PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
4.8
I often tell my children, ‘God wants us to be a blessing to others.’ It is our simple motto. Inspire (for parents) As a mother of four, I have watched with awe as my own children’s language develops and they acquire new words. Words are powerful. Words bring life. Words create meaning. Words influence culture. In a family, all of these truths about words are evident—especially as you watch your children respond to the words you diligently teach them. God’s Word impacts our family in powerful ways. Taking concepts from Scripture, I apply them in real-life situations to help my children experience the power of God’s Word. For example, I often tell my children, “God wants us to be a blessing to others.” It is our simple motto. We talk about specific ways that a person can be a blessing in different environments. At school, they might practice blessing kids who bother them by offering forgiveness. At home, we bless one another by looking out not only for our own interests, but for the interests of others. In a grocery store, we talk about ways we can be peaceable and patient.
The power of these simple words in our motto has been pervasive. These words put even my youngest children into places of impact as they look for ways to bless others with their presence, their kindness, their service, and their love. Simple words of blessing have the power to bring life within and beyond our families. These conversations transform ordinary activities into places where God’s Word has the power to transform us and transform our environment. by Amy Palmerton
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Scripture: 2 od’s Word) (Josiah and G Power od’s Word Has Main Point: G your family to signed to allow de is ren ce ur so This re fore your child God’s Word be nts in re e pa r tim fo is ve ha God’s plan se au ec B . ch ildren’s faith, attend chur rers of their ch rtu nu al n tu iri sp ly, your childre to be the u grow spiritual yo as at th ow we kn ally as well. will grow spiritu
Equip (for parents) Josiah was just a child when he felt the power of God’s Word in his life. Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. His reign followed that of his father, Amon, and his grandfather Manasseh—horribly evil and detestable men. Both men shed innocent blood across the nation, built altars to the gods of foreign lands, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums. But Josiah did not follow the example of his father. Instead he looked to the example of the great kings of the past. At the age of 26, this young king put a team of people together to clean out and restore the temple so that it would once again be dedicated to the worship and service of the one true God. During this reconstruction, the high priest found the Book of the Law and had it sent to King Josiah. Upon hearing the words written within the book, Josiah tore his robes and began to grieve for himself and the people. He saw how the actions of their fathers had grieved and angered the Lord. With this newfound knowledge, King Josiah called together the elders of Judah and Jerusalem, the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests, and the prophets. Josiah read all of the words within the Book of the Covenant. He then renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord. The people did the same. The celebration of Passover was once again reinstated. King Josiah ordered that idols and anything associated with the worship of the pagan gods be destroyed. “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses” (2 Kings 23:25).
REMEMBER VERSE
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3
Support (for parents & kids) This week, JUST FOR FUN, together with your children find an item that has been passed down by someone in your family. It could be a Bible, a piece of jewelry, a picture, an heirloom, etc. Spend some time showing your children this item and telling them a story about the family heritage that they’re a part of. Then, read the biblical account of Josiah and God’s Word in 2 Kings 22:1–2, 11–13, and 18–20. After reading the passages, ask questions that reflect on what you just read, such as, “What did the men find and bring to King Josiah?” or “What did Josiah do when he heard God’s Word?” or “What should we do when we hear God’s Word?” Share with your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll learn more at church this week about how God’s Word has power. Then pray together as a family, thanking God for always speaking to us through His Word.
© 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.