The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

Nehemiah Chapter 8Lectionary

Children’s sermon idea: Involve the kids in some strength exercises. (Get them to join in with some sit-ups, push-ups, pretend to lift some weights etc. Make it fun!) We want our bodies strong, but God can help us to be strong on the inside. Explain how Ezra said that the “Joy of the Lord is our strength”. If we turn to Jesus, remember His promises and follow Him we can know this Joy and Strength on the inside. That will give us inner strength and help us through the hard times of life.

Objects items needed: None. However, you could bring in some weights or other exercise devices.

Children’s Sermon:

Good morning, children! How many of you are feeling strong this morning? It’s important to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Let’s do some exercises. First, join with me in doing some jumping jacks… Now, lets do some running on the spot… Now let’s do some push-ups… Now let’s pretend to lift some weights… How did that feel? Join with me in flexing your muscles (like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Rosie the Riveter.)

Ok, let’s take a rest. Our bible lesson today is from a bible book call the Nehemiah. The bible reading is about a leader called Ezra. After God’s people returned to Jerusalem, they needed to rebuild the wall that was in need of repair. When they had finished, they had a great celebration and promised to stay close to God. They were feeling pretty week and tired, but Ezra told them to celebrate because the Joy of the Lord would keep them strong. (Read 8:10-12)

From time to time all of us can get tired and discouraged. Sometimes life is hard and it’s not easy to keep going. But in those times, it’s important to remember all the good things that we have as followers of Jesus; children of God.

We know that Jesus loves us.

We know that He promises to be with us always.

We know that one day he will “wipe away every tear from our eyes”.

We know that nothing can separate us from His love.

When remember things (from the bible) we can have a deep down Joy that will be like an inner strength. Every day we can spend some time remembering God’s wonderful promises so that the Joy of the Lord will be our strength.

Children’s Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for all the wonderful promises we have as children of God. Help us to remember these promises each day so that the Joy of the Lord would be our strength through the hard times of life. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

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