Adam's Nostrils (Puppet Version)

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 10:8

The Proverb is illustrated with auditions to the air band Adam's Nostrils.

Note: I've done this skit before with two kids posing as the chattering fools. A new class and new circumstances meant reworking this skit with a puppet.

Cast:
MISS REBECCA – teacher
OZZIE – chattering air guitar wannabe
3-4 kids – lead singer, drummer, etc.
1 kid – to replace the chattering wannabe

Props:
Rock-style song (I am using I'm a Believer by Cadet)

MISS REBECCA: Today, we are going to start an air band. For those who don't know what an air band is, an air band is a band that uses no real instruments. All of the instruments are made of air. For example the air guitar (pantomimes playing guitar) or air drums (pantomimes playing drums). The band is going to be called "Adam's Nostrils." You know like how God breathed air into Adam's nostrils? (Pauses to see if anyone gets it then gives up.) Anyway…
I need some volunteers to audition for Adam's Nostrils. I need a lead singer (pick a volunteer), a guitarist…

OZZIE: Oh! I’ve always wanted to play guitar. (strums air guitar)

MISS REBECCA: OK.

OZZIE: Sweet!

MISS REBECCA: We also need a bass player (pick a volunteer) and a drummer (pick a volunteer).

(During the instructions, OZZIE chatters to other band members.)

MISS REBECCA: Okay, here are the instructions: I am going to play I'm a Believer by Cadet. When the song starts, you (pointing to the singer/singers) lip-synch the song, and the rest of you pretend to play your instruments. You don't sing, and you don't make any noise.

(MISS REBECCA starts the music.)

OZZIE: (looking around for instruments) MISS REBECCA! MISS REBECCA!

MISS REBECCA: (pausing the music) What is it, Ozzie?

OZZIE: Where are the instruments?

MISS REBECCA: As I just explained, this is an air band, so you just pretend to play your instruments.

OZZIE: Oh. OK.

(MISS REBECCA starts the music. OZZIE starts making guitar sounds. MISS REBECCA pauses the music.)

MISS REBECCA: What are you doing now?

OZZIE: I'm playing guitar – and rather well, I might add.

MISS REBECCA: But you are suppose to doing it without making any noise. If you hadn’t been chattering you would have heard me explain that.

OZZIE: Sorry. I have it now.

(MISS REBECCA starts the music. As soon as the singing starts, OZZIE starts singing along. MISS REBECCA pauses the music.)

MISS REBECCA: (obviously very frustrated) What part of "You don't sing, and you don't make any noise" did you not understand?

OZZIE: But it's a good song. I think they sang it in Shrek? Did you ever see that movie, Miss Rebecca? Izzie loves Donkey, because she thinks he’s so funny. I like Puss-in-Boots better. How about you?

MISS REBECCA: Excuse me. If you could have followed instructions, you would have known what to do. Hand in your air guitar.

(MISS REBECCA takes air guitar from OZZIE. OZZIE collapse in despair.)

MISS REBECCA: Who wants to take his place? (Pick another volunteer.) You are now the guitarist. Remember: No singing! No noise!

(MISS REBECCA start the music one last time. The kids perform the song with no further incidents.)

OZZIE: Proverbs 10:8
The wise person accepts instructions,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
(collapses again)

MISS REBECCA: Let's give our new air band Adam's Nostrils a big hand! You guys did a great job!

A Heap O' Burning Coals

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 5:43-48

A puppet skit showing we should return kindness for unkindness.

Cast:
D.B. – a good albeit not very bright bunny
DUDE – a bully lizard

Props:
candy
glass of water

(Opens with D.B. on stage.)

D.B.: (imitating Elvis) It's just a heap o', a heap o' burning coals.

DUDE: What is that terrible sound? Is there some poor animal that's been injured? Oh, it's D.B. singing. What are you doing, furball?

D.B.: I am practicing my memory verse, Dude. Proverbs 25:21-22: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

DUDE: That is the second stupidest thing I've ever seen.

D.B.: What is the stupidest?

