ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church, or download it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
1.11 God Will Not Fail Us
Younger Kids
Did You Know? • God never failed to keep His covenant promises—and that included giving His people their initial inheritance in the land. • When Moses died, God, in His sovereign timing, appointed Joshua to “lead these people to inherit the land [He had sworn] to their ancestors to give them” (Joshua 1:6).
Older Kids Your older child may start to exclude others as she begins to develop close friendships with certain children. Discuss with your child the importance of being a good friend and including outsiders in her play.
• God commanded Joshua not to plan strategies or lead armies because God Himself would do that. Instead, Joshua was to meditate on God’s Word and model this for the Israelites. • Joshua modeled for the people how to follow God’s instructions.
Part of The Big God Story
Teachable Moments
Joshua 1—4
Joshua Leads
Remember Verse
n Just foinryourFu family to lead everyone
One evening, choose someone tes. Encourage the leader else around the house for a few minu and in the moves he makes, to get creative in the path he takes . Read Joshua 1:1–18. table or sofa the at end and have him listened to and obeyed ua Josh that ren Point out to your child God to lead them in like ld wou God. Ask your children if they them that God will ind some specific areas of their lives. Rem. never fail them
Your younger child may develop an interest in more complex play. He may begin to enjoy playing simple games with rules, such as board games.
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. Psalm 136:12
After reading Joshua 1:1–18, discuss the following together: • What kind of leader did God desire for His people? • In what ways was God faithful to His people? • How is God faithful to us?
Blessing
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know that God will never fail you. He will keep His promises to you because He is faithful and never changes. © 2014 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.