Preschool/ Kinder
Did You Know?
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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.
4.7 God Is Gracious Part of The Big God Story The Book of Jonah Jonah flees from God and gets swallowed by a large fish. Jonah repents and God is gracious and gives him another chance.
• Ninevah was the center of the ancient Assyrian empire. • The Ninevites worshipped a bad goddess named Ashtarte. They were known for their cruelty and horrible behavior. • God was gracious to the Ninevites by sparing their city. He was also gracious to Jonah by continuing to provide opportunities for him to repent.
Remember Verse for the environment of
OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE
Teachable Moments After reading the passage, discuss the following together: • Why do you think Jonah ran away from God? • Remind your child that sometimes we make mistakes, but God’s grace allows us to be forgiven.
Remember Verse
I can do everything t hrough Christ, who g ives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Fun For Just Fun r o Just F
seek f hide and t how o e m a g a u bo Play hild. Talk a with your cn be to find a good fun it ca where nobody can s t hiding spo plain that Jonah wa d x in E . m u e o R y od. find e ide from G trying to h there is nowhere w t a th . d m the om Go can hide fr 1:1—2:10. h a n Read Jo
Many children at this age enjoy water play. After reading the Jonah story, give your child a bucket or tub with water in it. Then, give him a toy boat, fish, or other water-safe toys. Allow him to recreate Jonah’s story as he plays.
Blessing
• Pray together, thanking God for His grace and mercy, and that He uses us to complete His plans.
For more information about blessing your child, see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
(Insert child’s name), may you always know that nothing is impossible with God, and that Jesus will give you the strength to handle every situation. © 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.