DUDE: You. (laughs hysterically)

D.B.: That was not very nice.

DUDE: Oh, I'm sorry. Hey, you know why a rabbit’s nose is always shiny?

D.B.: Why?

DUDE: Because its powder puff is on the wrong end! (laughs) Get it, furball? Your tail looks like a powder puff, so you can't powder your nose.

D.B.: I get it.

DUDE: Of course with you (looks D.B. up and down) it's hard to tell one end from the other. (laughs) Get it, furball? It's because you're so ugly that your face looks like your backside.

D.B.: Would you like a piece of candy, Dude?

DUDE: (confused) Sure, thanks. Hey, did you hear about the rabbit who got a job in a watch factory?

D.B.: No.

DUDE: All he did was stand around making faces. (laughs) Get it, furball? Watch faces. Oh, I see you're making faces, too. No, wait, that is your regular face. (laughs)

D.B.: Would you like a glass of water?

DUDE: (more confused) Okay, I guess so. Do you know what you get when you cross a rabbit with a leaf blower?

D.B.: What?

DUDE: A hare dryer. (laughs) Get it, furball? Like a rabbit is a hare.

D.B.: That is clever.

DUDE: Okay, what gives? This is my best material, and you ain't even gettin' mad. Are you having a bad hare day? (laughs) Get it, furball?

D.B.: I get it. Go on.

DUDE: Hmmm. What do you call a rabbit that sits on someone's forehead? Unsightly facial hare! (laughs) Get it, furball? Cause rabbits are so ugly, no one would want one on his face.

D.B.: I do not imagine that they would.

DUDE: Why you bein' so nice? It's no fun if you don't get hopping mad. (laughs) Get it, furball? HOPPING mad.

D.B.: Would you like to play my new PlayStation, Dude?

DUDE: (screams and leaves quickly)

D.B.: (looks after Dude then looks at memory verse) Wow! It worked. I offered him food and water, and it was like heaping burning coals on his head. Hey, and the LORD even rewarded me – Dude left. (snickers)
(exits imitating Elvis) It's just a heap o', a heap o' burning coals.

The Bible Is Our Standard

Supplies: paper, pencils/pens, scissors, Bible

Verse(s): Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, Proverbs 20:10

Goal: Today we studied Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan. Not only did Jesus use Scriptures as a shield against Satan's temptation, he used them as a standard to measure the devil's words. This was especially true when the devil (mis)quoted scripture.

Set-up/Introduction: Have the kids trace one of their feet on a piece of paper and cut it out. Depending on the number of kids, this could be done individually or in groups.

Activity: Have each person or group measure the length of the room with the foot they cut out and record their findings. (The teacher might want to do this also to provide a bigger contrast.)

Ask why the differences in measurements? Did we all measure in feet?

This is how people use to measure: A foot was a man's foot, hands for measuring horses, a span was the width of a man's outstretched hand, a cubit (Latin for "elbow") was the distance from the elbow to the finger tips, and yard is the distance from the fingers to the nose or the waist measurement of a man. Obviously, these are going to vary from person to person.

"It finally occurred to people to establish a 'standard yard' and never mind what your own measurements are. According to tradition, a standard yard was originally adjusted to the length of the fingertips of King Henry I of England to his nose. (And the standard foot is suppose to be based on the foot of Charlemagne.)
"Naturally, the King of England can't travel from village to village measuring out lengths of cloth from his nose to his fingertips. Instead a stick is held up against him and marks are made at this nose and his fingertips. The distance between the marks is a standard yard."

In Washington they have the Bureau of Standards. They have weights and measuring sticks that represent the standard for knowing what a pound, a foot, etc. are. These are kept in a special climate-controlled environment to keep them from changing. A true standard had to be unchanging and based on something reliable.

As you can see it is important to have a standard or an authority we all use for measuring. Without a standard we don't get the same answer, and none of us got the right answer. In fact Proverbs 20:10 says, "Differing weights and differing measures- the Lord detests them both."

