PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
4.3
We pray and ask God to show us what is next, trusting Him to take care of us—and our child. Inspire (for parents) When my husband and I received the news that we were expecting a baby, we could not have been happier. But we were also beginning to feel the weight and responsibility of bringing a child into our family. For many months, we have been on a journey of faith and total dependence upon the Lord. My husband, a graphic designer, has been holding temporary contracts with various companies, hoping to gain a permanent position. I’ve seen his concern grow as each contract comes to an end. We pray and ask God to show us what is next, trusting Him to take care of us—and our child. And God is always faithful and generous in His provision. Recently, after my husband ended his most current project, we received a generous check in the mail. Apparently, one of his designs was doing very well and vendors were placing large orders for the products with his work. Shortly after, a second check followed! I can’t begin to express my gratitude. We have felt God taking care of all three of us.
Our God is a God of love, redemption, and provision. We are all affected by the financial, political, and social climate of our world. And it will continually press against us. But we are not crushed by the weight of this world. Our God can redeem each situation we face and reveal His power in order to remind us of who He is. He takes care of us not only today, but has provided a way to take care of us for all eternity. by Angelina Pavone
Started Gettinutgh 1— 4 (Ruth)
Scripture: R e of Us God Takes Car t: in to Main Po 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) It was the time of the judges, when a famine had hit the land. A family from the tribe of Judah (Elimilech, his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion) fled Bethlehem to live in Moab, a Gentile nation. After the death of her husband, Naomi was left with her two sons and their Moabite wives, Orpah and Ruth. Soon after, both of Naomi’s sons died too. With no source of income or any financial provision left for the family, Naomi prepared herself and her daughters-in-law to return to their homelands. She had heard the Lord was providing food for His people and decided it would be a good time to leave. Orpah returned to the home of her mother, while Ruth insisted upon staying with Naomi. She pledged to make her home with Naomi and worship the God of Israel as her God. Shortly after returning to Bethlehem, Ruth began to gather leftover grain from the harvesters in a field. Boaz, the owner of the field, noticed Ruth immediately and asked his men about her. She had found favor in his eyes, and soon their lives were intertwined. Boaz married Ruth and took on the role of kinsman-redeemer, a male relative who had the responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication. Throughout the book of Ruth, we see how God provided for Ruth and Naomi. He cared for their immediate and future needs by giving them Boaz as a loving and generous kinsmanredeemer. Just as God took care of Ruth, He also has taken care of us. The union of Boaz and Ruth is a symbol that reminds us of how Christ came to redeem—buy back—both Jew and Gentile to restore us to a relationship with God. Jesus is our kinsman-Redeemer.
REMEMBER versE
The Lord causes his miracles to be remembered. He is kind and tender. Psalm 111:4 (NIrV)
Support (for parents & kids) This week, Just for fun, read together the account of Ruth and Boaz in Ruth 2:8– 13. (You may choose to read this part of The Big God Story to your children either during or right after dinner.) Once you’ve read, explain that Ruth had to gather food in the fields because she didn’t have anything to eat. Tell them God took care of her and made sure she had food. Next explain that, just like Ruth needed others to give her food, there are many people today who need help getting food. God wants to take care of those people. When your children attend church this week, there will be a special time during worship response to give back to God. Allow your children to choose a few of their favorite canned or dried goods from your pantry. Tell them they will have a chance to give these items at church as a way of thanking God for the way He takes care of us, and in turn helping others. Remind them that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story, and they’ll hear more about it at church this week. Then pray and thank God for the many ways He takes care of your family.
© 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.