In the car...

Today’s lesson – Jesus chooses His disciples

Jesus traveled with His disciples. They traveled in a large group like a caravan. They would go to a town together and preach to that town. When traveling in a caravan, it’s hard to keep up with the leader. Things get between you and the leader, like red lights, other cars, etc. Following Jesus is hard sometimes for the same reason — things get in the way. Then, before we know it, we can’t see our leader.

Temptation is something we ALL deal with. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He recited the verses to the devil to overcome what was being presented to Him. When Satan was finished tempting Jesus, Jesus was attended to by angels.

Baptism. It’s a crazy thing to think about as a kid. Getting dunked under water as a sign of your belief in Jesus. Take a moment and think about the symbolism of it: being put under water and then raised again, cleaner than before; Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple, just as it was commanded in the Law, to present him to the Lord. They traveled far to go the temple to learn from the teachers there. Could you imagine traveling by foot to go to church? Imagine if you as family had to travel far to worship. What would you bring? Would you be excited to go?

In the car...

Today’s lesson – They are WISE

The wise men were from a land far away! When they noticed the star, they immediately got together and traveled towards it! We’ve been talking a lot about travel these past couple of weeks. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and now three guys from the East! Crazy! But they all traveled for Jesus!

In the car...

Today’s lesson – They are TOLD

So Gabriel had frightened Mary, Joseph, and now the Shepherds! Nobody was expecting Jesus. They were living their lives as if they had forgotten. When the angel appeared, they all got scared. But then they realized how cool it was! Discuss a time when you weren't expecting something but were pleasantly surprised.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Jesus’ Birth

Traveling can be hard, loud, crazy, fun, exciting, and sometimes an everyday thing. Imagine what it would be like to travel from one city to the next on a donkey. Talk about how long that might take and how the anticipation might fade or get stronger.

What does it mean to Abide? This has been the theme for Women's Ministry this year!

A- Adore his majesty in prayer. —John 15:7
B- Bless Him through service. —John 15:5
I- Incline your heart toward His word. —John 15:10
D- Dwell deep in His love. — John 15:4
E- Exalt Him in Joy. — John 15:11

In the car...

Today’s lesson – The angel told Mary

Mary was told about her pregnancy. She was engaged to Joseph but not yet married. She was afraid when the angel told her that she was carrying God’s child. What a surprise! What a scary, positive, awesome surprise!

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Isaiah’s Prophecy

Isaiah was a prophet, one who spoke to and led the people of Israel. He foretold the coming of the Messiah. 400 years before Jesus was born Isaiah told the Israelites of His birth. That gave them something to anticipate. But the timing also gave them some time to forget.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – David is king

Today we discussed the moment David became king. David was already anointed king; he knew that he was to be the next king of Israel. Saul had strayed from God and from giving Him all the glory for being king (just as God knew it would happen and warned the Israelites to not take a king). David knew the Lord’s plan but didn’t rush it. He let it go as God had planned.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Ruth & Boaz

Ruth was a widow who decided to stay with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. While Ruth traveled to Naomi’s home town, Ruth decided to stay and take care of Naomi. Naomi and Ruth struggled to put food on the table and Ruth took to gleaning.

As Advent approaches and Christmas draws near, it is time to reflect on the fact that many of our wonderful Quail family have not chosen to return to worship in person, but rather continue to watch our services online. I write this brief letter to advocate that those who are not home-bound due to illness, and who live in the Stockton area, take this opportunity to step back into church worship in person.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Gideon

Gideon was the so-called “runt” of his tribe. He was not as strong and confident as the others that he grew up with. While his tribe had forgotten about God and were worshiping other gods, an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him to be confident and to stand up for God.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – David and Goliath

The HIS-story of David is one we might be familiar with. God chose David to be king after Saul. David showed his trust in the almighty God by facing a giant! David gave God the glory after defeating the giant. Discuss in the car how we can rely on God in “giant” circumstances. Try to pick out some scenarios dealing with your destination (school, home, church, sports, etc.).