Conclusion: The same is true for our faith. When it is based on ourselves or others, it is going to be constantly changing. It has to based on something permanent and eternal, or we don't have a standard.

The standard cannot be "the man in the mirror" or our feelings any more that the standard for measuring a yard is the distance from each person's nose to his fingertips. The standard must be objective and universal.

The first definition of authority seems to be a pretty good one: a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support. An example would be that I use the Bible as an authority. If I hear or read something, I test it against what the Bible says. If it is in agreement, I believe it. If it is not, I do not. The Bible is the standard against which I test ideas. That standard we use as Christians is the Word of God as revealed through the Bible.

Jesus tells the story of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his house on shifting sand. I fear you are building your house on shifting sand. The only solid ground we have is God, "our Rock and our Redeemer", and the Bible is His love letter to us telling us all we need to live and know Him.

Source: Some facts were taken from Asimov on Numbers by Isaac Asimov

Just Joking

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 26:18-19

Lying and pranks are no joking matter.

Cast:
JEFF – the jokester
CHERYL – the victim

Props:
Joy buzzer, whoopee cushion, rubber spider, "kick me" sign
Proverbs 26:18-19 displayed
Blackberry (or other valued item)

(Opens with JEFF on stage alone starting the lesson. CHERYL is offstage with the Blackberry.)

JEFF: Up here behind me is our Proverb for this week. But before we start, I want to show you some of the fun stuff I got this week. (Blows up whoopee cushion and sets it on a chair. Just then CHERYL enters.) Better yet, let me demonstrate.

CHERYL: Jeff, I think you left your….

JEFF: You look tired have a seat.

CHERYL: I'm not really tired… (JEFF guides CHERYL into the chair onto the whoopee cushion.) Very nice.

JEFF: It's just a joke. Let me help you up. (JEFF helps CHERYL up but offers hand with joy buzzer. JEFF laughs.)

CHERYL: What the… (Looks at hand then realizes what happened.) I don't think that's very funny.

JEFF: . I was only joking, but I'm sorry. (Places "kick me" sign on CHERYL's back.)

CHERYL: (Spins around a couple of times to reveal the sign then removes it.) Cut it out.

JEFF: It's just a joke. Oh, and you have something on your shirt.

CHERYL: (Looks down and gets her nose tweaked.) Very mature.

JEFF: Lighten up. I was only joking. It's a joke. (Removes rubber spider from pocket and starts to put it on CHERYL's shoulder.)

CHERYL: What's next a rubber spider on my shoulder?

JEFF: (Quickly returning spider to his pocket.) No, not at all.

CHERYL: (Gives JEFF the evil eye.) Hmmm. Did you ever read today's Proverb?

JEFF: Of course I did.

CHERYL: And what do you think it is talking about?

JEFF: It says that someone who is joking is a madman (ala Steve Martin "Wild and Crazy Guy") and is smokin' (ala The Mask).

CHERYL: No. It says that someone who lies or does tricks on other people is like crazy man shooting flaming arrows.

JEFF: As if. What is the harm in a few little pranks?

CHERYL: Really? I came in here to tell you something, but you nearly chased me off with your "jokes."

JEFF: What were you going to tell me that is so important?

CHERYL: That I found your Blackberry in the other room. (Holds up Blackberry.)

JEFF: (Checking pockets.) How'd I do that? Thanks so much
.
CHERYL: (Hands Blackberry back.) Your pranks nearly cost you your Blackberry, but I showed you grace and gave it back anyway. The next person might not be so nice.

JEFF: I'm really sorry if I hurt your feelings. I will be more careful in the future.

CHERYL: Honestly?

JEFF: No joking.

The Little Red Hen

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 10:4

The Proverb is illustrated with the tale of The Little Red Hen acted out by the children.

Cast:
LITTLE RED HEN – does all the work
DOG – lazy companion
CAT – lazy companion
DUCK – lazy companion
NARRATOR – tells the story, delivers Proverb & tag line

Costume:
Something to suggest each person's animal. For example, each could wear a mask or nose for that animal. (The Dog, Cat, and Duck are traditional for the story, but any farm animal could be substituted if you have the costume.)

