Encouragement

The Bible Recap
A resource to help you understand and read through God's Word!

What is The Bible Recap?

• A daily Bible reading companion

• Follows a chronological reading plan 

• Each episode or entry is about 6–10 minutes long

• Offers commentary, context, and theological insight to help readers understand what they just read
  
  

Tips!

*Use the YouVersion Bible Plan ("The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble").

*Listen to the recap after doing the reading.

*Journal your “God Shot” (What you learned about God that day).

*Don’t give up if you miss days — just pick up where you left off.

Becoming More Like Jesus

Scripture: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

When we think about becoming more like Jesus, it’s not about trying harder in our own strength—it’s about letting the Holy Spirit shape us little by little. Jesus showed us perfect love, patience, humility, and obedience to the Father. Every day, as we walk with Him, we are invited to grow in these same qualities.

Think of it like looking into a mirror. At first, the reflection might be dim or unclear, but over time, the image becomes sharper. As we spend time with Jesus—reading His Word, praying, serving, and showing kindness—we begin to reflect His character more clearly to others.

Becoming like Jesus doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lifelong process. But each step of surrender and obedience allows His light to shine through us in a world that desperately needs His love.

Reflection Questions:

• In what area of my life do I need to reflect Jesus more today—patience, humility, forgiveness, or love?

• How can I let the Spirit shape my heart instead of trying to change only by my own effort?

• Who around me might see Jesus through my actions today?

Worship That Teaches

Worship isn’t just something we do before the “real” part of the morning starts. For kids, worship is part of the lesson — sometimes the part they remember most.

Kids are watching us. When we worship sincerely, we’re giving them permission to do the same.

What we sing becomes what they believe. A song about God’s love, power, or faithfulness can sink deep into their hearts — even before they fully understand it.

Worship opens the heart to the message. A child who feels God's presence during worship is more likely to respond during the teaching.

Even if you don’t feel like singing, your posture, expression, and engagement might be the very thing that helps a child connect with God. We should give thanks for the gift of worship and help lead kids into His presence.  May our worship be an example that draws kids closer to God. 

His Grace Is Enough

Have you ever wondered why God places difficult people in your life? Or why a certain temptation keeps resurfacing no matter how hard you try to overcome it? Maybe you're facing a hardship that feels like a stab to the heart, and you’re not sure how to keep going.

Max Lucado reminds us that grace is not just for the easy days. It’s for the days when you feel stretched, wounded, or weary. God’s grace isn’t just sufficient—it’s custom-fit for your struggle.

The apostle Paul once begged God to remove a thorn from his life, something that tormented him. But instead of taking it away, God said:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

That means even when God doesn’t remove the struggle, He always provides the strength.

So take heart. If you’re still standing, it’s not by accident—it’s by grace.
He is holding you. He is growing you. And He is using even the hard things to shape you into someone more like Jesus.

His grace is enough—especially when yours runs out.

>>Check out this video from Max Lucado! Sufficient Grace 

Building Accountability and Godly Friendships

Christian accountability isn’t about judging others or pointing fingers. It’s about loving one another enough to speak truth, offer encouragement, and provide a safe space for honesty and growth. It’s standing together in prayer, confessing sin, sharing struggles, and celebrating victories—both big and small.  If we look at how Jesus walked with his disciples, we see a foundation built on trust, correction in the most loving way, and a deep spiritual connection.  What can those things look like for us and others around us?

Pray for the Right People.
Ask God to bring mature, trustworthy believers into your life who can walk with you.

Be Honest and Vulnerable.
Accountability thrives in authenticity. Share your struggles and allow others to speak into your life.

Meet Regularly and Intentionally.
Create rhythms—whether weekly calls/texts or monthly meet-ups in person — to connect, pray, and check in.

Encourage and Challenge One Another.
Balance grace and truth. Celebrate wins, and lovingly call out what needs growth.  No one is ever spiritually grown up -- we should always grow and be open to learning new things.

Keep Christ at the Center.
Don’t just talk about life—pray together, open the Word together, and point each other to Jesus.

🌟 Challenge: Reach out to someone you trust and ask if they would consider walking in mutual accountability with you. Pray together, share one area you’re struggling in, and commit to checking in weekly for the next month.

