I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

I often use this teaching as a fill-in which means that we are using the lessons between major curriculum teaching. Often I use this one at the beginning of the year ie. in this Hemisphere - January. We are not yet into term teaching but have a few weeks so we can choose something short and fun.

I use The beginners’ bible illustrated by Kelly Pulley, here is the story I read each of the fill-in weeks. Using the repetition of the story alongside cool crafts each week.

The Story to read to the Children

The Israelites were in trouble again. Along came a very strong man named Samson. God had chosen him to save the Israelites from their enemies, The Philistines.

(Explain to the Children that in the Old Testament before Jesus walked on the Earth God’s created all the people, but some of the people fought against each other and there was lots of trouble).

Samson had very long hair, (show the children the pictures), Samson knew that as long as he did not cut his hair, he would always be very strong. (Tell the children this is what he thought, he thought his strength came from the length of his hair).

Samson was in love with Delilah. The Philistines told Delilah they would pay her if she found out what made Samson so strong. At first, Samson lied to her.

(So explain to the children that the Philistines who were fighting against Samson tried to get Samson’s girlfriend on their side and tried to get her to trick Samson so they could beat him).

Samson said, “If you tie me up with ropes, I will lose my strength.” That night while Samson slept, Delilah tied him up. Then she shouted, “The Philistines are coming!”, Samson jumped up and broke the ropes. Delilah kissed him and asked, “Won’t you tell me the secret to your strength?”

Samson gave in and told her, “My strength is in my long hair.” When Samson was asleep, Delilah had all his hair cut off. Samson’s strength was gone! The Philistines grabbed him and put him in jail.

(Talk to the children about how horrible it would have been for him in Prison, get them to discuss it amongst themselves).

A while later, the Philistines were having a big party. They brought Samson in and made fun of him. Samson prayed to God to make him strong one last time. God did, Samson pushed the pillars with all his might. The temple came crashing down, and Samson defeated the Philistines.

• Here is your opportunity at the end to explain to the Children that Samson’s strength did NOT come from the length of his hair it came from his faith, his love of God, and his willingness to plead and pray to God. God answered his prayer and gave Samson strength one more time and he was able to bring down the pillars of the building which brought down the whole building, killing the Philistines and even though Samson was also crushed he was the person God told him he would be the strong, mighty warrior for his people.

• When you repeat this message for two or three weeks the children will soon be telling you that our strength comes from God.

See the crafts that go with this teaching to reinforce this message and bring this message to their homes.

I use this print out during the play time, instead of colouring for the children to glue on mini pom poms to the mens arm muscles and also to the weights.

For the song for these two weeks I use “My God is so Big” you can download it from various artists but the actions has lots of muscle arm actions when you sing with them, My God is So Big, So Strong and So Mighty there is nothing that He cannot do!

Now that is a great message for the Children to start the year with.