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Object Lessons & Devotional Thoughts - 1

Theme Devotional & Object Lessons 2011-12

Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold!GET WISDOM:Go beyond the Gold!

Pro

verb

s 9:

10;

16

:16 -

17

The fear of the LORD is the

beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy

One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather

than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he (she)

who guards his (her) way guards his (her) life .

Proverbs 16:16-17

2 - Object Lessons & Devotional Thoughts Object Lessons & Devotional Thoughts - 3

All quoted Scripture is taken from the New International Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted. ©Copyright 2011 by GEMS Girls’ Clubs | a ministry of Dynamic Youth Ministries

Grand Rapids, MichiganWritten by Lenae Bulthuis, Edited by Amy White, Gert Wolfert

Layout by Nicole ZaagmanPrinted in the USA

Fear God 6

Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold! 9

Get Wisdom about Words 12

Get Wisdom about Relationships 15

Get Wisdom about Integrity 18

Get Wisdom about Work 21

Get Wisdom about Money 24

Get Wisdom about Humility 27

Get Wisdom about Advice 29

Get Wisdom about Gentle Answers 32

Get Wisdom about Smiles 35

Get Wisdom about Choices 38

Get Wisdom about Fear 41

Get Wisdom about Contentment 44

Get Wisdom about Creation 47

Get Wisdom about Straight Paths 50

Get Wisdom about Friendship 53

Get Wisdom about the Future 56

CONTENTS GET WISDOM:Go beyond the Gold!

Pro

verb

s 9:

10;

16

:16 -

17Theme Devotional & Object Lessons 2011-12

Lesson Date it will be led at GEMS club Page


Dear GEMS Club Coordinator, Counselors, and Parents,

Within your hands is a theme-focused devotional and object lesson booklet that will highlight and expand this season’s Annual Theme, Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold! The book of Proverbs is God’s handbook on wisdom and our primary book of study for this theme. The theme verses are Proverbs 9:10 and Proverbs 16:16-17. In Proverbs, chapter 9, verse 10, we’re told where to get wisdom. It reads, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Fearing God by – honoring and respecting Him, is the only way to gain godly wisdom. In Proverbs 16:16-17, we’re then compelled to go get that wisdom! It says, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he (she) who guards his (her) way guards his (her) life.

At home and at club we challenge you to memorize those theme verses, plus the Key Memory Verse(s) that is listed at the beginning of each object lesson/devotional thought. There’s no greater way to permanently stick these wisdom truths in your heart than to commit them to memory – guaranteed!

These object lessons/devotional thoughts will inspire girls, their families, and their counselors to live by the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. It will equip and encourage them to walk wisely on the highway of right living and go beyond the gold – seeking God’s will above everything else.

Club Coordinators and counselors: Use these short devotionals for opening praise and worship time at club. Before you gift these books to GEMS parents, fill in the dates on the contents page that you will be leading each devotional so they can read it to their families within a week of the girls experiencing it at club.

Parents: At the conclusion of each object lesson/devotional thought, there’s a special feature called Family Connection Time. Please choose a time to read an object lesson/devotional thought within a week of your daughter hearing it at club. Check out the dates on the contents page to learn more.

To best use this resource, gather your family together, read the object lesson, its Bible verse, and the message together, and then discuss the reflection questions. This resource has the potential to draw your family closer to one another, to Jesus, and to be the highlight of your family’s week!

Club Coordinators, counselors, and parents: There are special sections within this book that encourage you to dialogue with one another when it comes to choosing a Bible (Object Lesson #1 and #16), and becoming part of God’s family and seeking a church to attend (Object Lesson #18). Of course when it comes to teaching and mentoring these precious girls, anytime is a great time to connect!

Praying that God uses the Get Wisdom: Go beyond the Gold! theme to move girls, their families, and their counselors to fear God and make good decisions that will protect our lives from sin and keep us on the highway of the upright and the path of the wise.

Grace and peace,

Lenae Bulthuis – GEMS Girls’ Clubs Training Manager


LIFE LESSON: To fear the LORD means to honor and revere God.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a Bible, a ruler, a tablespoon, and a bowl of water.

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 9:10 on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Ask for two volunteers. Give the ruler to the first volunteer and ask her to measure the breadth of her hand (the distance between her thumb to the tip of her little finger when her fingers are completely spread apart). Have her share the measurement with the group. Ask the group. . .If ___________ (name of person who measured her hand) was going to use the breadth of her hand to measure a single object, what are some things that she could measure? Listen to responses that may include a pencil, cup, cell phone, book and other items that are no bigger than the breadth of her hand. Hold your Bible and say. . .In God’s book, the Bible, it tells us that God uses the breadth of His hand to mark off the heavens (Isaiah 40:12). Can you begin to imagine such a thing? God can measure the heavens with the breadth of His hand. Our God is a great God!

Ask the second volunteer to cup her hands together over the bowl of water. Use the tablespoon to spoon water into her cupped hands. Have the entire group count aloud with you how many tablespoons she can hold in her hands. Say. . ._____________ (name of person) can hold ____ (number) tablespoons of water in her cupped hands. Hold your Bible and ask. . .Do you know how much water God cups in His hands? Listen to responses. In God’s book, the Bible, it tells us that God measures the waters in the hollow of His hand (Isaiah 40:12). He doesn’t hold tablespoons of water in His cupped hand; He holds oceans in it! Our God is a great God! Thank volunteers and have them return to their places.

MESSAGE:Say. . .Who can fathom or wrap her mind around God’s greatness and majesty? He measures the waters in the hollow of His hand; He marks off the heavens in a single handbreadth. He holds the dust of the earth in a basket and weighs the mountains on scales (Isaiah 40:12). When the writer of Psalm 8 thought about God’s wondrous world and all He made, he was struck with fear. He wrote, When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him (Psalm 8:3-4)? How do we approach such a great and majestic God? With fear. It’s not a fear that’s afraid of heights or spiders; it’s a reverent or respectful fear and awe that says, “God, You are

majestic and mighty! You are awesome and amazing! Thank You that You love me so much. I’m so thankful that I can call You my loving, heavenly Father.”

That’s what it means to fear God. First we think about His greatness and power, and then we bow low in thankfulness and awe that this mighty God is also our kind, loving Father. In the beginning He made the heavens and the earth, and today this same God says to you and to me, “Long before I created the world, I chose you” (Ephesians 1:4). You are the focus of God’s love. His love for you has no end (Psalm 136:1).

As people who fear God, there must be an understanding of His awesome power and might, and His tender love and mercy. He is both King of the universe and your loving Father. The fear of the LORD is essential to our relationship with God, and, it is the starting point to being wise.

GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 9:10 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read this verse aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

We cannot get wisdom that goes beyond the gold unless we first fear the LORD. As people who fear the LORD, our ultimate aim should not be gold and glitter, power or popularity, but that God is exalted and made famous in everything we say and do.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to get on their knees and bow before God in prayer.

Great and mighty God, You made the world and everything in it. We see Your creation and think about who You are and become overwhelmed by Your greatness and glory. We bow down to You in fear and approach You with love, admiration, and respect. Teach us what it means this season to fear the LORD. Give us wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1 Fear God

Object LessonKey Memory Verse: Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.


Family Connection Time: Gather your family in your favorite room for a family get-together or discussion time. If this is a new experience for your family, introduce it with enthusiasm. At first, they may have questions and not value it, but with love and consistency, it will develop into a much-anticipated, and growth-producing family habit.

Your GEMS daughter(s) experienced this entire object lesson at club. As a family, read the message portion of the object lesson together. If your children are reading aged, have them take turns reading the paragraphs.

QUESTIONS FOR FAMILY TIME DISCUSSION:

1. Reread Proverbs 9:10. Give an example of a time you were awestruck by God’s creation, His power, or something He did in your life.

2. Ask each person in your family to share something that they fear. It may be spiders, the dark, or being alone. What does it mean to fear the LORD?

3. One way to fear the LORD is to honor Him with our words and actions. Have each person share one way that he/she can honor God. Examples: Tell the truth, be kind, and share with those in need.

If your family does not own a Bible, please contact the Club Coordinator of your daughter(s)’ GEMS Club. She will help you pick one that suits your family. Begin to read it every day as a family. Pick a time that works best for everyone. Some good options include before school, at evening mealtime, or before bed. Know that your Club Coordinator welcomes any questions you may have!

