Short Talks Zone

"Short Talks" are quickie lessons that are just what they say: Short Talks.  Most of these were written by John Wills as devotionals for junior highers - but they work well with upper elementary too.  Each is short, to the point, but packs a good punch.  Idea for those times when you need a short devotional to begin a meeting or when you have to give a 'short talk.'

(No, they are not talks about Zacchaeus.)

We can believe in Jesus and what He did for us even though we can't see or feel Him.

Children learn about the importance of the joy of the Lord as the driving force in their life.

This short story/ talk, based around Hebrews 12:28b-29, talked about God's desire to fill us with himself during worship. We used this story as part of our "Polar Fun in the Sun" party (which can be found on the Kidology site in the Creative Ideas Zone).

We should think before we speak.

A talk on the prophecy of Tyre, showing the accuracy of God's word. (Ezekiel 26:3-5)

A talk from the story of Elijah showing how God cured his depression.

Member Exclusive Sneak Peek at Object Talks from DiscipleTown Unit #3 Due out November 20th!

Psalm 119 is not only the biggest chapter in the Bible, but every verse mentions, refers to, or is about the Bible or its benefits! Here are some samples of those reasons with an outline for a short devotional on reading the Bible. (includes short descriptions of Bible reading plans)

The story of David, Shimei, and Barzillai. This lesson teaches that a true friend does not to betray a friend when he is down but sticks with him through the tough times. (II Samuel 16 and 19)

A talk reminding us that whenever we do good to people in need we are really doing good to Jesus. (Matthew 25:35-40)

Two thousand years ago God invited the world to the Gospel feast where Jesus, taking on the agonies of the cross, took on ALL of our sins and held them until the last remains of our guilt were totally gone!

A talk teaching that Jesus is the King of Kings, and that we will obey Him if we truly love Him.

God loves each of His children and meets their needs.

A talk from the story of Ahimaaz teaching us that we should be messengers with a message. We should know how to share the most important message we ever could, the message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again. (II Samuel 18)

A story with the challenge to have an integrity like Samuel, a man who let not one of God’s word’s fall to the ground. (1 Samuel 3:19) (1 Samuel 12:3-5).

A talk showing that the unique Old Testament priest, Melchizedek is a picture of Jesus, our great high priest. (Hebrews 7:11-28)

A story explaining the importance of remembering what God has done for us. The story challenges the listener to have reminders in his or her life of times God has proven Himself faithful. (I Samuel 7:12).

A talk on the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego teaching that sometimes Satan often entices us with second chances to sin, however, we can take these as opportunites to stand for God.

A talk teaching that although sometimes we have the knowledge, our hearts are so slow to believing it. When we don’t believe God’s promises, we can become easily depressed. (Luke 24:25) (Philip. 4:19)

A talk pointing out that God created time, but He is not bound by time. We, however, can only deal in the present, and that is why it is important to receive Jesus "now." There is no other time that is guaranteed to a person except the "now."

A lesson teaching that doing good things does not make you a child of God, it is becoming a child of God that makes you do good things. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

A talk on the power of our words, both good and bad. (Proverbs 25:11,15:1,21:9,29:20,10:19,16:28; James 3:6-8)

A talk teaching that we need to do more as a Christian than simply believe; we need to grow! (2 Peter 1:5-7)

A talk challenging us to live for God one day at a time and not let time be our boss. (Psalm 90)

A talk pointing out what to do when you're not sure you're loving God the way you should.

Thomas was remembered for when he doubted Jesus. What do you want to be remembered for?

An invitation to salvation from the story of Rahab. Rahab believed God enough to obey Him. We are not saved if we’ve heard the gospel, but yet have done nothing about it, but we are saved if we obey and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:31)

A lesson on how salvation can not be “earned” or “unearned,” it is free and it is forever! (Ephesians 2:8-9) (John 10:27-30).

A story about how God called a wimp a warrior. God will also call us a warrior when we are being wimps, not because we are a warrior, but because He is going to makes us into one. (Judges 6:12)

A talk from the story of King David and the prophet Nathan showing that though we want to build a ministry for God, He is more interested in building us first.

A talk about how Paul would not spend God’s money to bail himself out of prison. Because of his honesty, God used Paul to bring many to salvation, even while he was in prison. (Malachi 3:10)

A talk on how Jeremiah wrote about “good plans” in a very “bad time.” Although God’s plan may not be fun or easy, it will always be good! (Jeremiah 29:11) (Jeremiah 29:12-14)

A story about the wicked king Manasseh. Though he had lived a wicked life for too long to influence his own son for good, after repenting, Manasseh was given a second chance and he did influence his grandchild for good.

Sometimes God tells us to do something without telling us how. Other times, he gives us detailed plans. God tells us exactly how to be saved and we need to respond (1 Chron. 14:14-15)

The story of Gaius and Diotrephes: A talk teaching the difference between humble leadership and proud, selfish, show-off leadership. (3 John

A talk on the importance of not just hearing about Christ’s saving power, but believing it and making Hm your safe refuge. (2 Samuel 3:33)

A story teaching that the people God uses are the people who do what needs to be done no matter how big the job looks.

A talk teaching that a little with God’s blessing is worth far more than a lot with God’s curse and that Jesus will provide everything we need because He is our good shepherd. (Psalm 23) (John 10:14).

A talk explaining the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, through the examples of Judas and Peter. (2 Corinthians 7:10).

A talk on the power of praying in Christ’s name. Praying in Christ’s name is as if Jesus handed us His own divine credit card, it will never run out. We must, however, ask for the things that He would want and would be pleasing to Him. (John 16: 24)

A letter written by a boy to Jesus throughout his lifetime, showing what happens if Jesus isn't always made the first priority. (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

The story of the raising of Lazarus teaching that Jesus is never too late, but always on time for His greatest glory! We should never put a deadline on our prayers. (John 11)

A talk from the story about being mad at God for being good. This lesson teaches that we must be willing to take both the bad and the good from God, for He works out all for the good in the end! (Romans 8:28).

A talk on the importance of building on things that last and not things that will one day perish.

A lesson on obedience. In order to obey, we must trust God and taste that He is good. We disobey when we refuse to taste. The only things worse than refusing to taste is tasting and then rejecting. (Psalm 34:8) (Hebrews 6:4-6).

The Story of King David and King Hanun: A lesson showing how bad ideas often lead to more bad ideas, and assumptions only cause trouble. (II Samuel 10 and 12)

Faith makes it possible to look over and above what we are afraid of, to see God who is our helper.

God knows you and will never leave you

Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.

A talk explaining how disgusting our sin looks to God, yet He is still gracious and loving enough to want to change us. (Isaiah 1:5,6) (Isaiah 1:18).