had many servants to choose from. But he saw how Joseph always stuck with God throughout his life.

Read Genesis 39:2

Who was with Joseph? Who made Joseph successful?

Do you know that God is with you no matter the circumstance?

How can you show those around you, who don’t know God, how great He is? Think about what this can look like at school, with your friends, or even on your sports teams.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Joseph was far from home and living with people who didn’t believe the same things he believed. He looked different and acted different, but he didn’t change. He was faithful and God showed others the awesome things that He can do.

Read Isaiah 41:10

The same God who was with Joseph is with you! What does this verse say that God will do for you? Memorize this verse today.

Day  4 –  THE MOTIVE

Read Matthew 5:16

What does this verse ask you to do?

How can you show those around you what God can do? Think about how you can do this with your words, your actions, and how you treat others.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Is there someone you know who doesn’t know God? Have you ever thought about asking that person to come and hang out with you and your friends at your house or at a fun church event? Why not tell them about Jesus? Remember to let your light shine!

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Esther

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Esther was an Israelite girl who became the Queen of Persia. Israel was not a country anymore and the people were captured by another nation with most of the Israelite nation living in Persia. Esther did not tell the king that she was an Israelite, not Persian. Soon after Esther became Queen, there was a man named Haman who hated the Israelites. He asked the King to destroy all of Esther’s people. The people of Israel were devastated but little did they know that Queen Esther was one of them. She could help them by asking the king to say no to what Haman asked. There’s just one problem… In those days, the Queen could not go to the King to ask a question unless he had asked for her. If Esther asked her husband to save her people, she could die.

Read Esther 4:7-17

What was going to happen to the Jews?

What did Mordecai want Esther to do?

Did Esther decide to do it?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Mordecai reminded Esther that she was the Queen for a reason. She was afraid to go to the King. But if she didn’t, she would die along with her people. Esther responded in a big way.

Read Esther 4:14-16

Was Esther willing to die for her people?

What she afraid? What changed her mind?

God used Esther to save her people. She went to the King and he cared for her so much that he didn’t punish her for coming to talk to him without being asked for. The evil man who tried to kill the Jews was punished and God saved His people once again.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Esther was willing to do whatever it took to save her people, even if it meant death.

Jesus knew all along that saving His people would mean that He would have to die.

Read 1 John 3:16

What did God do for us? What should we do for others? Was Esther willing to do this?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God may need you to do something really big for Him and He wants you to be ready to say “yes” just like Esther did. You are in your class, sports team, clubs, and organizations for a reason. There might be someone who needs to know Jesus.

The good news is, God has someone on the inside… you!

Read 2 Timothy 4:2

What does this verse tell you to be ready to do?

How can you get yourself ready for any situation God wants you to do?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think about how God can use you on your sports teams, organization, or school.

How can you show Jesus to others?

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Abram

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

You may know or have heard about Abraham before; but his name was “Abram” before God changed his name to Abraham. God made some big promises to Abram. Investigate what God promised Abram and if Abram believed in them.

Read Genesis 12:1-5

What did God tell Abram to do? What did God promise Abram He would do?

Did Abram do it?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

God asked Abram to leave the place that he was used to living because God had a plan. God sometimes asks us to do things that take us away from where we are comfortable.

Read Hebrews 11:8

Did Abram know where he was going?

Why does this verse say that he left?

Do you have faith in God to do what He asks, even when you don’t understand why He asks you to do it?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Abram believed God could do great things. Today you are going to investigate if that is true.

Read Ephesians 3:20

Have you seen God do great things – things greater than what you can imagine? Write some down.

Go outside and look at God’s creation and list all those great things He has created.

Just like God promised Abram, He promises you that He can do things you couldn’t even imagine! Do you trust Him enough to obey Him, even when you don’t understand?

I PROMISE YOU…

Just like God promised Abram some great things, He makes thousands of promises to you in the pages of the Bible. Here are a few of them.

He loves you… 1 John 3:1

He is with you… Zephaniah 3:17

He won’t leave you… Deuteronomy 31:6

He cares for you… 1 Peter 5:7

He will provide for you… Philippians 4:19

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Abram valued God more than he valued his things or his home.

You need the right motive to be like Abram.

Read Colossians 3:2

Is there anything you think is more important to God?

How can you make God more important than things on earth?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

This will be a hard challenge this week, but you can do it with God’s help. Think of something that is important to you and give it up for God. Here are some ideas

Take your favorite toy (not the toy you don’t play with anymore, your favorite toy) and give it to someone who doesn’t have one.

Go play with someone during recess who doesn’t have many friends.

Give your allowance to someone or a charity that needs the money.

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Noah

Day 1 – THE STORY

REPORTER

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Why did God choose Noah? It’s time for you to investigate and find out:

Read Genesis 6:8 and 7:1

The word “righteous” means that you have good character in God’s eyes. Was this how God described Noah?

In Chapter 7 verse 1, was there anyone else like Noah? Do you think that was really hard for Noah to do things right when everyone else was not?

Have you ever been the only person wanting to do what was right? Why was it hard?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

It was probably really hard for Noah to be different than everybody else in the world.

He was determined to do what was right no matter what. Today, investigate the source of Noah’s strong faith in God.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3

How is God described in this verse? Have you ever had a pet that sticks by your side no matter what? That’s what it means to be faithful! How has God been faithful to you?

What are the two things this verse says God will do? Has God ever given you strength?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God doesn’t want the enemy to have anything to do with you so He will save you from Him. Investigate God’s motive in saving you from evil.

Read Proverbs 29:11

Do you know God has a plan for you?

What was God’s plan for Noah?

You serve the same God as Noah and He wants good things for you. Do you believe that is true?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down something you are doing that God wouldn’t want you to do. What are some ways God can give you strength to do what is right instead? Say a prayer and ask Him to help you. Then do what’s right.

There are some super detectives who study the Bible and find really cool things. Some of these detectives compared the dates of Noah’s time and Jesus’s time and found this cool fact: the day Noah’s ark landed on dry land was the same exact day that Jesus rose from the dead thousands of years later! Just as Noah and the earth had a new beginning, you can have a new beginning from your sinful ways because Jesus died for your sins and defeated death by rising from the grave!

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Job

Day 1 – THE STORY

The Bible tells us that Job loved God with all his heart. Sometimes bad things happen in our life and that is exactly what happened to Job. He had a great family and many things, but he lost them all at the same time. Investigate this true story to see how Job responded.

Read Job 1:13-22

List all the things that happened to Job.

What are all the things that Job lost?

Do you think Job was upset for losing those things?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Back when Job lived, tearing your clothes and shaving your head meant you were really sad. When hard times happen, it is easy to be mad at God. Have you ever been made at God? Was Job mad at God? Investigate to find the answer.

Read Job 1:1 and Job 1:20-22

Did Job love God?

After Job shaved his head what did he do?

Does Job praise God in his hard time?

Does Job blame God?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

When something out of the ordinary happens, a good investigator has to find out why it happened. Today, find out why Job praised God when he lost everything.

Read Romans 8:28

Does this verse say God causes “some things” or “all things” to turn out good?

Job loved God. Do you think he believed that God would make the bad things good?

Give it a try! (#faa633BKG) (#ffffff Font)

You may be doing good, but all around you are people who are going through hard times. Make a list of ways God can use you to help other people in hard times and then go do some or all of them.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Life is good, but life can also be hard. The Bible tells you what your motive should be when bad things happen. Investigate why God allows hard times to happen to you.

Read James 1:2

A “trial” is a fancy way of saying “hard times.” What does God give you in hard times? Have you ever gone through a trial?

Why do you think endurance and faith are important things for you to have?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Are you going through something hard right now? Write down how God can teach you something through this hard time. Finally, write down how your attitude can change and then change it! Share what you’ve thought about with someone!

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Abraham

Day 1 – THE STORY

Last week you learned about Abram. Remember that God changed Abram’s name later to Abraham? When you read the Bible, you will see they are the same person. This week you are going to investigate him as Abraham. 

Read Genesis 22:1-14 – (this is a lot to read so have your parents help you if you need it.)

What did God ask Abraham to do? Do you think Abraham understood why God asked him to do something this crazy?

Day 2 – THE WITNESS

So God could show us the serious faith Abraham had in Him, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham didn’t know what was going to happen but He still trusted God to provide. Read Genesis 22:7-8 and see that Abraham trusted that God would not make him sacrifice his son.

When Isaac asked what they would sacrifice, he told him that God would provide what?

When God asks you to do something, do you trust that He will provide you what you need?

For example, if God asked you to give someone your only winter coat, do you believe that He will provide a way to keep you warm?

B & B

Abraham didn’t have to sacrifce his only son, but God did.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

We can be thankful God didn’t make Abraham sacrifice his son. Are you thankful that God sacrificed His only Son so you could live forever with Him?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE 

Abraham trusted that God would provide what he needed.

Read Matthew 6:31-33

What should you not worry about?

Why does God tell you not to worry about these things?

What are some things you need that you worry about?

Take some time to ask God to provide for the things that you need.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Why did God provide for Abraham? Why does He provide for you?

Today you will investigate God’s motive.

Read 1 Peter 5:7

Why should you not worry about anything? How has God shown you that He cares for you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Today take some time to look at all you have. Look in your closet, your fridge, and in your house. How has God provided above and beyond what you need?

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Jacob and Esau

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

Jacob and Esau were Abraham’s grandsons. They were twins but they did not look like each other. Esau was the oldest, which meant that he would get everything his dad owned when his dad died (that’s called an inheritance). Jacob wanted the inheritance and tricked his father into giving it to him. This made Esau extremely mad so the two twin brothers lived apart for many years. Jacob finally realized what he had done was wrong, so he traveled to his brother to ask for forgiveness. When Jacob got to the land his brother lived in, he sent a messenger to tell Esau he was coming. The messenger came back and told Jacob that Esau was coming with 400 men.

Read Genesis 32:10-11

What was Jacob scared that Esau would do?  

Who did Jacob turn to when he was afraid?

Who do you turn to when you are afraid?

 How can you turn to God?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

It took a lot of courage and obedience for Jacob to travel to say “I’m sorry” to his brother. Today, you will investigate how Esau responded.

Read Genesis 33:1-4

What did Esau do when he saw his brother?

What Jacob did to Esau was wrong and changed Esau’s life. Did that keep Esau from forgiving his brother?

How can you be a forgiving person like Esau?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Why did Esau forgive his brother? The world tells us to get revenge, but Esau didn’t.

Read Ephesians 4:32 and 1 John 1:9

Who forgave you? What did God forgive you for? How can you forgive others?

Give it a try!

The words “I’m sorry” are sometimes the hardest words to say. Do you need to say those words to a teacher, parent, coach or friend today? Don’t say it until you mean it. Saying the words “I’m sorry” when you don’t mean it can make things worse. Pray that God would give you courage and go for it.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Ephesians 4:32

Memorize this verse today. If you did what this verse asked of you, how should you treat people who do mean things to you?

Day 5 –  CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think of some ways you can be kind or do something nice for someone who has done something mean to you. This could be a friend or maybe even a brother or sister.

Write out your ideas and then go and do one or all of them.

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Joseph 1

 

Day 1 – THE STORY

Joseph was one of Jacob’s many sons. Jacob, his father, loved Joseph and gave Joseph a colorful coat. This made Joseph’s other brothers jealous. Then Joseph had some dreams God gave him about how God would make him great among his brothers. When he told his brothers, they became so mad they planned to kill him. They lowered him into a pit; but just as they were about to leave him, some Egyptians rode by. The brothers decided to sell Joseph to the Egyptians as a slave. Joseph headed to Egypt and became a slave in a wealthy man’s house named Potiphar. Joseph could have been sad and mad, but instead he was faithful to God in every situation. You are going to investigate how Joseph was an example of all the great things God can do to someone who believes in Him.

Read Genesis 39:1-4

Potiphar did not believe in God, but did he notice why Joseph was successful?

What did Potiphar give Joseph?

B & B BIGGER & Better

When you read the story of Joseph, it’s easy to get mad because Joseph did nothing wrong but still ends up in a land far away. If you read more about the story, you will see that Joseph does nothing wrong again and gets thrown into prison for two years! Joseph is not the only person that is punished for being innocent.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus did nothing wrong on earth. He lived a life without sin but was punished for everyone’s sin, including yours on the cross.

Day 2 –  THE WITNESSES

Joseph became the highest person, besides Potiphar, in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar was extremely wealthy so he probably had many servants to choose from. But he saw how Joseph always stuck with God throughout his life.

Read Genesis 39:2

Who was with Joseph? Who made Joseph successful?

Do you know that God is with you no matter the circumstance?

How can you show those around you, who don’t know God, how great He is? Think about what this can look like at school, with your friends, or even on your sports teams.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Joseph was far from home and living with people who didn’t believe the same things he believed. He looked different and acted different, but he didn’t change. He was faithful and God showed others the awesome things that He can do.

Read Isaiah 41:10

The same God who was with Joseph is with you! What does this verse say that God will do for you? Memorize this verse today.

Day  4 –  THE MOTIVE

Read Matthew 5:16

What does this verse ask you to do?

How can you show those around you what God can do? Think about how you can do this with your words, your actions, and how you treat others.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Is there someone you know who doesn’t know God? Have you ever thought about asking that person to come and hang out with you and your friends at your house or at a fun church event? Why not tell them about Jesus? Remember to let your light shine!