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear God, Your world is wonder-filled and Your name is great. We cannot fathom Your majesty and power. We acknowledge that You are Lord and King and Maker of all peoples and nations, and that You also are our loving, heavenly Father. Thank You that nothing can separate our family from Your love. Please use these devotional times to teach our family what it means to fear the LORD. Teach us to walk the path of wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: To understand what wisdom is and why we should value it more than things.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a dunce cap (a pointed, paper hat marked with a D) and a headband with a heart on it (check out Sparkling Heart Headbands available through orientaltrading.com).

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 16:16-17 on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Place the dunce cap on your head and ask. . .Does anyone know what kind of hat this is? Listen to responses. Many, many years ago when teachers wanted to punish students for being slow or lazy in their schoolwork, they would force them to sit in the corner of the classroom with a dunce cap on their head. It was used put into practice in our schools.

God loves each of you and made you very special and unique. No one is a dunce. No one! But sometimes we can be foolish. Foolishness has nothing to do with our grades in school or how quick we can learn. Foolishness is any time we reject God and walk away from Him. True foolishness is when we do things our own way instead of following God.

Take the dunce cap off your head and place the heart headband on your head. God doesn’t want us to be foolish; He wants us to be wise! Touch the hearts on the headband and say. . .Wise girls love God. Touch your head. Wise girls know God and seek to live the way He wants them to live.

If you have enough heart headbands for everyone, distribute them and have them wear them during the message.

MESSAGE:Hold your Bible open to the book of Proverbs and say. . .Having wisdom means we make good decisions based on what God tells us in His Word. The book from the Bible that we’re going to study all season long is the book of Proverbs. It is known as the book of wisdom. It is God’s handbook on how to be wise!

The book of Proverbs is filled with short sayings that are long on truth. They speak God’s wisdom and provide practical ways for how we can live a life that pleases God. Picture yourself standing by an intersection. You need to make a

2 Get Wisdom:

Go beyond the Gold!Object Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:16-17How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he (she) who guards his (her) way guards his (her) life.


choice. Will you take the road to the right or the road to the left to get to your destination?

We have to make choices like this every day! Before we make each choice, we need to think about our destination. Do we want to walk with God or walk away from Him? To walk closely with God, we need to seek His wisdom and obey His commands – we have to live the way he asks us to live. This is a path of true life. Wise choices result in good decisions that protect us from sin and the consequences that come with it.

Foolish girls walk away from God. They do what they want to do instead of what God wants them to do. They value things like money, popularity, and power, more than they value God. But when we choose to walk our own way there are consequences, and the biggest consequence is that we aren’t walking with God!

GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 16:16-17 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read these verses aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver. The highway of the upright avoids evil; he (she) who guards his (her) way guards his (her) life (Proverbs 16:16-17).

There’s nothing wrong with owning things like gold, silver, or the largest item on your wish list. What God wants us to understand in these verses is that if you need to make a choice between getting wisdom or getting things, choose wisdom! It’s the best and most worthy choice! When we choose wisdom and walk wisely, it will keep us on God’s highway of right living.

Silver and gold and closets full of stuff will not protect you from sin and its consequences, but wisdom will! It will guard your life today and always.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to get on their knees and bow before God in prayer.

God of wisdom, You are the source of true wisdom. Your wisdom is greater than gold and silver. Your wisdom guards our choices and protects our lives from sin and its consequences. Help us to be girls of wisdom who love You, know You, and make choices that please and honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family for family discussion time. Think about the importance of this regular habit through the words of N.D. Wilson who wrote, “The world is rated R, and no one is checking IDs. Do not try to make it G by imagining the shadows away. Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows (Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl, page 157).



1. Reread Proverbs 16:16-17. What is wisdom? 2. Ask each person in your family to share one thing on his/her wish

list that could be bought with gold or silver. Why is wisdom better than things?

3. Think about a choice that your family makes on a regular basis in your relationships, with money, or with your time. Put it in the form of a question. Example: How will our family respond the next time our neighbor is rude to us? Now describe a wise choice for that situation and a foolish choice. Which one will your family choose, and why?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear God, all true wisdom comes from You. We confess that sometimes we care more about money, possessions, or living our own way than we care about walking Your way. Please forgive us. Help us value Your wisdom and walk in it. Teach us to make wise choices that are pleasing to You and protect us from sin – from the wrong things we say, do, and think – and its consequences. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of Wisdom speak words that heal.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need “bruised” or black eyes (look on the Internet for instructions using washable markers for how to make fake bruises. Bruises are darker in the middle, fade toward the edges, and are rarely, perfectly round. Don’t overdo it with the markers or makeup or it won’t look realistic), and a pair of sunglasses (wear them to cover up the “bruises” so the girls don’t see them right away).


Wear your sunglasses to cover up your fake bruised eyes and ask . . .Do you know what happened to me today? Wait until you have everyone’s attention, take off your sunglasses, and say. . .I got hit between the eyes. It hurt so badly, girls. Honestly, it hurt me more than stick and stones. Do you have any guesses at what hit me between the eyes? Listen to responses. What hit me between the eyes were unkind words.

Someone said I was a loser, another person said I was stupid, another person said she didn’t want to be my friend anymore, and still another said I was ugly. No one physically touched me, but the words battered my spirit and broke my heart. It made it hard for me to see myself as God says I am.

God says that He loves me, He made me special, and He has a special plan for my life. It can be so hard to see the truth of who He says I am when I get hit between the eyes with mean, reckless words. Would you say that’s true for you, too?

MESSAGE:Stick out your tongue. Did you know that the tongue has eight muscles, is typically four inches or ten centimeters in length, and is the primary organ of taste and articulation? More than that, your tiny tongue has tremendous power. It has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Please put your tongues back in your mouths as we think about that power.

The words formed on your tongue have the power to heal or wound, the power to build up or destroy, the power to encourage or to criticize, and the power to bless or to curse.

Powerful and potentially dangerous equipment like bulldozers and cranes

require safety precautions and licensed experts to operate them. Powerful and potentially dangerous parts of your body like the tongue require this instruction from God’s Word.

GEMS Counselor, have the girls read Proverbs 12:18 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read this verse aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Think before you speak.” That’s wise and good advice. Pray, count to ten, wiggle your toes three times, guard your lips, do whatever you need to do to process your words in your mind before they slip off your tongue. Are your words going to recklessly wound or stir by trouble? The tongue is very powerful! It can do great damage when we speak without thinking. When you bite your tongue and watch your speech, you guard yourself from saying things that are hurtful to others and disobedient to God. When your words are wise and selected with care, you will experience the life God desires for you. Guarding your lips will guard your life (Proverbs 13:3)!

Are your words needed to comfort someone who is sad or to befriend someone who is lonely? Then speak up and encourage! Use wise and loving words that bind up broken hearts and build up shattered spirits. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to touch their lips as they pray for wisdom.

Holy God, thank You for what Your Word teaches us about our words. Thank You for making us aware of the power of our tongues. Teach us to guard our lips against reckless words. Use our words to bring hope, healing, and help to everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

3 Get Wisdom about Words

Object LessonKey Memory Verse: Proverbs12:18Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


Family Connection Time: Gather your family for this important connecting time. Remember, that what we teach our children is more often “caught” than “taught.” Our children will be the first to see the discrepancies between what we say during this special family time and how we live the rest of the week. Ask God to prepare and guide you in every season of parenting.




1. Reread Proverbs 12:18. Have each family member give an example of healing words that may include good job, I’m praying for you, and how can I help?

2. Think about a time that you said or received reckless words. How did they pierce like a sword?

3. Think about the words your family uses with one another. Would you describe them as loving, respectful, and healing? Why or why not? Use the next few minutes to ask for forgiveness for hurtful words that have been said. Using one or all of the verses in this devotional as your guide, write three family rules for your words.

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, our guide for our words. Forgive us when our words have been reckless, especially to the other people in our family. Help us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Teach us to use words that heal and encourage. May this home be a place of hope and healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom love and help their friends and neighbors.

OBJECT LESSON: No supplies needed.

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Play a Hug Relay 1. Divide the girls into groups of five and line them up to run a relay. 2. Have two girls hug each other and the last three gather around them

in a hug. 3. At your signal, the teams run to the designated finish line while

embracing. The first team to do so wins.

