1. Eating meals together is an optimal time to have a focused discussion. It gives parents a specific time to assume the role of a facilitator or teacher to target a specific truth in an interactive and relational context. Mealtime can be effective as an environment to intentionally discuss certain core principles and values as a family in a proactive way. The key word here is discuss. So dads, don’t get a flip chart out and start listing bullet points for your kids. The goal is for it to be natural and fun, not a teaching platform.
2. Walking or traveling together seems to provide a unique opportunity as well. It is a convenient time to stimulate the kind of informal dialogue that allows kids to drive their own agendas. These times give parents an opportunity to build a relationship through nonthreatening experiences. At some level the parent can actually function as a friend or companion and interpret life together with their children. (Today’s cultural mirror to this can be drive time. It has a few enemies, like video games, cell phones, and music, even though creative parents may actually use some of these enemies to generate interesting questions or dialogue.) 
3. Tucking children into bed can also be a meaningful time for families. Too many parents miss the potential of this time because they have a habit of sending their kids to bed rather than taking them. There is something about the private domain of a child’s room that gives the parent a chance to have an intimate conversation and become the kind of counselor who listens to the heart of a child. (Have you ever had a child get mad and go to her room and shut the door? It’s like she is saying, “I am upset with you and closing you out.” The door to your child’s room is an important metaphorical door to keep open.)
4. Getting up in the morning provides a blank page for the family to start fresh relationally. The beginning of a new day has the potential to plant an important emotional seed in the heart of a child. Just a few encouraging words carefully spoken or written can give your children a sense of value and instill purpose. Imagine yourself as a coach, sending your kids into an important game. As a parent you should ask yourself the question, “What can I say or do that will give them fuel to deal with whatever they have to face today?” (Most teachers will tell you they can sense if things went well at home from a child’s demeanor when he arrives at school.)

Deuteronomy 6 Worksheet

Based on:
"Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" by Reggie Joiner and Carrie Nieuwhof
"Dreaming of More" by Michelle Anthony

Peace is part of God’s character. And He wants us to reflect peace in our relationships with others. Peace is proving you care more about each other than about winning an argument.

Peace is more than just “not fighting” and saying the right things to keep people happy. Peace is living in a way that shows you care more about others than about being right. It’s about building strong relationships through mutual trust.

The monthly memory verse is: So let us do all we can to live in peace and let us work hard to build each other up, Romans 14:19, NIrV. That is exactly what God did for us when He sent Jesus to make peace with us. Peace cost Him something great, but out of His love for us, He gave His all.

In Week One’s Bible story, Isaac dug wells in his new land (Genesis 26:16-22, 26-31). When his new neighbors argued with him, he had every right to stay and fight but chose to walk away. Our Bottom Line is: Prove you care about others by walking away from a fight. Often, it takes a stronger person to have the self-control to walk away.

In Week Two’s Bible story, Jacob stole Esau’s birthright (Genesis 27, 31-33) taking his inheritance and his place in the family. It wasn’t fair that Jacob took everything from Esau, but Esau eventually let go of his anger and forgave his brother. Our Bottom Line is: Prove you care about others by letting go of “what’s fair.” Preserving the relationship is more important.

In Week Three’s Bible story, Abigail intervenes (1 Samuel 25:1-35) when her husband picks a fight with David. Abigail quickly presented gifts to David to promote peace between the two men. Our Bottom Line is: Prove you care about others by being part of the solution. Creating peace sometimes means stopping an argument before it gets worse.

In Week Four, the Scripture helps us understand the principle of peace (Colossians 1:20; 3:15). It tells us that peace originated with God’s love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us. This week, our Bottom Line is: God proved He cared for us, so we can prove we care for others. Because Christ made peace between God and us, we should strive to let peace rule in our own hearts and lives.

When our relationships are broken, we often find ourselves avoiding other people. We know that we need to work at this relationship, but it’s easier to ignore what’s going on and sweep it under the rug. Working at the relationship is messy. It will cost us something. It will take time.

But peace is worth the effort.

By Daniel Scott ©2012 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.

We chose different spots along the course to cheer. At the first mile, all the runners were enthusiastically smiling as they passed us. But farther down the race, many of the runners looked a lot less cheerful. By mile 20, the runner’s faces showed nothing but sheer DETERMINATION, which is deciding it’s worth it to finish what you’ve started. As runners crossed the finish line, their faces reflected the pride in having gone the distance.

Our lives are like a big Amazing Race, and when we practice determination, we can be the one who goes the distance and finishes strong.

The monthly memory verse is: “Let us keep on running the race marked out for us,” Hebrew 12:1b, NIrV. When God asks us to do something, He’s often guiding us step-by-step in a certain direction that we may not even see or realize. Our determination to be the one who follows God leads us closer to the good things He has in store for us!

In Week One’s Bible story, God tells Noah to build an ark (Genesis 6:5-22). It took him years, but Noah was determined to make the wise choice and follow God no matter how long it took! Our Bottom Line is: Be the one who keeps doing what’s right. Since we trust that God is in control, we are motivated to keep doing what we know is the right thing.

In Week Two, our Bible story tells when God met Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-12). Moses gained the determination he needed to lead God’s people out of slavery because he trusted our powerful God. So when He asks us to do something, we can know He will give us the strength to see it through and be with us through the journey. Our Bottom Line is: Be the one who does what God says because He’s AWE-some.

In Week Three, our Bible story shows how Ruth is determined to stick by Naomi during the very hardest times (Book of Ruth). Ruth didn’t want Naomi to feel alone and overwhelmed with how her life turned out. Our Bottom Line is: Be the one who sticks by someone in need. Sometimes when we decide to help someone, it gets harder than we expected it would. But we should be determined to help however long and in whatever way is needed.

In Week Four, Colossians 3:23-24 helps us understand the principle of work. As we work, we can be determined to finish the job right, and with a good attitude, because we know we’re always serving God. This week our Bottom Line is: Be the one who works hard, because God sees your heart. God pays attention to all the work that we do, even the smallest things. And it really pleases Him when we do those things with a good attitude!

When you put your faith in God, He’ll give you the strength you need to keep doing what you should do—even when it’s hard and even when others give up. Because when you have the determination to finish what you’ve started, you won’t miss out on the good things God has in store for you.

By Jessica McKee ©2012 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.

• No child ever responds the same
• Children may have an increased sense of fear for their safety
• Children may be afraid to return to school or name “scary kids” in their school
• Child process information is fragments. They may take it in and then quickly move onto something else.

The Creator of the entire universe was attentive to His creation. He saw and understood our ultimate consequences of sin. He saw our greatest need. And He did something about it. He humbled Himself to be born as a tiny baby in a remote town in the dwelling place of animals. He lived as one of us so that, eventually, He could die for us and rise again, giving us the chance to live eternally with God in heaven.

