Balloon Object Lesson: Up, Up & Okay!

Play a Game of Keepy Uppy

Key Takeaway: We can lift others up through encouragement.

Engage: Play a game of Keepy-Uppy by trying to keep an inflated balloon in the air and not dropping to the ground. Start with one person keeping one balloon up; then add more balloons. Next join in and help keep the balloons up together.

Explain: Do you ever feel like you need a lift? Maybe you feel sad or discouraged—feeling like a balloon falling to the ground. Most everyone does from time to time, and that’s okay. But did you also know God can use you to lift someone else up when they feel this way? The Bible tells us we do this be encouraging others.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the days of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Was it harder to keep the balloons in the air when doing it by yourself? When we worked together, we did a better job. In the same way, God wants us to work together encouraging each other and others.

Paul tells us in Philippians 2:1-4, “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other; loving one another and working together with one mind and purpose.”

Let’s keep our eyes open to see those around us who may need a lift and then do a little “keepy-uppy” encouraging!

Encounter: Dear Jesus, thank you for being the ultimate encourager! Please help me notice those around me who I can encourage too.

Explore: Read the story of four friends who gave their friend a lift all the way to Jesus! It’s found in three of the four gospels: Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26. Also take a look at Ephesians 4:29 for how our words can be gifts of grace to encourage others!

Action Challenge: Be looking for those around you whom you can encourage. Imagine they are balloons you are gently lifting up. Prayer is another way we can encourage and lift others up to God!

June Focus - VBS Connections

* Plan another even to invite them to come back.

* Write them a note a few weeks after VBS to let them know you are thinking about them and praying.

* If possible, visit their family and talk about all the fun and things learned at VBS.

* If you live in a small town like me, keep your eyes open as you see them around town and encourage them.

* And definitely write each of their names in your prayer journal so in the weeks, months and even years ahead, you are able to continue praying for them.

There are so many ways the ministry of Vacation Bible School can continue far past the week!

A Personal Note

I would love to offer many of our object lessons, etc. in a book format that would make it easy for parents, grandparents, teachers and others to teach children God's Word along the way.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! :)

Sincerely in Christ,

Susan <><