Read or quote the memory verse.
Listen to a story about a girl named Keesha and the day she got lost in the woods.
She wasn't sure when the trail had disappeared. Her eyes had been on the trees, searching for a familiar landmark. When she finally looked down, the trail was gone and so was her sense of direction. Now the thick forest seemed to be closing in on her as the light from above faded and the shadows grew darker.
"Help!" she shouted into the trees. "Somebody, help me!" Keesha sat down. What should she do now?
What do you think she should do now?
"Lord?" Keesha spoke out loud, "I know You are here with me, but I would really like to get out of this forest. Please show me how to get home."
A wave of peace filled her heart. Keesha knew she was not alone and that God would help. Suddenly, a light flickered through the trees. "Help! I'm over here!" she cried out.
"Stay where you are, we're coming!" her dad's voice answered back.
Soon the tree where Keesha stood was flooded with light as the search party surrounded her. After a bear hug from her dad, the group followed the forest ranger back to the trail. Keesha learned that someone had turned the sign and made it point in the wrong direction. There was no way she would reach the lake following the trail she had taken.
When they passed the sign, Keesha noticed that it was once again pointing in the right direction. "Next time," she said to her rescuers, "I'm going to make sure the sign is telling the truth! Next time I will bring my compass!" They all laughed in agreement.
Keesha was following the sign, but it didn't feel right to her. If she had her compass, she would have known for sure which way to go. As you grow up, there will be a lot of people who try to tell you which way to go and what decisions to make.
What is the "compass" God gave us to always show us which way is right and true? (The Bible.)
Listen to what Jesus says in John 14:6.
According to Jesus, what is the only way to have a relationship with God and be with Him in heaven? (Through believing in Jesus.)
A lot of people believe that there are many ways to God and that believing in Jesus is just one of the ways.
According to our "compass" (the Bible), what does John 14:6 tell us about how Jesus would respond to that opinion? (He would say that He is the ONLY way.)
Do you think Jesus was telling the truth or was He lying? (Truth!)
When someone tells you something about Jesus that points away from what you know is true, go to God's word to find the truth.
Read 1 John 2:21, 22. What does it say about truth?
God is very clear; He makes sure everyone has the chance to know the truth about Him, but not everyone will listen.
According to this verse, who are the liars? (Anyone who says Jesus is not the Christ.)
As long as you always look to God's compass, The Bible, for direction, you will know the truth.
If you have friends who do not believe in God, Jesus or the Bible, keep showing them His love and pray that they will see His truth. Only God can open their eyes to the truth.
NOTE TO PARENTS: If your child has not accepted Jesus as his Savior, this would be a good opportunity to show them the next step, (The 4 Fantastic Facts).
Why does it matter?Because God is Totally Truthful, you do not have to wonder what the truth is. If someone tries to tell you lies about God, you know where to go to find the truth!
Because God is Totally Truthful, you know He loves your friends who do not follow Jesus more than you do, and He will give them every opportunity to believe in Him.
Talk with God and Stay ConnectedThank God for His Word and that you don't have to guess what truth is. Ask Him to give you an opportunity to show a friend the truth about Jesus.
Because God is Totally Truthful, I will ________________________.
(Note: Fill in the blank by sharing a specific action point.)