The Children's Chapel Award-winning site, featuring Bible stories from a variety of authors, excellent Christian resources for children, and over 140 links to other Christian and family-friendly sites for kids. ~ A Ministry of The Missing Link, Inc. ~ Fruit of the Spirit [picture of peach] *Faith - Faithfulness [picture of peach] Faithful Even in the Clouds * by Sophia Prinsloo Text Version Afrikaans translation [picture of apple] After Eunice and Pieter had faithfully done their schoolwork throughout the year, the long-awaited vacation came. At the beginning of the year, their parents had promised them a surprise if they would do their best every day and work hard. "What would the surprise be?" they wondered, and would their parents still remember their promise? Eunice and Pieter surely did not forget about it. [picture of cherries] After supper, their dad suddenly announced, "Eunice, Pieter, because you were so faithful in doing your schoolwork, helping your mother in the house, and also helping me wash the car, we are going to be faithful to fulfill our promise. Next week, we are going to fly!" "Wha-a-a-at?" Eunice asked excitedly, and Pieter added highly delighted, "How? With what? Whereto?" [picture of pear] "We are going to visit Grandpa and Grandma and for that, of course, we have to fly with an airplane!" their mom replied smiling. "Yippee! Yippee! Yippee!" Eunice and Pieter exclaimed joyfully. "We have visited them so long ago and we are missing them dearly. How are we going to be patient for an entire week?" The week passed quicker than expected and, before they knew it, they and their luggage had passed through all the checkpoints at the airport and were on the plane. A beautiful stewardess made sure their seat belts were tight enough. They were ready for takeoff. [picture of peach] A strange, nervous excitement took hold of them as the plane began accelerating faster and faster. First the front wheels lifted from the ground and then the rear wheels. They were in the air! The plane rose over the city, turning wide and, from the window, they could see cars and homes getting smaller and smaller. "Look, Eunice, the cars look like ants!" Pieter said. When the plane reached its desired height, Eunice and Pieter took turns sitting at the window, looking down at the earth far below. They could see rivers, dams and mountains, but not animals or humans. They were too small from that high up. Suddenly, the scene outside the window turned white as they flew through a large cloud bank. Pieter became worried when they could see only white clouds for a long time, "Dad! We can't see the ground. We do not know if we are going up or down. I am afraid we might crash into the ground, or another plane, or a mountain!" [picture of grapes] "Don't worry, my son," his dad said. "The pilot in the cabin has instruments to see how high we are flying, and whether the plane is flying level or is turning, plus how fast we are flying, in what direction we're flying and whether we are rising, dropping, or flying obliquely. Then they also have an instrument that warns them when other aircraft is approaching." "You see, when the pilot can't see anything outside, like when we fly through a cloud or fly at night, he cannot not rely on his own feelings to fly. Then he must faithfully obey his instruments, which give him the direction and guidance he needs to keep on flying safely." [picture of cherries] "But, Dad," Eunice also asked, worried, "what if the instruments break down?" "My child," replied Dad, "the instruments are thoroughly tested before each flight to make sure everything is working properly. But if something does go wrong, they can always contact the ground control tower to help them land the plane safely." [picture of pear] Eunice and Pieter were very relieved and pleased that the pilot had instruments to fly them safely through the clouds, and they trusted that he would faithfully obey them. They landed effortlessly on the tarmac. After they got their luggage, Grandpa and Grandma welcomed them with outstretched arms, and they enjoyed a wonderful vacation on the farm. [picture of fruit divider] Peter was staying with Simon the tanner in Joppa After Jesus ascended to heaven and vanished into the clouds, the disciples waited faithfully in Jerusalem until they were powerfully filled with the Holy Spirit. They remembered that Jesus told them they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, the whole of Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Yet they thought they had to proclaim the good news about Jesus only to the Jews. One afternoon, while Peter was staying with Simon the tanner in Joppa, he went up to the roof of the house to pray. It was almost lunchtime and his stomach began to grumble when he smelled the delicious aroma of the food Simon's wife was preparing. A big sheet lowered by its four corners descended from heave Suddenly his spirit went into a trance. He saw the clouds open before him, and a big sheet lowered by its four corners descended from heaven. On the sheet there were all kinds of animals and birds. There were monkeys and mice, lizards and snakes, eagles and ostriches, and many more. Then there came a voice from heaven saying, "Rise up, Peter! Kill and eat!" Peter shuddered, "Never, Lord! I have never eaten such meat! This is unclean!" The voice answered, "Do not consider unclean what God regards as clean." Since it happened THREE times before the sheet disappeared again into the heavens, Peter knew it meant something important, but he did not know what. While he was still wondering