PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
4.10
When we know and believe God’s truth, we can spot the world’s lies and know that He is able to help us through every situation we encounter. Inspire (for parents) One summer afternoon I was visiting a dear friend, our kids playing happily in the backyard as we chatted. Her four-year-old daughter, Vanessa, kept running over to get me to play with her. She would return time and again with various toys or silly stories to get my attention. I would oblige and play a game, although I really wanted to sit and enjoy our conversation. As my friend and I talked, a big rubber ball suddenly bounced off the back of my head. Vanessa came running up behind me, giggling and challenging me to “try to get her.” I scooped Vanessa up in my arms and tickled her. “You, my dear, are a little stinker,” I said with a big smile. Vanessa laughed for a moment but then looked straight into my eyes with a serious face. “No, I’m not,” she said without a moment’s hesitation. “I’m a princess!” Without missing a beat, Vanessa was back to playing. Her conviction was astounding. In that moment, I realized that I didn’t always have such a strong conviction about my own identity, and the ability to stand up with such confidence when others said otherwise. I realized how
critical it was for me to teach my children that they are unconditionally loved and accepted by me and by God. Vanessa knew she was loved and valued. God loves us and when we truly believe what He says about us (that we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, sealed, and given an inheritance), we can stand firm against all the negative things that come our way. When we know and believe God’s truth, we can spot the world’s lies and know that He is able to help us through every situation we encounter. by Nicki Straza
tartede Lions’ Den) Gettinangiel S th 6 (Daniel and
Scripture: D g God od Is the Livin to Main Point: G low your family designed to al n is re ce ild ur ch so re This fore your s God’s Word be nt in re e pa r tim fo is ve ha God’s plan se au ec B , . ith ch fa children’s attend chur rturers of their nu al n tu re iri ild sp ch e to be th iritually, your as you grow sp we know that l. ally as wel will grow spiritu
Equip (for parents) Scripture tells us the Persian officials serving under King Darius were looking for ways to bring Daniel to his demise. They went before the king requesting an edict: Prayers to any god or gods would need to be channeled through the king. Knowing Daniel was faithful to the law of his God, the satraps (Persian officials Daniel oversaw) believed he would immediately violate this law and could then be put to death. The king tried everything he could to save Daniel, but he was unable to reverse the edict. “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you,” the king told Daniel just before he was thrown into the pit of lions. Daniel spent the night there. The king was so deeply disturbed that he was unable to eat or sleep. As soon as morning came, King Darius rushed to the place where Daniel had been placed. To his delight, he found Daniel alive with not one mark on his body. The king called for the officials who had falsely accused Daniel. He had them, along with their wives and children, executed. King Darius then blessed Daniel and proclaimed praise to the one true God, saying, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ‘For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions’” (Daniel 6:26–27). In the face of great opposition, Daniel did not waver from who he was. He was a follower of the Most High God. This relationship superseded any human law or decree. Daniel trusted what was true. God is the living God.
REMEMBER VERSE
God chose us to belong to Christ [Jesus] before the world was created. Ephesians 1:4 (NIrV)
Support (for parents & kids) This week, JUST FOR FUN, read the biblical account of Daniel and the lions’ den in Daniel 6:10–12, 16–23 right before bedtime. Share with your children that you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story where someone had to stay overnight in a scary place, and God protected him. After you’ve read the passage, reflect on what you just read with questions like, “Do you think Daniel was afraid?” or “Who shut the mouths of the lions?” or “Do you remember a time when you were afraid and God protected you?” Share with your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. Tell them they’ll hear more at church this week about how we can trust in our one true God. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and thank God for being our living God, who is always listening to our prayers.
© 2011 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.