Props:
None – all items will be pantomimed

NARRATOR: Today, we are going to tell the story of the Little Red Hen, and I need some volunteers. I need, as you may have guessed, a Little Red Hen. (Pick a smaller girl and supply costume.)

Now, I need her three friends. I need a Dog (pick child; provide mask), a Cat (pick child; provide mask), and a Duck (pick child; provide mask).

As I read the story, I want each of you to act your parts, and I will provide you with your lines. Ready? Here we go:

One day as the Little Red Hen was scratching in a field, she found a grain of wheat.
She said, "This wheat should be planted. Who will plant this grain of wheat?"
The Duck said, "Not I."
The Cat said, "Not I."
The Dog said, "Not I."
The Little Red Hen said, "Then I will." And she did.
Soon the wheat grew to be tall and yellow.
The Little Red Hen said, "The wheat is ripe. Who will cut the wheat?"
The Duck said, "Not I."
The Cat said, "Not I."
The Dog said, "Not I."
The Little Red Hen said, "Then I will." And she did.
When the wheat was cut, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will thresh the wheat?"
The Duck said, "Not I."
The Cat said, "Not I."
The Dog said, "Not I."
The Little Red Hen said, "Then I will." And she did.
When the wheat was threshed, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will take this wheat to the mill?"
The Duck said, "Not I."
The Cat said, "Not I."
The Dog said, "Not I."
The Little Red Hen said, "Then I will." And she did.
She took the wheat to the mill and had it ground into flour. Then she said, "Who will make this flour into bread?"
The Duck said, "Not I."
The Cat said, "Not I."
The Dog said, "Not I."
The Little Red Hen said, "Then I will." And she did.
She made and baked the bread. Then she said, "Who will eat this bread?"
The Duck said, "Oh! I will."
The Cat said, "And I will."
The Dog said, "And I will."
The Little Red Hen said, "No, No! "I will do that." And she did.

The moral of the story comes from Proverbs 10:4:
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Let's give all of our actors a big hand. Thanks, everyone.

Wisdom

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:8

Cast:
DAD – dad/announcer
MELISSA – sister
ELIJAH – brother
DALTON – brother

Costume:
Either casual clothes or pajamas.

Props:
Cereal box with label for WISDOM, milk, bowl, spoon.

(MELISSA is sitting at the breakfast table when DAD enters.)

DAD: Hey, Melissa. I have something new for you to try for breakfast.

MELISSA: What is it?

DAD: It's called "Wisdom". It says on the box:
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
(pours bowl) Enjoy!

(DAD exits. ELIJAH and DALTON enter and sit down.)

ELIJAH: What's this stuff?

MELISSA: Some cereal. Supposed to be good for you.

ELIJAH: Did you try it?

MELISSA: I'm not gonna try it, you try it. (slides bowl to ELIJAH)

ELIJAH: I'm not gonna try it. (slides bowl back to MELISSA)

MELISSA: Let's get Dalton!

ELIJAH: Yeah!

MELISSA: He won't eat it. He hates everything. (slides bowl to DALTON)

(DALTON looks at the bowl, takes a bite, like it, and keeps eating.)

MELISSA: He likes it!

ELIJAH: Hey, Dalton!

DAD: When you bring Wisdom home, don't tell the kids it's good for them. You're the only one who has to know.

Make a Scene:Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:16-39, Proverbs 15:8

(Note: Kids love to be in the skits, and the "Make a Scene" framework is an easy and fun way to tell a Bible story that has good action in it. Below is a paraphrase of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The bolded parts are the bit that the kids act out or say. You can include as many kids that want to participate by casting them as the prophets or the people. You can include the whole class if they are game.)

Cast:
Director - the teacher telling the story
Select kids to play Elijah, Ahab, the prophets of Baal, the people

Props:
None

SETTING: Mount Carmel (near Haifa, Israel)

DIRECTOR: King Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?"

