We looked at 1 Samuel 21-22. David is on the run from King Saul and escapes to the town of Nob where he asks the priest Ahimelek for help. Ahimelek asks some questions, but instead of telling the truth, David spins a tale that ends up getting Ahimelek killed when King Saul found out. David found out the hard way that lies have severe consequences.

Bottom Line: When you’re not truthful, you hurt others. We tend to think that if we lie, we’re only helping ourselves get out of trouble or get something we want. But lies have consequences. Often those repercussions extend beyond ourselves to the people we lie to or lie about. We pray that kids will realize that telling the truth keeps everyone from experiencing unnecessary pain.
 
Memory Verse: Psalms 15:2 - Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
 
The Reign Forest Team
Angie, Anita, Cheryl, Jessi, Kristin

We start the month in 2 Kings 5 and learn more about the prophet Elisha and his servant named Gehazi. After Elisha helped Naaman, Gehazi saw Elisha turn down an extravagant gift from Naaman. But Gehazi decided that he could take advantage of the situation and take the gift for himself. He went behind Elisha’s back, denied his actions, and inevitably lost Elisha’s trust.

Bottom Line: When you’re not truthful you lose trust. If you continually tell lies and hurt people with dishonesty, eventually you will lose the trust of those around you. We hope kids realize that honesty helps them build relationships with others.
 
Memory Verse: Proverbs 10:9 - People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
 
Have a great week!
~ Reign Forest Team

Dear Reign Forest families,
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We finished out the month of April with one of the best examples of what happens when you are not patient; you lose something of value. In Genesis 25:24-34, we discover the story of Esau sacrificing his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew. Because Esau was impatient, he lost something he could never get back.
 
Bottom Line: When you think you can't wait, stop and think twice. Don't let your lack of patience cause you to make a decision you will regret. Think twice about what really matters. Think twice about making the wisest choice.  Ask God to help you wait patiently for what matters most.
Memory Verse: We put our hope in the Lord.  He is our help and our shield.  Psalm 33:20.