MESSAGE:I have a dear friend who lives very far away from me. When she emails me she often ends her message with these words, “My heart hugs you!” She’s not physically present to give me a hug, but she makes it clear through her words and her prayers for me that she’s my friend.

The book of Proverbs gives us wisdom about friendship. Let’s think about three friendship truths that God shares in Proverbs.

1. Please cross your arms over your heart. True friends are loyal (Proverbs 17:17a). A loyal friend is one that loves at all times. They are not fair-weathered friends that are here today and gone tomorrow. Instead, they are committed to being the best friend they can be when that’s fun and when that’s difficult. When their friend is loveable, and when their friend is not.

2. Please extend your hands. True friends help in times of need (Proverbs 17:17b). True friends see their friend’s need and are quick to extend their hands to help, to fold their hands in prayer, and to wrap their arms around their friend with a hug of encouragement.

3. Please use your two pointer fingers to form a letter T. True friends are trustworthy. Do you remember the fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes? Two deceitful weavers promised the Emperor a new suit of clothes that was invisible to those unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent. The thing was, the clothes really were invisible. The Emperor was walking around with no clothes on! But

4 Get Wisdom about

RelationshipsObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs17:17, NLTA friend is always loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need.


Family Connection Time: In her book, Trend-Savvy Parenting – An insider’s guide to changes that shape your child’s world, Dr. Mary Manz Simon defines togethering as “the emotional connection between family members, known as parent-child bonding in previous generations. ‘Togethering’ is one of the most important elements of parenting.” Each time you gather your family together for Family Connection Time you’re “togethering.” Keep at it! In too many families this special, needed time is at risk.



1. Reread Proverbs 17:17. Have each family member share a time when a friend helped him/her in a time of need.

2. True friends are loyal, helpful, and trustworthy. Of those three characteristics, which one do you need to work on most in your friendships? How will you do that?

3. Think about a family in your community who may need the help and friendship of your family. Maybe they’re going through hard times, are grieving, or are new to your neighborhood. What could your family do this week to befriend them?

FAMILY PRAYER:Hold hands in a circle as you pray.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches us about our relationships. Help each one of us to be true friends that are loyal, helpful, and trustworthy. Open our eyes to a family in our community who may need our family’s friendship. Help us to be quick to open our door and hearts to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

no one wanted to be thought of as stupid, so they all lied and told the Emperor that his clothes were beautiful. Only a small child was a trustworthy friend when he said, “But he has nothing on!” God’s Book, the Bible says, Wounds from a friend can be trusted (Proverbs 27:6). True friends tell the truth, not to be mean or cruel, but to help their friends be the best that they can be.

GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read this verse aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, A friend is always loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need . (Proverbs 17:17, NLT).

The wisest and best friendships that we can ever have are the ones where God is the center. Picture a three-strand cord. One cord is your friend, one cord is you, and one cord is God. A three-strand cord is not easily broken. A three-strand cord will help you walk the highway of right living.

Be wise in all your friendships. Have the girls mimic the actions one more time. Be a friend that is loyal (cross arms over your heart), be a friend that helps in time of need (extend your arms), and be a friend that is trustworthy (use pointer fingers to form a letter T).

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to cross their arms in front of their hearts as they pray for wisdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word teaches us how to be true and wise friends. Be the center of all our friendships. Help us to be friends who are loyal, helpful, and trustworthy. Thank You that Jesus is a forever Friend who will not fail us or forsake us. In His name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom are marked by integrity. They always seek to do the right thing.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a dark room and a flashlight.


Turn off the lights (including your flashlight) and darken the room as much as possible. Say. . .We’re going to take a quick test in the dark. If your answer is yes, clap once. If it’s no, clap twice. Are you ready? 1. If you’re entirely alone, no one will see you, and you won’t get

caught, would you cheat on a test? Clap once for yes, twice for no. 2. If you’re entirely alone, no one will see you, and you won’t get

caught, would you take candy out of the cupboard after your mom said no more snacks before dinner? Clap once for yes, twice for no.

3. If you’re entirely alone, no one will see you, and you won’t get caught, would you watch a popular TV show you know you shouldn’t watch? Clap once for yes, twice for no.

4. If you’re entirely alone, no one will see you, and you won’t get caught, would you break a promise to your friend? Clap once for yes, twice for no.

5. If you’re entirely alone, no one will see you, and you won’t get caught, would you lie to an adult to stay out of trouble? Clap once for yes, twice for no.

Turn your flashlight on and say. . .Integrity is the kind of person you are when no one is watching. It’s your character – the core of who you are day in and day out, in front of crowds and all by yourself.

MESSAGE:Nike, Inc., the world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has the well-known trademarks of the “swoosh” logo and “Just do it.” It’s an inspiring motto. Set your goals and then just do it!

But, while the slogan might be catchy, people of wisdom are people of integrity. They don’t just do it – they do what’s right because they do it God’s way. They talk the way God wants them to talk. They live the way God wants them to live. They do the things God wants them to do.

People of integrity don’t compromise or cut corners. They don’t look for

loopholes or lie. They never excuse sin, no matter how seemingly small it is in size. They know that the end doesn’t justify the means and there is no excuse for wrongdoing. They are honest, blameless, and truthful. They obey God even if people ridicule and reject them. They do what God wants them to do whether they’re in a crowd of people or all alone.


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, The man (woman) of integrity walks securely, but he (she) who takes crooked paths will be found out (Proverbs 10:9).

Wise people walk straight and secure on God’s highway. They are people of integrity whose speech and actions are true and honest. Foolish people get tripped up in lies and take crooked paths of dishonesty. But God says they will be found out!

Walk wisely. Walk securely. Walk with integrity. Just do it right by doing it God’s way.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to stand straight and tall as they pray for wisdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word teaches us how to be wise girls of integrity. Help us to stand straight and tall by walking Your way and fully obeying Your commands. May all that we do, say, and think be true and honest before You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

5 Get Wisdom about

IntegrityObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs10:9The man (woman) of integrity walks securely, but he (she) who takes crooked paths will be found out.


Family Connection Time: Gather your children in your family’s favorite space in your home (or outdoors if that is possible!). Mentally avoid looking at this time as something to be squeezed in. It’s not something you “have” to do; it’s something you get to do! See it for what it is – a top priority and privilege!



1. Reread Proverbs 10:9. Why is there security in being a person of integrity?

2. When is it most challenging for you to do the right thing? How can your family pray for and encourage one another to live rightly in the areas that you feel weak in?

3. A study was done that says the average person is lied to every five minutes. That’s 200 times a day! What are some reasons that people lie? Be a family of integrity. Set a goal of going one week without telling a single lie. At the end of the week talk about the experience.

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches us about being a family of integrity. Please forgive the times that we’ve lied, been deceitful, or excused wrongdoing. Help us to be fully obedient to Your Word and Spirit. Give us strength and wisdom to live Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom give their very best to their work – working as for the Lord, not people.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a broom and an inflated balloon (plus extras in case they pop) for every six to eight girls, and a large area for a relay race. Each team should have a different color balloon to eliminate confusion.


Play the Balloon Relay: 1. Determine the start line and finish line. 2. Divide the girls into groups of six to eight. They should stand single file

at the start line. 3. Give the balloon and broom to the first person in line. Instruct her

where she’s to sweep her balloon (maybe the opposite wall or around a chair placed at a distance). She needs to sweep the balloon to the designated point and then back to the start line where she hands off the balloon and broom to the next person in line.

4. Play continues until each person on the team has swept the balloon to the designated point and back. The first team to finish the relay wins.

5. When the relay is finished, ask the girls to sit down and begin your message.

Hold a broom and say. . .There are certain objects that I equate with work. A broom is one of them. So are gardening gloves, dust rags, and dish soap. What is an object you equate with work? Listen to responses.

MESSAGE:As children, my sister and I were infamous for needing to go to the bathroom when it was time to clear the table and do dishes. If we loitered long enough, it gave our mom time to make a significant dent in the clean up. She grew wise to our scheming and either stayed put until we returned or had us wait to use the restroom until we were finished cleaning up. It was amazing, when forced to wait, neither one of us had an accident and typically forgot that we needed a bathroom in the first place. Have you ever gone to great lengths to avoid work you don’t enjoy?

