Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 56: Like The Deer

Key Verse

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.” Ps. 42:1 (WEB)

Lesson

The popular song “As The Deer” begins with the line, “As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee.” This line is taken from Psalm 42 and is a beautiful expression of the human longing for spiritual refreshment. Jesus used the same imagery of thirsting after God several times. Feeling thirsty is something we can all relate to. In Psalm 42, King David compares his longing for God to a deer that is longing for a drink of cool water. This is not simply a desire for a drink. It is a deep thirst such as that experienced after a lot of activity in a hot environment.

Deer have very few sweat glands and pant similar to dogs in order to cool down. The deer (‘ayyal’ in Hebrew) King David is referring to is the roe deer (Capreolus caprea) which is native to Palestine where King David lived.1 The roe deer is very similar to the white-tailed deer of North America. Roe deer are reliant on access to a water source. In fact, water sources are usually found in the center of a deer’s territory. They can only roam so far from a water source, and must return to it on a regular basis.

It is essential that roe deer drink at least once every day. They usually drink small amounts multiple times a day. When they go more than 24 hours without drinking they become extremely stressed. Once they finally get to a water source they are so thirsty they may try to drink their entire days’ worth of water all at once which makes them vomit!2

Like the deer it is necessary for us to stay close to the Source of spiritual water. It should be at the center of our life. We must drink from that source on a daily basis, multiple times a day. When we don’t we become very thirsty and often become stressed. We may try to get all of our spiritual water at once, perhaps in church. But, like the deer, we cannot take that much in at once. We must drink from the spiritual source frequently, multiple times a day, to satisfy the longing for God that is in our hearts!

Questions

Can you share an experience of when you were really thirsty?

What does it feel like to be spiritually thirsty?

What does it mean to drink spiritual water?

Should we drink only when we feel thirsty?



Sources:

1. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'DEER'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915. Accessed 10/12/17 from http://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/deer.html.

2. Arian D. Wallach, Moshe Inbar, Michael Scantlebury, John R. Speakman, Uri Shanas. Water requirements as a bottleneck in the reintroduction of European roe deer to the southern edge of its range. (2007). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 85:1182-1192. https://doi.org/10.1139/Z07-098.

Written by David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 52: River Of Life

Key Verse

"but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again;" John 4:14a WEB


Lesson

Throughout the Bible water is used as a metaphor or example. Phrases like water of life, river of life, and living water appear often. Of course we need water to live, but what is so unique about water? Why did Jesus compare his gift of salvation to it? Because water is the single most important ingredient to life.

We often take water for granted. It is plumed right into our house so we only need to turn a knob to get it. But venture only a short distance from a water source and you will soon realize how much you depend on it. If you have ever been thirsty on a hot day, or waded into a cool stream after a long hike than you can appreciate how necessary water is. Every civilization and tribe in history has made their home near a water source such as a river. This is so common that experts say if you are lost outdoors, just follow a river downstream and you will eventually find people.

Water is not just something we need to drink, it is in our food, and in the air we breath. Water is needed to grow our food and also to produce almost everything we use each day from glass to metal! Try to imagine a world without water. Your food is hard and sticks to the roof of your mouth, no water to wash it down. Your hands and clothes get dirty, no water to wash it away. That would be miserable.

Not only do we need water to eat and clean, but our own bodies consist of about 50% water. Your sweat, tears, stomach bile, mucous, blood, and brain are mostly water. Water is the essence of life. Perhaps Jesus was onto something when he compared salvation to water.

You have probably enjoyed the sweet relief of a cool glass of water when you are extremely hot and thirsty. That is exactly how salvation feels when we receive it. Maybe you have had the privilege of jumping in a cool stream on a hot day. That's what it is like when the peace of salvation washes over us after feeling the heat and pressure of life. I hope you have had the pleasure of getting into a hot tub after being out in the freezing cold. That is what it is like to feel God's salvation after being in the cold hostility of the world.

Questions

What is it that makes us 'thirsty' for the salvation Jesus offers?

What are some other things Jesus compared salvation to?

