Children Retreat – Children Serving the Lord (Rom 12:11)

HYMN: Spirit divine, inspire our prayer

Rom 12:11 “never lagging behind in diligence; aglow (bright, aflame) in the Spirit, enthusiastically (passionate, eagerly) serving the Lord;

What does this mean?, it means that by the time our children will come back from the camp:

·      They will be diligent in serving the Lord

·      Become aglow in Spirit, be on fire for God

·      They will be earnest in their endeavours

·      Burning in the Spirit, be excited in the things of God

·      Eagerly and be excited in serving the Lord with heart full of devotion

·      Becoming an agent of change and transformation in their homes, schools, community, generation and to the world at large.

There's was an example of a boy that I think his attitude was familiar with the verse above;

John 6:9a

There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish......NLT

"Here is a little boy who has five barley loaves and two small fish......NIV

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes.......KJV

Here the bible is talking about a lad I want to believe he was between the ages 5-12 which is typically the age range of the children camp

There are somethings significant in the life of this young lad;

·      He was out (determined) to seek the Lord, not minding the journey (Mk 6:32-33 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them) and how little he was, he would have chosen to stay back having nice time with his friends, but was determined and indeed met with Christ

·      He was attentive and followed the teachings – how come he got to know there was a need and his lunch pack was the solution because he shun away distractions. I imagined him telling his friends that guys see am here for a serious business, it is not time to play.

·      He released himself, he gave totally to Christ, that was his favourites “five loaves and two fish” but he gave them up joyously without compelling not under compulsion. He was deaf to the voices of his friends who knew they don't have any lunch rest assured that he will share with them

·      He went back home with abundance; he gave 5 loaves and 2 fish and went back home with 12 basket full.

PRAYERS

·      Lord we thank you; for past Children Retreats and His propositions for the current one

·      Thank him for journey mercies

·      Thank God for the vision, the visioneers and the volunteers for these past years

·      For grace to make themselves available and the volunteers these past years

Jer 29:13 “Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

·      Lord give them deep longing for you

·      Open their eyes to see the necessity, the importance of seeking you

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” 2 Cor8:12

·      Lord create the eagerness in their hearts to seek you and as the they seek, let them find you, age is not a barrier, as you showed yourself to Samuel, reveal yourself Lord.

·      Father fill them, let them have an encounter with you Lord

·      We cancel every negative voice (not listen or do otherwise)

·      Absolute Concentration - Lord give them full concentration, do not allow them to loose touch of the teachings during and after the retreat, let your Word abide with them for life.

·      We come against every distraction, they will be attentive, they shall not be lost in the activities, but the purpose of coming together will be fulfilled.

Proverbs 3 (TLB) “1-2 My son, never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions.”

Acts 18:25 “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and burning with spiritual zeal, he spoke and taught diligently and accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he was acquainted only with the baptism of John.”

·      They will come back the fullness of God that will help them to the level of greatness in life

·      They shall become ablaze for the Lord

·      They will not burn out but be fuelled by the Spirit and keep the zeal burning

·      The Lord shall protect them to and for the camp

Resource persons/volunteers

Divine Strategies – Children are easily bored but there shall be divine strategies to convey messages to them – Ps 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.”

·      Lord, please instruct, teach, counsel and give them insight of your Word

Journey Mercies – Ps 121:5-8 5 Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. [a] 6 He protects you day and night. 7 He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. 8 He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.

·      Thank Him for journey mercies to and fro.