Some people work harder at avoiding work than getting to work. They view work as something to keep away from because it’s too dirty, too difficult, too demanding, or too demeaning. There are those who do the bare minimum

6 Get Wisdom about

WorkObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 31:17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.


instead of giving their very best, or they whine and complain instead of cheerfully doing their tasks.

The book of Proverbs describes a woman who can teach us a lot about work. She is often referred to as the Proverbs 31 woman. Why did she receive that name? Because most of Proverbs chapter 31 is about her!


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks (Proverbs 31:17).

She wasn’t lazy! She was an energetic, hard worker who did her tasks with strength, power, and might. Does that describe the way you do your work?

Remember, work goes far beyond having a job and receiving a paycheck. Work is any task or assignment we have – school work, chores, volunteer work, and more. The work God has given you to do – whether it’s making your bed, finishing your history project, babysitting, or practicing the piano, should be seen as a privilege and done with passion and perspiration.

Wise people work hard. They are people who give their best to their labors as if working for God, not people (Colossians 3:23). Foolish people are lazy. They sit down at the breakfast table to eat Cheerios and they’re too lazy to move the spoon from the bowl up to their mouth to take a bite (Proverbs 26:15)!

Be wise by working hard. That’s the highway of upright living that God wants us to walk!

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to extend their arms as they pray for wisdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word teaches us how to be wise in our work. Strengthen our arms and our attitudes so we can work in a way that pleases You. Remind us that we must say no to laziness and yes to giving our very best to the things You’ve asked us to do. We will work hard in Your service! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Is your Family Connection Time becoming a regular part of your family’s week? If so, great! If not, don’t give up. Today is a new day to begin again! Make the commitment to regularly gather your family to read God’s Word and to pray, and then do it. There’s no time like the present! Gather your children for discussion time now.



1. Reread Proverbs 31:17. Describe a person who works hard. 2. What work do you most enjoy? What work do you least enjoy? 3. Think about your work ethic. Do you work hard or are you lazy?

Do you give your best or are you careless? Are you energetic and positive about it or do you whine and complain? Identify and share one way you can improve your work and/or your attitude toward it. Lovingly keep one other accountable.

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about work. Thank You for the work You’ve given us to do. For those who desire to be employed, but are unable to find a job, please open the door for work and provide all that our family needs. We trust You to do Your part and we will do our part – giving our best to every task. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom honor God through the good choices they make with their money and things.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a picture of your hero/heroine. Choose someone who is honorable and famous.

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 3:9a on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Hold up (or display via PowerPoint) the picture of your hero. Ask. . .Does anyone know who this person is? Listen to responses. Explain why this person is your hero/heroine and what you most admire about this person.

I think it would be wonderful to invite her to club or to my home for tea and cookies or soda and popcorn. Wouldn’t you just love to meet your hero in person? Listen to responses.

If my hero/heroine visited club, what are some ways we would show him/her honor? Listen to responses that my include giving the person a seat of honor, letting the person go first in the snack line or delivering a snack to the person, telling the person why you admire him/her so much, asking for advice on how you could become more like this person, listening attentively, and following his/her advice.

Those are all really good ways to honor a person that we greatly admire! It would be fun to try them out if we ever have the opportunity to meet our heroes/heroines, won’t it?

MESSAGE:There are many honorable heroes/heroines for us to look up to, but none are as perfect, glorious, and worthy of honor as God! Some of the ways we honor God are by thinking about His greatness and power, thanking Him for the amazing things He does in our lives and in this world, and fearing Him by being awestruck by His character and position.

We honor God in worship, when we sing, read His Word, and pray. Did you know that we should also honor Him when we shop and save? It’s true! Wise people honor God with their money and their things.

7 Get Wisdom about

MoneyObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:9aHonor the LORD with your wealth. GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 3:9a aloud with you from the

whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read this verse aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Honor the LORD with your wealth (Proverbs 3:9a).

Those who are wise and walk on the highway of right living honor God with their money and their possessions. The first thing they do whenever they receive money is give a portion of it back to God by giving it to the church, GEMS Girls’ Clubs, or another ministry that tells people about Jesus and seeks to help those who are hungry, sick, and oppressed. The remainder of their money is also used wisely. Some is saved up for future use like a new bicycle, some is spent on others like buying birthday gifts, and some is used to provide for personal needs like socks and school supplies.

Wisdom seekers also honor God with the things they already own. They take very good care of their things so they can be used as long as possible. They’re quick to share their stuff and use it to show people Jesus’ love.

Wise people honor God with the money and things that He’s entrusted to them. They understand that the things in their dresser drawers and the change in their pocket really belong to God. They gratefully receive what He’s given them – however small or large – and then make good choices that honor and please Him.

Be wise in the way you give, save, and spend. It will honor our great and awesome God!

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to hold one thing that they own – it may be their shoes, GEMS bag, jewelry, etc.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word teaches us how to be wise with our wealth. Thank You for the things and money that You have entrusted into our care. Forgive us when we don’t care for it as we should or are ungrateful because we wish we had more. Help us to use every penny and every possession to honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Gather your family for Family Connection Time. Keep it fun and interactive – something everyone looks forward to! Children learn better when they’re engaged, so be very intentional in having everyone participate. These family gatherings will be a legacy they will treasure and want to pass down to their children someday.



1. Reread Proverbs 3:9a. List ways that God can be honored with money and possessions.

2. What is your most prized possession? Do you use it to honor God? If so, how? If not, why?

3. Part of your wealth is the place you call home. How can your family honor God in your home? Narrow it down to one way you will do that this week.

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about money. Thank You for the money and things You’ve entrusted to us. It all belongs to You! Help us to be wise in how we give, save, spend, and use our things. Show us changes we need to make to please You more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom honor God by walking humbly with Him.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a cane.


Say. . .I’m going to call out a word and you call out its opposite. Are you ready? Hot. Listen to responses – cold. Up. Listen to responses – down. Healthy. Listen to responses – sick. Winter. Listen to responses – summer. Slow. Listen to responses – fast. Tall. Listen to responses – short. Proud. Listen to responses – humble.

Let’s stop and think about these two words: pride and humility. Being humble is something we think about each time we meet at GEMS. _____________ (name of your club) GEMS: What does the Lord require of you? Listen to response: To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

That’s right! Pick up the cane and use it like a pointer stick. Pride says: I’m cool. I rule. I’m better than you. I can do it myself. Place the cane on the floor and lean on it with all your weight. Humility says: I consider others better than myself. I trust and depend on God. I won’t step out on my own, but will fully rely on God; I need Him, and I depend on His strength, His wisdom, and His plan for my life.

MESSAGE:Wise people are humble people. They depend on God and find joy in who they are through Him. When they receive a compliment, they say, “Thank you” without being puffed up with pride. When they receive a correction, they receive it without locking themselves up alone in a room and thinking of all their faults and failures. Compliments, corrections, and criticisms are all filtered through Jesus and who He says they are and how He says they should live.

Prideful people are foolish. They are full of themselves. They are nose-in-the-air kind of people with attitude. They think they’re better than other people and even better than God. Like Humpty Dumpty, they’ll have a great fall!


8 Get Wisdom about

HumilityObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 11:2When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

Wise girls are humble girls. Instead of depending on themselves, they depend on God’s strength and help to do things His way. They listen to Him, obey Him, respect Him, fear Him, and receive His rewards. Proverbs 22:4 says, Humility and fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

What’s the opposite of foolish and prideful? Listen to responses – wise and humble. Get wisdom and choose humility. That’s the only choice for those who are committed to walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to get on their knees, fold their hands, and bow their heads in prayer.

Lord God, You alone are worthy of honor and praise. Forgive us when we become prideful, honor ourselves, and walk our way instead of humbly walking with You. Teach us how to be truly wise and humble servants who fully depend on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Invite your family to gather with you for Family Connection Time or what many people call family devotions. Choose a time that works best for you. It may be first thing in the morning, after a meal, or before bed. Long after you’ve completed this devotional/object lesson booklet, continue the habit of regularly reading God’s Word and praying together.



1. Reread Proverbs 11:2. From this verse, how can you tell if a person is wise?

2. How do you typically respond when someone compliments you? When someone criticizes you? How should humble people respond to compliments and criticism?