Elijah replied, "I have not made trouble for Israel. But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the Baals."

Elijah had Ahab summon the people from all over Israel to meet him on Mount Carmel and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah.

So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."

But the people said nothing.

Then Elijah offered a challenge. Each would prepare a sacrifice. He would call upon the Lord, and the prophets of Baal would call upon Baal. The one who answers by fire—he is God.

Then all the people said, "What you say is good."

Elijah let the prophets of Baal go first. When they were ready, they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. they shouted, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.

At noon Elijah began to taunt them. "Shout louder! Maybe he is thinking about it. Maybe he is traveling. Maybe he is in the bathroom. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened."

So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.

Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, and he built an altar in the name of the Lord He dug a trench around it large enough to hold about 2 gallons of water. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces, and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, "Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood."

And the people poured water over the altar and the wood.

Then Elijah said, "Do it again."

And the people poured water over the altar and the wood.

Then Elijah ordered, "Do it a third time."

And they did it the third time. The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed, "O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil, and even the water in the trench.

When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The Lord -he is God! The Lord -he is God!"

The Failure to Communicate Blues

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 18:13

A blues song about listening before we speak.

Cast:
FAT DADDY THORNTON – an old blues singer (this name can be changed to match the person doing the character)
MESSENGER – who whispers in his ear

Costume:
Something to evoke Fats Waller, Muddy Waters, or John Lee Hooker.

Props:
I use a kazoo, but a guitar, harmonica, etc. could be used for the blues chords. Could also use an accompanist.

(FAT DADDY THORNTON enters and sits down.)

FAT DADDY THORNTON: Hello, chillen. My name is Fat Daddy Thornton, and it is so good to be back with ya this evenin'. I wanna sing ya a song about a buddy of mine, and it goes exactly like this:

(wa waaa waa wa) My buddy said he'd be callin'
(wa waaa waa wa) I bet he's got some news
(wa waaa waa wa) But now I think he be stallin'
And he's givin' me the blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

(wa waaa waa wa) What if he don't like my hat?
(wa waaa waa wa) Or what if hates my shoes?
(wa waaa waa wa) He could make fun of this or that
And really give me the blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

(wa waaa waa wa) What if he disses my singin'?
(wa waaa waa wa) Or has a thing against kazoos?
(wa waaa waa wa) Then his neck I'll be wringin'
For givin' me the blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

(wa waaa waa wa) What if he attacks me
(wa waaa waa wa) With a mob of kangaroos?
(wa waaa waa wa) And if the big one smacks me
Then I'll have the black & blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

(wa waaa waa wa) What if he's a pi-rate?
(wa waaa waa wa) And lights his cannon fuse?
(wa waaa waa wa) Then in glee he'll gyrate
While I get the blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

(wa waaa waa wa) What if he's an alien?
(wa waaa waa wa) Who turns my brains to ooze?
(wa waaa waa wa) He's prob'ly not even mammalian
Oh, baby, I got the blues.

What we have here is
The Failure to Communicate Blues

[MESSENGER enters and whispers in FAT DADDY's ear. FAT DADDY nods] What? Uh-huh. Really? Okay.

(wa waaa waa wa) My buddy's on the telephone
(wa waaa waa wa) Asking what movie I choose
(wa waaa waa wa) I guess I shoulda known
And avoided these blues.

What we have here is
The conclusion-jumpin', problem-bumpin'
Failure to Communicate Blues
(wa wawawawawawawa)

Thank you very much, everybody.
(FAT DADDY THORNTON exits to thunderous applause.)

A Heap O' Burning Coals

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:17-21, Matthew 5:43-48

A puppet skit showing we should return kindness for unkindness.

Cast:
D.B. – a good albeit not very bright bunny
MAX – a bully baboon

Props:
glass or bottle of water
banana
Proverb posted somewhere

(Opens with D.B. on stage.)
D.B.: (imitating Elvis) It's just a heap o', a heap o' burning coals.