The Christmas story shows that one aspect of God’s character is compassion. COMPASSION is caring enough to do something about someone else’s need. God lovingly saw our greatest need and met it in the most remarkable way.

God’s example of compassion is summarized in the monthly Memory Verse: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIrV) God saw the world’s greatest need and cared enough to do something.

In Week One, our Bible Story is a glimpse into God’s compassionate rescue by sending Gabriel to Appear to Mary (Luke 1:26-33). Gabriel tells Mary that God has seen His people’s need. Immanuel, God with us, is coming to rescue us! Our Bottom Line is God saw our greatest needs. Whose needs do you see? When we slow down and look outside ourselves, we see the needs of those around us.

In Week Two, our Bible Story is THE moment of God’s big gift to us: Jesus is Born (Luke 2:1-7)! God didn’t just see our needs. He did something to meet them. He came to us! Our Bottom Line is: God gave us the greatest gift. What will you give? After we see someone else’s needs, how can we go and help them?

In Week Three, our Bible Story tells of Shepherds Visit Jesus (Luke 2:8-20) after having heard the good news from a host of angels! After the shepherds saw the baby Jesus, they wanted to tell everyone they met about how God was meeting our greatest need. Our Bottom Line is: God gave us great news. Who will you tell? Every person has the same great need to be rescued. We can help meet it by telling them the good news of Jesus.

In Week Four, our Bible Story helps us understand why we can show compassion to others. Since God Showed His Love (1 John 4:9-12), we can also love each other. It’s God’s love in us that gives us the passion, energy, and creativity to do something to help others. Our Bottom Line is: God showed the world His love. How will you show the world? When Jesus was born into the world, God’s love met our greatest need. So, now we serve others because it’s what God modeled for us.

In Week Five, our Bible story follows some wise men who visited Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). The men left their homes to travel a far distance, navigating the constellations, just to visit Jesus. They must have understood our Bottom Line: God loved you first. How will you love him? We can follow God and show Him our love by spending time with Him, talking to Him, reading His Word, among other things. We can love God by loving others.

 By Jessica McKee ©2012 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission

Even though God is completely self-sufficient, He chooses to work with us. From the beginning, God looked for ways to work with the people He had created to accomplish His plan. God worked with Noah to build the ark that saved both people and animals. God worked with Moses to bring the Israelites out of slavery. And when Jesus stepped on this planet, He worked with His friends and disciples to share the message of God’s love with the world.

Just like God doesn’t work alone, God doesn’t want us to work alone. God wants us to work with others, seek help from others, and be ready to offer help to others. This month’s memory verse helps kids understand: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do,” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIrV). When we don’t cooperate with others, we will always be limited in what we can accomplish.

A one-man band can play a simple tune, but with more than one musician we can have a true jam session and build a beat together. Because cooperation is working together to do more than you can do alone.

In Week One, our Bible story demonstrates how the Israelites cooperated to build the tabernacle (Exodus 28:1, 3; 31:1-11; 35:21, 25, 34; 39:42-43). All the skilled workers and artisans had to work together to build this first “church location” for God in the middle of the desert. We still work together as the church to accomplish God’s work. Our Bottom Line is: With God, we can work together to get His work done. When we team with other people and rely on God’s strength, we can do what He asks us to do.

In Week Two, Our Bible story shows how cooperation helped Joshua win the battle over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13). Moses, Aaron, and Hur were not the victors of the battle. Joshua was. But the three men cooperated with God and each other to help Joshua succeed. Our society does not often emphasize helping others succeed, but our Bottom Line is: With God, we can work together to make someone else succeed.

In Week Three, our Bible story tells of Nehemiah, a man who wasn’t afraid to ask for help with the impossible task of building the wall (Nehemiah 1:1-6, 2–4; 6:1-16). Our Bottom Line is: With God, we can work together to do what seems impossible. Our tendency is to desire self-sufficiency, but teaching kids when to ask for help is important. It’s the only real way to accomplish something bigger than ourselves.

In Week Four, our Bible story shows how cooperation led to Jesus healing a paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-26). Because the friends cooperated with Jesus and each other, the man walked out of that house. Our Bottom Line is: With God, we can work together to change someone’s life. Whether we think about changing someone’s life through bringing them to Jesus, or through helping meet their physical needs, both require the combined efforts of teamwork.

We aren’t made to only work with other people. We are also made to cooperate with God. And it’s when we learn how to work with God and others that, in His strength, we can do incredible things.

By Jessica McKee ©2012 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.

October introduces the theme “David’s Story” to preschoolers. This theme will continue through November and share some of our favorites stories of David while teaching children that God has one Big Story. Not only will they learn that God has a Big Story, but they will see that they are a part of that story!

This month’s David stories teach preschoolers that God can help us do big things. Stories include David saving his sheep from the lion, Samuel anointing David as king, David facing Goliath, and David being strong in battle.

Get Your Feet Wet

Sun, Moon, and Stars • Genesis 1:14-19

Land, Plants, and Sea • Genesis 1:9-13

Our Bible story takes place when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-40). We continue in our epic adventure of trust and love as we are called to face our fears, when things around us seem scary and we don’t feel like we’re in control of our situation. When we call out to Jesus, He wants to help and to calm things down, but He also encourages us to trust Him and have faith in His ability.

Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He’s bigger than my problems. There are times when it’s harder to trust—when we’re tired, when we’re hungry (like in last week’s story), when our problems are right in front of our face and it seems like there’s no way around it. But even then we can choose to believe this Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

What do you think the kids in your group are most afraid of? Where do they find it hardest to trust God or remember that He’s right there with them in the stormiest times? Pray that they can remember and hold onto this month’s Memory Verse: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

In our Bible story that Jesus feeds five thousand people (John 6:1-14). There’s tension in this story, because even the disciples are worried at this point in the adventure. They’d already seen Jesus perform miracles, but they still weren’t sure that things would turn out all right.

Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He provides for me. There are times in our lives when we feel like there’s not enough to go around—that we don’t have enough to really make a difference. That’s when it’s important to remember the Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. Jesus can do anything—even use one boy’s small lunch to feed a huge crowd!

When we’re not sure what’s going to happen next, we can look back at all the ways that God has provided for us before. That makes it easier for us to respond to God like our monthly Memory Verse says to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

Sky and Water • Genesis 1:6-8

Our Bible story is the calling of the disciples (Luke 5:1-11). This starts an EPIC adventure in trust and love as these guys go everywhere with Jesus and become His closest friends. We’ll explore why they were chosen and think about what God might be calling each of us to today.

Our Bottom Line is: I can depend on God because He has a plan for me. Sometimes when we read the Bible it’s easy to think, “That’s a great story, but that was then and this is now. Those types of things don’t happen anymore.” But we’re going to see what in this story is true for each of us now, right where we are and in the future if we really believe this Basic Truth: that I can trust God no matter what.

