Children’sMinistryLesson“LovingGodwithallourheart,mind,and

soulinasimpleway.”Pre-K-5thGrade

Rev.RigobertoMendez

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Lesson Snapshot

1. Word from the Author……………………………………………………..............2

2. Introduction of the Lesson…………………………………………………………3

3. Bible Story Reading………………………………………………………………..4

4. Part 1: Learn……………………………………………...........................................5

5. Part 2: Live ……………………………...................................................................6

6. Part 3: Love ………………………………..............................................................7

7. Conclusion.….……………………………………………………………………..7

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Word from the Author

It is common belief that the greatest inheritance one can give their children is a will, money, properties, and riches. However, I beg to differ, the greatest inheritance I received was being taught how to serve and fear the Lord. My parents made sure to teach me about honor, values, and principles that were founded on the word of God. It is evident that my parent’s efforts are prevalent, but I must also credit my Sunday school teacher. I remember being asked every Sunday to recite a Bible verse “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). I have been impacted for life and for that I will always be thankful. Such discipline has helped me navigate through different seasons of life and no matter how difficult, the end result has always been falling on my knees and praying to the Almighty. I feel honored to simply be able to share this lesson. As a team, we can empower these children to love God with the entirety of their minds, while living the rest of their lives devoted prayer, godly living, and loving God with everything they think, say, and do. Please note that this lesson has been written for students from pre-k to 5th grade levels with a class instruction of one hour in duration. You are welcome to adapt your classroom instruction to accommodate age appropriate levels and ensure a successful outcome. For levels prek-2nd grade you may teach on the Theme: Being Angry or Upset is Healthy. For lesson reinforcement hands on activities provided in Part 1 and 2. For 3rd -5th grade focus around the Theme: Living and Loving God With All. Use activities provided from Part 2 and 3 to increase student engagement and participation. Other recommendations are as follow: pray for God’s direction, read all the content provided, know the Bible verse, be familiar with lesson, and be diligent by preparing all the necessary materials ahead of time. This will minimize opportunities for behavior issues and will encourage student engagement. We thank you for your teaching ministry and desire to impact young lives. May the Lord use you; you are vessel in God’s hands. Rev. Rigoberto Mendez

Rigo Mendez life was forever changed when he embarked upon a life of an educator for 10 years. Today, as founder of USpeak Int'l, LLC, Rigo is a speaker, teacher, and faith leader who strives to empower others to maximize their potential. He lives by one motto: "Touch One Life, Change One Life". Rigo graduated with honors from Ashford University with a degree in Psychology. He is a former Teacher of the year recipient, "Goodwill Ambassador Award" recognized by the United Nations, and most recently received a National Statesmen Award.

He currently serves as an Elder of the Potter’s House in Denver, Colorado and is part of the Leadership Advisory Council for the Faith and Education Coalition for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC).

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Introduction of the Lesson

“Loving God, with all of our heart, soul, and mind in a simple way.”

Preparation and materials:

• Read and study Genesis 4:4-11- Cain and Abel’s offering • Pray for your students by name in advance. • Gather the following materials: balloons, paper plates, markers or crayons, and scissors. • Learn the hand gestures to the following song: https://youtu.be/M4WygilFuaI • Prepare the game “Pop It” directions are in the section below.

Introduction We love God by obeying His commandments. Introduce the Key Verse: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37–39 NIV) Make the Opening Prayer: Lord we love you. Thank you for bringing us here to learn more about what you ask from us. Help us love you with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. In Jesus name, Amen. Circle Time/Play Song: Say: Today we are going to hear a song that tells us a little about what it means to love God. (Gather children around in a circle in the classroom and practice the hand gestures prior to playing Hillsongmusic) The Greatest Commandment “Crazy Noise”(Hillsong Church, 2012) https://youtu.be/M4WygilFuaI Say: We sang a song that speaks about loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul. So what is love? The dictionary says that it is a strong love that comes from the heart, mind, and soul. So what does love mean? Have you ever said; I love chips, I love ice cream, I love pizza, or I love my mom? In the lesson we will be learning about what love really means.

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Bible Story Reading Genesis 4:4-11 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his animals. The Lord was happy on Abel’s offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look happy. So Cain was very angry, and his face sad.6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face down? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin will visit you at your door; it desires to have you, but you must fight it.”8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”10 The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. Verse “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15) Say: What are commandments? (Wait for response) Say: Give me an example of a commandment (Wait for response). Say: Commandments are instructions given by God to learn, live, and love. There are 10 commandments given in the Bible, but we will only discuss one commandment, which can also be called a rule.

