Private Eye

So, who likes pretending to be a detective? Do you have a magnifying glass to help you spot clues? Perhaps you wear a deerstalker hat and a cloak to look like Sherlock Holmes?

http://logarithm.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dedective1.jpg

My kids like playing detectives, and even had some toy handcuffs so they could put the bad guys in prison. Then they lost them and they've never been found since.

Ask your parents why this is a good example of 'irony'.

We're going to be 'detectives' today and look at some clues from the Bible to help us understand a story in Genesis.

In Genesis 4, we read that the two sons of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, each brought the Lord a gift. Abel's gift pleased God, but Cain's did not. What Genesis 4 DOESN'T say is why one gift was acceptable to God and one wasn't.

Here's where YOU come in. Here are your clues: can you work out why Cain's gift was rejected by the Lord?

Clue 1. "You have proved* my heart ..." (Psalm 17:3) *tested

Clue 2. "For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

(Amplified Bible)

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God understands our motives (the reason why we do something). We can do the right thing but with the wrong attitude. The Bible says we should honour one another above ourselves (Romans 10:12). Honour means to treat people as special, to do more than what's expected of you and to have a good attitude.The Bible says we should do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14) and that we should have a willing spirit (Psalm 51:12).

Do you know that although people can't see into our hearts like God can, we SHOW them what's in our heart by the way we behave? Our behaviour gives 'clues' about the attitude of our heart. If we complain or argue when we're asked to tidy up, or help with the dishes, or do our bookwork, we show that our hearts lack honour, respect and willingness.

We need to 'consider our ways' (think about the way we behave) (Psalm 119:59). Next time you feel angry or cross when you are asked to help tidy up, or do your work, take a moment to play 'detective'; look at the clues and see if you can work out what's hiding in your heart. Ask God to show you! And then, perhaps you need to say sorry. Ask Him to change your heart to be more like Jesus.

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Here's a really good song for you to learn!

PARENTS' RESOURCE!!!