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Samson

Samson is a HIS-story of strength! Talk about the different types of strength there are (e.g. muscles, will power, knowledge, etc.). While driving, try to find things that are strong and things that are not.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Moses frees God’s people

Discuss freedom. What does it mean? We are free to do a lot in our country. The Israelites were NOT free. They could not travel and they could not have any job they wanted. Talk about what your kids want to be when they grow up.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Moses Is Born and Called

Being born is a time of joy! Discuss the time when your child(ren) was (were) born. Tell them details and explain your feelings. During the time that Moses was born Pharaoh wanted all baby boys dead. His mother, on the other hand, did not want that, so she hid him in a basket and sent him upstream. Pharaoh's daughter found him and kept him!

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Discuss forgiveness while driving. Did somebody cut you off? Somebody run a red light, forcing you to slam on your breaks? Somebody speed by, making you feel uncomfortable? Talk about how to forgive them, to look at it from a different angle. What if they didn’t see you, they are hurrying to the hospital, etc.?

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Joseph’s Dreams

Discuss daydreaming. Ask your family what kinds of things they can imagine happening outside of the window. This is what it must have felt like when Joseph was telling his dreams to his brothers — a bit unbelievable.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Abraham & Isaac

Sacrifice. It’s something we all struggle with. Discuss with the family some simple sacrifices, like giving somebody the opportunity to go in front of you in traffic or waving somebody through the stop sign.

In the car...

Today’s lesson — God’s Covenant with Abraham

Explain a covenant — making a promise to do something as long as the other person keeps their promise, too; an agreement or contract. Driving is just like that. When we drive on the road, we have an agreement with the other drivers to not bump into their cars.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Noah and the Ark

Look at the different cars on the road — big ones, small ones. Discuss how many people could fit comfortably in your car. Talk about how many could SQUEEZE into your car. Discuss how God gave Noah exact measurements for the ark so that Noah and his family, along with all those animals, would be able to fit, just like your car is built for an exact amount of people.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Cain & Abel

Discuss reactions when you’re in a hurry and have to stop at a red light or when somebody cuts you off. We usually get frustrated, and sometimes we react in ways we shouldn’t. Talk to your family about how to react in a proper manner. Talk about how other drivers or passengers might feel that day. Maybe they look nervous, in a hurry, or happy (as they sing along with a song on the radio).

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Genesis 3

Discuss driving and making mistakes. Talk with the family about driving rules and that they are in place to protect us and everyone else. Pick out a rule like stopping at a red light and how the traffic lights are designed to allow everybody a chance to go through the intersection. Discuss what might happen if you broke the rule.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Adam & Eve

Have the family look at people that are passing by in cars, those walking on the sidewalk, or neighbors in your neighborhood. Ask them if they think God made those people too. Discuss with them that God made each and every one of us! And He loves us all!

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Creation

Have your family look out their windows and pick out a couple of things they see. After they choose something, ask if it’s something God created. Talk with them about the difference between what is man-made and what is God-made.

Scientists estimate that the average person has between 30,000 to 60,000 thoughts a day; and of those, 80% are negative and 90% are repetitive. No wonder God commands us to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Today’s Lesson — The Armor of God

The armor of God! A passage known by most about guarding one’s heart and mind against the evil, fiery darts of Satan. Protection, swiftness, and readiness is what this passage covers. It teaches us to be ready at any moment to either protect ourselves, run to and save somebody, or fight and stand up for what is right.

Today’s Lesson — Paul’s Encouragement

Paul encourages us to finish the race. This lesson is all about how Paul guides us to be strong Christians and to uphold our faith. Paul writes to the churches and warns them of false teachers and how they can lead Christians astray and away from the true Gospel. Kind of like a poorly marked detour.

Today’s Lesson — The Fruit of the Spirit

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are actually a lot to remember, and then on top of that we should be acting them out in our daily lives, too! It’s not always easy to remember these things and use them as we go about our days.

Today’s Lesson — Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel was a building project meant for selfish goals. The text is filled with “ourselves,” highlighting the point that the people were working for themselves and not for God. They wanted to build a tower that reached the sky!

Today’s lesson – The HIS-story of Paul and Barnabas going and spreading the Gospel message to the Gentiles

The Gospel had reached the Gentiles, but the apostles believed that Jesus’ sacrifice was only for the Jews. Paul and Barnabas believed otherwise and convinced the others. In return, the apostles gave the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas and sent them on their way.

Today’s lesson – David and Goliath

The HIS-story of David is one we might be familiar with. God chose David to be king after Saul. David showed his trust in the almighty God by facing a giant! David gave God the glory after defeating the giant. Discuss in the car how we can rely on God in “giant” circumstances. Try to pick out some scenarios dealing with your destination (school, home, church, sports, etc.).