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Joseph 2

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Have you ever had a weird dream? Pharaoh was the person who ruled over all of Egypt. While Joseph was in Egypt, Pharaoh had some crazy dreams. In one of his dreams he saw seven fat cows eating by the Nile River. A little later in the same dream, he saw seven skinny cows eat up the first seven fat cows. Weird, huh? The dreamed bothered him, so he searched high and low to find a wise person to explain it to him. He asked all the land’s magicians and wise men and no one could give him the answer. Joseph used God’s wisdom to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He told Pharaoh the seven fat cows represented seven years of lots of food in the land. The skinny cows represented seven years that would follow where the land would grow no food, causing many to starve. Using God’s wisdom, look and see what Joseph tells Pharaoh how he should prepare for the years with no food.

Read Genesis 41:33-40

What does Joseph tell Pharaoh that he should do during the years there is a ton of food?

How will this help them for the seven years when there is no food?

Was Pharaoh thankful for the wisdom God gave Joseph? What job did he give Joseph?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Look back at last week’s Day One Lesson.

How did Joseph get to Egypt?

Do you think he wanted to go there instead of staying with his family?

Many people were saved from starvation because Joseph was in Egypt. Do you think Joseph was sent to Egypt on purpose?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God had everything to do with Joseph getting to Egypt. Joseph didn’t understand why at first, but He trusted God to show him.

Read Isaiah 41:10

The word “ordained” means something that is decided before it happens. God is telling you that He has decided all the days of your life before you were even born! How does this encourage you when something happens that you don’t understand?

After reading this verse, do you think God planned for Joseph to go to Egypt?

Did God have a really good reason for getting Joseph to Egypt? What was His reason?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

You might not always understand what God is doing, but you can trust Him to have a reason for why He does something in your life.

Read Proverbs 3:5-6

Is there something happening in your life and you don’t understand why it’s happening?

How can Joseph’s example encourage you to trust in God’s plan?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Give it a try! 

An investigator sometimes has to sketch things he or she sees when they are scooping out a story. Here is a list of some things from Joseph’s story. Grab a pencil, some markers or crayons and draw these things: Colorful Coat, Skinny Cow, Fat Cow and Egyptian Ruler.

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Moses' Mom

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Joseph died, and the Egyptians didn’t remember who Joseph and his people were anymore. Pharaoh decided to make all of the Israelites, Joseph’s people, into slaves. Pharaoh and his people were afraid that God’s people would get too big and take over Egypt, so they ordered all the sons to be killed. Today, you are going to investigate what Moses’ mom did to save him from being killed.

Read Genesis 32:10-11

How did Moses’ mom save his life? Who found Moses? What does Moses’ name mean?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Did you notice who else was involved?

Read Exodus 1:22-2:8 again.

Who watches Moses after his mom puts him in the basket?

Who adopts Moses as her son?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

You have read about three people who saved a little boy’s life. It is a crazy story but it happened. Some of you might be like Moses who had two moms. Moses didn’t grow up with his real mom. She had to give him up to save his life. Moses grew up with his adopted mom. She was an Egyptian so she could have ignored the baby in the basket; but she had compassion and became his mom. God used both of these women to save Moses’ life and let him grow up to do what He had planned for him.

Read Psalm 121:7

What does this verse say the Lord will do for you?

How did He do this for Moses?

How have you seen Him do this for you?

FAMILY BIO.

What is your mom like? If you don’t know the answers, ask her.

What color is your mom’s hair?

What was your mom’s first job?

What is your mom’s favorite place to visit?

What is your mom’s favorite hobby?

What’s your mom’s most embarrassing moment?

What is your mom’s favorite color?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it takes a ton of sacrifice and compassion to be a mom. The same is true for your dad. Your parents love you so much and just like Moses’ parents, they make huge sacrifices to make sure you are safe and growing up like God wants you to.

Read Exodus 20:12

What does this verse tell you to do? Do you think it’s good for you to respect your mom and dad? Think about your answer.

Have your mom and dad helped you be who God wants you to be? How? What are some ways you can do a better job at honoring your parents?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write your mom or dad a note and tell them how thankful you are to them for doing so many things for you. Make sure you give examples.

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The Burning Bush

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Moses grows up to be a shepherd and sees something crazy. A good investigator looks for all the details, so make sure you pay attention to what happens in this true story.

Read Exodus 3:1-12

If a bush were to catch fire in your backyard, it would burn until there was nothing there. What was strange about the burning bush that Moses saw?

Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush? What did He tell Moses He was going to do? Does God care about His people when they are hurting?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

There are two characters involved with this story. Today you are going to figure out what they are both like.

Read Exodus 3:1-12

Was Moses confused why God would choose him to do His work?

Have you ever thought you were not good enough for God to choose you? Can you remember a time you felt this way?

What did God say to encourage Moses?

Do you believe that God is with you when He asks you to do something?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE (#00af85 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Read Isaiah 41:13

What does this verse say?

What are some things God gives you to show that He is there to help you?

Hint… search all around you to answer this question. The Bible says all good things come from God. God uses the Bible, people, creation, and so much more to help you!

Write out some reasons why you trust God is with you.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Exodus 20:12

What does this verse say?

Has God ever given you strength to do something? Write about what He did.

Give it a try! (#faa633 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

I’m sure a burning bush that didn’t burn up was a crazy sight to see. Grab a pencil, markers or crayons and draw what you think the burning bush looked like:

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Is there something God has asked you to do that you have not done because you were afraid? You have learned that you don’t have to fear, because God will help you. Talk to your parents or an older friend about what you have been afraid to do. It’s time… pray for help and go do what you’ve been afraid to do!

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Moses 2

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Moses did what God, a.k.a the Burning Bush, told him and he asked Pharaoh to let his people go. It took many miracles, but Pharaoh finally let God’s people go back to their land. God saved them from slavery! After the Israelites left, Pharaoh changed his mind and chased after them. Check out what God did to save His people.

Read Exodus 14:10-16 and Exodus 14:21-22

Were God’s people scared when they saw the Egyptians?

How does God save the people from Pharaoh’s army chasing them?

Look closely… did God’s people walk on wet or dry land?

Does this story prove that God will take care of you in big ways and small ways?

Does God care about his people when they are hurting?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Read Exodus 14:13-14

How did Moses respond when he was scared?

Why do you think Moses trusted God so much?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read Psalm 121:7

What does the first sentence of this verse tell you about God?

Do you know that Pharaoh’s army was the mightiest army in the world during Moses’ time? Did God prove that He is the strongest Warrior there?

Do you believe God is the ultimate Warrior?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

04 THE MOTIVE

God, the Mighty Warrior, will fight your battles for you. You have to trust Him and be patient.

Read Exodus 14:14

What does this verse say the Lord will do for you?

What does this verse say that you need to do? Hint: “be still” means “be patient”

Have you ever had to be patient for God to help you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

It could be fun today to make a cardboard shield and sword. If you want to go all out, decorate it and make it look cool. On the back of your weapons, write in big letters,“God’s gonna fight for me.” Challenge a friend or sibling to a friendly cardboard sword fight. While you play, remember to let God fight your battles.

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Moses 1

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Moses and all of God’s people crossed the Red Sea and got out of Egypt. Soon after, God told Moses to go up on a mountain called Mount Sinai. God was on the mountain and it was there He gave Moses the 10 Commandments.

Read Exodus 20:1-17

Write down the 10 Commandments.

Have you ever disobeyed one of these?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

God was planning for Jesus to show up. It was the plan all along, but until Jesus got there, anyone who followed God had to follow the 10 Commandments. Some of these commandments may seem simple to follow, but God’s people couldn’t get it right no matter how hard they tried. They always broke these commandments. God used these 10 commandments to show the Israelites that they needed a Savior… big time.

Read Exodus 20:1-17

There are 10 Commandments. But the Bible says that if you do one of them wrong, you have broken all of God’s Law. Have you lied before? Have you disobeyed your parents? Have you ever stolen from somebody?

If you said “yes” then you have broken God’s Law.

Don’t be discouraged… you just realized that you need Jesus!

DEFINE IT.COVET (v) to want what someone else has.

Here is the word used in a sentence.

“Jackson coveted his friends new shoes, so he stole them.”

Coveting isn’t thinking what someone has is cool. Coveting is when you want it so bad you will do anything to take it away from the person it belongs to.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

When Jesus came, it didn’t mean that you could throw the 10 Commandments in the trash. He says in the Bible, that if you follow Him you will be following the Law. It’s that simple. Did you know that Jesus came and lived on earth for 33 years and never once broke the Law? He is the perfect example of how to live according to God’s commands. That is why He was the only one who could die for our sins.

Read Romans 6:23

A wage is something you earn (like earning an allowance for doing your chores).

You are sinning when you break the Law. What do you earn for your sin?

What does God give you through Jesus?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

What are you supposed to do with the 10 Commandments? God wants you to follow them by following Jesus. Jesus followed them and He gives you the example of how to do it.

Read John 14:15

How do you show God you love Him?

Do you do what God commands you to do?

What is one way you could follow God a little better?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

On the next page, there are drawings of hand motions to help you memorize the 10 Commandments. Use them to memorize all 10. Another awesome way to remember them is to make up a rap or a song! Once you’ve learned all 10, teach the motions, rap, or song to your friends and parents!

CHECKPOINT #1 (#00af85) (#ffffff Font)

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 1 of 3

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Joshua and Caleb

Day 1 –  THE STORY

After God’s people left Mount Sinai, they headed back to the land that God wanted them to live in. God had promised this land to them and it was awesome. Moses was the people’s leader. When they got close, Moses sent 12 spies into the land to see what it was like. The spies told everyone what they saw when they came back. All of the spies said the land had lots of awesome food and would be a perfect place to live. 10 of the spies said they shouldn’t go because they were scared of the people in the land even though God asked His people to go. Two of the spies, named Joshua and Caleb, trusted that God would take care of them and said, “Let’s go!”

Read Exodus 20:1-17

Think back on what you have learned about the story of Moses.

How had God already protected His people?

Did the people have any reason to be afraid of what God had asked them to do?

Why do you think they were still afraid? If you don’t know the answer, think about why you are afraid to do things God asks you.

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Joshua and Caleb were very brave because they stood up for what was right, even when everyone else did not. It was probably easier to side with the other spies or not say anything; but Joshua and Caleb were not worried about fitting in. They knew what God had promised and were confident that He would help them.

Read Numbers 14:6-9

What did Joshua and Caleb tell God’s people?

Have you ever been afraid to stand up for what is right when everyone else was saying or doing something different?

Who gave Joshua and Caleb courage to stand strong?

How can God give you courage to stand strong when no one else does?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Joshua and Caleb were able to stand strong because they believed God always makes His promises come true. They both knew, without a doubt, that God would have a way of dealing with all the hard stuff if He promised the land. The world and the people in it will do what feels right to them most of the time. The other spies felt scared and tried to keep people from doing what God had told them to do. Joshua and Caleb knew what was right and they stood up for it because they were confident that God would be faithful. It is always easier to stand up for someone when you know they will always stand up for you. Here is a Bible verse that can encourage you to stand up for God.

Read Hebrews 10:23

Even when the world is doing something different, how can you be confident in God?

What can you learn from Joshua and Caleb about standing strong?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

The more and more you let the world be #1, the more you will blend in and choose not to stand up for God.

Read Romans 12:1

What does this verse say not to do?

What does this verse say will happen if we block out the world and focus on God?

Have you ever done what felt right instead of what you knew was right?

Is there some way that you need to stand up for God by doing what is right?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Grab a rubber band and write Romans 12:1 on it. Wear it around today and when you are in a situation where you could stand up for what God wants you to do, let it remind you that being faithful to the world is not worth it. Be different! Stand out!

Give it a try

Joshua and Caleb were different. Here is a little way to remember what it takes to be different.

Brags about God

Encourages Others

Does Good

In God’s Word

Forgives

Faithful

Excited to Obey

Relies on God

Earnestly Prays

Nice and Kind

Trust in God

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Joshua

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Moses led Israel for many years. When he grew old and couldn’t lead anymore, a man named Joshua became the leader of Israel. Joshua is the same Joshua you read about last week. He stood up for God and God made him a great leader. God gave Joshua the job of leading his people into their land by taking it back from the people who shouldn’t be living there. You already know that Joshua was a man who chose to do what is right. He was also a pretty fierce warrior. In just seven short years, Joshua defeated 31 kings! Of course he couldn’t do it without God. Today, read what God tells Joshua when he first becomes the leader of Israel.

Read Joshua 1:1-9

What are all the things God tells Joshua that He has planned for him to do?

What are the promises that God makes Joshua?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

The book of the law was what Joshua and the people called God’s Word. Today, we call it the Bible. God tells Joshua something really important. He gives him the secret to his success as a leader. Investigate what it is today.

Read Joshua 1:7

What does God tell Joshua will make him successful?

You are reading the Bible this year and that is awesome.

Are you taking the time to do what it says?

If you stick to reading the Bible and doing what it says, you will be successful! Remember that God’s definition of success is different than the world’s definition. Reading the Bible might not make you rich and famous, or give you all that you want on the earth. What it does is even better. It tells you how special you are and takes you on an adventure to find out what God has planned only for you!

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Write down how God’s Word, which is the Bible, is described.

What does God’s Word do? How does God’s Word make you successful?