MAX: What is that terrible sound? Is there some poor animal that has been injured? Oh, it's D.B. singing. What are you doing, runt?

D.B.: I am practicing my memory verse, Max. Proverbs 25:21-22: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

MAX: That is the second stupidest thing I've ever seen.

D.B.: What is the stupidest?

MAX: You. (laughs hysterically)

D.B.: That was not very nice.

MAX: Oh, I'm sorry. Hey, you know why a rabbit’s nose is always shiny?

D.B.: Why?

MAX: Because it’s powder puff is on the wrong end! (laughs) Get it, runt? Your tail looks like a powder puff, so you can't powder your nose.

D.B.: I get it.

MAX: Of course with you (looks D.B. up and down) it is hard to tell one end from the other. (laughs) Get it, runt? It's because you're so ugly that your face looks like your backside.

D.B.: Would you like a banana, Max?

MAX: (confused) Sure, thanks. Hey, did you hear about the rabbit who got a job in a watch factory?

D.B.: No.

MAX: All he did was stand around making faces. (laughs) Get it, runt? Watch faces. Oh, I see you're making faces, too. No, wait, that is your regular face. (laughs)

D.B.: Would you like a glass of water?

MAX: (more confused) Okay, I guess so. Do you know what you get when you cross a rabbit with a leaf blower?

D.B.: What?

MAX: A hare dryer. (laughs) Get it, runt? Like a rabbit is a hare.

D.B.: That is clever.

MAX: Okay, what gives? This is my best material, and you ain't even getting' mad. Are you having a bad hare day? (laughs) Get it, runt?

D.B.: I get it. Go on.

MAX: Hmmm. What do you call a rabbit that sits on someone's forehead? Unsightly facial hare! (laughs) Get it, runt? Cause rabbits are so ugly, no one would want one on his face.

D.B.: I do not imagine that they would.

MAX: Why you bein' so nice? It's no fun if you don't get hopping mad. (laughs) Get it, runt? HOPPING mad.

D.B.: Would you like to play my new PlayStation, Max?

MAX: (screams and leaves quickly)

D.B.: (looks after Max then looks at memory verse) Wow! It worked. I offered him food and water, and it was like heaping burning coals on his head. Hey, and the Lord even rewarded me – Max left. (chuckles)
(exits imitating Elvis) It's just a heap o', a heap o' burning coals.

The Light of God's Wisdom

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:18-19, James 1:5

A puppet skit showing that you shouldn't bang around in the dark when you can ask for a light.

Cast:
D.B. – a good albeit not very bright bunny
KELLI – the teacher who sets him straight

Props:
Pots, pans, etc. for making noise
A flashlight or lantern

(Opens with KELLI on stage D.B. down in his rabbit hole.)

KELLI: D.B.? Are you ready to do tonight's lesson?

D.B.: (calling up from rabbit hole) I sure am, but why is it so dark, Miss Kelli?

KELLI: We're having Flashlight Night at AWANA, so all of the lights are turned off.

D.B.: How exciting! But I do not have a flashlight.

KELLI: Why not?

D.B.: Because I am a rabbit, silly.

KELLI: Well, sure but…

D.B.: Rabbits do not have flashlights.

KELLI: I understand, but I thought…

D.B.: How would we turn them on. We do not even have opposable thumbs.

KELLI: I hadn't thought of that…

D.B.: And how would I even buy one. I do not have any pockets to carry money.

KELLI: That's true…

D.B.: I do not even have money, because I am a rabbit.

KELLI: I get it. You don't have a flashlight. Would you like to borrow mine?

D.B.: Oh, no. I do not need a flashlight. Rabbits have very good eyesight. It is from all the carrots, you know.

KELLI: I didn’t know that.

D.B.: You are learning all kinds of things tonight, Miss Kelli.

KELLI: I guess I am, D.B. (pauses) So are you coming up?

D.B.: You mean in the dark?

KELLI: Yes, in the dark.

D.B.: But it is so scary.

KELLI: Are you coming up or not?