Have you experienced the refreshing effects of excepting Jesus as your Savior?

Written By David F. Garner

Leadership Lessons Series: Prepared Participants

Lesson


As leaders, teachers, counselors, and pastors we try hard to make sure that those we serve are prepared to receive Jesus into their life when the Holy Spirit moves. We preach, lead bible studies, tell stories, pray, share bible verses, use object lessons and illustrations, pictures, videos, on and on. We attend seminars, read books, and get degrees to learn how to better lead others to Jesus. There are as many methods of ministry as there are people to lead them. The effort and brain power that has been dedicated to improving methods of soul winning over the past two millennia are mind boggling when you stop to think about it! What about physical preparation?

The outdoors are physically demanding. In outdoor ministry we may rely on nature to augment our methods of soul winning. We must also be mindful that our participants are prepared for outdoor excursions. Many individuals have their first significant experience with the outdoors through outdoor ministry. So helping them prepare is necessary. Nature is designed to lead us to Jesus. We want to cultivate a life-long connection with nature in our participants. Ensuring their first few experiences are positive is key. Here are 10 points to help ensure participants have the best experience possible!


1. Safety is central to everything done outdoors. Discuss this with participants multiple times before even arriving in nature. Instruct them on specific safety guidelines (such as staying away from cliff edges and what to do if lost). Remind them immediately prior to engaging in dangerous activities and terrain. Positively reinforce participants who follow the safety guidelines in front of other participants.

2. Practice proper prior planning. The emphases is on prior. Educate yourself, staff, and participants on dangers likely to be encountered. Know the dangerous flora and fauna in the area. Know the weather conditions. Know what you’re going to do in dangerous situations. Have an emergency plan. Educate participants on all of these things. Also, prior planning helps to ensure you as the leader do not forget anything. 

3. Ease participants into extremes. This is not always possible, but it is a good rule of thumb. For example, don’t stick a non-athletic kid on a 5.11 climbing route for his first time. Take city dwellers glamping (glorified camping, i.e. car camping) before taking them on a multi-day backcountry trip. Educate on how to answer natures call outdoors and maintain good hygiene. Help ease participants beyond their comfort zone. It's common sense, plus it will help foster a life-long interest in nature!

4. Review the gear list. Its important to make sure you double check everything is packed. It is twice as important for newbies. Pass out a list and make sure participants understand it. If they bring their own gear, go through it with them prior to the trip to ensure they have what they need! This will also ensure they don’t bring too much and slow the group down or have a miserable experience. New participants have a tendency to pack WAY too much. I like to reread the packing list aloud to the group just prior to departure.

5. Everyone knows the route. Before embarking on any outing, make sure every participant knows the route/destination. It is important that each staff member know the route and all destinations. But experts advise that every single participant should have a map and compass and know how to use them. They should be kept appraised of the location at all times. This may mean teaching skills. That might seem like a waste of time but it is not. Besides, every person loves it when they can plot their own location on a map! Its so satisfying, and it makes participants feel like a great explorer!

6. Triple check the first aid kit! We have all been guilty of throwing the first aid kit in for a trip after not using it for months. Big mistake! I have learned the hard way. Make sure its stocked before every trip with updated, appropriate supplies for the type of environment and activities. Also consider bringing someone trained in first aid. See our list of recommended certifications. Make sure participants know what to do and who to talk to in an emergency. Don’t forget to emphasize hygiene; hygiene, hygiene, hygiene.

7. Hydration education. This goes along with point number 1. Educate everyone on proper hydration and remind them frequently. Put water breaks on your schedule/itinerary. It is difficult to over hydrate in the outdoors – although not impossible. (read about hyponatremia) The first sign of dehydration is thirst, then headache. As stated in point 2, be prepared, especially with enough water or to gather more! Carry extra, bring filters and/or chemicals, and know ahead where sources are located.

8. Get fit. Staff fitness and health should be a priority. See this article. Participant fitness is key to a positive and safe experience. Encourage them to train ahead of outings if possible. Don’t be afraid to help participants choose an activity or outing that’s suits their fitness level. This may mean recommending they not go on a trip they initially wanted to. Keep in mind your group is only as strong as the weakest link. So base your goals on their abilities. Goals may need to be adjusted to fit the group. Remember to always warm up and stretch!

