Theme of the Week:

God is perfect, so we trust His plan

Judges 4:1-24

Welcome to the Fusion Kidz Garden Newsletter

It was wonderful seeing all of you this Sunday. We hope your lives are returning to normal as more and more snow melts away. The kids heard the story of Deborah and how she trusted God’s plan for the battle between Barak and Sisera. In class we mapped out a path with tape on the floor and in pairs the children walked the path. One child closed their eyes and was guided by the other one. The children had to trust their friend just like they have to trust God. This is a great week to talk to your children about trusting you as their parent like they trust God.

How God Defines Success

By Don Cousins & Bruce Bugbee

“How do you know whether you’re being successful?”

That was the question I recently posed to a small group of pastors. The silence that followed indicated that perhaps they didn’t understand what I was asking, so I rephrased it: “How do you measure the success of your ministry?”

More silence. Either they were afraid to say what they thought, or they had no definitive answer.

We’re wired with a desire to succeed, whether it’s a relationship, the classroom, the marketplace, the athletic field, or ministry. Because success is so important to us, we should have a way to measure it.

I’d like you to consider four questions. They’re biblical questions intended for every believer-not just those in vocational ministry-because God wants us all to pursue success as He defines it.

Question 1: Are You Being Faithful?

I, like you, long to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Hearing those words would shout success. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), it’s profound to note that the master commended faithfulness: What did you do with what I gave you? The second servant received the exact same commendations as the first servant, even though he produced less of a return. Jesus is making the point that being a faithful steward of what you’ve been given is what matters most. Are you being faithful?

Question 2: Are You Bearing Fruit?

In John 15:1-11, Jesus taught that it’s God’s will that we bear much fruit. As we do so, God is glorified, and we prove to be Christ’s disciples. The New Testament speaks of two kinds of fruit:

1. The fruit of Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes nine characteristics that should fittingly describe those who call themselves Christians.
2. The fruit of Christ-like influence (Acts 10:38). We’re called to make a difference in the world in the name of Jesus.

Are you bearing fruit?

Question 3: Are You Fulfilled?

My dictionary defines fulfill as, among other things, “to make full.” Is your life-is your ministry-making you full…of joy. Looking again at the parable of the talents, the master told his faithful servants, “Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Joy is one of the primary blessings of faithful and fruitful service.

This is exactly what Jesus indicated as He concluded His remarks in John 15 about fruit-bearing: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). Jesus taught them to bear fruit so they would know His joy, and experience it in the fullest way.

Are you fulfilled?

Question 4: Are You Making God Famous?

God wants us to be faithful, to bear fruit, and to experience fulfillment (His joy) in a way that makes Him famous. Peter teaches that the faithful exercise of our gifts is “so that in all things God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:10-11). Jesus tells us, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Are you making God famous?

Imagine for a moment what your church or ministry would be like if every believer was successful in biblical teams-faithful, fruitful, fulfilled, and engaged in making God famous. While such an objective may not be as quantifiable as other measures, it’s worth pursuing…because it’s God’s measurement of success.

Buzz at Home

If you haven’t gotten your cards yet or can’t find this week’s here is a summary of this week’s card:

This week, your child learned about Deborah, a brave woman who trusted God’s plan. Ask your child how Barak and Deborah had to trust God’s plan.

Make a maze using books or other objects around your house. Then have your child try to walk the Smile Ball through the maze and out the other side.

Ask

• What could you see that your Smile Ball couldn’t see?
• What does God know about our futures that we don’t know?

Share with your family a time something confusing happened, and how God led you through that time just as your child led the Smile Ball through the maze. God is perfect, so we trust His plan.

Watering Can: Praising God

After the battle Deborah and Barak praised God for blessing them. When God reveals part of His plan to us we should rejoice and praise him. Sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” with your child.

Welcome To The Garden

Your little ones are like seeds, ready to grow and become beautiful plants. All they need is some good soil, water, and of course sun. Your family provides the soil for their little roots to take hold in. We hope to work with you to provide water, the Word of God, to nourish them and help them feel the light of the Son.

Happy Birthday

Reese Davis – 2/15

Looking Ahead

Next Sunday’s lesson is the story of Gideon from Judges 6:11-17, 36-40; 7:1-25. The lesson focuses on believing in God.

Lost & Found

If you have forgotten any items at church please see Katy.

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