D.B.: Okay, okay. I am on my way. (Sounds of crashing.)

KELLI: Are you all right, D.B.?

D.B.: I am fine. (More crashing.)

KELLI: Do you need me to shine my flashlight down there?

D.B.: No, I can make just fine. Rabbits have very good eyesight. It is from all the carrots, you know.

KELLI: I recently heard that.

D.B.: Here I come. (More crashing, a long pause, still more crashing, then a really long pause.)

KELLI: D.B.?

D.B.: Yes, Miss Kelli?

KELLI: Just checking to see if you are still with us.

D.B.: Can I ask you a question?

KELLI: Sure, D.B.

D.B.: Could you shine your flashlight down the rabbit hole.

KELLI: But I thought rabbits had very good eyesight. It's from all the carrots, you know.

D.B.: That is just an urban legend.

KELLI: I'd be happy to turn on my flashlight for you, D.B. (shines flashlight down rabbit hole)

D.B.: (pops up from the rabbit hole) Hi, Miss Kelli.

KELLI: Hi, D.B.

D.B.: When does tonight's lesson start?

KELLI: Five minutes ago.

D.B.: Good. Then I am just in time. What are we studying today?

KELLI: Proverbs 4:18-19 – The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

D.B.: Hey! That sounds like me. I was in the dark and did not know what I was stumbling on.

KELLI: Funny how that works out. Isn't it?

D.B.: Does that mean I am wicked, Miss Kelli?!?

KELLI: No, D.B. It is a simile. The wicked aren't really in the dark, but they get into trouble and don't understand why.

D.B.: Well, that is not hard to understand. They just need a flashlight.

KELLI: (groaning) Sort of, D.B. They need God's wisdom to light their way.

D.B.: Well, of course. I am so silly, but I am not very good with smilies.

KELLI: (chuckling) That's similes, and that's okay, D.B. When you needed a light, what did you need to do?

D.B.: I just needed to ask, and you shined your flashlight for me.

KELLI: And I was happy to do it, D.B. In the same way, God is happy to shine the light of His wisdom on our lives if we will just ask. The book of James says, " If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

D.B.: That is all there is to it?

KELLI: That's all there is to it.

D.B.: And this is the lesson?

KELLI: And that's the lesson.

D.B.: So I can go now?

KELLI: So you can go now.

D.B.: (looks back and forth between rabbit hole and KELLI) But it is dark down there.

KELLI: Would you like me to shine my flashlight for you, D.B.?

D.B.: Yes, please.

KELLI: (shines flashlight down rabbit hole) There you go.

D.B.: Thank you , Miss Kelli.

KELLI: You're welcome, D.B.

D.B.: Bye, Miss Kelli.

KELLI: Bye,

D.B.D.B.: (slips down the rabbit hole)

Adam's Nostrils

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 10:8

The Proverb is illustrated with auditions to the air band Adam's Nostrils.

LEADER – AWANA leader
MELISSA – chattering air guitar wannabe
HANNAH – chattering air bass guitar wannabe
2-6 kids – lead singer, drummer, and maybe two backup singers
2 kids – to replace the chattering wannabes

Costume:
Street clothes

Props:
Rock-style song (I am using I'm a Believer by Cadet)

LEADER: Today, we are going to start an AWANA air band. For those who don't know what an air band is, an air band is a band that uses no real instruments. All of the instruments are made of air. For example the air guitar (pantomimes playing guitar) or air drums (pantomimes playing drums). The band is going to be called "Adam's Nostrils." You know like how God breathed air into Adam's nostrils? (Pauses to see if anyone gets it then gives up.) Anyway…

I need some volunteers to audition for Adam's Nostrils. I need a lead singer (pick a volunteer), a guitarist (pick MELISSA), a bass player (pick HANNAH), and a drummer (pick a volunteer). [If there are enough kids, take volunteers for backup singers.]

(During the instructions, MELISSA and HANNAH silently chatter to one another.)