Did you know that the words “God Breathed” or “Inspired” literally mean “the breath of God? The Bible tells us that it is God’s Word and He actually spoke every word!

No wonder God’s Word will make you successful.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Joshua 1:7

Why is it important for Joshua to think about God’s Word and speak it all the time?

God is asking Joshua to memorize His words. Why do you think it’s important to memorize Bible verses?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write out Joshua 1:9 and memorize this verse today. The next time you memorize a verse, maybe you can draw your own picture to help you!

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Rahab

Day 1 –  THE STORY

It was time for God’s people to go back into the land that God had promised them. But the big hurdle was defeating the armies of the people who didn’t follow God. These people did not want Israel coming back for their land. Joshua sent 12 spies into the city to check it out. If the spies were caught, they would have been killed. It wasn’t easy to blend into the crowd because the Israelites looked and acted differently than the people of Jericho. It was a dangerous mission, but one kind woman helped them out. Read about her story.

Read Joshua 2:2-12

How did Rahab hide the spies?

What did she tell the people looking for them?

How did Rahab know about God?

Why did she show the Israelite spies kindness?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Rahab had heard about all the cool things that God had done for His people and she wanted to be a part of it.  She showed the Israelites kindness and helped them get home safely.  This act of kindness was dangerous, but Rahab did it because she wanted to help God’s people.

Read Joshua 2:11

Did Rahab believe in God? What can you learn from Rahab’s kindness?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read Ephesians 4:32

Why should you be kind to others?

How is God kind to you?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Luke 6:35

In this verse, God asks you to do four things.

What are those four things?

Are you supposed to be kind to your enemies?

The Israelites were supposed to be considered Rahab’s enemy. Was she kind to them?

Read the verse again. Are you supposed to expect anything back when you do kind things?

What does this verse say that you are supposed to do with your stuff?

Read the verse one more time. Does God tell you being kind will be worth it?

Write down what it says.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

It’s “Acts of Kindness” week. God is a kind God and we should show others kindness… even people we don’t know. Your challenge is to try to do one (or more) acts of kindness every day this week. Look for how you can be kind to people. For fun, write down some ideas of how you can show people kindness.

The spies told Rahab before they left to gather her entire family into her house and hang a red cord out her window when they came back for battle. If she did this, God would save her and her family. She did just that and God spared her life. She lived with the Israelites and followed God for the rest of her life. Did you know that she later married a Jewish man? What’s even more awesome is that Rahab was the great, great, great, great (plus a whole lot more greats) great grandma of…can you guess… Jesus!

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Gideon

Day 1 –  THE STORY

After Joshua and the people fought all their battles, they settled into the land that God had promised. God had done so many good things for His people, yet they did not follow Him at all. In fact, they decided to do things their own way and started worshipping other gods. While they were living in the land, there were also people called the Midianites living there. These people were always picking on Israel. They would steal crops and animals so that Israel literally had nothing to eat. The Israelites even had to live in caves. They turned back to God, and because He is faithful even when people are not, He asked a man named Gideon to help save His people from the Midianites.

Check out the story here.

Read Judges 6:11-16

How does God describe Himself in verse 12?

In verse 14, what does God ask Gideon to do?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

God had big plans for Gideon. Look at how Gideon responded when God asked him to defeat the Midianites.

Read Judges 6:15

Why does Gideon think he isn’t good enough?

Have you ever felt like you aren’t good or strong enough to do what God asks you?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read Matthew 19:26

What does this verse say is the difference between God and man?

Have you seen God do impossible things?

DID YOU KNOW?

God used Gideon to defeat the Midianites, but how it happened was crazy. The Midianites and their army were so huge the Bible says the number of camel’s the Midianites had were as many as the sand of the sea. Gideon only had 22,000 men. In the world’s eyes, there was no way Gideon could win with 22,000 men. The story gets crazier. God decided to tell all but 300 men to go home. With only 300 men, Gideon fought the millions of Midianites. Gideon and his 300 men won because God was on their side! The lesson is that God can do anything through anyone…including you.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

You might think God won’t use you because you are young. That is not true. Gideon did big things for God even though he thought he was a nobody. God can use you no matter how old you are. God can use you even if the world says you are not the strongest, prettiest, oldest or the smartest. God picked you for a reason.

Read 1 Timothy 4:12

What is Timothy supposed to do, no matter how young he is?

No matter how old you are, you should make it your goal to be an example for Christ.

How can you show Christ today?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACTWrite down five ways you can act like Jesus at school, on sports teams or during activities. Figure out how you can do it well and do it!

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Samuel

Day 1 –  THE STORY

After Joshua, Israel was ruled by judges. They weren’t like the judges today, but they did help the Israelites, led them in battle, and managed how their country was run. Samuel was the last Israelite judge. He loved the Lord and grew up in God’s house. When he was a young boy, God had something to tell Samuel. Samuel didn’t know it was God talking.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and write down what happened.

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 again.

The three people in this story are God, Eli and Samuel.

Who did Samuel think the voice of God really was?

Who told Samuel to listen because the voice he was hearing was God’s?

Did Samuel obey?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Samuel was probably about your age or a little older and God had something to say to him. Eli helped him understand that God was talking to him. As you grow up, you will learn more and more about God. But God knows that you need help knowing how to listen for Him and what to do when He says something. In Jesus’ day, people were bringing kids to see Him and Jesus loved it.

Is Heaven just for adults?

How did the children get to Jesus?

Who first told you about Jesus?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God wants you to grow up knowing Him so He puts people in your life to help you. Paul was a guy in the New Testament who helped a young teenage boy, named Timothy, learn to follow Jesus. He not only told him about Jesus, he showed him what it looked like to follow Jesus.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1

What does Paul ask Timothy to do?

Who are the people in your life who are examples of what it looks like to follow and listen to God?

What have these people taught you about Jesus?

What have they taught you about living for Jesus?

Samuel could actually hear God’s voice when God spoke to him. That is how God spoke in the Old Testament because there was only one copy of God’s Word and it wasn’t finished being written yet. Today, you have all of what God has said in your Bible. These days, the Holy Spirit speaks to you though the Bible, godly people, and even your circumstances. How do you know when God is speaking? The more time you spend with Him, the more you will know it’s Him. You have to get to know Him like you would any good friend. Don’t forget to have someone like a parent, mentor, Kamp counselor or Sunday school teacher help you figure it out!

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Do you have someone you look up to because they have taught you about Jesus? Write them a letter and thank them for helping you know what it looks like to follow Jesus.

If you don’t like writing letters… tell them thank you.

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Ruth

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite. Sadly, Ruth’s husband died at the same time his father and brother died. All that was left of the family was Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, and sister-in-law, Orpah. Naomi was an Israelite and Ruth and Orpah were from Moab. The people of Moab did not believe in God and the Israelites were not supposed to marry people who did not believe in God. Naomi knew that Ruth and Orpah would most likely not be able to marry again if they left Moab. So, Naomi told them to stay and she would go back to the land of Israel. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth decided to do something different. Find out what she did here.

Read Ruth 1:11 and Ruth 1:14-18

What did Ruth choose to do?

Look at verse 16. Ruth was not an Israelite, God’s people. Did she believe in God?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

In today’s world, a girl can get a job and take care of herself. In those days, the husband took care of the women. If they didn’t have a husband, their dad would take care of them. Since all the men had died, there was no one to take care of Naomi and Ruth. They were super poor! Ruth could have stayed in Moab and been fine, but she thought being with God was more important than having food and things! Ruth also knew the right thing to do was to not leave her older mother-in-law. Ruth probably knew that she needed to help Naomi, so off to Israel she went.

Read Joshua 1:7

Was Ruth a good friend to Naomi? How did she tell Naomi that she would always be there for her? Would you be able to give up food and comforts for someone else?

Would you be able to give up your life for someone else?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Next week we will read a little more of Ruth’s story, but here is a little preview: God provided for Ruth and Naomi, and Ruth married a man named Boaz. Ruth was willing to give her life for Naomi, but she didn’t actually have to die for her. But, there was someone who had to give up His life for you.

Read 1 John 3:16

Who gave up His life for you? What should you do for others?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Matthew 22:36-38

What is the first thing we are supposed to do?

What is the second thing God asks us to do?

Did Ruth do this for Naomi?

Do you do this for others?

Sometimes when you read the Bible, it’s hard to understand where people live. Use a map to find Israel and Moab.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Moab, Ruth’s people, and Israel, Naomi’s people, were neighbors. In honor of this story, this week is “Neighbor Appreciation Week!” God asks you to love your neighbor; so spend some time this week helping out your neighbor. How nice would it be if you helped them do yard work? Or maybe you could make sure their newspaper is on their porch every morning? It could be fun to deliver cookies to a neighbor. Use your imagination and have fun!

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Samuel

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Samuel grew up and God gave him the job of ruling Israel until the people asked for a king. God asked Samuel to appoint the king who God had planned. The first king was a man named Saul. Saul could have been a great king if he focused on God. Instead, Saul focused on himself and was a bad king. God knew this before it happened and had already planned for a new king to take his place. His name was David. God sent Samuel to pick him out.

Pay attention to this story because God tells you what is important to Him.

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Who does Samuel think God is going to make king of Israel? Who had God chosen?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

A shepherd’s job was to make sure all the sheep got where they needed to go safely. He would feed them, take care of them, lead them, and keep them from harm. Sounds like good experience for taking care of a country, right?

Read 1 Samuel 16:8-11

What was David doing when Samuel was there?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read 1 Samuel 16:7

Does appearance matter to God when he chooses someone?

What matters to God?

How does this encourage you?

What should matter to you?

Give it a try! (#faa633 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Write down what the world things is important.

Write down what you think is important to God.

Circle which ones are important to you

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Psalm 119:10

Did you know that David wrote many of the Psalms?

Most experts of the Bible say David wrote this verse.

What does David say that he does?

How can you seek God with all your heart?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Ask your mom if it’s okay to take a Dry Erase marker and write out 1 Samuel 16:7 on your bathroom mirror. If it’s not okay, write it on a sticky note and put it on your mirror. Every time you look at yourself in the mirror, you will be reminded what’s important to God.

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Boaz

Day 1 –  THE STORY

You read about Ruth last week, so this week we will continue on with her story. Ruth went with Naomi back to Israel, but they had no food. So Ruth decided to go to the harvest fields to collect some food. While the workers harvested the grain, Ruth followed behind picking up anything that dropped or was left behind. Have you ever heard of a homeless person digging out uneaten food from a dumpster because they don’t have food? This is what Ruth was doing. They were eating off of what other people threw out. Boaz, the owner of the field saw her doing this. Not only did Boaz let her pick up the left over grain… look what else he did.

Read Ruth 2:1-16

How much did Ruth work everyday? How did Boaz go above and beyond in helping Ruth? Giving Ruth grain was more than enough, but what else did he give her?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Boaz saw a need and he was compassionate in giving Ruth what she needed. It was extremely nice to let Ruth pick up the leftovers, but Boaz went above and beyond. Roasted grain was something the Israelites ate during those days as a meal. So Boaz was providing meals for Ruth and Naomi.

Read Ruth 2:14-17

What did Boaz tell the men working in his field to do for Ruth?

What can you learn about giving to others from Boaz?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Boaz and Ruth eventually got married. Here is a fun fact. Boaz and Ruth are the great grandparents of King David, Israel’s most famous king. King David is the great, great, great (and a lot more “greats”) granddad of Jesus. This means Boaz and Ruth are a part of Jesus’ earthly family. Thousands of years later, Jesus walked on earth and was the best example of having a giving heart.

Read Matthew 14:13-21

What did Jesus do for the people who were with Him?

DIG DEEPER

What does your family tree look like? Start with your parents.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

When you read the word “brother” in the Bible, it doesn’t always mean your actual brother. When we accept Christ, we become part of God’s family! So that means we are all brothers and sisters in Christ!

Read Deuteronomy 15:7-8

What are you supposed to do for someone in need?

How can you help people in your family who are in need?

The next time your family has dinner together, talk about how you could help people in your community who need food, shelter, and clothing.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Have you ever passed by a homeless person on the street? Ask your mom or dad if you can get a few gift cards for some places to eat. Next time you see a homeless person on the street, stop and give him/her the gift card! Make sure you only do this with your parents. Be safe!

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David and Goliath

Day 1 –  THE STORY

David is still a young boy, but God has appointed him the future king. The country of Israel does not yet know that David will be the future king. This is a great story because it gives you a sneak peek of what it will be like when David is actually king. Israel is at war with the Philistines who have a seriously big guy, Goliath, on their side who says a lot of bad stuff about God. Goliath challenges Israel to bring one brave man who will fight him, but every adult in the army is scared to face Goliath. David comes to the battlefield to bring supplies to his brothers and happens to be there when Goliath comes out to make his daily challenge. David’s not afraid. This story is epic! Make sure you pay attention to everything that happens.

1 Samuel 17:17-50

Was David scared of Goliath? Why do you think David was so brave?

What weapon did David use to defeat Goliath? Did David wear any armor?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

There are so many great details to this true story. There are so many lessons to learn from David and how he was not afraid to face a giant because he had God on his side.

Read 1 Samuel 17:38-40

What did Saul give David to fight Goliath? Did David use the armor? Why not?