9. Cook to your skills. A 5-day backcountry trip is not the place to try all those new campfire recipes you saw online. Try those in your home or backyard first. Your participants will thank you. I prefer to keep meals as simple as possible especially if participants help cook. Whatever you cook, keep it reasonable. Remember to check for food allergies in point 2. Don’t forget to emphasize hygiene; hygiene, hygiene, hygiene.

10. Emergency plan. You really must have one. As in have one written down. All the staff should know what it contains. Participants should be instructed on what to do in likely emergency situations. Remember that it can take much longer for EMS to reach outdoor locations. A 20-minute hike down the trail could triple the time it takes them to arrive. Participants should understand this and know the risks. Teach them how you and they will contact EMS as phones likely won’t work. Always tell someone back home where you will be and when you’ll be back. And of course, pray!

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 39: What You Eat

Key Verse

“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14 WEB

Lesson

Box turtles, also known as box tortoises, comprise a genus of turtle native to the United States and Mexico. There are currently four recognized species of box turtles: Common, Coahuilan, Spotted, and Ornate box turtle. It’s classified as near threatened which means it’s somewhat endangered due to loss of habitat from human development. Box turtles are popular pets.

Box turtles are private animals who need their space. They hide in brush and burrow into the ground. During the winter when food is harder to find, they will hibernate. They can conserve both food and heat this way. Box turtles often live around 50 years in the wild This is a long lifespan compared to many other animal species.

They feed on invertebrates, such as insects and worms, and lots of fruit and vegetable material including leaves and berries. Some species of box turtle will eat poisonous mushrooms on a regular basis. This makes the turtle poisonous to eat in turn; giving them a defense against predators.1

You may have heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat’. When the box turtle eats plants that are poisonous to its enemies it also becomes poisonous. If we eat healthfully, then we can expect to have good health and avoid sickness. This phrase is especially true for our spiritual diet. If we consume the bread and water of life that Jesus offers in his Word, we will become loving, forgiving, and patient just as Jesus is.

Questions:

How do we consume the water that Jesus offers us?

Do we become what we consume right away?

What are the ‘fruits’ we see as a result of drinking the water Jesus offers?


Sources

1 Boxturtles.com "Box Turtles." N.p., n.d. Web. 19 June 2016. .

Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 35: Nalgene Religion

Key Verse

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 WEB

Lesson

Note: This lesson can be done with any water bottle or container. Simply replace the word Nalgene with water bottle.

Why are there so many religions and denominations? A better question is why do we have religion at all? There are so many different religions it is hard to keep track. Since there are so many does that mean they are all wrong? Is religion useless? Should we just forget about it and try to follow Jesus on our own? These are important questions. They should be taken seriously.

The Bible has some very clear instructions on this matter. In answer the first question, why are there so many religions, there is a simple answer. Humans disagree, it is that simple. Because of sin, humans cannot always get along. When humans cannot reconcile their differences they tend to break off into groups. We have religions because as humans we long for something bigger than ourselves. We all want to know where we come from and where we are going. All religions offer answers to these important questions, although the answers can be different. Jesus made it clear in John 14:6 that he is the only way to the Father and to eternal life.

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that there is only one God—the Creator of heaven and earth. All other gods are fake and misleading. God tried to teach this to the Israelites over and over in the Old Testament. Many religions have some amount of truth. But only one religion can save us from our sin. And that is the religion of Jesus Christ. See this Nalgene, its purpose is to hold water. It is not water, but it holds water so you can carry it and drink it. Try to carry the water without a Nalgene or water container. You won’t make it very far or be able to carry much. Water is vital for living. Yet we cannot make it ourselves, we must get it from a water source. Therefore, we must take water with us when we leave the water source. Water is necessary, and so is the Nalgene.