Even if we don’t yet know God’s specific plan for our lives, we can know that God wants us to become more like Jesus. That’s why He sent Him as a living example to walk here on earth. One of the biggest things we’re told to do to show our trust is found in our month’s Memory Verse: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

Light and Dark • Genesis 1:1-5

Daniel and the Lions • Daniel 6:1-28

Daniel’s Diet • Daniel 1:1-16

Joseph Forgives His Brothers • Genesis 42:1-6; 45:1–46:7

Our Bible story is the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). This is key for the whole month because it talks about being responsible with our stuff—both our money and our gifting. Everyone’s been given something, so what should you do to best invest it? We’ll see how the worst thing is to sit on it or just save it for later.

Our Bottom Line is: I can be trusted when I make the most of what God has given to me. When we bury our stuff, we seem to be afraid. People waste their lives and what they’ve been given when they don’t trust God enough to let Him work through them with the abilities He gave them in the first place. When we are responsible, we can become trusted people.

It’s important to remember this week’s Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what, as we talk about responsibility. It’s true that everything we have has been given to us by God. When we respond to God with what He has given us, then we are responsible. It’s like our Memory Verse says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10, NIV

Joseph Does What Is Right • Genesis 37:12-28; 41:36-56

This week, we’re discovering:

After Jesus left (and sent the Holy Spirit), His closest friends, the disciples, continued the ministry He started while He was on earth. They were busy living like He taught them and sharing with others this big story—the Gospel—that they experienced for themselves.

Today we will fast forward to a story of two better-known disciples, Peter and John. They were performing miracles and they got in trouble by people who were jealous and felt threatened. Things were changing and they didn’t like it. Some of the more powerful leaders of the day really wanted to stop them (Acts 4:1-21, 1 Peter 3:15).

On this fifth week, we’ll take time to talk about how (Bottom Line) whatever happens, we should tell others what God has done. This is one of the five faith skills that we think is most important for children’s (and adult’s) spiritual growth—being able to articulate our faith. When we realize all that God has done and is doing in our lives, it’s natural to share the hope we have with others.

This week, we’re discovering:

There was more to what Jesus said to His loyal disciples right before He returned to his Father, God in heaven (Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:3, 8-11). It’s easy to imagine that the disciples felt a little desperate, hanging on every word, wondering what might happen to them after Jesus leaves. Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember Jesus is always with you.

We can relate to this when negative things happen in our lives and we feel alone or powerless. That’s when it’s most important to remember that Jesus promises the Holy Spirit—if we believe in Him—so we’re never really alone. That realization is another reason to believe that something good can come out of something bad, even today.

This week, we’re discovering:

The disciples and other people who knew Jesus were still confused by all that had happened—by the way things had turned out. In our story today, Jesus joins two guys walking on the Road to Emmaus. Later at dinner as Jesus breaks bread, they realize who He is and what’s really happening (Luke 24:13-35, Romans 15:4). Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God has a bigger story.

These men were discouraged. They thought things would turn out differently, but until Jesus helped them to connect the dots, they just couldn’t see the bigger picture. They’d lost hope. They were so focused on the fact that Jesus died; they couldn’t see what God was doing through and because of it. We do this too in dark and confusing moments—we focus so much on the negative things that have happened, that we stop having hope and we stop believing that something good can come out of something bad.

But when we remember and believe that this month’s memory verse is true (“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b), we’re not so caught off guard when things go wrong and we’re more able to see what God might be up to and believe that He wants what is best for us.

This week, we’re discovering:

That even when things seem at their darkest, hope is believing that something good can come out of something bad. The best story in all of history to show this truth is Easter—when our Savior returns. Jesus surprises everyone and comes back to life after dying on the cross and being buried in the tomb—three days later (John 20:1-18).

Jesus is all the evidence that we need to believe that God can do anything and He keeps his promises. And if God kept His promise about Jesus, then there’s nothing God can’t or won’t do to give us hope. Bottom Line: Whatever happens, God is stronger than anything. It’s going to be a powerful week!

This week, we’re discovering:

That we are part of the never-ending Story that God is still telling. This month, leading up to and after we celebrate Easter, is the perfect time to talk about believing that something good can come out of something bad. We’ll look at five different Bible stories focusing on Jesus and some of the people who knew Him best.

In our Bible story today (John 14:1-14, 18-19, 27-29), we’ll listen as Jesus talks to His closest friends, with whom He’s done ministry over the last few years. They were probably confused and listening very closely to some of the last words they’d hear Him say, especially about heaven and being together again someday. Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember what Jesus promised.

Our theme this month is Puzzled: believing there’s a bigger picture. In all of our lives, there are times when we just see one piece of what’s going on and it can be hard to picture something good coming out of it. So our monthly memory verse reminds us: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b, NIV

This week, we’re discovering:

That others aren’t always happy when we never tire of doing what’s right. (2 Thessalonians 3:13) In fact, they may try to use it against us because they are jealous, like the other rulers in Daniel 6. They find out that Daniel will be promoted and so they want to take him down.

What does it take to be able to make wise choices and treat others the way we want to be treated, over and over, through the years? We need a deep relationship with God so He’s constantly fueling us and encouraging us to become more and more like Him. So this week we’re also focusing on praying or talking with God several times a day. That’s what helps us (Bottom Line) get in the habit of standing for what’s right.

Wouldn’t it be great if you and each of the kids in your group were known for a lifetime of faith? For doing the right thing no matter the circumstances, who was in charge, what could happen to your reputation, or how many people were around at the time? We’ll look at the word picture created in Psalm 1 as well, praying that we become more like those trees planted by streams of water and producing good fruit. It’s going to be a great week!

This week, we’re discovering:

That sometimes our opportunity to show conviction can come as a surprise. In today’s story, it seems as if Daniel was off somewhere on the sidelines. There’s a new king on the scene and he’s throwing a big party that gets interrupted by a hand writing on the wall (Daniel 5). He wants to know what the message says and the queen remembers Daniel and his wisdom from the past.

Imagine being called in suddenly and asked to translate what you quickly realize is not good news to someone who’s not a friend, but a king who could destroy you or offer you valuable rewards. Daniel tells the truth even though it won’t be popular and says he doesn’t want “stuff” in return. Bottom Line: You can stand for what’s right, even when it’s not popular.

We will be stressing truth-telling this week, especially as we Articulate our Faith and tell others what we believe to be true—even if they don’t like what we have to say. But we’ll also be encouraging kids to remember to speak the truth in love—in a way that shows you want what’s best for others. In this story, Daniel was asked to come and share. He didn’t do so uninvited or out of turn. So we’ll also look at Ephesians 4:15 in addition to our regular monthly memory verse.