How Serving in Kids' Ministry Allows Me to Win at Work (or School)

Serving in kids' ministry sharpens your ability to communicate, empathize, lead, solve problems, and stay calm, making you a better worker at your "regular" job or as a student at your school and a more trustworthy leader and teammate wherever you go!  It puts you in situations that require constant, thoughtful communication and emotional awareness. Here’s how it sharpens different areas of interpersonal ability:

1. Active Listening
   Children often communicate differently than adults — they may be indirect, emotional, or nonlinear. Learning to listen carefully to what they mean, not just what they say, trains you to be a much better listener with everyone.
   
   

2. Clear and Adaptive Communication
   Kids force you to explain things clearly and sometimes in creative ways. You learn to adjust your style depending on who you're talking to — a critical skill for all relationships.   Know your audience!
   
   

3. Patience and Emotional Regulation
   Handling kids (especially in groups) builds patience and emotional self-control. Staying calm under pressure or when things get chaotic helps you stay grounded with adults, too.
   
   

4. Empathy Development
   Kids often express emotions openly. Recognizing and validating those emotions builds your empathy, making you more attuned to people's needs and feelings, even when they don’t verbalize them clearly.
   
   

5. Conflict Resolution
   Children’s conflicts are usually intense but straightforward ("He took my toy!" "She won’t share!"). Mediating these teaches you to handle bigger interpersonal conflicts later with calmness, fairness, and firmness.  It's keeping your eye on the greater picture with the most profound outcome.
   
   

6. Leadership and Influence
   Leading kids means influencing their behavior and choices without relying on authority alone. It teaches you how to inspire trust and encourage voluntary cooperation — a vital leadership skill.
   
   

7. Building Trust Quickly
   Kids are quick judges of character. If they trust you, it’s genuine. Learning how to build that trust — through consistency, kindness, and presence — translates powerfully into adult relationships, too.  Who doesn't want to be known for that?!
   
   

8. Team Collaboration
   Serving in ministry usually means working alongside other adults. You develop teamwork skills like coordinating responsibilities, giving and receiving feedback, and showing up reliably for others.  Additionally, you may grow in your confidence and ability to call someone up or delegate when needed.
   
   
   What you do on Sundays sharpens your communication, expands emotional intelligence, showcases your leadership, stretches your patience, and delivers a teamwork environment — all core to excellent interpersonal skills.

Spending Time in Scripture

Raise your hand if you are busy!  ✋  Raise your hand if you love Jesus!  ✋  Raise your hand if you've been soaking in the Bible each day this week!  Some of you have and others have not. Let’s be real—life is full. Between work, school, family, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to push Bible reading to “later.” We say, “I’ll read when the kids go to bed,” or “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but tomorrow rarely comes.

I’ve learned this: if I don’t schedule time with God like I would any other important appointment, it doesn’t happen. 

The enemy loves keeping us busy, distracted, and disconnected. And often, we don’t even realize it’s happening. But here’s the good news: staying in God’s Word doesn’t have to be hard or heavy. It just takes intention.  It's THE way to deepen our relationship with Him!

➡️ Put it on the Calendar
Schedule your time with God like you would a meeting or workout. Start with 10–15 minutes and let it grow from there.

➡️ Create a Sacred Space
Designate a peaceful spot with your Bible, journal, and maybe a candle or worship music. Make it a place you want to go.

➡️ Use a Reading Plan
A Bible plan gives structure and keeps you from wondering, “Where do I start?” (Try YouVersion, She Reads Truth, or Bible in One Year.)

➡️ Set Reminders
Use your phone alarms or calendar notifications to nudge you. Treat it like a non-negotiable—because it is.

➡️ Start Small, Stay Consistent
Even a few verses with an open heart can be powerful. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just begin.

➡️ Invite God In
Before you read, simply pray: “Lord, speak to me through your Word today.” He will meet you there.

It’s not about checking a box—it’s about building a relationship. Let your time in the Word be a lifeline, not a chore. 

God’s waiting, and He has so much to share with you.

Understanding Lent: A Time to Draw Closer to Jesus

As we journey through Lent (March 5 -  April 17), many of us may be wondering what this time is really like. Lent has been a Christian tradition for centuries, but its true meaning often gets lost in casual conversation about giving up coffee or social media.

Lent is a 40-day journey (not counting Sundays) that mirrors Jesus’s time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. It is a season of spiritual preparation for Easter—an invitation to pause, reflect, and draw closer to Christ. 

Giving up our small sacrifices will never be the same or will not even compare to Jesus' ultimate gift. But these practices are meaningful reminders that draw our attention back to Christ throughout our day. Each time we feel the absence of something we've given up, we can turn that moment into an opportunity to turn our hearts back to Him. Instead of seeing Lent as a time of deprivation, we can embrace it as a journey of renewal, deeping our relationship with our Savior. 