Spirituality is the sustaining of the human spirit. It is a relationship with Jesus. But to maintain this we need structure. We need reminders and encouragement. We need fellowship. We need to pray, to commune with God and his Word regularly. Religion is the structure, the container for our spirituality. It reminds us to maintain our relationship with God. Religion is worshiping together, 1 Corinthians 14:26. It is doing good deeds for others, James 1:26,27. It is spending time with fellow believers, Matthew 18:20. Religion is a tool to support each other and keep our relationship with Jesus strong, just as Paul said in Ecclesiastes 4:9,10. It is not Water, but it is necessary.

Questions

Are there things in your life that you regret or just prefer to leave in the past?

Are there things you wish you could go back and change?

Did you know that God leave the past where it is?

Do you believe that God can help you heal your past and focus on the future?

Written By David F. Garner
Photo Credit: David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 26: Why So Blue?

Photo Credit: Brennon Garner

Key Verse

“Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalms‬ ‭62:8‬ ‭WEB‬‬

Lesson

There is blue everywhere you look. How you ever wondered ever why? The sky is blue and so is the ocean. Almost every body of water you look at appears blue. It is perhaps the most common color in nature, maybe second only to green. This could be why blue is such a common favorite color. Or maybe that is due to the way it causes a feeling of calm and peace.

What is it that makes the sky blue? Why does water look blue in an ocean or stream. This is a question scientists have studied closely. They have found that the sky is blue because water droplets scatter mostly blue light. When light travels through a water droplet, the main color it reflects is blue; other colors are absorbed. Bodies of water such as the ocean appear blue for the same reason.

Blue also appears on flags, in symbols, and in other significant places. For centuries blue has been an important color. This is because it is used to represent loyalty and trust.1 Many things in life are not certain. But the sky is. We can be sure that even though grey storm clouds come for a time. The blue sky will emerge after they pass. Sometimes the ocean may crash with great waves; rivers and lakes may flood dangerously white and foaming. But this too will pass. Before long, they will loyally return to a calm blue.

When Jesus created the sky, he made it a calming blue so that every time we look up towards heaven, we would be reminded that we have a loyal and trust-worthy God. He is our refuge and we can trust in him at all times just as Psalms 62:8 says. Even though storms cover the blue sky for a time, it will emerge again to calm and reassure us, just like our loyal God.

Questions

What is your favorite color? Do you know what is represents?

Do you think God is trust-worthy enough to pour your heart out to as the text in Psalms says?

Why do you think the Christian flag has blue on it?

Sources

1https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/rreagan/Filemanager_Public_Files/meaningofcolors.htm

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 25: Small Words Great Power

Photo Credit: khongkitwiriyachan

Key Verse

Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. James 3:4 (WEB)

Lesson

A handgrip, a shaft, and a blade; these are the main parts of a paddle. A paddle is a simple but indispensable tool for directing certain watercrafts and boats. A paddle and boat are one of the oldest forms of travel. Paddles can be used for two purposes, propelling a boat and steering it. For some boats, a single paddle can be used for both purposes, for other boats, one paddle is used specifically for steering and others for propelling it. Of course many boats have a rudder for steering. But historians tell us that rudders were adapted from a steering paddle.

Have you ever marveled at how easy a small paddle blade can quickly change the direction of a much larger boat? It is rather impressive how easily a paddle can propel a heavy boat. A few strokes and your canoe or kayak is going several miles an hour. One twist and the whole boat is redirected. Although small in comparison, the paddle has great power.

In James 3:4 the Bible uses this as an example of how the tongue is small but can have a great effect. The tongue is a very small part of the body, but it can bless or curse, it can heal or destroy. A few unthoughtful words can destroy a friendship or a reputation. Whereas, a kind word can brighten someone’s whole week. In a few minutes of anger, a person can speak words causing bitter feelings that last years.

It is important whenever we speak that we think about our words. We should never speak the first thing that comes to our minds. Many people allow their feelings to determine what they say without thought for long-term effects. This is unwise. As Christians, we must do our best to control our speech. Everything Jesus said was meant to help the listeners, even his enemies. We should try to do the same.

Questions

Can you think of small word someone said to you that meant a lot or even changed your life?