What did David pick up to fight Goliath?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God had given David every skill He needed to fight Goliath. God didn’t want David to use other people’s skills and armor. David didn’t need to be like anyone else, he just needed to be himself. God wanted David to be exactly who He had made him to be and use the gifts that David had been given to fight Goliath. The same is true for you. When God asks you to do something, He wants you to be you. If He wanted to do it a different way, He would have asked someone else. Just like David, all you have to do is trust God and be who He has made you to be!

Read 1 John 3:16

How had God trained David for this fight? What was David’s job?

Did David have confidence that God would help him?

Did David have confidence in how God made him?

Do you trust God? Do you have confidence in how God made you?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Ephesians 2:10

What does this verse say about you?

In the story of David and Goliath, how was David created by God to do good works?

Do you believe that God is preparing you for something He wants you to do?

Can you think of how He might be doing this?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down a list of all the things that you are good at. After you do that, make a list of how God could use you to do good things by using the skills you wrote down.

 

 

 

 

 

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David and Saul

Day 1 –  THE STORY

David grew up and became the mightiest warrior and leader in King Saul’s army. David loved the Lord and the people loved him. King Saul was very jealous of David; so instead of leading Israel, Saul set out to kill David. David had done nothing wrong but had to hide from Saul. David and his mighty men were being chased by Saul and had the opportunity to get revenge on Saul for all he had done to them. Check out what David did here.

1 Samuel 26:1-11

Where did David find Saul? What was Saul doing?

Did David have the chance to end all of his problems with Saul?

What did David do instead? God had told David he would be king.

Here was his chance to be king. Why didn’t David take it?

DIG DEEPER

Read Psalm 86:15

Write all the words that describe God in this verse.

HOW CAN YOU HAVE A HEART LIKE THIS?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES (#ef4034 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

When Saul was king, God told Saul that he would not be king for much longer. God had planned for another king, David, to take his place. Look what God tells Saul about David here.

Read 1 Samuel 13:14

How did God describe David?

What do you think it means to have a heart like Gods’ heart?

Can you have a heart like God’s? How?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Since God is perfect and everything about Him is good, He is the only person who can take revenge. He knows the right time and the right way.

Read Romans 12:19

What does this verse clearly say is God’s? What does that mean you are supposed to do?

Have you ever wanted to take revenge for something that happened to you?

Why do you think God wants you to wait on Him?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Read Thessalonians 5:15

What does this Bible verse ask you to do?

What does this Bible verse ask you to not do?

How can you do good to someone who has done something wrong to you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Getting revenge is a popular thing. Revenge is in many movies, books, and TV shows. Sometimes revenge is funny and sometimes it’s mean. It is very rare to see a story of someone who “Got Kind” instead of “Got Revenge.” How can YOU be a story of someone who chooses kindness over revenge?

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Jonathan

Day 1 –  THE STORY

David’s best friend was a man named Jonathan. Jonathan just happened to be King Saul’s son. This meant he could be the next king. But God had planned for David to become king. Jonathan could have been jealous like his dad, Saul. He could have tricked David or fought against him to take the crown. But Jonathan chose to honor God’s way by trusting in God’s plan. He cared for David and even helped him out.

1 Samuel 20:1-16

What does David tell Jonathan about his dad?

Did Jonathan know that his dad hated David?

Did Jonathan side with David or his dad?

Why did he choose that side?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Jonathan cared more about God’s way than becoming king and having lots of power and wealth. Jonathan could have been a great king, but he trusted God to use Him in the way that God had planned. Jonathan sacrificed tons of fame and money to do the right thing.

Read 1 Samuel 20:17

How did Jonathan love David?

Was fame and fortune important to Jonathan?

Are lots of money and things more important to you than people?

The easy answer in the last question is to say “No.” Now here is the hard question… Does the way you treat people show you care more about them than your things?

MEMORIZE IT.  (#faa633 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Write out Luke 10:27 and memorize it.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Jesus is a bigger and better best friend.

He loves your life more than His own.

Read John 15:13

How did God show us He loved us?

Did God love you more than He loved His own life?

Can you think of a friend who would do that for you?

Are you starting to understand why Jesus is so special?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Jonathan loved David more than he loved himself. God asks you to do the same.

Read Luke 10:27

Who are you supposed to love the most?

How are you supposed to love the people around you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write a list of how you love yourself every day. Afterwards, make a list of how you can love the people around you the same (or even more!).

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David's Mighty Men

Day 1 –  THE STORY

God gave David some pretty awesome warriors to fight alongside before and while he was king. Today, you are going to read about some of them.

Read 1 Chronicles 12:1-2; 1 Chronicles 12:8-14

How are these warriors described? What could some of them do?

The Bible says that one warrior could defeat 100 men on his own. It also tells us about another warrior. How many men could the other guy defeat all by himself?

Did God give David people to help him fight his battles?

Do you think God will do the same for you?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

When you sharpen a knife or scissors, it makes it cut better. When you put on glasses, they sharpen your eyesight. When you sharpen a pencil, it makes it write better. Sharpening helps something do better at what it is made to do. God put mighty men around David to help make him mighty. God wants you to have good friends so you can help each other be mighty for Him.

Read Proverbs 27:17

What are some ways that a friend can sharpen you?

How can you sharpen a friend?

DID YOU KNOW… 

You can be a mighty warrior in God’s army! Read Ephesians 6:10-19 to see how.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE (#00af85 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

The best person you can have as a friend is Jesus. If you believe He is your Savior, He is always with you because His Spirit lives inside of you. If you have Him by your side, you will do awesome things!

Read John 15:15

How does this verse describe Jesus? Do you treat Jesus as your #1 friend?

How do you spend time with Jesus?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God wants to give you mighty warriors to live life with and to help you every day. They might look a little different than David’s mighty men, but they are just as important. God wants you to have friends who encourage you to grow in your relationship with Him. He wants you to be a friend who helps others to grow and be who God wants them to be.

Read Romans 12:1

What does being surrounded by lots of people who are examples of Christ do for you?

How can godly friends help you to not sin?

Do you have good friends who encourage you? List some qualities of a good, godly friend.

Are you a godly friend to others?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Choosing who you hang out with is so important to how you grow in Jesus. Ask some friends to come over who will encourage you to live like Jesus. Spend time with them and be a good friend to them as well!

CHECKPOINT #2

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 2 of 3

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Asa

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Asa was another King of Israel. His great, great, granddad was King David. Israel was only supposed to worship God, but they started to worship other idols again. When Asa became king, his first priority was to get rid of all the idols in the land. He did this so Israel wouldn’t be distracted by sin and instead could start following God again.

Read 2 Chronicles 14:1-4

How is King Asa described in the Bible? What are all the things He did as king?

What did he want Israel to do?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Many people say they love the Lord; but just saying you love Him doesn’t really mean that you do. Love is an action. If you love the Lord, you will do what He says. You will want the things that He wants. King Asa was not afraid to do what was right. He loved the Lord and did what God said.

Read 1 Kings 15:11, 14

Did Asa love the Lord?

How did he show it?

Do you love the Lord?

How do you show it?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Idols are something that you worship other than God. Worshipping something is not just a time of singing. If you give something the highest compliment, over one word… that is worship. If you spend time trying to gain the attention of someone, that is worshipping too. Here are some examples:

If you think money is the most important thing and you do everything you can to get more… money is an idol.

If you want to be the most popular and will do anything, no matter if it hurts someone, to be popular… popularity is your idol.

Idols cause you to sin. That is why Asa wanted them out of Israel. He wanted the people to follow God and idols were becoming the source of their disobedience.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:14

What does God tell you to do?

When someone asks you to flee, does that mean walk slowly or get out as fast as you can?

How can you “run” away from the things that keep you from worshipping God?

Is there anything you value more than God? Does your life look like you value God the most?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Asa thought God had more value than any of the other idols, so he got rid of them.

He set his heart and mind on God as being the best and most important.

Read Colossians 3:2

What are some ways you can make God #1 in your life?

Write down why God is important to you and put it somewhere you can see it everyday.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACTIt’s time to clean your room. You are going to do it a little differently this time around. Go in your room and get rid of anything that is distracting you from making God #1. Is there music you need to get rid of and delete from your iPod? What about movies that you might be watching? Is there a magazine that makes you think about what you look like all the time? Maybe you need to give away the video game or toy that keeps you from doing what is right. You might be distracted by your computer or your television. Is it time to move them to a room where everyone can see what you are looking at on your computer or television? Whatever it is, it’s time to “flee” from the things that keep you from God!

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Josiah

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Josiah was also a king of Israel. Josiah was King David’s great (times 14) grandson. He was a good king and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He became king when he was a teenager and Israel wasn’t following God like they were supposed to. The temple of the Lord needed to be fixed so Josiah ordered that it be fixed. While they were working on it, a man found the Book of the Law. The Book of the Law was God’s Word and Israel was supposed to be using it to know what to do. They had lost it for years and were not doing anything in the book! Check out what Josiah did when he read the Book of the Law.

Read 2 Kings 22:11-13

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Josiah, even though he was the king of God’s people, did not know what God’s Word said. Nobody in his life taught it to him. When he read God’s Word for the first time, He was ashamed that no one had been following what God said. For years, Israel had forgotten God’s Word and lived how they wanted. God needed a good leader to bring them back to it and that is exactly what Josiah did.

Read 2 Kings 23:1-3

What does Josiah promise God that he will do?

What do his people do?

Do you think Josiah was a good leader? Why?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Jesus was a great leader. He spent all of His time with His disciples showing them how to be a great leader.

Read John 13:15

What does Jesus say the disciples should do?

How did Jesus teach them?

Why do you think Jesus was a good leader?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVEJosiah was young but he was a great leader. He led by example and people wanted to follow him. Did you know that you can be a leader?

Read 1 Timothy 4:12

What does this verse tell you to do, no matter how old you are?

If you do these things, how are you a good leader?

What are some ways that you can be an example to others?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACTWrite a letter to a leader that you look up to and ask them about what it takes to be a good leader. Send it to them and give them an envelope with your address and a stamp so they can send it back to you! Ask your parents to help you with this.

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Hezekiah

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Hezekiah was also a great King of Israel. Israel had stopped celebrating all the things that God had done for them by not worshipping Him the way He had asked. Hezekiah helped Israel start celebrating all the ways God had saved them. Hezekiah prayed when he was threatened by evil kings, and God helped him. Hezekiah also chose to be prideful. When he was sick, he prayed for God to help him. When God did, Hezekiah did not thank Him or give Him the credit. Hezekiah chose to live life his own way and it caused others not to follow God. Check out what happened:

Read 2 Chronicles 32:24-26

What did Hezekiah do wrong?

What did Hezekiah do right?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

The truth is that all these great men of the Bible sometimes made mistakes. Hezekiah was a good king but he still sinned. His actions had consequences and it caused the nation of Israel to turn from God. The important part of this story is that Hezekiah repented and turned to God.

Read 2 Chronicles 32:26

What happened when Hezekiah repented?

What did God keep from him and all the people?

What can you learn from Hezekiah?

2 Kings 20:20 tells us that Hezekiah built a tunnel system that allowed water to come into the city of Jerusalem for his people while they were preparing for war. The tunnels that Hezekiah built are still there today! If you go visit Israel, you can walk through them. Ask your mom or dad to Google a picture of Hezekiah’s tunnel to see what it looks like today.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God is always faithful to forgive you when you make a mistake. He knows that you will mess up, and He will be there to help you forgive and fix what you did wrong.

Read 2 Chronicles 7:14

What does God promise you that He will do?

What do you need to do when you sin?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

It is really hard to say “I’m sorry” because you have to first admit that you did something wrong. Sometimes, like Hezekiah, we are prideful and don’t want to say “I’m sorry.” Another reason why we don’t say “sorry” is because we are afraid the other person won’t forgive us. God gives you a good reason to get over your pride and He promises to listen and forgive you.

Read Isaiah 44:22

Does God get rid of your sin? Does a cloud or a mist last very long? When they are gone, can you see them anymore? How is a cloud and mist like your sin to God?

What does God ask you to do?

Have you sinned and need to say, “I’m sorry” to God?

Go ahead… say you are sorry… it’s worth it.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

When you do something wrong, always turn to God and He will forgive you. God will always forgive you, but He wants you to learn from your mistakes. Think about the last time that you sinned.

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Solomon

Day 1 –  THE STORYDavid’s 1st son was a man named Solomon. After David died, Solomon became king.

God told Solomon he could ask God for whatever he wanted. See what Solomon asked God for in these verses.

Read 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

What does Solomon ask from God? Why does Solomon ask God for that?

How did God respond?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

God gave Solomon wisdom and he became very wise. Read how wise Solomon became.

Read 1 Kings 4:29-34

Who came to listen to Solomon?

Do you think that Solomon’s wisdom was a way to get people around the world to hear about God?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God is the true meaning of wisdom. He is what being wise really means. Solomon was wise because God made him wise. Did you know that God can give you wisdom too?

Read James 1:5

If you need to understand something, who should you go to for help?

Does God give wisdom to just a few people who ask, or anyone who asks?

Do you go to God for help when you need it?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Sometimes, the Bible asks you to “fear” the Lord. This does not mean you need to be afraid of God. The Bible is telling you to think the Lord is the most awesome thing… ever.

Read Proverbs 3:7

What does this verse tell you not to do?

What does this verse ask you to do?

How is God awesome?

List some ways that God is awesome.

How can you become wise by watching Him?

DID YOU KNOW… 

God asked Solomon to build a house for Him called a temple. It was where Israel would go to worship God.

