ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES For Sunday, November 22, 2015
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. HomeFront Magazine: A Spiritual Parenting Resource This monthly magazine gives your family ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in your home—setting aside sacred space in the midst of your active, everyday lives. Visit www.HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to the print edition or to have a digital copy sent directly to your inbox.
DID YOU KNOW? • The Israelites often forgot to give God the glory for their accomplishments and instead chose to give the glory to false idols. • During the period of judges, God appointed a few men and women to speak His truth and help bring Israel back to Himself. • God told Gideon to attack the Midianite army not with swords but with torches inside large jars. • Though Gideon was flawed, God still used him to bring glory to Himself and to accomplish His purposes.
GOD IS WORTHY Part of The Big God Story Judges 6–8 God gives Gideon many signs to reveal He’s in control and will win the battle for the Israelites. When it comes time to fight the Midianites, God reduces the size of the Israelites’ army from 32,000 men to only 3000. By doing this, God makes sure His people can’t take any credit for the victory because He alone is worthy.
JUST FOR FUN Read this part of The Big God Story outside, in the dark, using flashlights. Take a few moments to sit in the dark with no flashlights on. Look at the shadows and talk about how things seem so different and confusing when it’s dark. Then read Judges 7:1–24. After reading, ask, “Why do you think God wanted to use an army of only three hundred men?” Remind them only God could perform such a victory.
YOUNGER KIDS Your child may be very competitive. This competitive nature may lead to her gloating when she wins games or sporting events. Remind her that God gave her the gifts and talents to succeed. Encourage her to give Him the glory for He is worthy.
OLDER KIDS Your child knows his strengths and weaknesses. As he discovers his talents, he may be tempted to become boastful. Remind your child that his gifts and talents come from God. Encourage him to give God the glory for He is worthy.
© 2015 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.
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REMEMBER VERSE Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
TEACHABLE MOMENTS After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • Why were the Israelites afraid of the Midianites? • Why do you think Gideon had a hard time believing God would be with him? • Why do you think God deserves all the glory?
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 our God is “encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”