what the vision could mean, the Holy Spirit told him, "There are THREE men who are looking for you. Get up, go down, and go with them without any doubt, for I have sent them." When Peter went downstairs he found three men When Peter went downstairs, he found three men, just the Holy Spirit had told him. There were a soldier and two servants in front of the door who told him, "Our master Cornelius is a captain in the Italian league. He is like us, not a Jew, but a righteous and god-fearing man. Yesterday, while he was fasting and praying, he saw an angel. The angel told him that God had noticed how faithful he prayed every day and how he helped the poor. He commanded Cornelius to send us to come and fetch you here in Joppa, at the house of Simon the tanner, so that we can hear what God wants to say to us through you." Usually Jews and Gentiles did not visit each other, because the Jewish law prohibited it. Suddenly, Peter realized what his vision meant. God wanted to let him know that he may not call any man unholy or unclean just because they are not Jews. Therefore, Peter invited the three men inside and they spent the night there. The next day they all left for Caesarea where Cornelius lived. Cornelius entire house was full of excited people just waiting for him When Peter arrived there, he was quite amazed. Cornelius' entire house was full of excited people just waiting for him. The whole of Cornelius' family and all his special friends were there, big and small. Cornelius told Peter everything. He told him about the angel in dazzling clothes who ordered him to fetch Peter so he could communicate God's message to them. Everyone listened carefully when Peter cleared his throat and began to speak, "I truly see that God does not mind what kind of nation or race you belong to, but if you fear him and do justice, then He will rejoice over you and accept you." Cornelius and everyone in his house were very pleased to hear that and could not wait to hear what else Peter had to say. Peter continued, "I know you all heard of Jesus who brought peace between God and the Jews. This Jesus traveled through Israel and did miracles everywhere He went. He healed people from their diseases and casted out demons because God was with Him. However, the Jews killed Him by hanging Him on a cross, but God raised Him from the dead on the third day. Then He appeared to us, his disciples, and He ate and drank with us. He instructed us to proclaim that He is the Judge through whom God will judge all who have ever lived. But only those who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins in his Name, just as the prophets prophesied." While Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit came upon all who listened to the word While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon all who listened to the word. The people who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on Gentiles, because they heard them speak in other languages and praising God. There and then, they decided to also baptize them in water, as the sign of accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Cornelius, his family and friends were overjoyed that Jesus did not only come for the Jews but for all people, just as it was prophesied in the Scriptures. That is proof that God truly remains faithful to his Word! [picture of fruit divider] REMEMBER: God is faithful to his Word, and if we are faithful to obey his Word, He will help us and guide us, even in difficult and uncertain times. THINK 1. In what were Eunice and Pieter faithful? 2. In what were their mom and dad faithful? 3. In what was Cornelius faithful? 4. In what was Peter faithful? 5. In what was God faithful? 6. What is our direction indicator in this life? 7. Why is it good to be faithful to God? [picture of apple] A VERSE TO LEARN "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23). [picture of grapes] ALTERNATE VERSES TO LEARN "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds" (Psalm 36:5). "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 89:1). "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9). "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil" (2 Thessalonians 3:3). "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)" (Hebrews 10:23). "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelations 2:10b). PRACTICAL APPLICATION The Bible says that God’s faithfulness is for every generation, not just for those in Bible times, but for you as well. Because God is faithful to his Word, we can put our trust in Him wholeheartedly. Can you think of instances where God was faithful to you? Maybe He helped you when something bad happened or maybe He comforted you when you were sad, or gave you peace when you were afraid. Thank Him for those instances and don't keep it to yourself, but tell others about it as King David did when he said, "I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation" (Psalm 40:10). Have you been faithful to God in any way? God says in his Word that if you're faithful in the little things, He will reward you with big things. Name some ways you can be faithful at home, at school or at church, with Bible reading and praying. [After discussion:] God show his faithfulness every time He forgives your sins. He says in 1 John 1:9 that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, including ways we have been unfaithful. Would you like to serve a God Who is faithful and forgiving when you confess your sins to Him? Think of a time you were unfaithful, confess it to God and ask his forgiveness. LET'S PRAY [picture of