9 a.m.
Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 9:00 a.m. Service:
10:45 a.m.
Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 10:45 a.m. Service:
Leader Devo
“No, no, no, no, no,” I heard my toddler, Jack, muttering. Alerted, I ran and caught him just as he was about to stick his father’s keys in an outlet. Too young to understand the danger, Jack was at least old enough to associate the little holes in the wall with the forbidden—his whispered “no” saved him from calamity even if it didn’t stop the urge to disobey.
Like Jack, all of us have sometimes chosen to ignore God’s “no” and choose our own “yes.” We take shortcuts to pleasure or fulfillment, heedless of the danger.
Not Jesus. Take a moment to read Matthew 4:1–11. Notice how Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness. He invites Jesus to take things—sustenance, protection, and power—that were already His by right. Satan’s “shortcuts” offer false promises. But Jesus knew who He is, and He saw through the lies.
In some ways, we’re all in the wilderness—the in-between time as we wait for Christ to return. Where are you tempted? What does Satan offer you as an “escape hatch” from your present circumstances? Where do you turn for comfort and satisfaction other than God? Jesus gets it. He’s been there. And He wants to remind you of who you are. When you are certain of your identity as a daughter or son of the Father, His voice becomes clear. And Jesus is waiting to show you how to listen to God’s “no” so you can experience the very best “yes.”
—Lise Caldwell
Children’s Ministry Volunteer
Contributor to Wonder Ink
*Wonder Ink Video for this series*
Word of Wonder:
“The Son is the exact likeness of God, who can’t be seen.”
— Colossians 1:15
The volunteer schedule, including adults and youth volunteers, is available below.