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Have you ever had questions for God? Write down those questions and then take the time to ask Him to help you understand the answer. Be patient… God doesn’t always answer things in your timing. Keep praying while you are waiting, and when He gives you wisdom, write down the answer. You can also ask parents and godly friends for help answering some of. your questions

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Jonah

Day 1 –  THE STORY

God wanted Jonah to go to a city called Nineveh and tell them to change their evil ways. God wanted Nineveh to follow Him, but they were so wicked Jonah didn’t want to go. Instead of doing what God asked him to do, he ran away from Nineveh and got on a boat. While he was on the boat a great storm came. He knew that God brought the storm because of his disobedience. Jonah didn’t want any of the people on the boat to die because of his disobedience, so he asked them to throw him off the boat. They didn’t want to, but the storm was so bad they tossed Jonah over the side of the boat. To make sure Jonah would get back to Nineveh, God made something crazy happen.

Read Jonah 1:11-17

It’s a true story! What happened to the boat when

Jonah got off? What happened to Jonah when he was in the water?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Jonah knew exactly what He did wrong, and He knew that what was going on around him was his fault. Sin is disobeying God. Sin has consequences. Bad things happen when you sin and it can even affect other people. Jonah realized this and decided to get off the boat.

Read Jonah 1:11-17

Have you ever gossiped and it hurt someone?

Have you ever cheated and failed a test because of it?

Have you ever lied and people lost trust in you?

What are other ways sin can create bad things?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God will do some crazy things to get you to obey Him! He loves you and knows that obeying Him is what is best. God used a storm to get Jonah in the water and He used a whale to get him to Nineveh. Could you imagine living in a whale’s belly for three days?

Read Hebrews 12:6

Do you think God was disciplining Jonah? Do you think God loved Jonah?

Did you know God is showing you love when He disciplines you?

Give it a try!

Draw a picture of Jonah and the whale.

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God wants you to obey Him! As you read about Him, He will tell you how to obey.

He has placed parents and leaders in your life to guide you and help you follow Him.

Read Ephesians 6:1

Do you obey your parents? How can you obey your parents better?

Did you know that your parents love you when they discipline you?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Go to the grocery store this week with your mom. Stand next to the fish section and smell the fish just a little (If you have a fish market in town ask your mom to take you there). When you know how strong the fish smell is, think about what Jonah smelled every day living in a fish! Let it remind you that it is always better to obey God the first time… He wants you to avoid all fishy situations!

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Daniel

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Daniel was a young, Israelite boy when Israel was defeated by another country, called Babylon, and taken into captivity. The King of Babylon took Daniel and his friends and made them work for him. The people of Babylon lived differently than the Israelites. God had commanded the Israelites not to eat certain food, but people from Babylon ate those foods. The king wanted Daniel and his friends to disobey God and eat the food. Daniel did not want to disobey God. He wanted to do what was right. See what happened.

Read Daniel 1:8-20

What was the deal Daniel made with the official in Babylon?

Do you think Daniel knew that obeying God would work out for him?

What happened?

Read Daniel Chapter 6. Daniel was ordered by law to stop praying to God, but he continued to pray and worship God. As punishment he was thrown into a lions’ den to be killed. The Bible says that angels shut the mouths of the lions and God saved Daniel because he trusted in Him!

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Choosing God’s way is a decision. If you want to do what is right, you have to choose to be the person who does right long before something or someone challenges you to do something wrong. Daniel was not afraid to stand up to do what was right no matter where he was and no matter what it meant for his life.

Read Daniel 1:8

What was Daniel’s decision? How did Daniel obey and trust God in this situation?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God’s ways seem crazy sometimes. Why would He care about what Israel ate? Sometimes we don’t understand why God does something. But if you know Him, it’s easy to trust Him no matter what He asks. God has a reason for everything He does.

Read Isaiah 55:8

What does this verse say about God’s ways?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God made Daniel and his friends stronger than all the people in the king’s service. Because he did what was right, everyone noticed how strong he was, even the king.

Read Luke 11:28

Why is it hard to obey God sometimes?

Were Daniel and his friends blessed because they obeyed?

Do you believe you are blessed if you obey?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

What are some ways that God has asked you to obey Him? Have you obeyed?

Decide today if you trust God. Do you trust Him? If your answer is “yes” make your decision today to obey Him, even when no one else does.

 

 

 

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Elija

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Elijah was a prophet who told the nation of Israel what God had told him. Israel was back to worshipping idols again and God wanted to show them that He was the one and only God. God used Elijah to have a face-off with the prophets of the idol they called Baal. Elijah told the Baal prophets to get a bull and ready it to sacrifice on the altar, but not to set fire to it. Elijah would do the same thing on a different altar. Then, Elijah challenged them to call upon their “god” and he would pray to God. The one who makes fire come down to the altar is the real God. Read and see what happens.

Read 1 Kings 18:22-39

Was Baal able to bring down fire to the altar?

How long did the prophets try to catch the altar on fire?

What did Elijah have the people do to his altar?

Elijah prayed to God and what happened?

How did the people respond?

DIG DEEPERDraw a picture of this story as a cartoon strip. Read the story again and try to get in as many details as you can!

Day 2 – THE WITNESSESElijah believed that God could do anything. He also believed there was only one God. Elijah’s faith was so big that he trusted God would show up and wanted people to believe in God, too.

Read 1 Kings 18:36-37

Why did Elijah want God to set the altar on fire?

Did Elijah want people to know God or did he want to win the competition?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Elijah didn’t believe that His God was bigger than the other people’s god. He believed that only his God was real. Elijah knew that the “gods” the other people were worshipping didn’t even exist. He believed God is the one and only.

Read 1 Corinthians 8:4-6

Is there only one God?

Is there anyone like God?

How did God prove it in the story of Elijah?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Satan tempted Jesus to worship him and Jesus wanted nothing to do with that. Why? Jesus only worshipped God. God is the only real God.

ReadLuke 4:8

What did Jesus say you are supposed to do?

Do you believe that God is the only real God? Why?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

God used Elijah in a crazy way. Did you know that God can use you to show others that He is the one and only God? He won’t ask you to do exactly what Elijah did but people can see God in how you act, how you treat others, your attitude, and how you help others. How can you show someone that God is real?

 

 

 

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were Daniel’s friends who wouldn’t eat the bad food. They were also told to bow down to the image of the king from Babylon. These guys knew God’s Word and knew that God is the only God. They also knew that God had commanded them not to bow down to anything else but Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t want to bow down to the image because they believed God to be the real thing! Look at what happened when they didn’t bow down.

Read Daniel Chapter 3

What was the consequence of not bowing down to the image of the king?

What happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego truly believed that God could save them from the blazing furnace.

Read Daniel 3:16-17

Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego believe that God could save them?

Do you believe that God can save you?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

God’s plan is always to save His people. In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God showed us that He has the power to save anyone in any situation. Jesus died on the cross so that you wouldn’t have to pay the price for your sin. He did it for you. All you have to do is believe… just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did.

Read Romans 6:23 and Romans 10:9

Do you believe that God loves you so much that He died for your sin? Do you believe He can save you no matter what you have done? If you haven’t told Him you believe, tell Him now!

MEMORIZE IT.

This week memorize 2 Peter 3:9

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God has a big heart and He does not want anyone to pay the price for their sin.

He wants everyone to believe in Him. He will save anyone who believes in Him.

Read 2 Peter 3:9 and memorize.

Does God want people to perish?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego showed everyone in Babylon that God can save them. You don’t have to go into a blazing furnace to show people that Jesus saved them. All you have to do is tell someone about Jesus. Is there someone that you can tell about Jesus this week?

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Zerubabbel

Day 1 –  THE STORY

God’s people were in captivity for 70 years. The temple that God asked His people to build was destroyed by the world. The time had come for God’s people to rebuild it. Zerubbabel is who God asked to travel back to the place where the Jews had first built their temple and rebuild it so that they could worship God again. God was very specific in how He wanted His temple to be built. It had to be done an exact way so the temple could be what it was meant to be… a house of God. The people who lived in the land wanted to help Zerubbabel rebuild the temple. It seemed like they were being nice, but they were actually trying to build the temple their way. This meant they wanted to add their own gods. Zerubbabel said no because he knew he needed to build the temple the way God had instructed. Investigate what happens when he does.

Read Ezra 4:1-4

What did the people try to do to Zerubbabel and the others building the temple?

Have you ever been “picked on” or bullied because you did something that was right?

How did you respond?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

It’s easy to give up when someone tries to pull you down, but this didn’t stop Zerubbabel and the Jews.

Read Ezra 6:14-15

What did they do despite everyone trying to pull them down?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel about doing what is right?

What can you learn from Zerubbabel and the Jews about people trying to discourage you?

Did you know the temple that Zerubbabel rebuilt is not there anymore? It was destroyed many years later after Jesus had died. The good news is that you don’t need to go to the temple to worship God. Why? He has a new place that He lives… inside of you. Did you know that you were a temple of God? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19 to find out!

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

How can you, like Zerubbabel, keep doing what is right no matter how others may respond? The good news is that if you choose to do what is right and are discouraged by others, you are not alone. Jesus was bullied because He chose to do what God asked of Him. People hated Jesus so much that they crucified Him on the cross. They even bullied Him while He was on the cross.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3

What was Jesus’ attitude towards the people who were mocking Him?

Did Jesus respond in a hateful way or did He just keep doing what He was doing?

How does Jesus’ example encourage you to stand strong?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Zerubbabel’s motive was to stand strong. Jesus is that ultimate example.

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13

Memorize this verse today. What are some ways you can do what is right no matter what others think or say?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Standing strong is a courageous thing to do these days. It is hard, but it’s worth it. Grab some friends who love Jesus as much as you do and decide together two ways you want to stand strong for the Lord. Help each other keep your goals. Come up with the way you want to stand strong on your own. Here are a few ideas to help you: Choose not to gossip, choose not to lie or cheat, and choose not to listen to music that is junk.

 

 

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Esther

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Esther was an Israelite girl who became the Queen of Persia. Israel was not a country anymore and the people were captured by another nation with most of the Israelite nation living in Persia. Esther did not tell the king that she was an Israelite, not Persian. Soon after Esther became Queen, there was a man named Haman who hated the Israelites. He asked the King to destroy all of Esther’s people. The people of Israel were devastated but little did they know that Queen Esther was one of them. She could help them by asking the king to say no to what Haman asked. There’s just one problem… In those days, the Queen could not go to the King to ask a question unless he had asked for her. If Esther asked her husband to save her people, she could die.

Read Esther 4:7-17

What was going to happen to the Jews?

What did Mordecai want Esther to do?

Did Esther decide to do it?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Mordecai reminded Esther that she was the Queen for a reason. She was afraid to go to the King. But if she didn’t, she would die along with her people. Esther responded in a big way.

Read Esther 4:14-16

Was Esther willing to die for her people?

What she afraid? What changed her mind?

God used Esther to save her people. She went to the King and he cared for her so much that he didn’t punish her for coming to talk to him without being asked for. The evil man who tried to kill the Jews was punished and God saved His people once again.

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Esther was willing to do whatever it took to save her people, even if it meant death.

Jesus knew all along that saving His people would mean that He would have to die.

Read 1 John 3:16

What did God do for us? What should we do for others? Was Esther willing to do this?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

God may need you to do something really big for Him and He wants you to be ready to say “yes” just like Esther did. You are in your class, sports team, clubs, and organizations for a reason. There might be someone who needs to know Jesus.

The good news is, God has someone on the inside… you!

Read 2 Timothy 4:2

What does this verse tell you to be ready to do?

How can you get yourself ready for any situation God wants you to do?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Think about how God can use you on your sports teams, organization, or school.

How can you show Jesus to others?

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Ezra

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Israel had already gone back to rebuild their temple but they didn’t know how to worship God there. They had been away from their land and temple for so long, they forgot what to do. God sent Ezra back to Jerusalem to teach them God’s Word. He was a teacher and knew God’s Word well.

Read Ezra 7:8-10

Why did Ezra know God’s Word so well? Do you know God’s Word better because you have read it this year? Write some things down that you have learned.

DIG DEEPER

Write down your favorite Bible verse.

Why is it your favorite verse in the Bible?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Read Ezra 7:25

What did the king tell Ezra to do?

Where did Ezra’s wisdom come from?

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read Psalm 119:105

How is God’s Word described?

If it’s dark outside and you need to go somewhere, what do you take with you to see where you walk? How is God’s Word like a light as you walk in the dark? Does it show you where to go and what to do?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Reading God’s Word is important. It tells you about God and also tells you how to live for Him.

Read Matthew 4:4

You need food to eat, but what do you need to live? Food makes you grow.

How does God’s Word help you to grow?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

You are almost done with this 9 month devotional! You are amazing for making time to do this every day! What are you going to do after you are done to keep reading God’s Word? Make a plan to keep reading through your Bible. Set some goals! Maybe you could read through a specific book of the Bible!

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Nehemiah

Day 1 –  THE STORY

Israel had rebuilt their temple and was living back in their land. But they didn’t have a king.

They still had to follow the king of Persia. Nehemiah actually worked for the king of Persia. He had heard that the people were in danger because they had no protection while serving God at the temple. Nehemiah asked the king if He could go back and build walls around the city of Jerusalem, where the temple was built, so that people could safely serve God.

Read Nehemiah 2:17-18

What happened here? Did people help Nehemiah build a wall around the city of Jerusalem?