Dog and boy praying] **************************************************** Heavenly Father, forgive us where we have not been faithful. Please forgive us where we have doubted your faithfulness. Give us power through your Holy Spirit to be faithful to You by praying every day and reading the Bible, which is our direction indicator. Help us to be faithful in our schoolwork and in the tasks our parents ask us to do. Help us to remember that You are always faithful. In Jesus' Name. Amen. **************************************************** CAN YOU FIND THIS STORY IN THE BIBLE? Acts 10:1-48 Galatians 5:19-26 [picture of peach] STORIES IN THIS SERIES: The Fruit of the Spirit Love Joy Peace Longsuffering/Patience Gentleness/Kindness Goodness Faith/Faithfulness Meekness/Humility Temperance/Self-Control [picture of fruit divider] coloring Bible Colour and Learn: 02 The New Testament Coloring: Faithfulness Fruit of the Spirit: Faith Coloring Page God Wants Everyone Peter and Cornelius coloring page Peter's Vision coloring page Peter Visits Cornelius coloring page [picture of pear] Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Pages Fruit of the Spirit Reproducible Coloring Book, Ages 4-7 God Wants Us to Bear Good Fruit Growing as God's Child Coloring Book Fruit of the Spirit Tree Fruit Fruit of the Spirit Beginner's Bible Super-Duper Mighty Jumbo Coloring Book Bible Story Coloring Pages V2 Really Big Book of Bible Story Coloring Pages My Bible Coloring Book Children's Bible Coloring Books stories Bible on the Go Vol. 44: The Story of Saul; Peter and Cornelius; Peter in Prison (Acts 9-12) - Unabridged Audiobook [Download] Peter and Cornelius (read online) Peter Pop-Up Book Peter's Vision Peter and Cornelius Become Friends [picture of cherries] Fruit of the Spirit Arch Book Fruit of the Spirit Stories For Young Children — Humility and Faithfulness God Counts Series: 9 Fruits Alive Life Is an Adventure with Ernie The Fruit of the Spirit 365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories 365 Activities For Kids: A Bible Story And Activity For Each Day Of The Year 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs w/2 CD Beginner's Bible Bible in Pictures For Toddlers Bible stories Egermeier's Bible Storybook for Beginners Early Reader's Bible The Children's Illustrated Bible The Preschooler's Bible Toddler's Bible Pilgrim's Progress Comic Children's Books Spanish Children's Books The Picture Bible (also in Spanish ) activities A Lesson for Peter mystery code Bible Drill to reinforce topic from story Cornelius Becomes a Christian storycards Fill in the Blanks (KJV) Learning activities Peter and Cornelius Peter's Vision Peter's Vision: Crossword Puzzle Peter's Vision: Fill-in-the-Blanks Peter's Vision: Games Peter's Vision: Jigsaw Puzzle Peter's Vision: Test Peter's Vision: Word Scramble Peter Visits Cornelius: Ponder, Pray & Play [picture of peach] Coded Bible Puzzle Crossword Puzzle Different Kinds of Fruit: Bible Wisdom and Fun for Today! Galatians 5: 22-23 Fruit of the Spirit Online Game Fruit of the Spirit Online Jigsaw Puzzle Online Animated Jigsaw Puzzle Online Animated Slide Puzzle Online Coded Bible Puzzle Online Fruit Basket to Arrange Online Hangman Online Word Search Online Word Search 2 Stickers: Fruit Of The Spirit Unscramble Word Search Best Book of Bible Activities Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry The Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry The Super Sized Book of Bible Puzzles Memory Verse Games for Kids Big Book Of Bible Puzzles Bible Puzzles: Word Search Big Book Of Bible Story Activity Pages V1 Jumbo Bible Activity Book 4 Christian and educational toys Children's Activity Books Children's Puzzles Crossword Books Games Sticker Books songs A New Creation Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD—Faith Peter's Vision song [picture of grapes] Fruit of the Spirit (sheet music/MIDI) I Want To Be Like Jesus (sheet music/MIDI) The Fruit of The Spirit Song/MIDI/CHORDS Fruit of the Spirit by Maranatha Kids Fruit of the Spirit Cadence Fruit of the Spirit [Music Download — Brentwood] Hide 'Em In Your Heart 1/Hide 'Em In Your Heart 2 CD (Steve Green) The Fruit Of The Spirit - Galatians 5:22 & 25 [Music Download — Steve Green] Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD 100 Ways To Know God Loves Me & 100 Songs 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs Action Bible Songs Bible Songs on CD Bible Songs on DVD 100 Singalong Bible Songs For Kids 25 Favorite Sunday School Songs Children's Music CDs and DVDs Character Builders 2: Goodness & Faith: Faith: Lost in the Woods [Streaming Video Purchase] Character Builders 2: Goodness & Faith: Goodness: What Do You Want to Bee [Streaming Video Purchase] Everybody's Welcome (watch online) Superbook: Peter Visits Cornelius (watch online) Superbook: Peter's Vision (watch online) The Apostles, Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible DVD Fruit of the Spirit Animation online Auto B Good Fruits of the Spirit DVD Character Builders 4: Thankfulness & Gentleness: Thankfulness: Benny's Wake-Up Surprise [Streaming Video Rental] Character Builders 5: Sharing & Kindness: Sharing: Benny Loves Fiddleberries [Streaming Video Purchase] Character Builders: 8-DVD Set David, God's Champion Hide 'Em In Your Heart 1/Hide 'Em In Your Heart 2 CD (Steve Green) Hide 'Em in Your Heart, Volume 2, DVD (Steve Green) Music Machine: The Fruit Of The Spirit CD Music Machine DVD Sunday School Songs (Cedarmont Kids) The Bedbug Bible Gang &: Pentecost Party! 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