God’s Word at VBS & Waypoint

As our 2023 VBS and Waypoint ministries are now in the rear-view mirror, we come to a key fork in the road:  will we retain what we’ve taught and learned?  Children and teens and parents and volunteer helpers and the rest of us:  let’s take the truths from Waypoint and VBS and lock them down in our hearts.

Waypoint 2023:  Our theme verse was Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every­thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Dislodge worry by deliberate, humble, hopeful prayer.

Yes, we’re all tempted to be anxious, but God calls us to focus on him:  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).  Jesus cares about the fears you face, and he says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Remember: “God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).  So, be still!

VBS 2023:  Our voyage into deep space drew attention to Jesus, who is light and gives light and calls us to shine his light in a dark world.   He says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).  Plus, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:16)—we reflect the brilliance of Christ, like the moon reflects the light of the sun.

VBS gave a call to action:  *When life feels dark, shine Jesus’ light.  *When people don’t get along, shine Jesus’ light.  *When good things happen, shine Jesus’ light.  *When people are sad, shine Jesus’ light.  *When people need help, shine Jesus’ light.

But how?  What are we supposed to do?  Put Jesus in charge of your thoughts, words, and actions.  Don’t dwell on your troubles, but focus on him—and encourage others to trust in Jesus as well!