Day 2 – THE WITNESSES

Nehemiah knew that if the wall was not rebuilt, people would stop worshipping God because they were afraid or they may even join the people trying to stop them from worshipping God. He wanted to protect God’s people from harm but also protect them from following fake gods again. It wasn’t easy to build the walls. There were many people who tried to stop them. They had to build the wall while carrying weapons to protect themselves.

Read Nehemiah 4:16-20

Who did the people believe would fight for them?

Give it a try!

For fun, go outside with your friends and each of you build your own fort. Use cardboard, fabric, scrap wood, sticks, or anything you can find to build your fort. Have a water balloon fight and see whose fort was the strongest. Defend your fort well! This is a little reminder of Nehemiah’s story and how important it is to protect yourself from sin and evil as you follow God!

Day 3 – THE SOURCE

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Does God want to protect you from the evil one?

Do you believe God can protect you from harm?

Day 4 – THE MOTIVE

Nehemiah knew that God could protect His people, but he also knew that God asked Israel to do everything they could to protect themselves from harm. God will protect you and that is why He asks you to live for Him. Sometimes you have to build walls of protection around your eyes, your ears, and your heart so that you can protect yourself from getting hurt by sin and evil. God will give you the strength to do it and He will give you what you need to build your wall.

Read 2 Timothy 2:22

What should you run from? What should you let in your wall?

Building a wall keeps bad things out. What are some “walls” you can build in your life to keep wordly junk out?

Day 5 – CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Write down what you learned from the story of Nehemiah.

CHECKPOINT #3

Great Job! Email us at checkpoint@kanakuk.com so we can keep track of your progress. In your email, please include:
First Name
Last Name
Kamp you attended last summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Kamp you plan on attending next summer
K-1 K-2 K-Seven K-West K-Kountry
Title of the Book
One thing you learned
Parent’s Name
At Kanakuk, we will honor everyone who has completed all 3 checkpoints at closing ceremonies
Checkpoint 3 of 3

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What's an Identity?

Day 1 – IDENTITY: IT’S WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT

Look around you. Everything you see has an identity. What is an “identity”?Identity: (n) the qualities that make someone or something different than others. For fun, write down what you think of when you see the words below. Use words that describe their identity… the things that make them different than others of their kind.
Dogs, Cats, Mom, Dad, Truck, Car, Brother, Sister
Read Genesis 1:27
What makes humans different than all other creatures God created?

Day 2 – I.D.CARD

When you get old enough you will one day have an I.D card. I.D is short for identity card. Your I.D. card will have specific information about you so others can know it’s you. People will use your I.D. card to check that you are who you say you are. For fun, grab your mom or dad’s driver’s license and write down all it says about their identity. Then, use the space below to draw your own. What would your I.D. card say?
Read 1 Samuel 16:7
What part of your identity does God care about? What does the world care about?

 Day 3 – WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

Read Psalm 139. How does God describe you?
In this study, you are going to find out your true identity – who God created you to be. God says you are pretty cool. In fact, He uses the words “wonderfully made.”
At the end of these 9 months, you are going to know where your true identity comes from and where to look to find it.
Today, you are going to list the ways God created YOU that makes you different. Only list positive things. It will be fun to see what you add about your identity at the end of your 9 month devotional. Here are some words you can use: joyful, fearless, encouraging, adventurous, athletic. Or you can describe where you live such as American, British, Oklahoman or New Yorker. Maybe you want to list how you look freckled, brown hair, tall. Okay… it’s your turn.

Day 4 – WHERE DO YOU BELONG?

When it comes to identity, “Where do I belong” is the most asked question. Belonging somewhere allows you to feel safe. Belonging also helps determine who helps you and how you choose to live your life.
Write down your full name in the space below.
Circle your last name.
What does your last name tell others about where you belong?
How does being a part of a family help you feel secure?
How does being part of a family help you be known by someone?
You might have the same last name as your family, but the cool thing is that no matter what, God wants you to be a part of His family.
Read 1 John 3:1
What does God want to call you?
Here is an example of how “belonging” helps you make decisions on how you act.
Draw a picture below of a sports uniform for a team you are on, or were once on.
What does the name on the front of the jersey say?
What does wearing that jersey mean for how you act in the game? When you play your sport, who do you look to for help to win the game… people in your jersey or others?
Would you listen to the other team’s coach to help you win the game? Why not?
Read Philippians 2:2
If you are on God’s team, He wants you to have the same ___, and the same ___.
If by belonging to God’s team you try to think like God and love like Good, what will your actions be like?
Will you look to God or someone else to be your coach?

Day 5 – HOW DO I FIND WHERE I BELONG?

This is a simple answer. To belong somewhere you first have to believe in something. If you never decide what you believe, you will always be seeking a different place to belong.
Read John 1:12
What does God call you when you believe in Him?
If you believe in God, do you become a part of God’s family?
If you believe in God, does this verse say you have a place where you belong?
The cool thing is that God has many things planned for your life. These are specifically planned for you. You belong in God’s family. Get excited because this year, you are going to learn how God, through Jesus, has made you… you!

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The 5 B's

Day 1 – BELIEVE

If you have seen the Disney movie The Lion King, remember how Simba left the pride land after his father died? His father, Mufasa, was the king of the Pride Land and he died saving Simba from the hyena stampede. Simba is supposed to be king but runs away because he is scared. The best part of the movie is when Rafiki tells Simba that his father, Mufasa, is alive. Simba looks at his reflection in the lake, but is disappointed that he only sees himself. When Rafiki says “look harder,” Simba looks and sees his father in his reflection. Rafiki explains to Simba that Mufasa is alive inside of him. To get back to the place were Simba belonged, He had to believe that His father loved him and was alive inside of Him.
Read Galatians 2:20
When you believe in Jesus, who is alive inside of you?
Do you think Jesus living inside of you is a part of your identity?
What did Jesus do for you according to this verse?
How should you live for Him?
Your true identity can be found when you decide what you believe. God made your identity to be in Christ. When you believe in Him you will start to see your true identity.

Day 2 – BELONG

In the Disney movie Toy Story, the main character Woody is a toy owned by Andy. In all three movies, Woody knows where he belongs because his owner’s name is written on the bottom of his boot.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
When you believe in Jesus, what does God give you to show that you belong to Him?
Andy wrote his name on the toy he loved so Woody and everybody else would know who Woody belonged to. God, through the Holy Spirit, has done the same for you. He loves you and wants you to see how He has created you a place to belong. When you believe in Him, he gives you the Holy Spirit. You will learn more this year about how the Holy Spirit is your “sidekick” in the journey to find your identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit is in your heart helping you and showing the world you belong to God, who loves you.

Day 3 – BE YOU

In the movie Frozen, Elsa was born to be Queen of Arendelle, but she was born with a gift that she didn’t know how to use. Instead of facing her fears to figure it out, she hid her gift… which didn’t turn out so well. After Elsa turned the summer to frost, her sister, Anna, goes after her. Anna accidentally gets struck by Elsa’s frost and learns only true love can save her heart from freezing. At the end of the movie, Prince Hans is about to kill Elsa when Anna sacrifices her life to save her. It took Anna’s sacrifice for Elsa to finally believe in her love for her sister… she now understood the she belonged as queen of Arendelle. Elsa was finally okay with being herself.
Read Romans 8:28
What does God do for those who love Him?
God made you “you” for a reason. This year you are going to learn how it is awesome to be you and only you get to do it. God made you a certain way, with unique gifts and circumstances to do great things with Him and for Him. The most important thing you will learn is that to be the best “you” can be, you must believe in Jesus, find where you belong and then all that God has for you to “be you”… will start to fall into place.

Day 4 – BEWARE

In the movie The Little Mermaid, the thing that made Ariel unique was not that she was a mermaid. It was that she had a beautiful voice. She had big dreams of growing up to be a human. Instead of telling her father about these dreams, she goes to the evil Ursala for help. Ursala wants power, so she tempts Ariel to trade her most precious part of her identity, her voice, to get what she wants. Because Ariel gave up her identity for something she wanted, she was facing a future that she was not meant to live. Her father saved her identity by sacrificing himself and taking her place. The good news was Ursala was defeated and when Ariel trusted her father… she didn’t have to give up her identity.
Read John 10:10
What does the enemy come to do? What does God come to do?
As you begin the search for identity, you need to beware of people trying to steal your identity for selfish gain. You are going to learn about all the things the world will do to keep you from recognizing your true identity in Christ. Ursala’s offer to Ariel seemed really great during the moment, but it had consequences that would keep Ariel from being who she was meant to be. The same is true with Satan. He will use your sinful self and the world’s temptations to steal your identity. God cares about who you are and has only the best for you in mind. If you trust Him, you can avoid the damage of identity theft!

Day 5 – BE STRONG

In the Disney movie The Incredibles. The Parr family had to protect their identity when the evil Syndrome tried to destroy them. The Parr family are secretly superheroes who have been born with gifts that could help make the world a better place. To fight Syndrome, they had to work together to use all the strength they had to win.
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13
What does this verse ask you to do?
Being “alert” means paying attention and being ready.
Why is this important to stay strong? What should you stand firm in?
The Incredibles had to be strong to fight Syndrome. There will be many things in life that will cause you to question who you are. If you believe in Jesus and understand where you belong, your faith will help you be strong in who God meant you to be!

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Memorize It

Day 1 – BELIEVE

Read Romans 10:9. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
You were created to have a relationship with God. In order to have a relationship with God, you must believe in Jesus. We are going to learn this year what it means to believe in Jesus and why it is the most important part of finding your identity.

Day 2 – BELONG

Read 1 John 4:4. Write out the verse below and memorize today.
You belong in God’s family. You are God’s child and you don’t have to worry about all the different places the world says you belong. You don’t have to fit in the way the world tells you to. He is greater than the world; but unlike the world, He will never change. You will always belong in God’s family and you are safe there.

Day 3 – BE YOU

Read Psalm 139:13-14
Write out the verses below and memorize it today.
God has great things planned for you. He has made you and will prepare you to do things you couldn’t have even imagined! You always need to know that God made you exactly the way you are.

Day 4 – BEWARE

Read John 10:10. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
There are many things in life that you need to beware of. This year you will see how your enemy uses things, the world and sometimes even people to keep you from being you and living the life God wants you to live. You are not only going to be aware of what could steal your identity, but also how you can protect yourself before they try!

Day 5 – BE STRONG

Read Joshua 1:9. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
God has given us clear instruction how to be strong. But you can be even stronger because He is with you! He gave you your identity, He will help you find it, He will help you become it, and He will help you fight for it.

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You Are God's Creation

Day 1 – GOD CREATED EVERY PLACE AROUND YOU

Read Genesis 1:1
What did God create? When did God create it?
Read Hebrews 1:10. What is the work of God’s hands?
You read in the first two verses that God created the heavens and earth.
Read Hebrews 11:3. What else did God create?
God is clear that He created the heavens, the earth and the universe. He created the stars and even knows how many are out there. He created the sun, the moon and all the planets. He created the sky, the sea and the place where He lives…heaven. Every person on earth will look for their identity in the world they live in…including you. To do this, you have to know and believe in who created the world. Think about it, there is a reason something is created. For example, an artist creates art so people will enjoy it. An inventor creates a solution to a problem. An engineer creates a roller coaster for fun. A builder creates a house so it can be someone’s home. A pharmacist creates medicine for healing. God created the earth for many reasons and one of them is for you. He wants you to find the identity He gave you in His creation. To do this, you have to believe He created it. Do you believe that God created everything?
If God created everything, do you believe He understands the earth, the sky, the sea, the universe and the heavens better than anyone else?

DIG DEEPER

Read all about when and how God created everything:
Read Genesis Ch. 1 and Ch. 2.

Day 2 – GOD CREATED ALL THINGS

Read John 1: 3
Through Christ what was made? Is there anything not made by God?
Everything you see is created by God. Yes, even the man made stuff is made by God. Humans are great creators, but we can only create with the tools available to us. We couldn’t create a computer until the technology was discovered or without the materials it takes to make it. The technology and materials were created by God. He also created the brain that invented the first computer. This is just one example, but the point is that man creates from the stuff that God gives him. God created something out of nothing. He is that awesome and we can’t compare!
If God created everything, did everything get its identity from its creator… God?Spend some time listing all the things God created and thank Him!

Day 3 – GOD CREATED HUMANS IN HIS IMAGE

Read Genesis 1:27. Whose image are you created like?
Finding your identity begins with knowing the truth that you, and every other human, are created in God’s image. No other animal, fish, insect, bird or created thing on earth was created in God’s image… just humans. You are special to God so He designed and built you to look like Him. Why create humans in His image? Because He loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you. Here’s the deal… you may look similar to God, but nothing about you looks like His character. God is perfect and humans are sinners. Because of sin, we cannot have a relationship with Him without Christ. Part of God’s solution to our sin is by creating humans with the opportunity to be with Him forever. Pay attention the next few words are part of the foundation to your true identity. He created you in His image so that you, the sinner, could one day have His character. How can you one day have his character? By believing in Jesus!
Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 for a sneak peak into how humans can have God’s character.
God’s character is holy. How can we be holy?
Do you believe you are created in God’s image?
Why do you think being created in His image is important to your identity?

