Children’s Sermon

1 Peter 1:17-23

Finding Our Way

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1 Peter 1:17-23
Finding Our Way

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Object suggested: A compass and/or kitchen magnets

Photos of compasses available at:
http://www.shutterstock.com/s/compass/search.html

Today let’s talk a bit about science – about how a compass works. I’ve brought one along so you can see what a compass looks like and will have a better understanding of how it works. Under the glass you will notice a needle that is kind of wobbly. The needle is balanced on a point in the middle of the case so it can swing around easily. This needle is actually a lightweight magnet.

You may have played with a magnet, or have them on your refrigerator door, and know that a magnet attracts certain kinds of metal to itself.

Our earth has a natural magnetic north pole (in the north of Canada). The needle of a compass will always point north. (You can see that one end of the needle is painted red and has the letter “N” printed on it.)

Hikers usually carry a compass to help them find their way out of the forest if they should become lost. Sailors also use a compass to guide them when they are far out to sea and cannot see land.

The Bible teaches us about a different kind of compass. We all have difficult things happen to us and we don’t always know what to do. Perhaps we have to deal with people who are unkind or sometimes we make bad choices and create problems for ourselves. We turn this way and that way, looking for answers and for a way to solve our problems. Sometimes we feel as if we are lost.

When we believe in God our “faith and hope” (1:21) point us in the right direction. God is like our compass. Our faith in God will help us make the right choices. We could say that God, our compass, helps us find our way through life.

The Bible also teaches us that “the Lord’s word endures forever” (1:25). God’s love is a forever thing. Let God be your compass and experience that love.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2012, Richard Niell Donovan