Take Home Page: Joseph God s Ways

Transcription

1 Page1 Take Home Page: Joseph God s Ways Today your child learned that God is working an amazing plan for their lives and we need to put our TRUST in Him! The children examined the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. They also talked about the importance of living a life of humility. Bow down to the Lord. He will lift you up. --James 4:10 (NIRV) 1. What do you remember from the story of Joseph? 2. Do you think Joseph was humble at the beginning of his story, when he was young? 3. How do you think Joseph was able to trust in God through all the ups and downs in his life? Do you trust God with your life too? Why or why not? Together, look up the word humility or humble and find its definition. Talk together about who the humblest person is that you each know. Can you think of a person who doesn t seem very humble? What is it about him/her that makes them seem that way? Ask your child if they think Jesus was humble. Together, find specific examples from His life that demonstrate Jesus humility. Encourage each other this week to follow Jesus example and work on becoming more humble.

2 Page2 Take Home Page: The Reunion in Egypt - Reconciliation Today your child was reminded that we are all called to be merciful toward others. The children examined the story of Joseph and his brothers reconciliation. They also talked about how it is possible to forgive and show mercy, even when we are treated badly by others. What is hidden will be seen. And what is out of sight will be brought into the open and made known. --Luke 8:17 (NIV) 1. Do you think it was hard for Joseph to reconcile with his brothers? Why or why not? 2. What does it mean to show mercy to someone? 3. What did you learn from Joseph s example? Share with your child a time when someone showed mercy toward you and how that made you feel. Talk together about whether or not it is easy to show mercy toward someone else and why. As you go through the week, look for examples of mercy in your day to day lives and share them with each other. Take Home Page: The Reunion in Egypt - Reconciliation Today your child was reminded that we are all called to be merciful toward others. The children examined the story of Joseph and his brothers reconciliation. They also talked about how it is possible to forgive and show mercy, even when we are treated badly by others. What is hidden will be seen. And what is out of sight will be brought into the open and made known. --Luke 8:17 (NIV) 1. Do you think it was hard for Joseph to reconcile with his brothers? Why or why not? 2. What does it mean to show mercy to someone? 3. What did you learn from Joseph s example? Share with your child a time when someone showed mercy toward you and how that made you feel. Talk together about whether or not it is easy to show mercy toward someone else and why. As you go through the week, look for examples of mercy in your day to day lives and share them with each other.

3 Page3 Take Home Page: Moses and Aaron Divine Commission Today your child was reminded that God will help us share the gifts that he has uniquely given to us. The children examined the story of Moses. They also explored what it means to live a life with a willing heart to serve God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. --Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) 1. How did God protect Moses when he was young? 2. What was Moses reaction to God calling him to serve His people? Would you have reacted the same way? Why or why not? 3. What unique gifts do you think God has given you? How can you use those gifts to serve Him? Talk with your child about what serving the Lord has meant to you and your life of faith. Share any joys and struggles that have come with those experiences. Remind your child that God always gives us the strength to do what He calls us to do, just like He did for Moses. Talk together about what (if anything) you think God is wanting you to do with regards to serving Him and serving others. Pray for each other this week that God continues to make His plan for your lives clear, and that He also gives you the strength to do what He wants you to do.

4 Page4 Take Home Page: The Exodus from Egypt Today your child was reminded that we should trust in God, because His grace will bring us through any circumstances we may face in life. The children examined the events of the Passover and how God freed his people from slavery in Egypt. They also talked about the importance of forgiveness and following God s word in our lives. We have all received one blessing after another. God s grace is not limited. --John 1:16 (NIRV) 1. What was the Passover all about? 2. Why do you think God protected and provided for His people? 3. How has God provided for and protected us from the sin of this world? Review the Ten Commandments with your child. Talk about which of the commandments are the hardest for you to obey and why. Remind your child that as we work to obey God, His word and His instructions (commandments), the closer we become with God Himself and the more we become like His Son, Jesus. As we become closer to God, we are able to experience His grace more and more, just as the Israelites did in Egypt so long ago. Encourage your child to trust God more, and to trust that following His commands will bring grace and blessing to his/her life.

