Object Lesson: His Mighty Works

        Since there is still no word from Kat or Carter, I have decided to post one of the object lessons from my book Visual Illustrations. This book is out of print, but will be rereleased soon. Feel free to use this lesson that teaches we can see the reality of God in the mighty works He performs. It is a very magical demonstration.

        This illustration will get many comments. You will need a matchstick or a book match, a nickel, and a plastic rod (such as a plastic magic wand) or comb. I prefer to use a plastic magic wand, and do this lesson as a magic trick. You can purchase a plastic wand at novelty shops, magic stores, or at many toy stores.

        This illustration makes use of static electricity. To set up, place the magic wand under your arm while wearing a coat or sweater. The wand needs to be touching cloth, and the bulk of the wand needs to stick out back. Place the nickel on a flat surface, and balance it on its edge. You may need to use a piece of chewing gum or modeling clay to help stand the nickel on its edge. Balance the matchstick on the top edge of the nickel so that it lies like a compass needle and will move easily.
        At the appropriate time, you will slide the plastic rod/wand straight forward and out from under your arm. As you do, bear down on the rod with your arm so that as you pull it out it receives a static electric charge. Be careful, if the cloth is damp, it will not charge the rod.
        Another way you can charge the rod is to wrap it in a cloth and put the wrapped wand inside a box or bag. Hold the cloth tightly around the wand with one hand, and draw the wand out of the box or bag with your other hand. If you choose this option and if you wish to do this illustration as a magic trick, be careful that your group does not see the cloth.
        If you tell your group that you are going to use static electricity to move the match, you could use a plastic hair comb. Run the comb through clean, dry hair a couple of times to give it a static electric charge. Once you have charged the plastic device, slowly move it a couple of inches over the top of the match. The match will move and fall off the nickel. If the match does not move, try rubbing the wand with different fabrics. Some fabrics work better than others in giving an electric charge.

TRUTH ILLUSTRATED:

        We can see the reality of God in the mighty works He performs.

MESSAGE:

        [Begin by setting up the match and nickel as described above.] I am going to move this match without touching it, blowing on it, or hitting the table. Instead, I will move it with an invisible force. [Use your electrically charged device to move the match.]
        Did you see the force that moved the match? No, because it is invisible. Yet, something caused the match to move off the nickel. We know there is a real force involved because we saw its effects.
        That's kind of the way it is with God. We can't see God with our   eyes, but we see the evidence of His existence and power by the results. In Romans 1:20 the Apostle Paul points out that since the creation of the world, God's invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen through what He has made. We see His powerful works of creation all about us. We see how people's lives change when God's spirit comes to live in their hearts.
        We can't see the force that moved the match, but we can see that there is a force. In the same way, we see the evidence of God's existence by the results of His powerful hand at work.

Kat's Still Missing

        I am sorry to report that there is no further word on the whereabouts of Carter and Kat. This absence is troubling to say the least. In the past, the children have been gone from our world a day at the most when adventuring. It is true that depending on the dimension they happen to be in, time moves at a different rate. That is how their adventures may last months or even years yet are gone only a day from our world. Carter and Kat have been gone for over three weeks now. Either their adventure is taking place in real time here on earth, or some other time differential is at work of which we are unaware. For now, we must wait and hope that they return soon with an exciting story to tell.
        Today I am posting a fun activity to help us remember that no matter what happens in life, there is always something positive we can find to get us through the day. It isn’t much, but maybe it will give you a moment of distraction. I have chosen a spaceship themed puzzle in honor of the Mars rover Curiosity.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. RIGHT CLICK ON the puzzle
2. SELECT Print Picture
3. CLICK Print

Kat's Gone Missing

        Hello folks, this is Pastor Steve. I know that this is Kat’s blog even though it is my account. I just found out that she has gone over three weeks without posting. When I checked with her mother, she was frantic because Kat has been missing now for over two weeks. I have to admit that I too was distressed upon hearing the news of her disappearance until I found out that Carter is also missing. Now in most cases, the fact that two children are missing from the same town would be of great concern. However, in the case of these two, it most likely means that they are on another adventure. Earlier today, I found a note shoved under my front door. The handwriting was neither Kat’s nor Carter’s. It simply said, “Carter and Kat are on a mission. If they survive, they will return.”
        I realize that this is not much to hang our hopes on, but remember that Carter and Kat have faced many dangers and harrowing situations. They have always survived and even thrived. So I am going to hope for the best, trust The Guardian, and the children.
        In the meantime, I have decided to honor Kat’s request that I post some activities you can use as teaching tools or for fun. The activity given below is a fun, unique way to introduce children to Jesus. The puzzle is also fun for everyone.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. RIGHT CLICK the puzzle
2. SELECT Print Picture
3. CLICK Print