Psalm 40 in light of Jesus' death

Last week was VBS. We studied the life of Paul, with p2 using the "gospel fuzzies" as the basis of the gospel presentation. Although it was clearly woven throughout the day.

I woke Wednesday morning before anyone. Quite rare. Usually my toddler wants up or the puppy starts barking first. Many mornings I'm trying to read scripture while nursing and trying to keep little fingers from changing the passage on me. A different story today. Everything was quiet. So I decided to pray through Psalm 40 which is a psalm that had struck me as I'd been writing the lesson for that day. The story was the Philippian jailor. The wordless book color "red means Jesus died and then he rose again". Here are some reflections. Maybe I'll continue this later.

"I waited patiently for the Lord," oh Lord that's so hard. Please help me wait on you. My patience is like that of my little toddler when it comes to waiting on you. You though are patient and longsuffering. You also promise it as a fruit of your spirit. We saw that in Paul and Silas as they sat, chained and praying, in prison.

"He inclined to me and heard my cry." You, Lord, love your people. You call yourself their father, and hear our cries. Thank you for hearing Paul's and Silas' prayers and the prayers of your people in Philippi. Thank you for hearing the cries of your people. Oh Lord hear my cry now.

"He drew me up out of the pit..." Thank you Lord for doing what I cannot and rescuing me. Thank you for recording in your word examples of you saving your people, both physically and spiritually. 

"He put a new song in my mouth...many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." What an incredible promise, and we have seen this time and time again. Paul and Silas praised You and their jailor took note and believed in Jesus as his savior. Use their example in my life so many years later. Put a song in my mouth full of praise for my savior that others may see and believe.

Wordless "Book" Sensory Discovery Bottles

Many of us know the wordless book. We've had it in book form, worn it as jewelry in camp, and played with the gospel fuzzies on gloves. As I was busily gearing up for VBS one day watching my 16-month-old playing with an ocean sensory discovery bottle inspiration hit. Why not apply the wordless book to that concept? It'd be engaging for toddlers and preschoolers. So I set to work. Little F loves them! Hopefully the other children do at VBS.

Here's how we made them.

Gospel Sensory Bottles

Supplies:
Empty bottles
Water
Red, blue, green, yellow food coloring
Baby oil
Glitter, beads, buttons, & rubber bands in gold/yellow, black/blue, silver, red, white, & green
Glue

How to do it:

Empty and clean a plastic bottle.
Add beads in the bottom.
Fill about 1/4-1/3 full of baby oil.
Dye the water desired color. Note that when making black combining food dyes you'll end up with more of a purple shade.
You'll want to make gold, dark, red, white (use clear water), and green.
Add the colored (or clear for white/clean) water filling it up to the base of the neck. Glue the lid on securely.


Now you can use them to talk about the gospel whenever your little one shows an interest.