3. What are the marks of humble people?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about walking humbly with You. Help us to demonstrate true humility by living in full dependence on You. Keep us from being puffed up with pride. Teach us to be humbly grateful for how You’ve made us and for the abilities and skills You’ve given us. Teach us more and more how to be wise and humble in all our ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom gladly welcome advice and correction.

OBJECT LESSON: Each counselor and CIT will need to be prepared with a short, wise saying/advice/quote that someone gave to them and they’ve implemented into their lives. Examples: “Choose joy.” “Keep the main thing the main thing.” “Be a get-along girl.” “Do everything without complaining” (Philippians 2:14). “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). “Always wear clean underwear.”


Say. . .I’d like to invite all the CITs and counselors to come forward and share a bit of wisdom they’ve received and implemented into their lives.

Thank the counselors and ask the girls if they have a bit of wisdom/advice/quote that someone once shared with them. Listen to responses.

MESSAGE:There are two ways to learn how to do something.

1. You can try it yourself without any help, guidance, or advice from others. This is often described as learning things the hard way. When we dive blindly into a project we can end up making disastrous mistakes.

2. You can ask others for their wisdom and learn from their experience. This is the wise way. We learn from other people’s mistakes and experience by listening to their advice and putting it into practice.


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise (Proverbs 19:20).

Wise people listen to advice. They ask questions and seek to learn as much as they can from others. Here are two things to think about when it comes to advice.

9 Get Wisdom about

AdviceObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 19:20Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.


1. Not all advice is good advice! There are TV shows, magazines, and websites that give all sorts of advice that we should plug our ears to! The advice we need to listen to and learn from must come from wise people. Think about the people you know. Can you think of people you respect because they are wise and make good decisions that please God? Those are the people you need to seek out and ask for advice.

2. Not all advice is pleasant advice. Sometimes advice comes in the way of correction or criticism that can be hard to hear. Maybe you and I don’t want to hear wisdom about healthy choices, the way we dress, our study habits, or the words we use. When hard words come, think about them. Is there truth in that criticism? Maybe a lot, maybe a little? Is it advice that God also gives us in the Bible? Then we need to listen carefully and make changes in our lives. We can be thankful for the people who give us wise advice that produces positive change in our lives.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to touch their ears while you pray.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through the advice that we receive from wise people. Help us to have big ears that listen to wise advice and put it into practice. Make us bold in asking questions and eager to learn from others. In the end You will use these things to make us wise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family together giving them your full attention and energy during this special connecting time. Power down all media which Dr. Mary Manz Simon calls a third parent (Trendy-Savvy Parenting – An insider’s guide to changes that shape your child’s world). She writes, “Media can’t, and shouldn’t be, stopped. However, the power of media must be reduced. Television, the Internet, cell phones, and other forms of digital media cannot be allowed to continue as a third parent.”



1. Reread Proverbs 19:20. What is the latest piece of advice that someone gave you? Was it wise advice? Did you put it into practice?

2. Tell about a time you learned the hard way because you didn’t ask for or listen to advice.

3. What do you need wisdom on today? What wise person could you turn to for advice? Hint: they may be in this room!

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about seeking advice and instruction. Help us discern the difference between wise advice and foolish advice. Grow a greater willingness within us to listen to advice and to apply it to our lives. Help us seek and give wise counsel that holds true to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom gladly welcome advice and correction.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a thorny branch (from a bush or rose) and a teddy bear.


Ask two volunteers to come forward. Give one the teddy bear and one the thorny branch. Have the volunteers face one another and stand about four feet apart. Ask the volunteers. . .If you were going to play catch with the teddy bear or the thorny branch, which one would you choose? Listen to responses. Ask the girls who are listening to raise their hand if they agree with their choice.

Ask the volunteers. . .If you played catch with the teddy bear, what would you experience? Listen to responses that may include that it would be soft, fun, and painless. What do you think you’d experience if you played catch with a thorny branch? Listen to responses that may include that they would get poked, it would hurt, and they may even bleed from the cuts made by the thorns.

That’s true. Most people are wise enough not to play catch with a thorny branch, yet there are those who thoughtlessly toss harsh, thorny branch words at one another. When that happens, fights start and anger is stirred up. Let’s think about God’s wisdom about diffusing fights and arguments.

Thank the volunteers and have them return to their seats.

MESSAGE:Have you ever heard the saying, “It takes two to tango”? It means that when two people are fighting, they are both responsible. Just like it takes two people to do a tango dance, it takes two people to argue. Rarely is an argument a single person’s fault. Most often, both people are to blame.

Think about a bonfire. If you add water to it, it will go out. If you add lighter fluid and wood to it, the flames flare!

Now think about a potential argument. Your sister gets in your face and accuses you of losing her iPod. If you respond with a gentle answer, saying how you’re sorry it’s missing, and you’ll do your best to help her find it, the potential argument will go out. If you respond with a harsh answer and call her a liar who doesn’t know what she’s talking about, the potential argument will become a full-blown fight!

10 Get Wisdom about

Gentle AnswersObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

GEMS Counselor, have the girls read Proverbs 15:1 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read this verse aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Wise people diffuse fights with gentle answers. Even when they’re right and have been falsely accused, they choose to be gentle and self-controlled. They control their tongues and their tempers. They understand that it’s better to stop a quarrel as soon as possible then to open the floodgates of fighting that drown and destroy friendships.

When someone says something harsh to you that feels like a thorny bush, bite your tongue and respond wisely. Give them a gentle answer that feels like a teddy bear. That’s the way of wise people who walk the highway of right living and avoid sin and its consequences.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to touch their lips while you pray.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about how to diffuse arguments before they ignite into heated fights. Teach us how to respond with gentleness, especially when a harsh response pops into our minds first. Help us to guard our lips, which will guard our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Did you know that your home can be the best Bible school your children will ever experience? That’s certainly what God intended when He tells parents in His book, the Bible, to teach their children about Him when they sit at home and walk along the road, when they lie down and when they get up (Deuteronomy 11:19). Gather your family for Family Connection Time (aka Bible school!).



1. Reread Proverbs 15:1. What issues cause the most disagreements in your family?

2. Think about a recent disagreement with family or friends. What gentle words could have been used to diffuse the fight?

3. When you have a different opinion about a matter than somebody else, what words can you use to respond with gentleness?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about responding to differences with gentleness. Teach us to use gentle words instead of harsh ones, and to be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness when disagreements erupt. Give us wisdom in addressing the issues that cause the most disagreements in our family. We want our words and actions to show love for You and love for one another. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom encourage others with big smiles and good news.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a wrapped gift box with these specifications: 1. It has a cover that you can easily lift off. 2. There is not a bottom to the box (but don’t let your girls see that secret!).


Place the gift box on the table in front of the group. Make sure the girls don’t notice that it doesn’t have a bottom. Say. . .Have you ever searched for the perfect gift for someone who needs some encouragement and just couldn’t find it? Listen to responses. Gift giving is not always easy, is it? That’s why I’m so excited to show you this gift!

You’re going to love it! If you have someone that needs some encouragement because they’re sad, lonely, or down, you’ve got to give them this present! Here’s the good news: 1. It’s in your budget. 2. You don’t have to stand in line to buy it. 3. You can gift this to multiple people. 4. It’s beautiful. 5. It will give them joy!

Do you want to see what it is? Listen to responses. I’ll show you. Lift the cover off the box, put the bottom of the box up to your lips, and smile as wide as you can!

Say. . .It’s your smile! A smile is the perfect gift to cheer people up!

MESSAGE:A study was done that proved if you smile at people when you pass them, three out of four people will smile back at you. Try it. You’ll see that it’s true. Smiles are contagious!

Another study was done that confirmed that smiling not only brings cheer to the people you smile at, but it will lift your own spirits, too. Smiling is good for your health!

We don’t have to look to recent studies to prove the health benefits of smiling, God detailed it in His Word many years ago in the book of Proverbs.

11 Get Wisdom about

SmilesObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.



God tells us in His Book, the Bible, A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones (Proverbs 15:30).

Wise people are quick to gift people a smile. Their smile delivers cheer to the downcast, a warm hello to a stranger, and a friendly invitation to someone who is lonely.