Okay, here are the instructions: I am going to play I'm a Believer by Cadet. When the song starts, you (pointing to the singer/singers) lip-synch the song, and the rest of you pretend to play your instruments. You don't sing, and you don't make any noise.

(LEADER starts the music. MELISSA and HANNAH start looking around for their instruments. LEADER pauses the music.)

LEADER: What are you two doing?

HANNAH: We are looking for our instruments.

MELISSA: Yeah, where are our instruments?

LEADER: As I just explained, this is an air band, so you just pretend to play your instruments.

HANNAH: Oh.

MELISSA: Okay.

(LEADER starts the music. MELISSA and HANNAH start making guitar sounds. LEADER pauses the music.)

LEADER: What are you two doing now?

HANNAH: I'm playing bass.

MELISSA: I'm playing guitar.

LEADER: But you are suppose to doing it without making any noise. If you hadn’t been chattering you would have heard me explain that.

HANNAH: Sorry.

MELISSA: We have it now.

(LEADER starts the music. As soon as the singing starts, MELISSA and HANNAH start singing along. LEADER pauses the music.)

LEADER: (obviously very frustrated) What part of "You don't sing, and you don't make any noise" did you not understand?

HANNAH: But it's a good song.

MELISSA: Yeah. (Turning to HANNAH) Didn’t they sing it in Shrek?

HANNAH: I think so. I love Donkey. He is so funny.

MELISSA: I like Puss In Boots better.

LEADER: Excuse me. If you two could have followed instructions, you would have known what to do. Have a seat.

(MELISSA and HANNAH sit down with a harrumph.)

LEADER: Who wants to take their place? (Pick a volunteer) You are the guitarist; (pick another volunteer) you are the bass player. Remember: No singing. No noise.

(LEADER start the music one last time. The kids perform the song with no further incidents.)

LEADER: Proverbs 10:8
The wise person accepts instructions,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Let's give our new air band Adam's Nostrils a big hand! You guys did a great job!

The Beginning of Wisdom

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 9:10

Cast:
EXPLORER – person searching for wisdom
ANNOUNCER – delivers Proverb

Costume:
Possibly dressed like an explorer or Indiana Jones.

Props:
Four boxes sitting on a table. The boxes are labeled: FAME, MONEY, INTELLIGENCE, and FEAR OF THE LORD. The contents of each box is:
FAME: a strobe light (portable)
MONEY: junk –not trash but odds & ends
INTELLIGENCE: dictionary
FEAR OF THE LORD: a Bible

(The EXPLORER enters – perhaps to Indiana Jones music – and examines the boxes.)

EXPLORER: I've been searching the world over for the key to ultimate Wisdom. I've been from Constantinople to Timbuktu. From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. My latest clue points me to these boxes. One of them contains the key to ultimate Wisdom. Let's see what I have: FAME, MONEY, INTELLIGENCE, and FEAR OF THE LORD. Fear?!? I don't want to be afraid. I think I'll start with FAME. After all, don't we turn to famous people for their opinions and advice? They must be wise.
(Opens box and is blinded by flashes.)
There is nothing in there but the flash of cameras. There is no substance. Nothing. Now that I think about it, there are plenty of famous people who don't display wisdom.
Okay, I'll try MONEY next. Rich people must be wise, or they wouldn't have all that money.
(Opens box and empties out odds & ends.)
This is just… stuff. There's no wisdom in here either. I hope this isn't another wild goose chase. INTELLIGENCE.. Intelligent – smart – wise. This has got to be it!
(Opens box and removes a dictionary.)
Ah! Now we are getting somewhere. (Flips through pages)
(crestfallen) Hey! This is just words – it's a dictionary! Knowing the definitions of all these words might make me smarter, but unless they're put together correctly, they don't give me wisdom. And besides, this is just human knowledge. That fades away. Ultimate Wisdom is eternal. What I need would have come from… (looks at the final box) the Lord. (excited) I think this just might be what I have been searching for all along.
(Opens final box.) Ah! (Removes Bible.)

ANNOUNCER: Proverbs 9:10:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom….