ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES For Sunday, January 31, 2016
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.
GOD PROTECTS
DID YOU KNOW? • Because he was King Saul’s son, Jonathan—not David—was the heir to the throne. • Jonathan humbly accepted that God had chosen David to be king instead and surrendered to His will. • Jonathan and David had a very strong friendship. Jonathan made a covenant to always be David’s friend, vowing to treat him as a brother. • God used Jonathan to save and protect David while Saul threatened David’s life.
Part of The Big God Story 1 Samuel 18—20 Saul chooses to go against God’s greater purpose by trying to hurt David. However, Saul’s son, Jonathan, answers God’s call to follow Him. Instead of getting angry because he won’t ever be king, Jonathan chooses to love and protect David. In this way, God uses Jonathan to play a very important role in The Big God Story.
JUST FOR FUN Have each family member share who his best friend is and why. Ask each person to think carefully about why she loves that friend and what it is about that friend’s character that makes her a “best” friend. Next, tell your kids you’re going to read about two best friends, David and Jonathan, in The Big God Story. Read 1 Samuel 20. Afterward, ask your kids what Jonathan did to save David. Share with them that God used Jonathan to continue His plan to bring Jesus to earth through David’s family line. Ask your children what this tells them about God.
YOUNGER KIDS Your child will be very loyal to his friends, and he may even choose a best friend. Encourage him to invite over his favorite friends so you can get to know them too.
OLDER KIDS Your child may have a great interest in social activities and have many friends. Encourage her to develop healthy and positive friendships. Help her to know how to discern when a friendship may not be a positive influence.
© 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.
2.8
REMEMBER VERSE In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
TEACHABLE MOMENTS After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • Why do you think God rejected Saul as king? • What was God’s greater purpose for Jonathan? For David? • What do you think God’s purpose for you might be in The Big God Story?
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 kept safe from all evil this week. May you know God is with you in times of danger and trust He is able to protect you.