A grin and good news gives health to the bones. It physically refreshes our body like a cold glass of water on a hot day. Proverbs 25:25 says, Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Life can be hard, can’t it? We never know when we may meet someone who is having a bad day or who has lost hope. That somebody may be you. Live wisely by gifting a wide grin to everyone you meet. It’s God’s prescription for bringing joy to the heart.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to smile while you pray.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about the importance of seemingly little things like smiling. Please use our smiles to encourage other people. When we’re the ones that are having a hard day, please send someone to us with a smile and a word of encouragement or good news. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family together for Bible reading time. Hugs, smiles, words of affirmation, and intentional times like these will demonstrate to your children how much you love them. Always be quick to vocalize that love, too. Tell them daily, “I love you!”



1. Reread Proverbs 15:30. Have all the family members frown for one minute and then smile for one minute. Share the differences they experienced.

2. Grins and good news bring joy to people. Have each family member share something good that happened in their day.

3. If being cheerful feels impossible to a family member(s), talk about that. Share what’s going on and how your family can seek hope and help.

FAMILY PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about bringing cheer to others through a word of encouragement and a grin. Where hearts are breaking in our family or community, please give hope and healing. May Your face shine on us. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom are obedient no matter the circumstances.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a pencil and a photocopy of the Braille Basic Letters chart and puzzle for each girl.


“ “Distribute a pencil and a photocopy of the Braille Basic Letters chart and Braille puzzle to each girl. Say. . .Braille is a system of writing that consists of patterns of raised dots designed for blind and partially sighted people to read and write through touch. These dots are not raised, but by looking at the chart, you’ll be able to figure out the two words in this puzzle. Keep your answer a secret until everyone has figured it out.

Once everyone has completed the puzzle, ask for the answer: Get wisdom!

MESSAGE:Louis Braille (1809-1852) invented the Braille writing system. When Louis was a young boy he enjoyed watching his father work as a saddle and harness maker. His father frequently told him, “Louis, you must never touch anything on this workbench.”

Louis knew his father’s rule, but when he was alone in the shop one day, he made the choice to disobey. He picked up one of his father’s tools, did his best to use it in the way he had watched his father use it numerous times, only to have the tool slip and hit him in the eye. His eye became infected and that infection moved to his other eye and the result was that Louis Braille became

12 Get Wisdom about

ChoicesObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 13:13He (She) who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he (she) who respects a command is rewarded.

blind. His one act of disobedience had serious consequences.

The good news is that although Louis made a bad choice that resulted in devastating consequences, he want on to make choices that resulted in wonderful tools that people still use today. He accomplished many great things, including creating the Braille writing system that is still used today.

All of our choices come with consequences. Good choices result in good consequences. Bad choices result in bad consequences. It’s very, very important that we always make good and wise choices that produce good and God-honoring results!


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, He (She) who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he (she) who respects a command is rewarded.

If we scorn, ignore, or disobey God’s instruction in His Word, there’s a price to be paid. We’re willingly asking for trouble and suffering. But those who respect, obey, and honor God’s commands will be rewarded.

Wise people do what God commands or asks. As a result, they please God and experience His protection from sin and its consequences. Foolish people reject God’s instructions and experience trouble, shame, and punishment.

The little word “but” occurs in the book of Proverbs over 150 times. Most times when that word is used it’s comparing a good choice with its consequences and a bad choice with its consequences.

Be wise and think about your choices and their consequences. When you choose wisely, you’ll receive God’s best for you.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to bow their heads, fold their hands, and shut their eyes.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about the importance of our choices. Please teach us to make good choices that are in full obedience to how You want us to live. When faced with a choice, teach us to think through the consequences of that choice. We want our lives to be wise and pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Gather your entire family together for Family Connection Time. Even your preschoolers will benefit from this time in God’s Word with their family. They will enjoy spending time with you and you’ll be delighted at how much little children can understand about God.



1. Reread Proverbs 13:13. Tell about a time you disobeyed a parent, teacher, or God’s Word and the price you paid for that. Tell about a time you obeyed a parent, teacher, or God’s Word and the reward you received.

2. What are some of the rules we’ve established in our family? What are the consequences of obedience and the consequences of disobedience?

3. What is a choice that you make each day that pertains to what you do with your free time, your work, or what you eat? What are the consequences when you make a good choice in this area? What are the consequences when you make a bad choice?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about choices and their consequences. You tell us in Your Word that what we sow, we will reap. Help us to make good choices that reap consequences that please and honor You. Strengthen our determination and desire to always be obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom do not fear what people can do to them. They trust God.

OBJECT LESSON: No supplies needed.


Ask all the girls to stand. Say. . .When we’re afraid or terrified, our bodies respond in different ways. Sometimes we scream. Ask the girls to scream. Sometimes our knees knock. Ask the girls to knock their knees. Our heart pumps faster and harder and it may feel like it’s jumping out of our chests. Ask the girls to rapidly tap their heart. Our mouths go dry. Ask the girls to stick out their tongues. And our bodies generate more heat and we begin to sweat. Ask the girls to wipe their foreheads.

You may be seated again as we think about fear.

MESSAGE:There are two kinds of fear. There is the fear and terror that comes from spiders and strange sounds in the night. And there is the fear of the LORD – respecting Him and being awestruck by how great and powerful He is.

People fear a number of things. Some fear heights, big dogs, public speaking, and sickness. And some people fear people! Their knees knock around bullies, their hearts beat fast and hard at the thought of people poking fun of them if they don’t go along with the crowd, or their mouths go dry for fear of opening up and talking about God. But, God tells us not to be afraid of these things.


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe (Proverbs 29:25).

We get snared or trapped into wrong thinking when we act like someone we’re not because we’re afraid of what other people might think. It may appear safer to keep quiet about God rather than to stand up for Him, but it’s not. It may feel like the way to stay out of harm’s way is to agree with the

13 Get Wisdom about

FearObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 29:25Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.


opinions of others rather than to speak truth from God’s Word, but it’s not. It is a dangerous trap to fear people instead of God!

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28a). In other words, we shouldn’t fear other people because, no matter what they do, they cannot keep us away from God if we trust Him. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man (Psalm 118:8).

Wise people trust God’s character, His name, and His Word – to guide and shelter them all the time.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to cup their hands over their heads and to think about God sheltering them and keeping them safe in His presence.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about the importance of fearing You and not people. When we fear what people may say or do to us because we walk the highway of right living, remind us of Your protection and love. Thank You that whoever trusts in You is kept safe. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family together to spend time in God’s Word and prayer. The greatest gift you can give your children is to introduce them to Jesus and to help them develop a personal relationship with Him.

Within this devotional we think about people that we may fear. An additional fear within this generation is cyber bulling: a high-tech harassment that is often anonymous. Cyber bullies are hard to track, so parents’ first line of defense is prevention. Teach your children to have a small, well-known and trusted circle of friends online and in their list of contacts on their cell phones. Regularly review their email address book and contact list with them and remind them to never respond to mean messages or to people they don’t know well.



1. Reread Proverbs 29:25. Who are people that you fear and why? Parents, don’t rush through this question. Listen to your children express fears they may have about bullies or mean-spirited neighbors or classmates. Give positive and practical advice on how they can respond in difficult situations.

2. How do you react when people make jokes about your faith or when people treat you unkindly?

3. What are some concrete ways you can be more bold and confident in standing up for Jesus this week?

FAMILY PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about fearing You and not fearing people. When we are afraid, help us to trust in You. Unite our family in standing together for what is right and true, even when that may result in isolation or people poking fun of us. Thank You that those who trust in You will be kept safe in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom are content and satisfied with what they have – whether it’s a little or a lot.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a shopping bag (model well by using your fabric, reusable bags!) for every small group of six to eight girls, plus a shopping bag for yourself with a loaf of bread in it.

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 30:8b-9 on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Divide the girls into groups of six to eight and have them sit on the floor in circle groups. Give each group a shopping bag. Say. . .I want each of you to think about something you want. If you went to a store today and had permission to buy anything, no matter what the cost, what item would you buy? The person holding the bag should share her answer first, and then hand the bag to the person on her right. Keep passing the shopping bag until everyone has shared.

Ask the girls to place the shopping bag in the middle of their circle and give their full attention to you. Hold your shopping bag and pull out a loaf of bread.

MESSAGE:Commercials, sales fliers, billboards, and more encourage us to have gimme hands! Gimme this; gimme that! I want this; I want that! We see something that a friend has and we want the same thing but in a different color. We notice that everyone has the latest game or gadget, and all we can think about is how we want one, too.