Simple Ideas to Practice Lent:

• Replace 30 minutes of social media with prayer or Scripture reading.

• Fast from a favorite treat and donate the savings to a mission project.

• Join or form a small prayer group during Lent.

• Express your faith through creative outlets like journaling, art, or music.

• Practice acts of service, reflecting on Jesus’ call to serve others.

The heart of Lent is not following tradition for its own sake but using this season to seek Jesus with greater intention. I pray that this time be one of renewal, reflection, and deeper faith as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.

The Time Is Now 

There’s always a hum of urgency in the air—a relentless current that sweeps us up, pushing us into a rough sea of doing. We drift, sometimes unconsciously, until we find ourselves washed ashore—disheveled, exhausted, and wondering, How did I get here?

Is this just the way life is? Or did I somehow allow myself to be carried by the tide? In moments of frustration and depletion, it's easy to shift the blame—to our jobs, our families, our responsibilities, our never-ending to-do lists. But when I surrender—when I lay it all at God's feet—peace washes over me like a tide of grace. It’s unexplainable, yet undeniable.

Through seasons of struggle, I've learned this truth: God sees me. He knows my heart, my efforts, and the work I do in His name. But even in serving Him, I can still find myself drained. How is that possible?

The answer He so gently reminds me of is time.

I can chase everything, strive to be everything, and do everything—or I can slow down. I can take a day to simply be. No agenda. No expectations. Just closeness with Him. Because He alone is my true source of strength.

When I ignore that whisper to rest, I run on empty. I become weary, irritable, and even physically unwell. But when I honor His call to pause, I am refreshed. And so, I choose to be intentional. I schedule rest as if it were an unbreakable appointment—because it is.

The time is now.

Don’t wait until you’re depleted. Don’t let exhaustion steal your joy or strain your relationships. Build rest into your life. Prioritize stillness with God. In the quiet, He renews us. And in Him, we find the strength to live, love, and serve as He intended.

💙 Praying you find your time.  - Lisa

Ages & Stages  

Understanding the stages of spiritual development helps us nurture faith in age-appropriate ways. Below is an overview of the ages and stages from babies to elementary age, focusing on their spiritual capacities, needs, and ways to support growth.

(0–2 Years)

**Characteristics:**

- Completely dependent on caregivers for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

- Begin to form trust through loving and consistent care.

- Experience God’s love through safe and nurturing relationships.

**Spiritual Needs:**

- Unconditional love and security.

- A peaceful, positive environment where they can feel God’s presence.

**How to Support:**

- Show God’s love through physical touch, comforting words, and care.

- Sing simple songs about Jesus and include them in prayers.

- Use Bible-based lullabies or soft music to create a soothing environment.

_____________________________________________________

(2–3 Years)

**Characteristics:**

- Curious and eager to explore the world around them.

- Begin to recognize patterns, routines, and repetition.

- Can associate God with feelings of love, safety, and happiness.

**Spiritual Needs:**

- Clear, simple messages about God’s love.

- Positive role models who reflect God’s kindness and patience.

**How to Support:**

- Teach simple truths like "God made you" or "Jesus loves you."

- Use repetition through songs, prayers, and Bible storybooks with colorful illustrations.

- Model prayer by saying short, simple prayers out loud.

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(4–5 Years)

**Characteristics:**

- Growing imagination and curiosity about the world.

- Ask questions about God, creation, and spiritual concepts.

- Begin to differentiate between right and wrong.

**Spiritual Needs:**

- A sense of wonder about God and His creation.

- Guidance in understanding who God is in a loving and relatable way.

**How to Support:**

- Tell simple Bible stories that emphasize God’s love, kindness, and care.

- Encourage them to thank God in prayer for specific things (e.g., family, food, nature).

- Provide hands-on activities (e.g., crafts, songs) that connect to biblical themes.

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Early Elementary (6–8 Years)

**Characteristics:**

- Start to think more logically and ask deeper "why" questions.

- Understand the concept of rules and consequences.

- Begin to see God as a real and personal being.

**Spiritual Needs:**

- Clear teaching about God’s character (love, justice, mercy).

- Opportunities to participate in prayer and worship.

- Guidance in developing personal responsibility for actions.

**How to Support:**

- Share Bible stories that highlight God’s power and faithfulness (e.g., Noah, David, Jesus).

- Encourage personal prayer by helping them pray about their own needs and concerns.

- Use object lessons and illustrations to explain abstract concepts like faith or forgiveness.

