​We finish the month of July with something Paul wrote in Romans 8:38-39. The church in Rome needed some encouragement, and Paul delivered. He wrote, “Nothing at all can ever separate us from God’s love. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done” (NIrV). God’s love gives us the encouragement and confidence to face anything.
 
Bottom Line: God loves you no matter what. We all face times when we feel far away from God’s love. But Paul’s words remind us that nothing can ever stop God’s love for us. This truth can help us live with confidence. No matter what life looks like for us, God’s love can give us the encouragement we need to keep going. We can trust God no matter what.
 
We listed things that we can put together and take apart again.  Example-peanuts and raisins. We then listed things that you put together, but you could never get apart as single parts again. Example: two colors of playdough. We then talked about the individual ingredients you put into making a cake. Once the ingredients are mixed, you can never make them into single ingredients again. The kids each enjoyed their own individually wrapped chocolate chip brownie as an object lesson!
 
So it is with God’s love.  Why?  Because of Jesus!  God sent His only Son Jesus because He loves us.  Jesus was willing to take the punishment for all the wrong things ever. We call it sin.  Jesus died on the cross for us.  Then Jesus came back to life to make a way for us to have a relationship with God forever.  God loves us so much that He gave us His Son, and when we believe or put our trust in Him, we’ll have a relationship with God that lasts forever.  Nothing can separate us from God.  I’m so glad to know that God Loves you No  Matter What.
 
Have a great week!
The Reign Forest Team
Cheryl, Anita, Kristin, Angie, and Christine

​Hi Reign Forest friends,
 
The stories for July show children the connection between confidence and God’s character, as shown through God’s Big Story. Confidence is a response to the character of God.
 
For week 3, we look to Ephesians 6:10-17. As Paul wraps up the end of his letter, he focuses our attention on where we can find confidence. Paul encourages the believers to allow God to make them strong. We don’t have to face life on our own. God offers us spiritual armor we can wear to help us stand firm when we face difficulty. God is with us and won’t let us down.
 
Bottom Line: Use what God has given you to stand strong. Sometimes kids might feel like they’re on their own, especially when it comes to having courage or finding confidence. We pray this will be a powerful week as kids discover that when they trust Jesus with their life, God offers them spiritual armor to help them face whatever is happening in their lives.
 
A quick review of the Armor of God:
The Armor of Godliness protects our hearts and helps us follow God and love others like He does. The Shoes of Peace help us GO and tell other people the Good news that Jesus loves them! The Shield of Faith helps us when we have doubts about God or how He feels about us. The Helmet of Salvation reminds us of what God has done for us through His Son. The Sword of the Spirit, or God’s Word, helps us grow in our relationship with God and protects us from making decisions that go against what God thinks is best for us.
 
Every piece of armor provides amazing protection and is always available for you to use, no matter where you go or when you need it!
 
Have a great week!
The Reign forest team

​Good morning Reign Forest Friends!
 
For week two, we head to Matthew 14:22-33. Peter and the rest of the disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee when they noticed a figure walking on the water’s surface. When they finally realize that the figure is Jesus, Peter called out and asked Jesus to invite Him onto the water. Jesus did, and Peter took a stroll on top of the waves. However, only when Peter focused on Jesus is he able to stay afloat.
 
Bottom Line: Stay focused on Jesus. When we put our confidence in Jesus, we find the courage to make the wise choice in a difficult situation. Jesus may not be asking us to walk on water, but He does ask us to trust Him. We hope kids start to understand some practical ways to focus on Jesus and what He wants for their lives.
 
Blessings,
The Reign Forest Team