Leader Guide

Bible Activity

Bibles—to make the activity fair for all children, do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless all the children have them.
Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
Eraser
Sticky note pads—one pad per pair of children
Pencils—one per pair of children
Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer

Make sure there is a clear path between the children and the whiteboard. If you would prefer not to use sticky notes, have children raise their hands to answer.

A New Strength: Race to find verses about receiving strength and rest from God.

Isaiah spoke of a new strength in today’s SuperVerse. This strength is not human strength: it is divine strength that we receive from God. His strength refreshes and helps us to accomplish amazing things according to His plan and purpose. In this activity, you will race to find verses about the strength that only comes from God.

Have the children sit in pairs. Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Give each pair a Bible. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse while the other player writes the answer on a sticky note. The notes are then stuck to the board. If both players are experienced Bible users, they can alternate looking up a verse and writing down the answer. Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse. Note that the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary.

I will say a Bible reference in the Old Testament or New Testament. I will then write O.T. or N.T. on the board along with the verse reference. At this point, you may begin to find the verse, and I will read a fill-in-the-blank question as you look. I will read the question one more time and upon request, if needed. The player who is not looking up the verse will be the messenger who is sent, like Isaiah.

The messenger will write the answer on a sticky note and then walk quickly to stick it on the board. You have thirty seconds to do that. The first team will score ten points for the correct answer; all other teams will score five points for the correct answer stuck to the board within the time limit. Every pair will have a chance to finish, so don’t give up! The team with the most points wins. Are you ready to learn more about God’s strength that we can receive?

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game. Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

1. N.T.—Philippians 4:13: We can do everything because of the strength we have through _____. (Christ)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2. N.T.—2 Corinthians 12:9: The _____ of Christ works best in our weaknesses. (Power)

Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

3. N.T.—Ephesians 3:16: God empowers us with _____ strength through His Spirit. (Inner)

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.

4. O.T.—Isaiah 40:29: God gives power to the _____ and strength to the _____ (Weak, powerless)

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

5. O.T.—Isaiah 40:31: When we ____ in the Lord, we will find new strength and _____ like eagles. (Trust, soar)

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

6. O.T.—Psalm 29:11: The Lord blesses His people with strength and _____. (Peace)

The LORD gives His people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.

7. N.T.—Colossians 1:11: When we are strengthened by God’s power, we will have all the _____ and _____ we need. (Endurance, patience)

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

8. O.T.—Nehemiah 8:10b: The _____ of the Lord is our strength. (Joy)

“This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

9. O.T.—Psalm 46:1: God is always ready to help us; He is our _____ and _____. (Refuge, strength)

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

10. O.T.—2 Chronicles 16:9a: When we fully commit our _____ to Him, He will strengthen us. (Hearts)

“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”