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Upper Elementary (9–11 Years)

**Characteristics:**

- Growing capacity for abstract thinking and moral reasoning.

- Desire to belong and build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.

- Can begin to grasp deeper spiritual truths and make personal faith decisions.

**Spiritual Needs:**

- Clear understanding of the gospel message.

- Encouragement to ask questions and seek answers about faith.

- Positive role models who demonstrate a Christ-like life.

**How to Support:**

- Discuss how biblical principles apply to real-life situations (e.g., kindness, honesty).

- Offer opportunities to serve others (e.g., helping with younger kids, community projects).

- Guide them in exploring their own relationship with God through journaling, prayer, and Bible reading.

General Tips for All Ages

1. **Model Faith** Kids learn best by seeing faith lived out in their caregivers and teachers.

2. **Be Patient** Spiritual growth is a process, and every child develops at their own pace.

3. **Celebrate Progress** Acknowledge and affirm their efforts to know and love God, no matter how small.

By meeting kids where they are in their spiritual development, you can help them take the next steps in their faith journey in a meaningful and impactful way.

God is Using You    

God is using you in ways beyond what you can see.  Your faithfulness is changing the trajectory of each faith journey, one child at a time.

You're planting seeds of faith - Even if you don't see the results right away, remember that every story you tell, every prayer you pray, and every hug you give is shaping their view of God.  

Your presence matters - You might not always feel it and there will be hard Sundays, but showing up makes the difference.  A smile, a listening ear, or a kind word of encouragement can make a child feel seen and valued.  You're creating a space where they feel loved and safe.

You're part of God's bigger plan - What you do week after week might seem small, but God is using you to build His Kingdom.  The time you invest is a reflection of His love and it has everlasting value.

God strengthens and equips you - It's okay to feel tired or unprepared sometimes -- God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.  Trust Him to give you the energy, creativity, and patience you need.

Don't give up -- He's using you right now for His purpose. 

Walking With the Brokenhearted     

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18

Grief is one of life’s deepest pains, yet it is also a journey where God’s presence can be profoundly felt. When someone we care about is grieving, we may struggle to know how to help. Words often feel inadequate, and actions can seem small. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, bringing comfort and hope.

Jesus showed us the power of presence when He wept with Mary and Martha after Lazarus died (John 11:33–35). Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus, He took time to feel their pain and mourn alongside them. This teaches us that simply being there for someone, listening without judgment or even advice, and acknowledging their sorrow can be a powerful act of love.

We don’t need to have all the answers. Grief is not something to fix; it’s a process to support. The most meaningful way to help is often through prayer, patience, and practical care.

Ways to Help Someone Grieve:

1. Be Present: Offer a listening ear or a silent shoulder to cry on. Your presence speaks louder than words.  This is often the most uncomfortable part, especially when you want the person to feel better about the situation or unknowingly suggest " moving on" from their pain.

2. Pray with Them: Lift them up in prayer, asking God to bring peace, comfort, and strength.  Relying on the Holy Spirit here is key.  Words matter.

3. Provide Practical Support: Bring meals, help with chores, or run errands. Small acts of service show love in tangible ways.  Don't tell them to reach out to you when they need you because 99% of the time, they won't.  Just show up and pick up a simple task for them, even if they never know you did it at that moment.

4. Be Patient: Grief takes time. Avoid rushing them to “move on.” Let them process at their own pace.  Most people rush in at the beginning of a loss, which is natural.  Once time passes, people tend to fade away and stop reaching out to give the person space or to help them feel unburdened by your presence.  Try not to pull back -- continue to lean in and text, call, or show up once a week, etc.  This is when the grieving feels most lonely.  

5. Share Scripture and Hope: Gently remind them of God’s promises, such as His unfailing love and the hope of eternal life.  Always point back to God's sovereignty.  Let the person know you care deeply for them and that God sees them.

Renewed Purpose, Renewed Passion    Isaiah 43:19

"See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

As we step into a new year, it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on God's faithfulness and refocus our hearts on the mission of loving and discipling the next generation.  Each of us plays a vital role in creating a space where kids can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.

1. Reflect on God's work last year.  Think about the highlights you witnessed.  How did God use you to plant seeds in their hearts? What challenges stretched and grew you spiritually?  What were some joyful moments you witnessed?

2. Renew your heart and mind.  Ask for a fresh perspective to see the potential in each child you serve.  Pray for a heart full of humility, love, and patience. Surrender any burdens, frustrations, or weariness you may have leftover.

