Words of Strength

Lesson Topic – Words of Strength

That’s Good to Know – The Bible gives us strength and courage for life.

Bible Lesson – God provides manna for the Israelites. – Exodus 16:1-4, 11-15, 35; 17:1-7

Spoken Word – “No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken.” -Matthew 4:4

Parent Corner – Jesus called Himself “the bread of life.” Our spoken word for this lesson, Matthew 4:4, says, “No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken.” This verse tells us that we should feel about God’s Word the same way we feel about food. We should love God’s Word and want to “consume” it every day! Just as we need food to keep our bodies strong and healthy, we need God’s Word to keep our spirits strong and healthy. It is the truth and power of God’s Word that makes it possible for us to have eternal life.

In this week’s Bible lesson we hear about two times that God’s people grumbled and complained because they didn’t trust God to meet their basic needs. And two times God responded to the grumbling, and miraculously met their needs. When God said, “You will have food,” they had plenty to eat. When God said, “You will have water,” there was plenty to drink. At God’s Word, they were taken care of. The awesome power of God’s Word in action!

Do you hunger after God and His Word? When you read God’s Word on a daily basis, you find that you have all you need to fill you up. And when you are full, you’ll be able to fill your children with nourishment that comes from God’s Word!

Forgiving Living

Lesson Topic – Forgiving Living

That’s Good to Know – My prayers are more effective when I forgive others.

Bible Lesson – David forgives Saul for trying to kill him.- 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 18:6-16, 19:1-10, 21:10-15, 22:1-5, 24:1-22, 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Spoken Word – “Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.” – Matthew 6:12

What does the term “forgiving living” mean? Forgiving living happens when you are so overwhelmingly grateful for the forgiveness Jesus has shown you that you want to extend that forgiveness to those around you. This is sometimes hard to do. News reports daily broadcast sins committed by a broken humanity. The root cause of sin is often the inability to forgive.

Jesus asked His Father to forgive those who crucified Him (which includes you, me and all humankind past, present and future- Romans 3:23). Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we can ask for forgiveness and receive it- it’s free! But how can we wear Christ’s name if we don’t see forgiving others as an ongoing part of our lives?

David provided an example of this in his difficult relationship with Saul. As Saul hunted David to kill him, David was deeply concerned about harming God’s chosen king-twice sparing Saul’s life. Use this lesson to help children see the beauty of a life lived by forgiving others. Instill in them a confidence in God’s forgiveness and encourage them to offer prayers asking God to help them forgive others. As they learn to live a lifestyle of forgiving living, they will become examples to the adults around them.

Worship Is?

Lesson Topic — Worship Is?

That’s Good to Know — True worship is giving God my all.

Bible Lesson — Elijah proves that his God is the One true God.- 1 Kings 18:15-39

Spoken Word — He is wonderful! Praise him and bring an offering into his temple. Worship the Lord, majestic and holy. — 1 Chronicles 16:29

Faithful Followers

Lesson Topic – Faithful Followers

That’s Good to Know – God will help me to be faithful to Him.

Bible Lesson – Joseph stayed faithful despite the struggles he faced. – Genesis 37-45

Spoken Word – I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7

We can agree with a sermon about staying faithful to God and not giving up when things get hard. However, when we actually face the tough times, we find that it’s not as easy to live by. Living for Christ can be a challenge- He even promised us that it wouldn’t be easy “God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11) Does that sound like an easy way to live? But remember the real victory comes in the end. In the next verse, Jesus goes on to promise us victory, “Be happy and excited! You will have great reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12a)

The key is to focus on the end reward instead of the immediate circumstance. You will have tough times. You ill be tempted to quit the race. But you’ll win if you stick with Jesus. And that’s what we need to do and set the example for our kids to do- stick with it and run our race, never giving up.

In today’s Bible lesson we saw how Joseph’s brothers turned on him and sold him into slavery. Joseph didn’t have an easy life, but he was rewarded for his faithfulness to God. The reward came many years later for Joseph. Better still, he returned love instead of walking in bitterness and unforgiveness. It is an incredible account of not giving up- no matter what. The God who rescued Joseph and exalted him is available to your children and you. He will carry you through tough times. And, not only does he reward us here on earth, but He’s preparing a place for us in haven for our eternal reward.