This week, we’re discovering:

That sometimes we are called to show conviction and take a stand in a very public way—even when everyone else around us makes the easier or safer choice. The heat is on Daniel’s three friends (in Daniel 3). They refuse to bow down to a golden statue even though it means getting thrown into the fiery furnace

These three men stood up for what they believed was true—that the only one they should worship was the one true God—even when there was a high cost. They were confident in their God, even if God didn’t choose to save them. This week we’re also talking about worshipping with our lives—not just through song and giving, but worshipping God with our actions!

The result was that God did save the three men, even sending an angel to be with them in the fire. The king was amazed. Bottom Line: When you stand for what’s right, others can see God. What hot topics or situations are your kids facing right now or might face in the future where it would be important for them to be rooted in God’s Word and ready to take a stand? How can you encourage them today to “Never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thessalonians 3:13, NIV)?

Woman at the Well • John 4:1-26

This week, we’re discovering:

That we can choose to show conviction based on what we know to be true even when we are put in new and unfamiliar circumstances. This whole month we will follow Daniel and his three friends as they are taken from their home to live with the king in Babylon.

In our Bible story this week (Daniel 1), we will watch as Daniel figures out a way for he and his friends to eat what they’d been taught was best. Bottom Line: When you know what God says, you can stand for what’s right. We believe that as Daniel grew up he was taught the Scriptures and then when he was tested, he knew the right thing to do.

Our theme this month is Rooted: standing strong in God’s truth. And Daniel is a great example of someone who did this over and over in his life. Kings came and went, but Daniel continued to do what was right. Like our monthly memory verse says: “Never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13b, NIV. We’ll also work this week on personalizing Scripture—seeing how God can speak directly to us in whatever situations we face.

Another way to show honor is through worship. Are you a dancer? You know, one of those people who loves to get out in front of people and show off your fancy footwork? Or are you more likely to bust a quick move in your car or house when you don’t think anyone else is looking? In some cultures, dancing is a special way express honor to someone important.

In today’s Bible story, King David is so excited that the ark of the covenant—and God’s presence—is finally coming to his city that he dances on and off the whole way there! (2 Samuel 6:12b-22a) He dances out of his joy, for an audience of One—not caring what others might think.

When we really love God, it’s natural to (Bottom Line) honor God in front of others. We just can’t help ourselves, really! Even if they worry we’re embarrassing ourselves—like King David’s wife says in today’s Bible story. This week, ask God to help you see any opportunities to share publicly who He is, what He means to you, and how He’s shown Himself in your life.

It’s important to honor the people in charge of you. If you don’t and you choose to dishonor them, it usually doesn’t end well and people get hurt. Just ask King David’s son, Absalom. In today’s Bible story, Absalom thinks he’d make a better king and shows his thinking through his rebellion (2 Samuel 15:1-16a, 18:5-7, 15, 31-33).

The consequences in this story didn’t come from David punishing his son for his poor choices. In fact, David was trying to protect him, but the natural consequences of showing dishonor led to a real tragedy. When you don’t show honor you draw sides—”me” vs. “them.” That’s why it’s best to (Bottom Line) honor those who are over you. 

This week, we want to help kids think about who their authorities are and how they naturally respond to them. We need to remember that it’s not just people who are overlooked, or our friends that God wants us to honor, but also the people who are in charge. We can do that by living out our Memory Verse: “Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves.” Romans 12:10, NIrV

Honor can also be shown between friends. In this Bible story, we’re introduced to the current king, Saul, and his son, Jonathan. These two may be related, but they have very different responses to David’s role in their lives and his rising popularity (1 Samuel 18:1-4 & 5-9). Saul is increasingly more concerned about his status and power.

But Jonathan really values his relationship with David. He doesn’t just say so in words, but also through his actions, sharing things like his armor and weapons. These are important symbols of who Jonathan is and what he’s supposed to inherit, but he still makes a choice to give them away. Bottom Line: Honor others more than yourself. How can we do this in our lives?

We want to show others, including our friends, that everyone has value because they belong to God. A great way to show someone they matter to God is by honoring them with our words, our time, even our favorite things! This month, we define honor as letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. How would your friends respond if you honored them more than yourself?

What it looks like to show the highest degree of honor to others. We’re focusing this February on 1 and 2 Samuel and stories from the life of David. In week 1, we’re looking at how an unexpected young boy from out in the fields is chosen by God to be king (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

The prophet Samuel can hardly believe when God doesn’t make an obvious choice from the oldest and handsome sons of Jesse. We’ll notice that God doesn’t see as the world sees; He looks at the heart instead. So they keep looking until David, the shepherd boy, arrives and God says he is the one. Bottom Line: Honor those who are overlooked.

This Bible story sets up the month and God’s pattern to honor people in unexpected ways and encouraging us to do the same. To do this, it will help to memorize our monthly verse: “Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves.” Romans 12:10, NIrV

This week, we’re discovering:

Do you know what can really get us in trouble? It’s not just our temper or our words or our choices like we’ve talked about these other weeks. No, it’s what comes before all that and can happen so fast that it’s hard to catch. Our thoughts lead to all our actions.

That’s why we’re finishing this month on self-control by talking through the biblical principle in Philippians 4:8 of watching what you think about. Whatever we focus on most will take over and fill our minds. Sometimes one or two negative things might even stand out and stick more than all the other positive things going on. 

That’s why it’s important to think even more about what’s true and right, what’s excellent and worthy of our praise. That’s why you should (Bottom Line) use the Bible to guide your thoughts. What a great way to review what we’ve learned about the faith skill—personalizing scripture—from Proverbs and other verses that encourage us to grow in wisdom.

This week, we’re discovering:

Many of the verses we’re talking about in Proverbs this month show the destruction that happens when we don’t use self-control in our lives—like broken-down walls and fighting. We know God wants to protect us and help us to be patient.

This week, we’ll focus on the hurt that’s caused when we use our words thoughtlessly—they can cut like a sword. We’ve all been guilty of this at one time or another. But the good news is that God says that wise people’s words can bring healing to a situation (Proverbs 12:18). So, the Bottom Line is: select your words carefully.

Our monthly verse James 1:19 says it this way—be slow to speak. Others really want to feel safe and understood. How might our world change if we became known as people who depend on God to help us control our anger and watch what we say?

This week we’re discovering:

Solomon was smart. When he was young, he asked God to make him wise—so he could know what was best and right. What he learned is recorded in the book of Proverbs. This week, the Bible principle we’re looking at is how it’s better to be patient than to fight (Proverbs 16:32). We have to use self-control instead of losing our temper.

It’s hard to be patient when we really want something right now. That’s why self-control is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do. All month we’re talking about listening to God’s wisdom, so we can make the best choice for the future, instead of just reacting based on how we feel in the moment.

This week’s bottom line is Pause before you lose your temper. Our monthly verse James 1:19 talks about how we should be slow to anger. Imagine how your relationships with the people around you could change if you were able to press pause, think and pray even if they pushed your buttons before you reacted in anger.

This week, we’re discovering:

January is a great time to change the way we play this game of life. We’ll spend the whole month in Proverbs, a book full of wise and visual verses to challenge our thinking. This week, the biblical principle (Proverbs 25:28) we’re focusing on compares someone without self-control to a city with broken down walls—defenseless.

When the walls or fence around something important are broken down or have holes, they aren’t able to do their job and keep other things from taking over. In our monthly verse, the very beginning of James 1:19 begs us to pay attention and be quick to listen. Wisdom books like Proverbs and other verses seem to be God leaning down and showing us what we should do, so we don’t hurt ourselves and others.

So, this week our Bottom Line is that God can give you the power to control yourself. He doesn’t expect us to have self-control all on our own. In fact, in another verse we’re talking about how God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). Asking God to help us practice self-control to build that muscle will definitely affect everyone around us in positive ways.

Bible Story: The Great Gift Exchange (Jesus is born) • John 3:16-17; Luke 2:1-18
Bottom Line: God gave the greatest gift when He gave us Jesus.
Memory Verse: “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV
Virtue: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away.
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

This week, we’re discovering:

How to get wrapped up in what Christmas is really about. Our Bible story from two different accounts (John 3:16-17; Luke 2:1-18) tells us about the greatest gift ever—Jesus’ birth! Bottom Line: God gave the greatest gift when He gave us Jesus.

In one of the busiest times of year, it’s important to take time to remember who gave first. We can stop and remember how amazing it is that God sent His Son to show us a new way to live and later made it possible for us to live with Him forever. Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

God is the ultimate example of generosity. We give because God gave to us. God’s original gift is our motivation for giving freely to others. Our memory verse reminds us that no matter how much stuff or money we have, we can all “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

The plan is for kids to bring these banks back each week and empty them into desginated containers. We will continue collecting throughout this Christmas season and through the end of January which is our missions focus month.

This is a great way to to make Christmas count this year as you teach them to focus on giving to others. This is also a great opportunity to talk about missions and start to contemplate how you as a family can be involved next year.


p.s. Don't forget to check out our Making Christmas Count for kids page

This week, we’re discovering:

That you can’t take it with you! A rich young ruler has a big question in our Bible story (Luke 18:18-25). We want to get Wrapped Up in the right thing and not overvalue our stuff. Bottom Line: Don’t let stuff get in the way of loving Jesus.

One of the best ways to show your love for God is by giving to others. What did Jesus really want from the ruler? Jesus really wasn’t after the guy’s stuff; He was after his heart. Jesus knew that this guy was trapped by his stuff and Jesus wanted to set the guy free. This can be summed up in this week’s Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

This week:

December is the perfect month for an Extreme Makeover! Jesus tells the parable of a rich man in our Bible story (Luke 12:13-21). He gets wrapped up on storing up more stuff and ends up losing everything that really matters. Bottom Line: People are always more important than stuff.

The brother did what we all have a tendency to do—to focus on what Jesus or God can do for us, instead of thinking about ways we’ve already been blessed or how we can bless others. That’s why our monthly memory verse says, “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share,” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV.

When we realize that it’s really a lie that stuff makes our lives better, then it’s easier for us to be generous. We define generosity as making someone’s day by giving something away. We can’t really live generously unless we believe this Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

Our Bible story (Luke 22:14-20) is about the last supper Jesus had with His closest friends. Jesus and the disciples modeled the act of celebrating what God has done. Jesus knew that it helps when we have specific times and things we can do and say over and over again to (Bottom Line) take time to celebrate what God has done.

Our memory verse says to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV, There will be times, like the disciples here listening to Jesus, when we don’t really understand what’s happening, when we feel confused and maybe even afraid about what will happen next. It’s during these times that it’s especially important to remember this Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

Other people will see what’s most special to us when we stop and take time to celebrate. We prepare for and invite our families and good friends to join us because we’re so grateful. If we’re too busy to say “Thank you,” it’s easy to forget what God did and to miss seeing where He’s currently at work in the world around us.

In our Bible story (Luke 17:11-19), Jesus helps 10 lepers and changes their lives for the better, but only one of the healed men came back to say “Thanks.” Life can get so busy, but we need to slow down long enough to see what God has done and is doing. Bottom Line: Take time to say thank you.

Gratitude is when we take time to let God and others know you see how they’ve helped you. The amazing thing about showing gratitude is how it spreads—the more we think about what we’re thankful for, the more good things we find in our lives.

Taking time to say “thank you” to others is definitely one way that (Basic Truth) I should treat others the way I want to be treated. And the more people we thank for helping us, the more they want to say “thanks” for the people and good things in their lives!

Our Bible story (Matthew 20:1-15) is a parable that Jesus told of an owner’s response to some vineyard workers after he paid them for their work. The twist at the end leads us straight into a discussion about fairness. Sometimes we think we have a right to complain, but we’re forgetting the bigger picture our Master has in mind. 

Our Bottom Line is: Take time to adjust your attitude. We need to stop regularly and ask God to help show us what we do have to be grateful for instead of focusing on what we think we deserve.

Some people only say “Thank you” when they’re happy or feel really rewarded. But our memory verse says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV. Taking time to check our attitudes and adjusting them even when we are disappointed or when things feel unfair shows others around us that Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

Our Bible Story (1 Thessalonians 5:18) is also this month’s memory verse. We’ll start our month by focusing on this principle: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This becomes a natural response when we learn about and take time to remember what God has done—like sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for us and our sins because He loves us that much.

It’s part of God’s plan, with His ongoing help, that we show gratitude and celebrate how good He is. Not only for what God’s done in the past, which we read about in the Bible, but also for what He’s also doing now in our lives. 

When we realize that (Basic Truth): I can trust God no matter what in any circumstance, then we can find ways to be grateful every day in lots of different ways. The people around us will notice because not everyone believes or has the attitude of this week’s Bottom Line: You always have something to be grateful for.

This week we’re discovering:

This whole month we’ve talked about how God is the Source of all creativity. We have an imagination because we’re made in His image. Each week we’ve discovered another aspect of creativity from thinking big and problem solving, to making your mark and expressing yourself in a unique way to show God’s character. And then, last week, we learned how doing more good—being salt and light—is something we’re all called to. 

But creativity isn’t just an individual thing. We can be creative in a group too! That’s part of God’s design. In fact, in our Bible story this week (Acts 2:42-47), a group of believers share everything as they do life together. Just wait until you see the result of their Faith Skill: Worshiping with Your Life. The Bible says the believers spent time praising God and giving to those in need. So, this week our Bottom Line is: Imagine what could happen if everyone used their gifts together.

What would happen if you read our memory verse again, but thought about what this looks like for your Small Group or your ministry or your whole church? “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, NIV It really only makes sense that (Basic Truth): I should treat others the way I want to be treated. If we really believed this and lived this way every day, how would the world be different?

If we think about how God described what He made in the Creation story—what did He say over and over? That it was good. God is both creative and good. This week, we’re talking about another aspect of creativity: Using your imagination to do more good.

Today, we’re looking at part of Jesus’ longest talk, called the Sermon on the Mount. Our Bible story is a parable about salt and light (Matthew 5:14-16). What talents and abilities do we each have and how can we share them with the world around us? Take a minute today to specifically encourage each kid about one way you’ve seen them creatively do more good and show God’s true character. The Message version says we can add God-flavor to the world around us.

Our memory verse reminds us: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, NIV How can we use our hands, our minds and our hearts to love others and be a light that points them to God? Leaders and parents can be great examples of this for kids to follow!

This week we’re discovering:

All the ways we can use our God-given imaginations and abilities to show the world more of God and His plan. This reinforces our Memory Verse: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10, NIV.

There are many ways to express your God-given creativity. That’s why we’re studying David’s life this week. God created David purposefully and empowered him to be many things: a shepherd, musician, warrior, singer, dancer, poet, soldier, and architect. David used the experiences of his life to create art and show others who God is. We want kids to: Use your imagination to make your mark.

David’s final words, recorded in our Bible story (2 Samuel 23:1-2), are a great summary of a life that’s pleasing to God—a life that’s more than words. One translation said David’s life was a poem written back to God, his Maker. Encourage your kids to honor God by expressing themselves in creative ways that only they can, in the world around them.

This week, remember that ultimately our creativity comes from God and how He designed us. Our Memory Verse says it this way: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10, NIV. He gives us the ability to think big and has big plans for us!

In our Bible Story (Exodus 1:22–2:10), Miriam and her mother had to think outside the box to save someone they love—more than once. We can’t just give up when we’re faced with a challenge. Our Basic Truth this week says: I can trust God no matter what.

What would have happened to Moses if his sister and mother hadn’t thought big? Moses later became an amazing leader, chosen and empowered by God to do incredible things. So, that’s why our Bottom Line this week is: Use your imagination to think big. Who knows what God has in mind for you to do to affect the world around you?

Bible Story: Just His Imagination (Creation story) • Genesis 1:1-2:1
Bottom Line: You were created, so you can be creative.
Memory Verse: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, NIV
Virtue: Creativity—using your imagination to do something unique.
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.

This week we’re discovering:

In our Bible story (Genesis 1:1–2:1), we will discover that we came out of God’s imagination. We’ll start at the very beginning to see all the things God made and created from basically nothing—including us!

Our Bottom Line is: You were created so you can be creative. Some kids may not believe they’re very creative. But we know we have an imagination because we’re made in God’s image.

It’s important to remember this week’s Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what as we talk about creativity. We don’t have to wonder or worry if we’re creative enough. Our Memory Verse says it this way: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, NIV

But what does all of this mean? We are creative, but so what? It means that we have creative minds which enable us to solve problems and lead others to accomplish remarkable tasks. It means that we have creative hands that can make art and music and write stories. It also means that we have a unique ability to use our creativity to make a difference in this world by helping others. So this month, discover the creativity that God has given you, and find a way to put your remarkable creativity into practice.

This month, let’s think about how:

(1) God is creative and exemplifies it.

(2) God instills that virtue in us as He shapes us to be more like Him.

(3) God uses that virtue in us to influence our families, friends, and neighbors.

Remember: A virtue is something God does in us to change the world around us.

In today’s Bible story (Luke 4:14-30), Jesus reads God’s words written down in the book of Isaiah—a familiar prophecy with a twist. Jesus basically says “I am these words lived out.” Knowledge can move from our heads to our hands and feet. Our Bottom Line this week is: When I discover what God says, I know how I should treat others.

As you talk with your kids about Jesus teaching as a 30-year-old in the place where He grew up, remind kids that not even the Son of God learned everything He needed to know quickly. It took years for Him to start publicly acting on what He knew and taking care of others the way the Scriptures said He would. By reading God’s Word and trusting Him to help us, we can become more like Jesus every day.

The more we discover what God says and trust that it’s true, the more we can act on what we know. When we treat others they way Jesus would treat them, we learn to love like God loves. Then we’re growing up in faith, wisdom, and friendship, just like Jesus did in our Memory Verse—Luke 2:52.

In our Bible Story (Luke 4:1-13) Satan tries to tempt Jesus in the desert. This story makes it clear that the most powerful knowledge—things most worth knowing—come from God and His Word. God’s truth is timeless; these principles were important then, they’re applicable now, and they will be in the future, too. Our Bottom Line this week is: When I discover what God says, I can make wiser choices.

As you talk with the kids about Jesus being tempted by Satan, remind them of the Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice. By reading God’s Word and learning from other people who know what’s important to God, we can have the right knowledge at the right time to help us make the wise choice even if we are feeling weak.

As we discover what God says and make wiser choices, the people around us will be able to see that we are able to use what we know, so that we know what to do and when to do it. In our lives, this helps us not only to choose between what’s good and evil, but between what’s best and anything else. Then we can grow in wisdom like Jesus did in our Memory Verse, Luke 2:52.

In our Bible story, which is found in Luke 3:21-23, John the Baptist isn’t sure it’s right for him to baptize Jesus. But Jesus says it’s part of God’s holy plan. He knew this and could act on what He knew, because He’d studied the Scriptures and also had a relationship with God Himself. Our Bottom Line this week is: When I discover what God says, it helps me trust Him more.

We learned that Jesus was baptized by John. It reminds us of this basic truth: I can trust God no matter what. God is pleased when we choose to trust Him, and our relationship with Him grows stronger when we act on what we know to be true.

As we discover what God says and trust Him more, the people around us will be able to see that our faith is growing as we act on what we know. In our lives, this can look like making wiser choices and loving others more like our heavenly Father does.

Our Bible story, which is found in Luke 2:41-52, tells us that Jesus spent time in the temple studying God’s Word. So our Bottom Line is: Since God knows everything, I should discover what God says.

Today, we talked with the kids about 12-year-old Jesus and how He spent time studying what God said and learning from the temple leaders. We too can know what God says. Reading His Word, listening to others talk about the Bible, and asking questions helps us know God and what matters most in His big story.

We can share our knowledge about what God says with others and they can see how it changes our life for the better—in building a stronger relationship with God and also in making wiser choices and loving others even more. Jesus is our best example, so we’ll learn what happened in His life from 12 years old to 33, in our Memory Verse—Luke 2:52.

Virtue: Perseverance-refusing to give up when life gets hard.
Memory Verse: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NIV
Bible Story: Course Correction (God our Father) Hebrews 12:7,9-12
Bottom Line: When life seems impossible, remember what God wants to do in you.

We’ve been talking about perseverance, which is (1) refusing to give up when life gets hard. Even kids realize that life isn’t always easy, but what they may not know is that circumstances don’t determine how much God loves us or the power He has to work in our lives. Just because something bad is happening doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us or is powerless to do something about it. (2) Because God is God, He is a perfect Father. He will ALWAYS love us and He will NEVER give up doing what is best for us. God is so powerful and good to us that He can take the worst situation and use it to do something good for and in us. No one else can do that-not to the extent that God can. (3) That’s why we put our faith in Him and trust that He will help us persevere. (4) Focus on helping kids discover that if they give up, they may miss out on some incredible things God has planned for them and others.

Virtue: Perseverance-refusing to give up when life gets hard.
Memory Verse: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NIV
Bible Story: The Navigator (keep your eyes on Jesus) Hebrews 12:2-3; Matthew 28:20b
Bottom Line: When life seems impossible, remember what Jesus did for you.

This month we’re talking about perseverance, which is (1) refusing to give up when life gets hard, and its connection with faith. (2) No one is more persevering than God. He keeps on loving people even when they ignore Him and disobey Him and do all manner of evil things. He wanted a relationship with us so much that He sent His own Son here to be our Savior. Jesus gave up heaven to come live here as a human being and do what was necessary to save us. No one, no matter what bad things happen in his or her life, will ever endure more than what Jesus did for us. (3) That’s why we can trust Jesus-we can put our faith in Him-and that’s how we can persevere-with His help and by remembering what He did and does for us. This week, focus on helping kids discover what it means to “keep their eyes on Him” and how (4) that impacts others.

Virtue: Perseverance-refusing to give up when life gets hard.
Memory Verse: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NIV
Bible Story: Cloud Cover (a cloud of witnesses) Hebrews 10:32-36; 11:32-40; 12:1
Bottom Line: When life seems impossible, remember what others did.

Life is just plain hard sometimes. It’s hard for kids and grown-ups. It’s hard for “good” people and those who aren’t so good. It’s even hard for people who believe in Jesus and have a lot of faith in God. Sometimes people expect life to be great-or at least to be easier-when they become a Christian. But that’s not the way life works. Sometimes it requires a lot of perseverance: (1) refusing to give up when life gets hard. (2) Thankfully, God is in the perseverance business. He created it, so no one exemplifies it better, and (3) He instills it in us. This week, help kids discover that perseverance is like a muscle: God gives us muscles, but we need to do our part to exercise them. He’s been helping people through seemingly impossible situations from the very beginning, and He’ll help them, too. (4) Who knows what God will do through us when we persevere?

This month we're talking about forgiveness - (1) deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay. "Doesn't have to pay" sounds pretty vengeful, doesn't it? And, of course, Christians aren't supposed to be vengeful. But don't we think in those terms when people do us wrong? We want them to PAY for what they did, to MAKE IT UP to us, to GET WHAT THEY DESERVE, because they OWE us. We think if we cancel their debt by forgiving them, we're letting them off the hook, condoning what they did, and becoming wimps in the process. When Peter came to Jesus and asked if he should forgive someone up to seven times, he thought he was being generous. So when Jesus said nope, more like 77 times, it had to have set Peter back on his heels. (2) But that's exactly what God has done for us: offered us unlimited forgiveness through His Son. And He did it "while we were yet sinners," without exacting a rightful payback from us. (3) So today, as you talk with kids about the parable Jesus told, help them grasp these important things about forgiveness: that God wants us to forgive since He forgives us; that if we're unwilling to forgive, it can prevent us from accepting God's forgiveness of our own wrongdoing; and that forgiving others means we want their well-being. (4) Forgiving is one of the best ways to act like God and to show others what He is like.

We've spent the month learning about humility, (1) putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve, by taking a closer look at Jesus' attitudes and actions. (2) He modeled and taught humility when He washed the disciples' feet. He showed us we'd need God's help to put others first (especially when it would cost us a great deal personally) when He allowed Himself to be arrested. He sacrificed Himself for each one of us by paying for our salvation. He did for us what no one else could've done. When it was finished, He could've returned immediately to heaven, His rightful place. But He didn't. Instead He stuck around, making sure His followers understood exactly what He'd done, putting us first again. (3) We have the power to do hard things, like putting others first, because of what Jesus did for us. (4) Help kids discover the single most significant way to put others first: by telling others the good news about Jesus.

Courage is all about (1) being brave enough to do what you should do even when you’re afraid. Sometimes it involves doing the right thing when no one else is. A prime example: Daniel. He continued to pray to the one true God even though it’d been prohibited for 30 days by the king’s order. But thankfully, (2) God is big. He was bigger than any problem Daniel faced, and while He didn’t remove the problem, He saw Daniel through it unscathed. (3) Kids need to know that God is bigger than any problem they’ll ever face, too. No matter what the problem is, God can help them face it and do the courageous thing in response to it. (4) Then others can get a glimpse of the great big God who helps us meet any and all challenges courageously.

Courage is (1) being brave enough to do what you should do even when you’re afraid. Sometimes doing what you should means speaking up for what’s right. There’s not a whole lot that’s scarier for adults, much less kids. But one person’s courage can make a difference. Just look at Esther. (2) God bolstered her courage and saved a whole bunch of people through her timely words. (3) God wants us to speak up for what’s right, too, and He’ll give us the courage to do it. (4) Kids need to discover that God may have chosen THEM to speak up in a situation and that if they do, it can have a huge effect on others.

Like we said last week, (1) courage is being brave enough to do what you should do even when you’re afraid. Courage doesn’t mean we won’t be afraid, but it DOES mean not letting our fears keep us from doing what we should do. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are prime examples. Faced with a fiery retaliation, they refused to buckle under, saying that even if God didn’t rescue them from certain death, they still wouldn’t bend a knee to that fake god. (2) That’s the kind of courage that can only come from God and the kind of courage He wants to build in each of us. Your Kids may never be faced with pressure to worship a gold idol, but there are plenty of other snags, pitfalls, and other dangers that can bring them to their knees. They need to know that the God who rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can help THEM do the right thing, too. (4) And when they do the right thing, even when it’s not cool or popular, it can have a profound impact on others.

We had a great time making a craft boat. 

In partnering together this week:

• Reread the story as a family this week (Matthew 8-9).
• Ask how Jesus could have been asleep in the storm.
• What would you think if someone could stop a storm just by speaking?
• Pray together and thank God that He can forgive sins and heal the sick. Thank God that he speaks to us and for listening to our prayers. 

In “My First Message” Pg. 230 (great craft idea on pg. 237)

Have an awesome week!  We love partnering with the work you are already doing at home. 

In partnering together this week:

• Reread the story as a family this week (Matthew 6).
• Discuss why Jesus said to do good deeds in a quiet way without showing off. 
• How did Jesus say we should pray?
• Challenge your child to secretly clean their room or put away their toys without being told.
• Pray like Jesus prayed in the Lord's prayer. Praise God, thank Him, and ask Him for forgiveness and protection.

In “My First Message” Pg. 222

Have an awesome week!  We love partnering with the work you are already doing at home. 

We had a great time making "Miracle Picture" where colors appeared on a white paper. We learned that people can do a lot of amazing things, but only God and Jesus can do a real miracle! 

In partnering together this week:

• Reread the story as a family this week (John 2).
• Taste watered down grape juice and regular grape juice. Can you tell the difference. Talk about Jesus' miracle. 
• Tell your child(ren) about a time that God did something for or helped you with something that seemed impossible. 
• Pray together and thank Jesus that He is our friend. Talk to Jesus about things that seem impossible to you. Thank God that he speaks to us and for listening to our prayers. 

In “My First Message” Pg. 216

Have an awesome week!  We love partnering with the work you are already doing at home. 

PICK YOUR HOUR!

January 29^th 6-7pm

January 30^th 9am -1:30pm

(Plan to arrive before 12:30 to participate in the whole experience)

Promised Land will be available for nursery and preschool ages; all other children will remain with their parents.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!

We had a great time making a dove light switch cover" craft - "When you turn on your light in your room, this dove will remind you that Jesus, God's Son, came to show us God's love."

In partnering together this week:

• Reread the story as a family this week (Matthew 3).
• Discuss baptism with your family. Why did you get baptized?
• Pray together and ask Jesus to change you on the inside - in your heart, soul and mind. Tell God about anything you especially want His help with in your life.
  

In “My First Message” Pg. 208

We had a great time painting a picture of Jesus in the Temple! 

In partnering together this week:

• Reread the story as a family this week (Luke 2:41-52).
• Remember that we read these stories with our children so they too can grow in wisdom and learn to become like Jesus. 
• Tell your child(ren) about a Bible lesson that someone taught you that helped you know what to do in a specific situation. 
• Pray together and ask that God would help you remember His teachings so we can live a life that honors Him. Thank God that he speaks to us and for listening to our prayers. 

Have an awesome week!  We love partnering with the work you are already doing at home. 

• learning to play the bongos
• turning in that science project
• cleaning the toilet (again)
• growing your hair out for Locks of Love®
• starting (and maintaining) a savings account
• memorizing this month's memory verse
• continuing to serve, even when it seems like no one appreciates it
• finishing the race

Worthwhile things in life are like a race.

So, you have to decide: are you going to finish it, or are you going to give up? Do you want to be like Paul, who did what he did, determined to finish? Or do you want to be like the Israelites, who gave up all too often? Are you a runner or a quitter?

That's what's coming up in Crosswalk in January: a look at determination, which is deciding it's worth it to finish what you've started:

1/2 Keep doing what God says because He is God. (The Israelites leave Egypt, Exodus)
1/7 Family Time Live (usually the Friday before the first Sunday) - Family Time Live is a family worship experience where we'll teach the whole family about the big idea for the month.
1/9 Keep doing what you should do so you don't miss something really good. (40 years in the wilderness, Numbers 14)
1/16 Keep doing what you should do because God says you can. (Learning from Israel's history, 1 Corinthians 10)
1/23 Keep doing what you should do even if it's hard. (Paul and his trials, 2 Corinthians 11; Acts 20)
1/ 30 For the fifth week of January: Learning what God says will help you keep doing what you should. (Paul advises Timothy, 2 Timothy 3)

So get your running shoes on.

Remember to check out our blog

Hope you have a wonderful New Year!

Shaun Sass

Children's Ministries Pastor

609-799-9000 x23
princetonalliance.org

1. Guide your child to find and read Bible verses in a Bible. Use the table of contents to teach your child how to find verses.
2. Guide your child to read the devotion paragraph aloud, assisting with unfamiliar words as necessary.
3. Guide your child to read and do the activity.
4. Pray a simple, short prayer aloud with your child, using the prayer suggestion as a guide.

In your child’s classroom they heard this story and made a banner that said “God hears when I pray”.

For Parents:

• If you are going through the “My First Message” Bible along with us, reread this story with and to your children.  Ask the questions found in the "My First Message" that come from the story – about what a drought is and who Baal is.
• Pray together.  At night is often a great time to talk about God’s great love for us.  Talk to your children about how God does hear us and how we can talk to him about anything.
• Talk about trusting the Lord and believing in him just like Elijah did; believing even when it is hard.

Memory Verse: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4, NIV

Bible Story: Crime Seen (Nehemiah helps the poor) • Nehemiah 5:1-12

Bottom Line: When there are people in need, don’t wait for someone else to help them.

FOR PARENTS ONLY

When there are people in need, don’t wait for someone else to help them. Where do kids go that someone might need help? Home? School? Neighborhood? Practice field?

(1) Initiative is seeing what needs to be done and doing it, but it’s not just about the job. It’s about people, too. In fact, can you think of anything that takes initiative that DOESN’T boil down to the people who will benefit from it?

(2) God works in our lives continuously, seeing and doing what needs to be done, bringing about good through bad things. (See Romans 8:28.)

(3) He even lets us in on the action, giving us opportunities to be His hands and feet, like Nehemiah was when he compelled the “haves” to stop taking from the “have nots.”

(4) So this week, help kids see how initiative can be used to help others. No good deed is too small for God to use to make a difference.

How can we demonstrate God’s love this week by responding to the needs of others. It May be a “Box of Hope”, or hats and scarves for needy children, or maybe even your neighbor that needs…

Shaun Sass

Children's Ministries Pastor
Princeton Alliance Church
Scudders Mill & Schalks Crossing
PO Box 9000
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
609-799-9000 x23
princetonalliance.org

Memory Verse: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4, NIV

Bible Story: Someone’s Gotta Do It (Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem) • Nehemiah 2:1-9, 11-18

Bottom Line: When there’s a job to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it.

FOR PARENTS ONLY

“I didn’t make that mess … That’s not my problem … That’s someone else’s job.” Ever heard that before? Ever said that before? No doubt we all have responsibilities, and it’s important for each of us to pull our own weight. After all, Paul said if somebody won’t work, he shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). On the other hand, if we all sat around waiting for others to do the work, nothing would get done.

(1) Initiative is seeing what needs to be done and doing it.
(2) Thankfully God sees what needs to be done and does something about it.

(3) Again, Nehemiah is proof positive that God wants us to have initiative, too, and works to instill that virtue in us. When Nehemiah, who constantly sought God’s direction, heard about the problem in Jerusalem, he didn’t wait around for someone else to step up to the plate. He didn’t make that mess. It wasn’t his problem. He could’ve said it wasn’t his job—he wasn’t an architect, after all! But he didn’t. And God doesn’t want us to either. So this week, focus on helping your children understand that when there’s a job to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it.

(4) Help them see that God can help them be part of the solution.