3. Set your intentions for this year.  Commit to praying for the kids and your fellow volunteers.  Take intentional steps to connect with the kids on a personal level.  Remember that serving is not just about tasks -- it's about creating an atmosphere of love and joy where Jesus is glorified.   As you invest more in your personal walk with Jesus, your overflow will bless the kids you serve.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In this new year, let’s remember that our ultimate goal is to point children to Him. Our efforts, no matter how small they seem, have eternal significance.

Classroom Tips

How to manage undesirable & disruptive behaviors

Common reasons for behaviors

• Unmet needs, stress, hunger/thirst/tired, attention-seeking

How to identify triggers and underlying causes

• As you serve, you’ll get to know when something is “off” and show compassion by figuring out what is different that day.

Proactive Strategies

• Set clear expectations & boundaries

• Use “first-then” language ("First, we will sit at the table and then you can play"

• Set up fun stations or activities and invite kids to play

• Use high-fives, stickers, and hand stamps to reward good choices

• Get to know your kids to build relational equity

In-the-Moment Techniques

• Stay calm, use low/firm voice

• Avoid power struggles, use few words, or simply walk away when they are trying to engage

Redirect or Distract

• Offer choices or new activities to refocus energy/attention

• Use subtle signals to redirect behavior w/out drawing attention

Follow Up

• A recurring issue needs to be communicated with staff right away

• Any concerns (abuse, extra support) to be shared with staff

The Power of Serving Others

In Mark 10:43, Jesus tells his disciples, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."  This is a powerful message that still resonates with us today.  In a world that often values power, wealth, and status, Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes through serving others. 

Serving others is not always easy.  It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own.  But when we do serve, we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.  We can offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply a kind word.  These small acts of service can have a big impact and can even change the course of someone's life.

Jesus himself modeled the power of serving others.  He washed the feet of his disciples, healed the sick, and fed the hungry.  He showed us that serving others is not just a good thing to do but is an essential part of living a meaningful life.  When we serve others, we follow in his footsteps and live out his teachings.

As we go about our daily lives, let us be mindful of our opportunities to serve others.  Let us look for ways to be a blessing to those around us, whether through a small act of kindness or a larger commitment to serve in our community.  Let us remember that in serving others, we are not only making a difference in their lives but also growing in our own character and becoming more like Christ.  

Redirecting Your Thoughts ~ Jennie Allen

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 (ESV)

What do you fixate on? Fixations are the things we constantly think about. They come out in our words, feelings and decisions. They are the focus of the books we read; the podcasts, websites and groups we search out; and the obsessions we pursue. It might be our weight, finances, worries over our kids or fear for our health … but something is absorbing our thoughts.

Here’s the thing: God has given us the power to interrupt this fixation! That’s what the Bible says, and it’s news we desperately need to hear. But how can we interrupt the downward spin?

The answer, at least in part, might lie in counseling, community or fasting — and certainly in prayer. For you and me both, the answer will center on God: His presence, power and grace. Every spiral can be interrupted. No fixation exists outside of God’s long-armed reach. As He says in our key verse, Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

God has given us power, tools and His Spirit to shift the spiral. When we’re willing to take the initiative in choosing different thoughts and choosing His Truth, some pretty cool stuff starts to unfold.

For one thing, when we think new thoughts, we physically alter our brains. We grow new neurons. We blaze new trails. When we think new thoughts, everything changes for us. What we think about, our brains become. What we fixate on is neurologically who we will be.

So who will you be? Tell me what you’re thinking about, in other words, and I’ll tell you who you are.

If we don’t like where we're going, we have the power to redirect our thoughts, reminding ourselves what is real and true, like a parent might do with a kid when they start losing it: “Kiddo, time out. I love you. You’re OK. You don’t have to panic. You can choose another way. You don’t have to be steamrolled by this.”

To redirect our thoughts, we first have to remind ourselves that change is possible. We have a choice! And the more often we grab hold of that truth, the easier it will be to interrupt our fixations and the downward spiral of our thoughts, leading them somewhere new.

You may find that some thoughts, once interrupted, will simply lose their power. God can do this. Other thoughts, however, may require daily, hourly or moment-by-moment capturing and redirecting. But even those thoughts can be captured and contained (2 Corinthians 10:5).

You can be set free. You can learn to “mind your mind.” The battle for your mind is won as you redirect and refocus on Jesus — every moment, every hour, every day.

Jesus, thank You for giving me a choice! Help me parent my mind well, with the same kind of love and compassion You give me. Lead me to choose what is true today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.