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Part 1: Learn

Say: When you go to school, the teacher teaches about the rules in the classroom. It is important to learn and know about the rules in order to avoid getting in trouble. For example: Please Walk- This rule protects you from getting hurt. Follow Directions- This helps you complete your work and be a winner! Cain didn’t learn the rules of what to do when HE got angry. Cain was so mad he murdered his brother! Cain killed Abel and tried to hide it from God. Activity 1: Game: “Pop-It” Lesson-Reinforcement

✓ Write a question on a strip of paper and place it in the balloon (see suggested questions below)

✓ Please blow balloon nice and firm to enable the balloon to be popped easier either by sitting on it or stepping on it.

✓ Choose student who will read the question and answer it. Suggested Questions:

1. What did Abel do for a living? Shepherd – keeper of sheep 2. What was Cain’s occupation? Grain farmer – tiller of the soil 3. Who were Abel’s mother & father? Adam & Eve 4. Who was older: Cain or Abel? Cain 5. When Cain and Abel brought God their burnt offering, which one was pleasing to God?

Abel’s gave the BEST of his animals. 6. What kind of offering did Cain offer to God? Cain was just giving him some of his fruit

Vegetables– not his best 7. In the story of Cain and Abel, who killed whom? Cain killed Abel 8. After Abel died, God asked Cain where his brother was. How did Cain respond? I don’t

know – Am I my brother’s keeper? 9. Who honored God? Cain or Abel? Why? Abel, because he gave God the best of

everything. 10. Who lived the code of honor Abel or Cain? (Wait for Response)

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Part 2: Live Say: As a Christian, it’s important to learn how to honor God. What is the meaning of honor? The dictionary defines it as (respect). Abel honored (respected) God with his offering and was able to LIVE out honor by the way he took care of his sheep, treated his parents, and loved his brother Cain. Activity 2: Tracing Activity (LalyMom, n.d.) Go to: https: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422705115006229182/

Say: How can someone live out honor in his or her lives? Is this something you do sometimes or should it be every day?

1. Print printable copy and if you choose you may cut master stencils for students to trace on a separate piece of paper.

2. Have students label parts on the boy that should honor God. ● Mind: Honor God with your thoughts. Example: Wanting to take revenge by hitting

another kid. ● Eyes: Honor God with what you watch on TV or Internet. ● Ears: Honor God with what you listen to. (Music, friends, YouTube) ● Mouth: Honor God with your lips and tongue. (Build someone with nice words; not

destroy someone with bad words) ● Hands: Honor God with your hands in everything you do. (School, work, and people) ● Feet: Honor God wherever you go and step into. (Use examples)

Say: What is the most important part we should honor God with? (Wait for response) Say: Are there any parts that were left out? (Wait for response) Say: You have labeled parts of the person from head to toe, therefore tells us that we ought to honor God with ALL of ourselves. Say: What do you prefer half of a candy bar or a full candy bar? Say: What do you think God would want? For you to love him with half of you or ALL of you?

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Part 3: Love Read the following Bible Verse Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37–39 NIV) What does it mean to love God with your entire mind? (Wait for response) Do you think that if Cain had loved God with his entire mind he would have killed Abel? (Wait for response) So what can we do so we don’t repeat Cain’s steps? (Wait for response) Loving God with our entire mind will help us think how we can give God our BEST. We will not only give God our BEST offerings, but will give God our BEST school work, our BEST study time, our BEST tests, our BEST strength, our BEST talents, and the BEST of everything that is in our hands. Say: Now let’s review what it means to love God and follow His commandments: 1. Learning the rules (commandments) to protect us. 2. Living the rules in school, church, and anywhere we go by making the best choices and honoring others. 3. Loving God with our mind. Activity 3: Heart Hat (Dealzn.d.) Go to: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31736372352992287/

1. Prepare the plates by drawing a perforation line with a marker before class for students to follow easily. 2. Have students cut the perforation line to a nice finish of a heart/hat. 3. Have students color the hat pink or red and have them write LOVE GOD WITH ALL and have them wear it.

Conclusion To love God with our entire mind is giving him everything we think, say, and do.

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References Bible gateway passage: Genesis 4: 4-11 - new international version. Retrieved July 2, 2016, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%204:4-11&version=NIV Dealz, S. Plan for your school year. Retrieved June 29, 2016, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31736372352992287/ Hillsong Church (2012, April 25). Hillsong kids Jr. - the greatest commandment (crazy noise) Retrieved from https://youtu.be/M4WygilFuaI LalyMom. School art/craft projects. Retrieved July 1, 2016, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422705115006229182/