What can we do when we get angry instead of saying hurtful words?

What simple words could you say to someone that would be meaningful?

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 21: Rock and Water

Key Verse

“To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lesson

Note: This lesson is best done in an area where listeners can see rock that has been eroded by water.

What is stronger but softer than rock? Water of course. How can this be you may be thinking. The banks of most water ways are dirt or mud that the water easily washes away. But water can also carve away solid rock. Rock is strong and durable, but given enough time, water will erode the rock away. What is the secret behind water's strength? It is the persistence of water. Day after day, year after year the water flows over the rock and washes it away a little at a time. What may seem impossible becomes possible through persistence.

Persistence means to keep trying at something until succeeding. The Bible also calls this perseverance. There are many things in life that are too big to change all at once. We may not be strong or powerful enough to change something quickly. We may not succeed on the first try. James Watkins a prominent Christian author once said, " A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." That is why water, which is softer than rock, can still overcome it.

Paul reminds us in Romans 2:7 that it takes persistence to live the way Jesus wants us too. We have to keep trying, every day, to do good and avoid evil. Only when we reach heaven will we no longer be tempted to sin. Even though we are saved, we sill need to persist against temptation. Persistence is important in many other areas of our lives. Like water, whenever we hit a barrier that is difficult to overcome, all we need is a little persistence— to keep trying until we succeed.

Questions

What is something you have persisted at and overcome?

When we struggle to avoid evil and temptation, where can we get extra strength to persist?

In what other areas of life is persistence useful?

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: BKD via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 20: Rainbow Promise

Key Verse

When I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. Genesis 9:13-16 WEB

Lesson

What is the symbol seen in the sky after a rainstorm? A rainbow of course. A rainbow is a beautiful phenomenon. The word describes what we see. A bow is the shape of the arch of colors that appear after it rains – in other words a rainbow. Whenever it rains or there is water in the atmosphere, light is separated into all the colors of the spectrum of visible light. The sun must be behind you to be able to see one. The sunlight reflects off the droplets of water and separates the light into colors.²

After God sent a flood over the earth to cleans it, he chose the rainbow as a symbol of the covenant between him and us. God promised not to destroy the world again through a flood. He chose the rainbow because it appears when the rain threatens to overwhelm. However, the rain never does completely overwhelm, it passes away and we see the rainbow as a reminder of God’s promise to not let the rain flood the whole earth again.¹

Rainbows are not always seen high in the sky after it rains. They can be seen in the mist from falling water, or when water droplets accumulate in the air. Rainbows can be made from other sources of light too such as streetlights or flashlights. Rainbows can even be seen at night caused from moonlight.²

Wherever we see a rainbow we are reminded of God’s promise in Genesis 9:13-16 to each one of us not to flood the earth again. God said the promise is between him and you personally. This is incredible because each of us see our very own rainbow. When we see a rainbow, the light is reflected at a very specific angle. So even when two people are looking at a rainbow in the same direction, they see light reflected off of different water droplets. The rainbows they see may be close to each other, but are not the same. So no two people look at the same rainbow.³ God made a promise to you and he makes a rainbow just for you to look at. The rainbow is a constant reminder that God keeps all his promises.

Questions

Do you believe God keeps his promises?

How do you feel now that you know God makes a rainbow only you can see?

What other promises has God made in his word for us?

Sources

¹ http://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/genesis/9.htm

² http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/

³ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/31/facts-about-rainbows_n_3779801.html

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 17: Filters

Key Verse

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 WEB

Lesson

Water is vital to life. Clean drinking water is necessary for health. We have all experienced how refreshing a glass of water is when hot and thirsty. Jesus used water as an example for salvation. He said that he is the Water of Life. But we know that water is no good if it’s contaminated.

A water filter is useful because it makes contaminated water drinkable. If we consume contaminated water it will contaminate our body and make us sick. Drinking clean water not only doesn’t make us sick, but it makes us healthy and fights off sickness. Proverbs 15:1 says that a calm voice fights off wrath and anger but harsh words contaminated with anger cause more anger.