Day 4 – GOD CREATED YOUR IDENTITY

Read Psalm 139:13-16
Who created you in your mom’s belly? Did anyone see God making you?
If no one else saw God create you, did anyone help God make you?
Does God know how many days are in your life?
If God made you, do you believe God created your life?
The words in Psalm 139 are so unique. God says that He “wove” you together in your mom’s belly. When you read or hear the words “weave” or “wove,” it’s easy to think of a basket. If you have ever watched a basket being made, you will see it takes a lot of thought and a huge amount of time to create. The basket maker has to think through the pattern of the entire basket before starting and have the right materials for how it will be used. God took His time making you. Every part of who you are… the way you look, where you’re from, your personality, your circumstances, your strengths and your gifts…these are all the materials God used to make the one and only you. He knew, before He made you, the plan He has for your life and He created you with everything you need live. Finding your identity is first believing that He created you and then setting out on the adventure to find out why God made you, you!

Day 5 – GOD CREATED CHOICES

This week you have learned how God created you in His image and you learned how God created your identity. One thing you know is that God created you with the ability to make choices concerning your identity.
Read Joshua 24:15
Joshua gave the people of Israel the choice to do what?
Who did Joshua choose to serve?
As you start your journey to find your true identity, know you were created by God to choose your identity. He gave you the ability to choose whether you will become who you were meant to be… or not. Your God given identity will give you hope when life is tough. In Him, your identity will allow you to use all your God given strengths to do good things. God promises that He will help you every step of the way to find your true identity, but He also gives you the choice to do it on your own. There will be many opportunities in your life that will tempt you to choose your own identity instead of trusting in who God created you to be.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that God does not give any other animals in His creation the ability to choose their identity?
For example, a dog will always act like a dog. A dog was created to have a few different purposes like hunting, protecting, or being a companion. When a dog is not doing those things, it is either eating, sleeping, playing, exercising or going to the bathroom. A dog doesn’t have a choice in it’s purpose or identity. A dog will never have the choice to not do things a dog does. Think about it… does your dog have the ability to wake up and choose to be a doctor, teacher, or lawyer like you do? Of course not! Your ability to choose the identity God has for you or your own is only something humans can do.

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The Identity of God

Day 1 – GOD IS TRUE

God claims in the Bible that He is the one and only God that is true.
Read John 17:3
You have eternal life if you believe that God is what?
God not only says that He is true, He has spent all of history proving that He is true. He has proven that His words have come true in the Bible. There are thousands of things that He has said about history before things happened and guess what… they all came true. God promised a Savior at the beginning of mankind and even though Satan tried to stop it from happening for thousands of years… Jesus showed up on earth and died on the cross for our sins. God shows His truth because His Word lasts. When God says something, it’s true forever.

Day 2 – GOD IS GOOD

Read Psalm 100:5
How is the Lord described?
Read James 1:17
Everything that comes from God is described as what?
Read Romans 8:28
What can God do with all things?
The God who created you is good. Everything He does is good. God is the only one that knows how to bring good things from the hard things in life. You cannot say the same thing about the world. Therefore, you shouldn’t trust them to take care of your identity. Can you think of any bad things that God has ever done?

MEMORIZE IT

Write and memorize Romans 11:33-36. This may seem like a lot to memorize to memorize, but read or write it every day for a week and see if you can say it without looking.

Day 3 – GOD IS FAITHFUL

Read Deuteronomy 7:9
How is the Lord described? The Lord is faithful to keep what?
“Keeping His covenant” is the Bible’s fancy way of saying God is faithful to keep His promises. You can believe in God because He is faithful to do what He says.
Read 2 Timothy 2:13
Is God’s faithfulness dependent on our faithfulness?
Read 1 John 1:9
What is God faithful to do when we confess our sins?
God is faithful whether we are faithful or not. He will do what is right and good even if no one else jumps on board. This is good to know as you walk through life. You might make mistakes along the way, such as following someone else to find your identity. There might be some consequences along the way, but God is always faithful to get you back on track to become you were meant to be.

Day 4 – GOD IS IN CONTROL

Read Proverbs 19:21
What do people have many of in their heart?
Is it God’s plan that wins or man’s?
If God’s plan wins then who is in control?
Read Job 12:10
What is in God’s hand?
Read Isaiah 14:27
Is there anyone who can stop God?
God allows people to choose their own way but He is still in control. You don’t need to worry about the evil in the world if you have God on your side. Nothing is going to stop Him from doing good. Nothing will stop Him from being close to you. Nothing will stop Him from saving you. Your identity is secure with God. What He has planned for you will never change and cannot be taken away by evil. Do you trust that God is control?

Day 5 – GOD IS POWERFUL

Read Luke 1:37. Is there anything that God cannot do?
If you sue the world to form your identity, you face the chance of never feeling good enough. The truth is that God has the power to do anything He sets His mind to. If you trust Him with your identify, you will get to see it in action.

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Your Identity With God

Day 1 – YOU ARE A SINNER

Read Romans 3:23
Is there any person that does not sin?
Read Psalm 51:5
Were you a sinner when you were born?
Sin is the word the Bible uses when you choose your way over God’s way. Adam and Eve chose their own way in the Garden of Eden which has caused every single person to ever walk on the earth (except one) to be born sinful. Just because you were born a sinner doesn’t mean you are evil, it just means you were born with a problem, and it keeps you from God. God has done all the work to break you out of your sinful identity. He is the way out. He makes you pure. He can give you His holiness. To become who you are meant to be, you must believe that you have a problem and that God has the solution.

DIG DEEPER

What are some ways you have chosen your own way over God’s way. Did it work out for you? Did it cause hurt to others? Were there consequences? Was it worth it?

Day 2 – THE FIRST SIN… PART 01

It’s easy to blame Adam and Eve for all of our sin problems. But the reality is that you would have done the same thing if you were them. Today, you are going to read about the first sin that man ever committed. The crazy thing is that thousands of years later all of mankind is doing the same thing Adam and Eve did.
Read Genesis 2:15-17
What did God tell Adam not to do?
There were probably hundred, if not thousands, of good trees for Adam and Eve to eat from. How many could they not eat from? Does that seem so hard?
Why does God tell Adam not to eat from the tree? Did Adam have any reason not to trust God? Had God given Adam everything He needed? How was God trying to protect Adam and Eve?

Day 3 – THE FIRST SIN… PART 02

Read Genesis 3:1-7
Fill in the blank. “When Eve saw the tree was good for ___, and that it was a delight to the ___ and it was desirable to make you ___, she took the fruit and ate of it, and also to her husband with her, he ate…”
Adam and Eve were tempted to eat from the tree because Satan, the serpent, made them question what was best for them. God knew what was best. He had given them good things—more than they could imagine. There were probably thousands of trees in the garden they could eat from, but only one they were supposed to avoid. The Bible says that the tree was desirable to the eyes. This means it looked good. They wanted the one thing they knew they shouldn’t have. What’s worse, they didn’t trust that God knew them best. They wanted to have God’s wisdom. They wanted to do things their own way instead of God’s way. Have you ever been tempted to do something because it looked good… even though you knew you shouldn’t? Have you ever questioned if God knows what is best for you? Have you ever wanted to do things your way instead of God’s way?

Day 4 – SIN SEPERATES YOU FROM GOD

Adam and Eve learned the hard way that choosing your own way instead of God separates you from God. If you read the rest of Genesis 3, you will see that God had to kick Adam and Eve out of the Garden. It seems harsh, but God is perfect. He has no imperfections. He has no sin. To protect his holiness, He cannot be around sin. The same is true today. Because you are a sinner, God cannot be in a relationship with you. Yuck… that sounds awful. The good news is it was awful to God too. The moment Adam and Even sinned was the moment God began His plan to save mankind from their sin. He had planned it before He created Adam and Eve because He understood they were not going to be perfect.
Read Romans 6:23
What do you earn when you sin, in other words… what is your wage?
What is the gift of God? Through who do you get this wonderful gift?

Day 5 – SIN CONFUSES YOUR IDENTITYThink about Adam and Eve’s actions with the serpent. They were created by God. God literally made them out of dust. They were given great responsibility by naming the animals and being in charge of them. They had everything they needed and more. What is even more awesome… they got to walk with God in the garden. Yes, they saw Him and walked with Him. The serpent did a good job of tempting them but the truth is that sin confused both Adam and Eve’s identity. They were God’s friend. They were God’s creation. They were God’s people. In one moment their sin made them forget who they were. Adam and Eve seriously thought they could be as wise as God… something they never were meant to be.
Read Genesis 2:7-22
How did God create Adam? What did God give Adam to eat?
Where did Adam live? How did God create Eve?
What big responsibility did God give Adam and Eve?
What you believe is the foundation of your identity. To find your identity in Christ you must understand and believe that God is true and good and has given you Jesus to overcome your sin.
Do you believe you are a sinner? Do you believe you need Jesus?

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God Has a Plan

You have learned about God and how He’s awesome. You learned about how you are a sinner and how you need Jesus. This week you are going to learn how God has a plan. He has a plan for the world and He has a plan for you. Believing in God’s plan is crucial to protecting your identity. As you grow up, there will be many ways the world and the enemy will try to keep you from God’s plan. You will be tempted to think that God’s plan is not good. Your faith in God’s plan can be a shield of protection against those who try to make you someone you are not.

Day 1 – GOD LOVES YOU

Read John 3:16. How did God show that He loves the world?
Read Romans 5:8
How did God show that He loves you? When did Jesus die for you?
God didn’t think twice about giving up His Son for you. Jesus, God’s Son, didn’t think twice about sacrificing Himself for you. They didn’t do it because you deserved it. They did everything for you because you needed it. True love makes big sacrifices and God showed His love for you by sacrificing His Son so that you can live forever.
Do you believe God loves you?

Day 2 – GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU

Read Jeremiah 29:11. What does God have for you?
What type of plan does God have for you?
God has a good plan for your future. He created you for this plan. Your identity prepares you for this awesome plan. You must have faith that His plan is better than anything you could ever imagine for yourself.
Read Ephesians 3:20. What is God able to do for you? Is the world able to do this for everyone? Is everyone famous, popular, cool and wealthy?
Do you believe that God’s plan is the best for you?

Day 3 – YOUR IDENTITY WAS PLANNED… IN THE BEGINNING

Read Isaiah 46:10
When God created the earth, did He know how it all would end?
If He knows the beginning and the end, do you believe He knows the middle?
God planned all of history before one day started. He knew how you would fit into His plan thousands of years before you were born. Did you know He had you in mind when He created the world? Before you were born, the world had no idea who you were or what you looked like. A year before you were born the world didn’t even know you would be alive. But God did! Do you think it’s cool that God had you in mind when He created the entire world? Write out why.

Day 4 – THE IDENTITY CALENDAR

Read Psalm 139:16
Does God know what is going to happen all the days of your life?
Do you know how many days you will live? Do you even know what tomorrow is going to be like? You may generally know what could happen tomorrow and in life… but we have no idea if it will actually happen. For example, you know you could go to school tomorrow and in a few years could be in high school and then college. You know you could grow up and have a job and family. You could do those things, but only God knows if you will. God might even have an entirely different plan for your life than what everyone else “normally” does. God knows the when, where, how, who and why. He wants to show you, but you must believe in Him to see it.
Who should you trust with your identity… the world, you, other people or God?

Day 5 – GOD HAS GOOD THINGS PLANNED

You have learned that God has a plan for you that was set from the beginning. You have also learned that God knows who you are right down to the number of days that make up your life. You must know that God’s plan is good and that if you follow it, you will do good things.
Read Ephesians 2:10
Fill in the blank, You are God’s ___, created in ___ ___ to do ___ works.
Are you excited for the adventure of doing the good things God has planned for you?

GIVE IT A TRY

Sit down and ask someone (like a parent, mentor, youth pastor, Kamp counselor) about how they have believed in God’s plan. Here are some questions you can ask them:
Do you believe God has a plan for your life? Why?
Do you think God’s plan is the best for your life?
How has God shown you His plan for you?
How has God prepared you for the plan He has for you?

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Jesus the Human

Day 1 – JESUS WAS SELFLESS

Read Philippians 2:3-5. What does God ask us to do?
Fill in the blank. “In _______, value others _______ _______.”
Whose interests should we think about?
In verse 5, who is the example of someone who does all of these things?
Jesus is God. He has always been with God the Father since before the world was created. He didn’t have to come down to earth and save us. He didn’t have to give up the cool things about being God for a little while. If Jesus was selfish, like mankind, He would have stayed in heaven. Jesus is not selfish. He values you more than He values Himself… that says a lot since He is God. He became human so you could be free to be you without the damage of sin. Do you believe God values you more than Himself? Write out why.

Day 2 – JESUS GAVE UP… A LOT

Jesus made himself “nothing” for what reason?
Fill in the blank. “Jesus took the nature of a _________________ and being made in human ________________.”
By becoming human, God became “obedient” to what?
God is eternal which means He never had to experience death. He chose to experience death so that you and all of mankind could have eternal life. He loves you that much. Because of Jesus, you have the ability to overcome death. When you die on earth, you are not really dead. You have simply moved to heaven to live with Jesus forever. He couldn’t give you this gift from heaven. He had to leave heaven, become human, live a perfect life with no sin, and pay the penalty for your sin through His death on the cross.