We all have things that we’d like, but Jesus tells us to pray for what we need. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He told them to say, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).

The book of Proverbs has a similar prayer. Let’s read it together.

GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 30:8a-9 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read these verses aloud with you from their Bibles.

14 Get Wisdom about

ContentmentObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 30:8b-9Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:8a-9).

Being content means we are satisfied with exactly what we have and exactly where we are. When we are not content with our daily bread – the things that we need today to live and the circumstances that God puts in our lives – there is a two-fold danger. If we have too much, we may forget God and think we don’t need Him! If we have too little, we may go into defense mode, stealing and dishonoring God in our desperation to survive.

Wise people are content people. The book of Philippians describes content people as those who know what it is to be in need, and know what it is to have plenty. They have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11b-12).

The next time you become consumed with the “gimmes” and the “I wants” be wise and give God thanks for how He has provided exactly what you need for today.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to extend their arms and cup their hands together.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom that You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about being content. We extend our arms and cup our hands to You, the Provider of all that we need. Do not give us too much or too little, but only what we need for today. Teach us to be content with that. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Invite your family to join you in a comfy place in your home or outside, if possible. Family Connection Time provides space to celebrate God’s provisions, express your fears and/or challenges, and to strengthen family relationships. Guard this time and ward off the enemies of television, sports, meetings, busyness, and lack of discipline that may invade and keep your family from this special time. C. Neil Strait wisely said, “The best gift a father can give to his son is the gift of himself – his time. For material things mean little, if there is not someone to share them with.”



1. Reread Proverbs 30:8b-9. What dangers can occur in our lives if we have too much or too little?

2. When do you feel the most contentment? 3. What practical steps can you take to develop an attitude of

contentment in all circumstances? Ideas may include starting a family journal of things you’re thankful for or only going shopping when you really need something.

FAMILY PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about contentment. We confess that we have a list of wishes and wants that aren’t really needs and necessities. Please forgive us when we’re not content. Teach us to pray for our daily bread. Hear our prayer and provide all that we need today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom know that God is the Creator and Designer of the heavens and the earth.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need Internet access and the means to show an online video to the group. Log on to www.answersingenesis.org/kids/videos and scroll down to the video “Six Short Days 2, One Big Adventure, Part 2.” Playtime: 6:21 minutes.


Say. . .Please turn your attention to the screen and let’s learn how life began!

MESSAGE:Maybe you’ve wondered how our world came to be. In the first chapter of the first book of the Bible we find the answer. It says, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). If you continue to read Genesis chapters 1 and 2, you’ll learn the story of creation. God in His awesome power and amazing wisdom created light, water, land, plants, animals, creatures, birds, and people over the course of six days.

When we create things we use materials like glue and paper, clay and string, but when God created the world He made everything out of nothing! He spoke and it came to be. When He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). When God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky” (Genesis 1:20), that’s what happened. Fish filled the seas and birds filled the sky!

Picture mountains and mice, oceans and ostriches, blood cells and beetles, and the uniqueness of snowflakes, thumbprints, and people’s personalities. It’s hard to imagine that it all came to be by God speaking a word, isn’t it? We can’t fully understand it. We have to believe it by faith (Hebrews 11:1).


15 Get Wisdom about

CreationObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:19-20By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew (Proverbs 3:19-20).

In power and wisdom, God made all things. The earth and heavens and all they contain were made good and created in orderly fashion by the Master Designer, God the Creator.

Because the story of creation is so big some people dismiss it and say it’s not true. They believe the other parts of the Bible, but they have too many questions about how God founded the earth and created the heavens, so they ignore that part.

Every part of God’s Word is true. We can’t pick and choose what we want to believe the way we pick black olives off our pizza but leave the pepperoni.

Wise people understand by faith that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible (Hebrews 11:3).

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to touch their foreheads.

Lord God, thank You for creating everything by Your wisdom and word. We confess that the grandeur and intricacy of Your design and works is too much for us to comprehend. By faith we believe that the universe was formed at Your command. Thank You for all You created, including each one of us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family together for Family Connection Time. Do your best to try to incorporate everyone by having them read, pray, ask or answer questions, or even turn pages. Be intentional in having everyone be active and attentive in this special time in God’s Word.



1. Reread Proverbs 3:19-20. Who created the heavens and the earth? 2. What is your favorite place in God’s creation and why? 3. When you think about how God designed our bodies, space, plants,

or creatures, what is the most fascinating part of God’s creation to you?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches our family about Your creation. Not every textbook, scientist, or person agrees on how this world was created and designed. Help us to accept by faith that the true account of how this world came to be is found in Your Book, the Bible. In Jesus’ name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom keep their feet on straight paths and obey God.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a beanbag (or plastic bag filled with dried beans) for every small group of six to eight girls.


Play the Straight Paths Relay: 1. Divide the girls into teams of six to eight. They should line up single file

at a determined start line. 2. Give the first person in each line a beanbag. 3. At your signal the first person places the beanbag on her head, runs

up and around the designated spot (may be a cone, chair, counselor, or CIT!), and back to the next person in line, handing her the beanbag. The bag cannot be held with one’s hands. If the bag drops that person needs to run back to the start line and begin again. Girls will need to stand up straight and fix their eyes ahead (not turning to the right or to the left) to keep the beanbag balanced.

4. The game ends when everyone completes the relay.

Say. . .You probably discovered that the best way to keep the beanbag on your head was to keep yourself focused on the race – not turning to the right or the left, or letting distractions steer you off course. The same is true for our lives! Ask the girls to sit down for the message.

MESSAGE:God has a course for our lives – He has a certain path He wants us to walk. It has a start line, the day you were born, and a finish line, the moment you go and live with Him forever. It has a plan and a purpose. He has wise words that He wants you to share with others, He has relationships with family and friends He wants you to enjoy and be wise in, He desires that you walk a straight path of integrity, that you are wise in your work, and in the way you give, save, and spend your money. All of these things and more are part of the path He wants you to walk.

But sometimes we get distracted from God’s path. We swerve to the left and start doing foolish things like lying, being disrespectful to our parents, or hurting our friend’s feelings. We may veer off to the right and not pray very

16 Get Wisdom about

Straight PathsObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 4:26-27Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

much or maybe not at all, quit reading our Bibles, and start hanging out with people who stir up trouble. Can you think of things that are distracting you from walking the straight path God wants for you?

The book of Proverbs warns us to not be sidetracked from God’s plan for our lives. He wants us to walk on straight paths of obedience!


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil (Proverbs 4:26-27).

If you and I are going to be wise, we must keep our feet on God’s level and firm path. What is God’s path? Is it a path marked by road signs or house numbers?

When we read God’s Word, understand how He wants us to live, and then do it, we’re walking on God’s path. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. The Bible will light the way and keep our feet on His path.

Distractions will come. People may poke fun of you for being obedient to God and call you a “goodie two shoes.” Or you may be tempted to do what you want to do instead of what God wants you to do. When distractions come, stand tall, fix your eyes on God, and guard your feet. Keep them on His straight path!

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to touch their feet.

Lord God, thank You for Your Word, which is a light for our path, and Your Spirit, who keeps our feet from evil. Lead us on Your path and keep us from being sidetracked from how You want us to live. Lead us on straight paths of wisdom today and always. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Gather your family members together for Family Connection Time. At the conclusion of each object lesson/devotional thought is a suggested FAMILY PRAYER. Be encouraged to also pray for family needs, and to thank God for the ways He’s at work in your family.



1. Reread Proverbs 4:26-27. What does it mean to not swerve to the right or the left?

2. What distracts you most from living the way God wants you to live? How can you better battle those distractions and temptations?

3. How often do you as a family and as individuals read God’s Word to learn how He wants you to live? What steps can you take to do that more?

If your family does not own a Bible, please contact the Club Coordinator of your daughter(s)’ GEMS Club. She will help you pick one that suits your family. A good place to begin reading is in the book of John.

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You that we don’t have to guess at how You want our family to live. You have clearly told us in Your Book, the Bible, the straight path that You desire for us to walk. Guard our feet from getting sidetracked and tripped up in wrongdoing. We desire to walk in obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom make friends with wise people.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need ink pens that have caps on them. If possible, have one for every girl so they can make impressions at the same time. The pens don’t need to write – they just need caps. Nor do they need to be the same.