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Noah

Look at the different cars on the road - big ones, small ones. Discuss how many people could fit comfortably in your car. Talk about how many could SQUEEZE into your car. Discuss how God gave Noah exact measurements for the ark so that Noah and his family, along with all those animals, would be able to fit, just like your car is built for an exact amount of people.

In the car...

Today’s lesson – Genesis 1-2:2

Have your family look out their windows and pick out a couple of things they see. After they choose something, ask if it’s something God created. Talk with them about the difference between what is man-made and what is God-made.

Today’s lesson – John’s vision of Jesus

Jesus gave John a vision of Himself while John was on the island of Patmos. The vision is one that set fear in John’s heart. But comfort came when Jesus announced Himself and gave John strength and peace about what he was experiencing.

Today’s lesson – The Hall of Faith

This unknown author describes faith to us and how we can recognize it in those remembered in the Old Testament. This is referred to as the “Hall of Faith” because it is where some of the people that had strong faith are spoken about. We see that faith can provide strength, sometimes physically but mostly emotionally. Faith can provide strength to withstand fear and lack of courage.

Today’s lesson – Jesus appears to the disciples

Jesus appears! We talked last week about Jesus rising from the grave, explaining that He is NOT dead but ALIVE! Things that are alive move, like plants, insects, and us!

Today’s lesson – Jesus and the rich young man

Jesus was travelling and a young man ran up to him and asked Jesus how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus replied, “Why do you call me ‘good’? Only God is good.”

Today’s lesson – Jesus heals a boy with a spirit

Jesus was coming down the mountain from revealing His glory and having a conversation with Elijah and Moses. On the way down He spoke to the disciples about not revealing what they saw until He had risen. Upon their arrival to camp they noticed a commotion and Jesus was confused as to why.

Today’s lesson – The transfiguration of Jesus

Jesus took Peter, James, and John (the brother of James) up a mountain. This was a special time for Jesus and the disciples, because these three disciples were travelling on a special trip where they were the only ones invited. Peter recognizes this by saying, “Lord, it is good for us to be here”.

Today’s lesson – parable of the mustard seed and yeast

Jesus spoke in parables. He spoke in stories so that we can understand the ways of heaven. The mustard seed is a small seed, but it grows to be a big tree where the birds come to rest.

Today’s lesson – Jesus heals

Jesus was in a massive crowd. People were everywhere! The Bible says that people were right up next to Jesus. And then a woman touched the hem of Jesus' cloak. By her faith she was healed! Jesus knew it the instant she touched His clothing.

Today’s lesson – Jesus casts out a demon

Jesus and His disciples crossed the sea and came upon something unexpected: a man chained to a rock in a graveyard. It scared the disciples because this man spoke strangely and had the strength of many men, but Jesus saw the need to help this man.

Humility is not a pleasant topic in many churches today. Modern churches are more likely to endorse the idea of self-esteem. But when we juxtapose this idea with what the Bible teaches, self-esteem or self-worth is not the calling of the Christian life. God does not command us to look into ourselves and find our own worth; instead, He calls us to look to Jesus Christ. Just like one modern hymn says:

Today’s lesson – Jesus walks on water

Jesus went away to pray and sent the disciples on a boat. Later in the evening Jesus went to be with them on the water. The disciples couldn’t believe what they were seeing!

Today’s lesson – Jesus chooses His disciples

Jesus traveled with His disciples. They traveled in a large group like a caravan. They would go to a town together and preach to that town. When traveling in a caravan, it’s hard to keep up with the leader. Things get between you and the leader, like red lights, other cars, etc. Following Jesus is hard sometimes for the same reason — things get in the way. Then, before we know it, we can’t see our leader.

Today’s lesson – Jesus is tempted

Temptation is something we ALL deal with. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He recited the verses to the devil to overcome what was being presented to Him. When Satan was finished tempting Jesus, Jesus was attended to by angels.

Today’s lesson – Jesus is baptized

Baptism. It’s a crazy thing to think about as a kid. Getting dunked under water as a sign of your belief in Jesus. Take a moment and think about the symbolism of it: being put under water and then raised again, cleaner than before; Jesus’ death and resurrection.