Day 3 – JESUS UNDERSTANDS HUMANS

Read Hebrews 2:17
Why did Jesus have to become human in every way? What did Jesus do for you?
Jesus was fully human. This means that He experienced everything you experience. He knows how to “identify” with you. He understands the “identity of a human.” Think about this. Jesus had to go to the bathroom. He might have gotten the flu. He had a mom and a dad. He had siblings. He had a job for a little while as a carpenter with His dad. He was happy. The Bible said he was sad. He took naps and had to sleep at night. He became human so that He could be the sacrifice for sin.
Do you feel better knowing that God Himself knows what it’s like to be human?

Day 4 – JESUS UNDERSTANDS YOU

Read Hebrews 4:15
Does Jesus know how to relate to you?
How does Jesus understand you more by being human?
How was Jesus different than you as a human?
Jesus understands what it means to be you. He understands your happy times, your sad times, what it’s like to be embarrassed and even what it’s like to be hurt. He gets you. He lived life without sin so He could save you. But also shows you what it looks like to live the life God has for you.
Do you feel better knowing that Jesus understands you?

Day 5 – FOLLOW JESUS

Read Matthew 16:24
If you choose to believe in Jesus what must you do?
Your identity was created by God when He created you. The journey in finding your identity starts when you decide what you believe about Jesus and why you need Him. When you believe in Jesus as your Savior, you set out on the adventure of following Him and finding the real you. What are some ways you can follow Jesus?

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Jesus' Childhood

Day 1 – JESUS’ BIRTH

Read Matthew 1:18-25. Who was Jesus’ biological dad? Why was Jesus coming to earth?
Read Luke 2:1-19
Where was Jesus born? Who did the angels appear to when Jesus was born? What did the Shepherds do when they saw the angels?
Jesus was so unimportant to the world that He was born in a place where the animals lived. God’s identity was there in a manger. In about 33 years, He would make it possible for every person to find their true identity, but in this moment He lived like a normal baby. Have you ever wondered why God sent the angels to the shepherds? What is so special about a shepherd that they would get to see angels? Here’s the deal… Jesus would identify with the shepherds. A shepherd’s job is to make sure the sheep get where they are supposed to go safely. This is what Jesus was coming to do… “shepherd His people.” Jesus was coming so that you could get where you are supposed to go and be who you are meant to be.

Day 2 – JESUS GREW IN WISDOM

Read Luke 2:52. What are the four areas that Jesus grew?
Jesus was a kid just like you. He had to grow stronger just like you. God’s plan for Jesus was not to save the world as a baby. His plan was to save the world when Jesus grew up. Jesus had to be patient and follow what God had planned for Him to do live a perfect life and die on the cross. You have learned that God has big plans for you too. Let’s start with the first area of Jesus’ growth.
Wisdom: Gaining knowledge through learning and then applying what you have learned. You grow in wisdom when you have knowledge and experience.
What are ways you can grow in wisdom?
How can you have more knowledge about God?
How can you apply what you learn about God?

Day 3 – JESUS GREW IN STATURE

Read Luke 2:52 again
What is the second way Jesus grew?
Stature: Growing in stature means your physical body grows by being healthy and treating your body right. You are growing in character. Your physical stature is what you look like on the outside. Your character is what you look like on the inside.
Do you believe serving others will help you grow your character? How?
Do you believe reading your Bible, obeying your parents and having good friends will help grow your character?

DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Samuel 16:7. Does God care about what you look like on the outside or inside? Which one do you spend more time focusing on?

JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH GOD

Read Luke 2:52
What is the third area Jesus grew in as a kid?
Jesus lived his life to please God. Everything about His life was for God to say “you did an awesome job.”
Read Colossians 3:23. Who can you work for?
It will challenge you to do everything you do to make yourself great. But to be great, according to the world, others have to see you as great. For example, the best basketball player to ever live couldn’t just say “I am the greatest basketball player ever.” Others had to see it and say it. Here is the truth… spending all your energy getting approval from other people is hard. It is so hard that you will not only be frustrated and exhausted, but you will also hurt others in the process. After all your work, the world doesn’t promise to think you’re great. The Lord, on the other hand is ready to call you great. Do things for Him and you, like Jesus, will get His praise. His “favor” is guaranteed.

DID YOU KNOW?

There is nothing you can do to get God’s love. His love and salvation have nothing to do with what you do. He just wants to tell you good job. He wants to you to matter. Do things for Him and you will grow and others will see Him in you!

Day 5 – JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH MAN

Read Luke 2:52. Try to say it by memory!
What is the fourth way Jesus grew?
This can be confusing because you just learned that God wants you to please Him instead of others. Here is how Jesus did it right. Pleasing God was His #1 priority and He let God do the rest.
Read Matthew 6:33. What should you seek first?
Will everything fall into place when your #1 priority is pleasing God?
If you truly follow God then you will see that God has clear instructions on how to treat others. Try these:
-Love neighbor as yourself
-Turn the other cheek
-Watch your words
-Help the needy
-Love your enemies
-Be Honest
-Serve, pray and give to others
-Share Jesus with others

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What's an Identity?

Day 1 – IDENTITY: IT’S WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT

Look around you. Everything you see has an identity. What is an “identity”?Identity: (n) the qualities that make someone or something different than others. For fun, write down what you think of when you see the words below. Use words that describe their identity… the things that make them different than others of their kind.
Dogs, Cats, Mom, Dad, Truck, Car, Brother, Sister
Read Genesis 1:27
What makes humans different than all other creatures God created?

Day 2 – I.D.CARD

When you get old enough you will one day have an I.D card. I.D is short for identity card. Your I.D. card will have specific information about you so others can know it’s you. People will use your I.D. card to check that you are who you say you are. For fun, grab your mom or dad’s driver’s license and write down all it says about their identity. Then, use the space below to draw your own. What would your I.D. card say?
Read 1 Samuel 16:7
What part of your identity does God care about? What does the world care about?

 Day 3 – WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

Read Psalm 139. How does God describe you?
In this study, you are going to find out your true identity – who God created you to be. God says you are pretty cool. In fact, He uses the words “wonderfully made.”
At the end of these 9 months, you are going to know where your true identity comes from and where to look to find it.
Today, you are going to list the ways God created YOU that makes you different. Only list positive things. It will be fun to see what you add about your identity at the end of your 9 month devotional. Here are some words you can use: joyful, fearless, encouraging, adventurous, athletic. Or you can describe where you live such as American, British, Oklahoman or New Yorker. Maybe you want to list how you look freckled, brown hair, tall. Okay… it’s your turn.

Day 4 – WHERE DO YOU BELONG?

When it comes to identity, “Where do I belong” is the most asked question. Belonging somewhere allows you to feel safe. Belonging also helps determine who helps you and how you choose to live your life.
Write down your full name in the space below.
Circle your last name.
What does your last name tell others about where you belong?
How does being a part of a family help you feel secure?
How does being part of a family help you be known by someone?
You might have the same last name as your family, but the cool thing is that no matter what, God wants you to be a part of His family.
Read 1 John 3:1
What does God want to call you?
Here is an example of how “belonging” helps you make decisions on how you act.
Draw a picture below of a sports uniform for a team you are on, or were once on.
What does the name on the front of the jersey say?
What does wearing that jersey mean for how you act in the game? When you play your sport, who do you look to for help to win the game… people in your jersey or others?
Would you listen to the other team’s coach to help you win the game? Why not?
Read Philippians 2:2
If you are on God’s team, He wants you to have the same ___, and the same ___.
If by belonging to God’s team you try to think like God and love like Good, what will your actions be like?
Will you look to God or someone else to be your coach?

Day 5 – HOW DO I FIND WHERE I BELONG?

This is a simple answer. To belong somewhere you first have to believe in something. If you never decide what you believe, you will always be seeking a different place to belong.
Read John 1:12
What does God call you when you believe in Him?
If you believe in God, do you become a part of God’s family?
If you believe in God, does this verse say you have a place where you belong?
The cool thing is that God has many things planned for your life. These are specifically planned for you. You belong in God’s family. Get excited because this year, you are going to learn how God, through Jesus, has made you… you!

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The 5 B's

Day 1 – BELIEVE

If you have seen the Disney movie The Lion King, remember how Simba left the pride land after his father died? His father, Mufasa, was the king of the Pride Land and he died saving Simba from the hyena stampede. Simba is supposed to be king but runs away because he is scared. The best part of the movie is when Rafiki tells Simba that his father, Mufasa, is alive. Simba looks at his reflection in the lake, but is disappointed that he only sees himself. When Rafiki says “look harder,” Simba looks and sees his father in his reflection. Rafiki explains to Simba that Mufasa is alive inside of him. To get back to the place were Simba belonged, He had to believe that His father loved him and was alive inside of Him.
Read Galatians 2:20
When you believe in Jesus, who is alive inside of you?
Do you think Jesus living inside of you is a part of your identity?
What did Jesus do for you according to this verse?
How should you live for Him?
Your true identity can be found when you decide what you believe. God made your identity to be in Christ. When you believe in Him you will start to see your true identity.

Day 2 – BELONG

In the Disney movie Toy Story, the main character Woody is a toy owned by Andy. In all three movies, Woody knows where he belongs because his owner’s name is written on the bottom of his boot.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
When you believe in Jesus, what does God give you to show that you belong to Him?
Andy wrote his name on the toy he loved so Woody and everybody else would know who Woody belonged to. God, through the Holy Spirit, has done the same for you. He loves you and wants you to see how He has created you a place to belong. When you believe in Him, he gives you the Holy Spirit. You will learn more this year about how the Holy Spirit is your “sidekick” in the journey to find your identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit is in your heart helping you and showing the world you belong to God, who loves you.

Day 3 – BE YOU

In the movie Frozen, Elsa was born to be Queen of Arendelle, but she was born with a gift that she didn’t know how to use. Instead of facing her fears to figure it out, she hid her gift… which didn’t turn out so well. After Elsa turned the summer to frost, her sister, Anna, goes after her. Anna accidentally gets struck by Elsa’s frost and learns only true love can save her heart from freezing. At the end of the movie, Prince Hans is about to kill Elsa when Anna sacrifices her life to save her. It took Anna’s sacrifice for Elsa to finally believe in her love for her sister… she now understood the she belonged as queen of Arendelle. Elsa was finally okay with being herself.
Read Romans 8:28
What does God do for those who love Him?
God made you “you” for a reason. This year you are going to learn how it is awesome to be you and only you get to do it. God made you a certain way, with unique gifts and circumstances to do great things with Him and for Him. The most important thing you will learn is that to be the best “you” can be, you must believe in Jesus, find where you belong and then all that God has for you to “be you”… will start to fall into place.

Day 4 – BEWARE

In the movie The Little Mermaid, the thing that made Ariel unique was not that she was a mermaid. It was that she had a beautiful voice. She had big dreams of growing up to be a human. Instead of telling her father about these dreams, she goes to the evil Ursala for help. Ursala wants power, so she tempts Ariel to trade her most precious part of her identity, her voice, to get what she wants. Because Ariel gave up her identity for something she wanted, she was facing a future that she was not meant to live. Her father saved her identity by sacrificing himself and taking her place. The good news was Ursala was defeated and when Ariel trusted her father… she didn’t have to give up her identity.
Read John 10:10
What does the enemy come to do? What does God come to do?
As you begin the search for identity, you need to beware of people trying to steal your identity for selfish gain. You are going to learn about all the things the world will do to keep you from recognizing your true identity in Christ. Ursala’s offer to Ariel seemed really great during the moment, but it had consequences that would keep Ariel from being who she was meant to be. The same is true with Satan. He will use your sinful self and the world’s temptations to steal your identity. God cares about who you are and has only the best for you in mind. If you trust Him, you can avoid the damage of identity theft!

Day 5 – BE STRONG

In the Disney movie The Incredibles. The Parr family had to protect their identity when the evil Syndrome tried to destroy them. The Parr family are secretly superheroes who have been born with gifts that could help make the world a better place. To fight Syndrome, they had to work together to use all the strength they had to win.
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13
What does this verse ask you to do?
Being “alert” means paying attention and being ready.
Why is this important to stay strong? What should you stand firm in?
The Incredibles had to be strong to fight Syndrome. There will be many things in life that will cause you to question who you are. If you believe in Jesus and understand where you belong, your faith will help you be strong in who God meant you to be!

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Memorize It

Day 1 – BELIEVE

Read Romans 10:9. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
You were created to have a relationship with God. In order to have a relationship with God, you must believe in Jesus. We are going to learn this year what it means to believe in Jesus and why it is the most important part of finding your identity.

Day 2 – BELONG

Read 1 John 4:4. Write out the verse below and memorize today.
You belong in God’s family. You are God’s child and you don’t have to worry about all the different places the world says you belong. You don’t have to fit in the way the world tells you to. He is greater than the world; but unlike the world, He will never change. You will always belong in God’s family and you are safe there.

Day 3 – BE YOU

Read Psalm 139:13-14
Write out the verses below and memorize it today.
God has great things planned for you. He has made you and will prepare you to do things you couldn’t have even imagined! You always need to know that God made you exactly the way you are.

Day 4 – BEWARE

Read John 10:10. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
There are many things in life that you need to beware of. This year you will see how your enemy uses things, the world and sometimes even people to keep you from being you and living the life God wants you to live. You are not only going to be aware of what could steal your identity, but also how you can protect yourself before they try!

Day 5 – BE STRONG

Read Joshua 1:9. Write out the verse below and memorize it today.
God has given us clear instruction how to be strong. But you can be even stronger because He is with you! He gave you your identity, He will help you find it, He will help you become it, and He will help you fight for it.

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