Distribute a capped ink pen to each person. Ask the girls to use the cap of the ink pen to make impressions on their arm. They should imprint the first letter of their first name.

Example:

Ask them to compare the impression on their arm with someone who used a different shaped cap. What do they notice?

Say. . .If the cap on your ink pen is round, what shape will the impression be on your arm? Listen to responses. Of course, it’s going to be round. If the cap on your ink pen is square, what shape will the impression be on your arm? Listen to responses. You’re right again. It will be square. When we press something into our arms, clay, sand, or snow, it will leave an impression of that exact pattern or design. The same is true in our friendships.

MESSAGE:Friends make an impression on one another. Friends who know each other well sometimes finish each other’s sentences, know how the other person’s feeling without them saying a word, or are able to imitate the way they walk or laugh. Friends can influence us to try new things like water skiing, a new hairstyle, or learning how to knit. Friends can shift our opinion about a person, subject, or event. Some friends even start dressing and looking alike!

Because friends are so influential in our lives, we need to be wise in who we hang out with! If our friends don’t love Jesus, are bullies, and get into all sorts of trouble at home and school, we need to make some new friends. Even if

17 Get Wisdom about

FriendshipObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 13:20He (She) who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.


you know those behaviors are wrong, they’re making a negative impression on you. It’s proven that it will be much easier for you to become like your disobedient friend than for her to become more like you.

Wise girls seek to have wise friends!


God tells us in His Book, the Bible, He (She) who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm (Proverbs 13:20).

If you hang out with wise friends, you’ll grow wiser still. If your closest friends are foolish, you’re going to get in trouble.

Do you have friends who are wise and love Jesus? Then you have a wonderful gift! You will be better able to live God’s way with the encouragement of those friends than you would be able to all on your own. Choose friends and be a friend that loves, challenges, corrects, comforts, and builds each other up.

What if your friends don’t love Jesus and are influencing you to disobey God? Do you just dump your friend and get a new one? Here’s some wisdom for you: that person needs Jesus, too, so do your best to be friendly and always pray for her. The key is to make sure your very best friends love God and live the way He desires. Let those who make the strongest impression on your life be girls of wisdom.

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to join hands with the girls next to them.

Lord God, thank You for the wisdom You give us in Your Word and through Your Spirit about our friendships. Thank You for the friendships we enjoy at club. It’s our desire that our very best friends know You and spur us on to love You more. If there are any girls in this place who are lonely and need a godly, wise friend, please hear her prayer and gift her a friend. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Family Connection Time: Gather your family together for Family Connection Time. Keeping this time together as a family can be less challenging if you work it into an already established routine in your family. Keep it short and simple. If the kids are dragging their feet to the family room, check your own attitude. Are you approaching this as a chore or entering into it with joy? Your attitude is contagious and will be caught by your children!



1. Reread Proverbs 13:20. Have each family member list their two or three closest friends and tell if they’re wise or foolish. If they’re foolish, what changes may need to take place within your friendship?

2. Share positive ways your friends have influenced you. 3. Steve Fitzhugh, a former Denver Bronco football player, said, “Be

very selective about who you spend time with. Show me who you hang out with, and I can tell you what you’ll become. You might say, ‘Well, I’m not influenced easily by my friends.’ You’re influenced more easily than you believe. The fact is that we’re surrounded by influences. If you have a friend who puts a cigarette in your face, or is putting a beer in your face, or wants you to do some drugs, they’re not your friend. Choose people who really want you to be the absolute best that you can be.” Do you have friends that want you to be the best you can be? If so, how are they doing that? If not, what do you need to do next in this friendship?

FAMILY PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for this important reminder from Your Word about developing friendships with those who are wise and love You. Help us to be intentional and influential in all our relationships, clearly pointing people to Jesus. In His name, amen.


LIFE LESSON: Girls of wisdom who fear the LORD will always have hope – today and in the future.

OBJECT LESSON: You will need a boat anchor and a lifejacket or swimming ring.

In preparation:Write out Proverbs 23:17b-18 on a whiteboard, chalkboard, or poster board, or display it via PowerPoint (download from gemsgc.org).

Hold up the anchor in one hand and the lifejacket (or swimming ring) in the other and ask. . .If you were drowning in a lake or an ocean and were crying out for help, what would you hope for? Would you hope that your rescuers toss you an anchor or a lifejacket? Listen to responses. Of course, you’d hope for a lifejacket! The anchor would pull you to the ocean floor. The lifejacket will keep you afloat!

It seems too obvious of a question to even ask, doesn’t it? Yet, there are a lot of people drowning in foolishness who are putting their hope in things like money or popularity instead of Jesus Christ and His wisdom for their lives. They’re grabbing for the anchor instead of the lifejacket.

MESSAGE:In the 1980’s the song “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” was released and the listening audience loved it. It became a popular graduation theme song, and delivered an upbeat perspective on tomorrow. But, most songs that become popular don’t stay that way for long. And, eventually this one stopped being played, too. True hope doesn’t come packaged in song lyrics – in diplomas and degrees, savings accounts and spending sprees. True hope and a beautiful, never-ending future only come in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

When we know God and continually fear Him, we will experience a future hope that will never fade, never fail, and never fall away.

GEMS Counselor, Have the girls read Proverbs 23:17b-18 aloud with you from the whiteboard/chalkboard/poster board/PowerPoint. Parents, have your family read these verses aloud with you from their Bibles.

God tells us in His Book, the Bible, Always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:17b-18).

18 Get Wisdom about

the FutureObject Lesson

Key Memory Verse: Proverbs 23:17b-18Always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Every waking moment we must fear the LORD – acknowledging that He is

God, honoring Him, revering Him, and living in awestruck wonder of His greatness and love. The fear of the LORD is essential to our relationship with Him. God promises that we will always have hope and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is the God of wisdom and the God of hope.

What if you’re not sure if you belong to God and are His child? What if you fear what the future holds for you? If you have doubts about your relationship with God and have little hope for what tomorrow brings, tell Him that in prayer.

Confess and repent of your sins and wrongdoing. Tell God you’re sorry. He will forgive your sins, no matter what you’ve done (1 John 1:9). Say to God, “I admit that I’ve done wrong things. Please forgive me.”

Come near to Jesus. When you come near to Him He will come near to you (James 4:8). Say to Jesus, “Thank You that because of your death on the cross and God raising You to life again, I can come near to God. Please live with me forever – today and when I go to Heaven one day.”

Walk the highway of right living. It will guard your life (Proverbs 16:17). God’s children turn away from wrongdoing and live His way. Read your Bible so you’ll know how God wants you to live. Go to church and get involved in small groups like GEMS so you can worship God and be strengthened by the people there.

Fear the LORD. It’s the beginning of wisdom and it has no end, for in fearing the LORD you will have hope today and hope forever because nothing will be able to separate you from the love of God that is yours in Jesus (Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 23:18, Romans 8:38-39).

LET’S PRAY: Ask the girls to bow their knees to the floor, fold their hands, and close their eyes.

Lord God, thank You that in You there is hope. In a relationship with You there is no fear of the future for You will keep us in the grip of Your hand. That is true for all who fear You. Please help us to zealously and continuously fear You. Keep our feet on the highway of right living and our hearts in love with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Family Connection Time: Gather your family together for Family Connection Time. It’s our prayer that this object lessons/devotional thoughts booklet helped draw your family near to Jesus and to one another. Although this book may be finished, don’t stop the regular connecting time that it’s provided for you and your family.



1. Reread Proverbs 23:17b-18. Where is the only place to find true and lasting hope?

2. Think about your family’s future. What things excite you? What things cause doubt or fear?

3. If you’ve worked your way through all the lessons in this book as a family, have each person share their favorite memory of Family Connection Time.

If your family has questions about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus or is looking for a church to attend, please contact the Club Coordinator of your daughter(s)’ GEMS Club. She will do her best to help you. May the God of hope fill you and your family with joy and peace. We’re praying for you!

FAMILY PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for all that we’ve learned about fearing You and getting wisdom at GEMS and as a family. Please keep us faithful to zealously fearing You. Thank You that when we belong to You no matter what the future holds, we cannot be cut off from Your hope or love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

60 - Object Lessons & Devotional Thoughts

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