A NIGHT TO REMEMBER ◽ HOME
It’s a phrase I hear everywhere, from the young and the old, and I wonder how in the world things like this get started! But here it is, the comment that comes out of almost everyone’s mouth when they agree with something being said to them. “Hundred percent,” she said, he said, and everyone said. Aside from what 100% means mathematically, saying “hundred percent” means totally, completely, absolutely. And we can use this phrase and a couple others to learn some percentages from the word, about God and our relationship with Him!
Preparation: Make some cards or papers with these on each paper (each person will need a set of three) – 100%, 50% and 0%. Give a set of three to each one participating in the devo. You’ll also need one coin. And a cookie or treat the whole family loves…but just one treat at first…then enough for all – read the entire lesson to see how this applies.)
Let’s talk about the phrase “hundred percent.” It means “for sure” when we say it to someone. Let’s practice. “Let’s have ice cream tonight for dinner!” (Everyone holds up their 100% sign in agreement). Would all of us agree that having ice cream would be awesome? (Hopefully, all agree!) If so, we say “hundred percent” as we hold up our card.
50% means half and half. Like if I flip a coin, there’s a 50% chance it will land on heads…or tails. (Flip the coin and demonstrate.) This means there are two possible outcomes that are equally likely…could be this…or that. Let’s practice.
“Let’s share a pizza, you get half and I get half!” (Everyone holds up the 50% sign – indicating half and half.)
0% means not a chance! If someone states something that’s just not true at all, never ever, then there’s a 0% chance of it happening. It just won’t occur! Let’s practice.
“A big elephant is going to run through our living room!” (Everyone holds up the 0% chance card – indicating no way!)
Did you know there are some things about God and our relationship that can teach us more about hundred, fifty and zero percent! There are! And it’s a good thing to remind ourselves.
God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes has eternal life…John 3:16 is this true all the time, half the time, or never? (everyone holds up 100% sign!)
God will always leave us and forsake us – no way! Deuteronomy 31:6 (everyone holds up the 0% sign!) The Bible actually says the opposite is true – he will NEVER leave us or forsake us.
Goodness and mercy will follow me all of my life. (Psalm 23) (everyone holds up the 50% sign). In other words, I get both of these all of my life – goodness and mercy – half and half – which then means 100% I’m covered by God’s love!
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother Proverbs 18:24 (hold up the 100% sign!) Jesus is always near us, all the time, it’s true every minute.
“I can’t do anything right. God must not love me.” (hold up 0% card). There’s a zero percent chance of this because the bible says God is love, He is our strength, and nothing can separate us from His love.
“Noah took animals into the ark, two of each, male and female.” (hold up 50% card!) This means there were half boy and half girl animals in the ark! 50% male, 50% female! Why? God was going repopulate the earth after the big flood! God cares about every detail of our life!
Finally, look what I have here (uncover the cookie).
Who wants zero percent of the cookie? (this means you get none!)
Who wants to share it half and half with someone? (this means you only get part of it)
Who wants 100% of this cookie? (this means you get the entire one!)
Well, of course we want the whole thing! God says he gives us himself – his entirety – he doesn’t hold anything back. He gives us his love, his protection, his direction, his forgiveness, his hand, his everything. Isn’t that so cool! And there is zero percent chance of him ever changing.
Enjoy your treats together as you give thanks for God and his hundred percent love!