Sometimes it is hard to control our feelings. They seem to slip out in words we don’t mean to say. Or perhaps we don’t try to filter our speech at all. Psalms 1:26 reminds us if anyone wants to be righteous, they must filter their speech or control their tongue. “If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, [he] deceives his heart” (Psalms 1:26a).

Water cleanses our bodies by washing away impurities. In the same way, a relationship with Jesus, the Water of Life, washes away the impurities in our spiritual life. It provides a filter for our thoughts and speech. We are then able to respond to anger with calmness and kindness that will dispel that contaminant.

Questions

Have you ever struggled controlling your words?

Do you know what it is like to have words you regretting saying forgiven? How did that make you feel?

What if we “drank” the Water of Life as often as we drink physical water?

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 9: The Raincoat of Faith

Key Verse

“above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (WEB)


Lesson

Note: An umbrella could be substituted for a rain-jacket as the object in this lesson.

If you have ever had to depended on a rain jacket in a storm, than you have no doubt been thankful for it’s ability to repel water. Or perhaps you have spent a wet, stormy night outside and been grateful for a dry tent. What makes it possible for these fabrics to repel water?

A lot of technology goes into the fabrics that keep us dry in the rain. We often take this technology for granted. But the waterproof fabrics we enjoy today have only been around for a few decades. Before modern things like Gortex and Nikwax, raingear and tents were made of much heavier fabrics and often were not as water resistant.

Modern waterproofing methods are the result of years of research and constant improvement. That is one reason why good waterproofing is so expensive! If you have been kept dry by a nice raincoat or tent, then you probably felt it was worth the high cost and extensive work put into its design. The same is true for a warrior and his shield. What warrior would not purchase the best shield and amour he could afford? This is indeed a situation to buy the brand name and not the generic off-brand!

Paul, in Ephesians 6:16, compares faith to a warrior’s shield. A shield is the first line of defense against the enemy. Likewise a raincoat is the first line of defense against foul weather. Here we see the first comparison to faith, it is our first line of defense against the Enemies attacks.

Both a warrior and a camper want their gear made with skill. Skill takes time and practice to acquire. This is the second comparison, and a key reason, why Paul likens faith to armor. We must spend time exercising and developing our faith just like a craftsman would his skill. We need to read and memorize the promises of God so they are available when we need them. You would not venture into the woods without a raincoat if you knew there was a chance of rain. Neither should we go about without God’s promises when we know there is a good chance we will need to exercise our faith.

Questions

Did you pack your raincoat of faith today?
What is another way raingear is like our faith in God?
Has your faith ever protected you in a storm?
Does our faith make life's storms easier to weather?


Written By David F. Garner

Photo Credit: David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 6: The Power of Small Things

Key Text


"He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 (WEB)

Lesson

In nature, it often seems like the biggest things are in control. The biggest animals are at the top of the food chain. Big mountains can keep us from traveling quickly in the direction we wish to go. Big storms can destroy mighty trees like they are toothpicks.

But small things in nature have power too. There is a phenomenon known as the butterfly effect. It is a theory that says if one little butterfly flaps its wings at just the right time, the air it moves with its wings can grow and grow and become a strong wind. So strong in fact it may blow away a storm so it doesn’t damage anything. Did you know a butterfly had that much power?

There are other ways small things have great power in nature. Water seems pretty powerless against rock. But over time water can erode away even the strongest rock so there is no rock left.

A tiny little seed can grow into a mighty tree. Its roots can grow so strong that they can crack rock and concrete! Then the tree can produce more seeds until is starts a whole forest.

God has given each of us incredible power too. Even if we feel small and insignificant, we have strong power in our words and actions. A simple smile or kind word can turn someone’s day into a positive one. Helping a stranger carry things or open the door can show them the love of Jesus. Jesus said in Matt. 17:20 that if we have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed in Him than we can move mountains! Jesus told us this so that whenever we feel small we can remember that we have great power. We have the greatest power of Jesus on our side.

Questions

What small acts can you do that would have big effects?

How can we gain faith the size of a mustard seed?

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: Brennon Garner