Preparation
None if you are using the purchased Pick-up-sticks sets.
If you are improvising using bamboo skewers, simply make each set using 30 bamboo skewers.
Check to make sure that the skewers are smooth and there are no splinters.
Use markers to mark on each end of the skewers.
You may use this as a guide:
– Black (25 points) – 1 stick
– Red (10 points) – 3 sticks
– Blue (5 points) – 5 sticks
– Green (3 points) – 9 sticks
– Yellow (1 point) – 12 sticks
How to Play
This is best played in small groups of 2 to 4 players.
Give each group 1 set of Pick-up-sticks.
The object of the game is to collect as many points as possible.
The sticks are color-coded, and each color represents a certain number of points.
If you are using a purchased set of Pick-up-sticks, follow the rules that came with the set.
Otherwise you can use the point system detailed in “Preparation” above.
The black stick is special. If you have picked up this stick, you can use it to help you pick up other sticks. None of the other colored sticks can be used in this way.
To begin the game, the first player holds all the sticks vertically in a bunch in one hand just above the floor or table. Release the sticks quickly and allow them to scatter. He/she then tries to carefully pick up one stick at a time without moving any other sticks.
– If none of the other sticks moved, he keeps the stick that he has just picked up and carries on trying to pick up another stick. (Each player can pick up as many sticks as he can during his turn, so long as no other sticks moved.)
– if one or more of the other sticks moved, the turn passes to the next player who must gather all the remaining sticks and release them in the same way
Carry on playing until there are no sticks remaining.
The player with the most points wins this round.
You can play as many rounds as you like, or until one play accumulates a pre-determined number of points.
Bible Lesson – Gentleness
Discuss
1. Did you enjoy this game?
2. Do you think this is a game of luck or skills?
3. What kind of person has a higher chance of winning this game? Someone who is rough? Or someone who is gentle?
4. How would you describe a gentle person?
5. Have you come across any Bible passages that talk about gentleness?
Read
Isaiah 40:11
Discuss
6. How does this Bible passage describe God?
Read
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV)
But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
Discuss
7. How does this passage describe a gentle person?
8. According to this passage, what prompted Paul to be gentle with the Thessalonians?
Read
Matthew 11:29; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Proverbs 15:1
Discuss
9. How does God want us to deal with one another?
10. Why is it important for us to be gentle with one another?
Read
Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23
Discuss
11. How can we become a gentler person?
Conclude
The Bible tells us that we worship a God who is gentle in his dealing with us, and who wants us to be gentle in our dealing with others. Gentleness does not only refer to our physical actions, but it is also an attitude and stems from the love we have for one another. It is not always easy to be gentle, but God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. If we walk by the Spirit, he will produce good fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
For more Bible verses on gentleness, visit DailyVerses.net.
