Ecclesiastes Life On The Edge Pastor Jeff Wickwire

Open 01 - An Overview: The Cycles Of Life

Family Devotion 1: Understanding Life's Meaning Theme: Life's Meaning with God Activity Time: Dinner Time Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:2 - "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." Activity:

Discussion Starter: Begin by asking, "What do you think makes life meaningful?" Allow each child to share their thoughts.

Illustration: Use a balloon to demonstrate. Blow it up and let it go without tying it. Explain how life without God can feel like the balloon—flying around without direction and eventually deflating.

Read Scripture: Read Ecclesiastes 1:2 together. Explain that Solomon, a very wise man, found that life without God felt empty.

Discussion: Ask, "How can knowing God give our lives meaning?" Encourage kids to think about how God gives us purpose and direction.

Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member find meaning and purpose in Him.

Parenting Tip: Encourage open-ended questions to allow kids to express their thoughts freely

Open 02 - The Emptiness Of Pleasure For Pleasures's Sake

Family Devotion 1: Trusting God with Our Plans Theme: Surrendering our dreams and plans to GodSuggested Time: Dinner timeActivity: "Dreams in a Jar" Instructions:

Discussion Starter: Begin by asking each family member to share one dream or plan they have for the future. It could be something they want to do, a place they want to visit, or a skill they want to learn.

Bible Verse: Read Proverbs 3:5-6 together: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Activity: Provide each family member with a small piece of paper and a pen. Ask them to write down their dream or plan and place it in a jar labeled "God's Hands." Explain that this symbolizes trusting God with our dreams and plans.

Prayer: Close with a prayer, asking God to guide and bless each family member's dreams and plans according to His will.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your children by affirming their dreams and reminding the

Open 03 - Times And Seasons...Turn, Turn, Turn

Family Devotion 1: "Seasons of Life" Theme: Understanding the seasons of life and God's timing. Suggested Time: Dinner time Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Activity:

Discussion Starter: Begin by asking, "What is your favorite season of the year and why?" Allow each family member to share. Read the Scripture: Read Ecclesiastes 3:1 together. Discussion: Talk about how just like the seasons of the year, our lives have different seasons. Some are happy, some are challenging, but God is with us in every season. Reflection Question: Ask, "What season do you think you are in right now? How can we trust God in this season?"

Parenting Tip: Encourage each child to share without interruption. Affirm their feelings and remind them that God has a purpose for every season.

Family Devotion 2: "Never Alone" Theme: God's presence in our lives. Suggested Time: Bedtime Scripture: Matthew 28:20b - "And surely I am with you always, to the v

Open 04 - Two Are Better Than One

Family Devotion 1: Building Together Theme: Community and Growth Activity/Time: During dinner or while preparing a meal together. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Devotion:

Introduction: Begin by discussing the importance of working together as a family. Ask the kids if they can think of a time when they needed help with something and someone helped them.

Discussion: Explain that just like in the sermon, our church is growing and needs more space to help more people learn about Jesus. In the same way, our family can grow stronger by helping each other.

Activity: As you prepare or eat dinner, have each family member share one thing they can do to help another family member this week. It could be helping with homework, chores, or just being a good listener.

Prayer: Close with a prayer asking God to help your family work together and support each other, just

Open 05 - Enjoy What God Gives You

Family Devotion 1: Preparing Our Hearts for Worship Theme: Preparing our hearts for worship Activity/Time: During breakfast or dinner Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1 - "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God." Devotion:

Introduction: Begin by asking, "What do you think it means to prepare for something important?" Discuss how we prepare for school, sports, or a special event.

Discussion: Explain that just like we prepare for these activities, we should also prepare our hearts when we go to church to worship God. Share how Solomon teaches us to think about God and focus on Him as we go to church.

Activity: As a family, take turns sharing one thing you are thankful for and one thing you want to pray about before going to church. This helps prepare your hearts to meet with God.

Prayer: Close with a simple prayer, asking God to help you focus on Him and prepare your hearts for worship.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to think of church as a special time with God and to look for

Open 06 - The Value Of Wisdom

Family Devotion 1: The Value of Contentment Theme: Contentment and GratitudeSuggested Time: Dinner time Activity:

Discussion Starter: Begin by asking each family member to share one thing they are thankful for today. Encourage everyone to think of something specific, no matter how small. Bible Verse: Read Philippians 4:11-13 together. Discuss how Paul learned to be content in every situation. Interactive Activity: Have each child draw a picture of something they are thankful for. Share and discuss why these things are important to them. Prayer: Close with a prayer thanking God for His blessings and asking for a heart of contentment.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to express gratitude daily. This can be a simple practice before bed or during meals.

Family Devotion 2: The Importance of Wisdom Theme: Seeking WisdomSuggested Time: During a car ride Activity:

Discussion Starter: Ask your children what they think wisdom means and why it might be important. Bible Verse: Read Proverbs 3:13

Open 07 - Wisdom Brings Strength

Family Devotion 1: The Value of Wisdom Theme: Wisdom is better than riches. Activity/Time: Dinner time discussion. Scripture: Proverbs 3:13-14 - "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." Devotion:

Introduction: Begin by asking, "What is something you think is really valuable?" Let each child share their thoughts.

Discussion: Explain that the Bible tells us wisdom is more valuable than money or treasures. Wisdom helps us make good choices and live a life that pleases God.

Interactive Question: Ask, "Can you think of a wise choice you made recently? How did it help you?"

Prayer: Pray together, asking God to give each family member wisdom in their daily lives.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to share their thoughts freely. Affirm their ideas and guide them gently towards understanding the importance of wisdom.

Family Devotion 2: Patience and Trust in God Theme: Patience is

Open 08 - Fear God And Enjoy Life

Family Devotion 1: The Beginning of Wisdom Theme: The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of WisdomScripture: Proverbs 9:10Activity Time: Dinner Time Devotion:

Read the Scripture: Begin by reading Proverbs 9:10 together: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Discussion: Ask the kids what they think "the fear of the Lord" means. Explain that it’s not about being scared of God, but about having respect and awe for Him, like how we respect and listen to our parents.

Activity: Go around the table and have each family member share one thing they respect or admire about God. It could be His love, His creation, or how He listens to our prayers.

Prayer: Close with a prayer asking God to help each family member grow in wisdom and to always have a respectful and loving relationship with Him.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to ask questions and express their thoughts. This helps them engage more deeply with the concept of wisdom and

Open 09 - The Mighty Man

Family Devotion 1: The Beginning of Wisdom Theme: The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of WisdomScripture: Proverbs 9:10Activity Time: Dinner Time Devotion:

Read the Scripture: Begin by reading Proverbs 9:10 together: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Discussion: Ask the kids what they think "the fear of the Lord" means. Explain that it’s not about being scared of God, but about having respect and awe for Him, like how we respect and listen to our parents.

Activity: Go around the table and have each family member share one thing they respect or admire about God. It could be His love, His creation, or how He listens to our prayers.

Prayer: Close with a prayer asking God to help each family member grow in wisdom and to always have a respectful and loving relationship with Him.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to ask questions and express their thoughts. This helps them engage more deeply with the concept of wisdom and

Open 10 - The Ironies Of Life

Family Devotion 1: Guarding Our Reputation Theme: The importance of maintaining a good reputation. Activity/Time: Dinner time discussion. Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Devotion:

Introduction: Begin by asking, "What do you think it means to have a good reputation?" Allow the kids to share their thoughts.

Discussion: Explain that just like a good name is valuable, our actions and words can affect how others see us. Share the example from the sermon about how a little folly can damage a good reputation, just like dead flies can ruin perfume.

Activity: Have each family member share one thing they can do to maintain a good reputation, such as being honest or kind.

Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member live in a way that honors Him and maintains a good reputation.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids by affirming the good qualities you see in them and how they contribute to

Open 11 - Cast Your Bread On The Waters

Family Devotion 1: Casting Your Bread Theme: Generosity and GivingScripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1 - "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Activity: During Dinner Time

Discussion Starter: Ask your children what they think it means to "cast your bread upon the waters." Explain that it means to give generously and trust that God will bless that giving in His time. Interactive Activity: Have each family member share one way they can be generous this week, whether it's sharing a toy, helping a friend, or praying for someone. Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help you be generous and to trust Him with the results.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your children by sharing a personal story of a time when you gave and saw God bless it later.

Family Devotion 2: The Power of Patience Theme: Patience in WaitingScripture: Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Activity: During a Car Ride

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Open 12 - Remember Your Creator

Family Devotion 1: Remembering God in Our Youth Theme: Remembering and honoring God while we are young. Activity/Time: During dinner time. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1 - "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth." Devotion:

Introduction: Begin by asking, "What are some things you remember from when you were younger?" Allow each child to share a memory. Discussion: Explain that just like we remember fun times, God wants us to remember Him, especially when we are young. Ask, "Why do you think it's important to remember God now?" Activity: Have each child draw a picture of something they are thankful for that God has given them. Share these drawings with the family. Prayer: Close with a prayer thanking God for being with us in our youth and asking Him to help us remember Him every day.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to think of ways they can remember God throughout their day, like saying a quick prayer or thanking Him for something good that happens.

Family Devotion 2: Loving G