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 at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
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God Is the Source of Life Part of The Big God Story 2 Kings 5
Naaman is a Gentile who grew up not knowing God. God uses Elisha to not only miraculously heal Naaman from leprosy (a physical healing) but also heal him from sin (a spiritual healing). God becomes Naaman’s source of life, just like He’s our source of life today.
Did You Know? • Naaman was a general in the Syrian army who approached Elisha for healing from leprosy. • Elisha was a prophet of God who followed in the footsteps of God’s prophet Elijah. • Elisha saw Elijah being carried to heaven in a whirlwind of fire. This was part of a double blessing promised by God. • While Elijah performed 14 miracles, the Bible records 28 miracles performed through Elisha by God.
Remember Verse for the environment of KNOWING
© 2013 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.
Many of your child’s spiritual experiences are still tied to the experiences of his parents. Inviting your child into your everyday spiritual practices will help reinforce the importance of spiritual matters and will continue to build on the foundation of knowing God more fully.
Older Kids Your child is moving toward more independence, both emotionally and spiritually. Encourage her to develop her own prayer life and study of Scripture so she can know God more deeply.
Teachable Moments
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • How did God use Naaman’s servant girl as part of his healing? • Naaman was healed both physically and spiritually. What is spiritual healing?
Just for Futhenlights. While
Gather as a family and turn off rce of the sitting in the dark, talk about the sou e. Share hom r you into t ligh power that brings er source with your children that there is a pow and read on, k bac ts ligh the for all life—God. Turn re Elisha whe kids r you Ask 16. 5:1– s King 2 . Talk about received the power to heal Naamanething more som why you think Naaman wanted the Jordan than to wash himself seven times in ’s response man River to be healed. What was Naa anyone who when he was healed? If you know Thank God for needs healing, pray for that person. and life. ling hea of rce being the sou
Younger Kids
• Sometimes God chooses to heal people, and sometimes He doesn’t. What might be some reasons that God chooses not to heal someone while he lives here on earth?
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 be like a deeply rooted tree, grounded in your knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. May everything you do prosper and be blessed.”