5 Page5 Take Home Page: The Red Sea and Desert Journey Today your child was reminded that God will provide for all our needs. The children examined the story of the Israelites as they wandered through the desert and how God parted the Red Sea for their escape from Egypt. They also explored how the almighty God cared for His people. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him. --Exodus 15:2 (NKJV) 1. What miracle occurred at the Red Sea? 2. What other miracles did God provide for His people? 3. Do you trust God to provide everything that you need every day? Why or why not? If you have ever experienced a miracle in your life (or heard of one in someone else s), share that with your child. Remind your child that just as God provided for the Israelites in miraculous ways, He will also do that for you. Share with your child how God has provided for your needs throughout your life, and how that has affected your faith. Encourage your child to always look to the Lord whether things are going well or not, and to know that He will also provide exactly what they need when they need it.

6 Page6 Take Home Page: The Ten Commandments Today your child was reminded that God expects us to follow His commandments. The children reviewed the Ten Commandments and identified them as God s instructions for living a life that is pleasing to Him. you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. --Mark12:30-31 (NKJV) 1. Why do you think God gave us these Ten Commandments? 2. Which commandment do you think is the easiest/hardest to follow? Why? 3. How would you summarize the Ten Commandments if you could condense them into simpler terms? Talk about the first commandment with your child and what it means. (I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other Gods before me.) Are there things in your lives that sometimes become more important than God? Talk with your child about what things get in the way of keeping God and your relationship with Him first in your life. Remind your child that God expects us to do our best to follow ALL His commandments. Encourage each other this week to put God first in your lives each day, including spending time with God in prayer, reading your Bible, and worshipping Him in some way.

7 Page7 Take Home Page: Tabernacle of the Congregation Today your child was reminded that we are to respect God s servants. The children explored details about the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle. They also examined the priestly ministry in the Old and New Covenants and the value of God s servants in our lives today. How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of Hosts! --Psalm 84:1 (NKJV) 1. How do ministers today care for the souls? What do they do? 2. Do you have a favorite priest or minister? Why is he so special to you? Share with your child who your favorite minister or priest was or is and what it was that made him so special to you and your life of faith. Talk about all the things that ministers selflessly do for others on a regular basis. Encourage your child to always pray for their ministers, and especially that God would continue to give them the strength to do the things He has specifically called them to do for others. Take Home Page: Tabernacle of the Congregation Today your child was reminded that we are to respect God s servants. The children explored details about the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle. They also examined the priestly ministry in the Old and New Covenants and the value of God s servants in our lives today. How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of Hosts! --Psalm 84:1 (NKJV) 1. How do ministers today care for the souls? What do they do? 2. Do you have a favorite priest or minister? Why is he so special to you? Share with your child who your favorite minister or priest was or is and what it was that made him so special to you and your life of faith. Talk about all the things that ministers selflessly do for others on a regular basis. Encourage your child to always pray for their ministers, and especially that God would continue to give them the strength to do the things He has specifically called them to do for others.

8 Page8 Take Home Page: Forty years in the Desert Today your child was reminded that we want to do everything we do for God without complaining. The children also examined what happened to the Israelites as they wandered in the desert, recognizing that although they had to bear the consequences of acting against God s will, He continued to provide for them. And if the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. --Numbers 14:8 (NLT) 1. How did God feel about the Israelites behavior? 2. What were the Israelites complaining about? 3. Why do you think God continued to provide for the Israelites, despite how they were behaving? Talk with you child about complaining, whining, grumbling, etc. When things are going our way, we usually don t do any of those things, but as soon as things get difficult we often start to complain immediately. Talk together about why you think that is. Remind your child about how God (despite their complaining) continued to provide everything the Israelites needed exactly when they needed it. God wants us to trust Him and His plan for our lives completely. Encourage each other this week to thank God for all that He does and will do for you each day.

9 Page9 Take Home Page: Taking Possession of Canaan Today your child was reminded that God is always with us! The children reviewed the events surrounding the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, crossing the Jordan River and taking possession of the land of Canaan, and how God keeps His promises to us if we follow Him. They also talked about the importance of drawing closer to God in order to be ready for the day Jesus returns again. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel --Joshua 11:23 (NKJV) 1. How do you think the Israelites felt as they experienced the miracles as they crossed the Jordan River and saw the walls of Jericho tumble before their eyes? 2. Do you believe that God was always with the Israelites? Why or why not? 3. Do you believe that God is always with you? Why or why not? Talk with you child about the purpose a wall can serve in life. Sometimes walls can protect us from harm, but they can also keep us divided from something or someone. When we allow other things or people to become more important to us than God and our relationship with Him, we build walls in our lives and around our hearts that keep us separated from Him. Share with your child what things get in your way of spending time with God in prayer, reading your Bible, or worshipping Him. Also share how we have to work to make God a priority in your life. Remind your child that God wants to be close to each of us. Encourage each other this week to make time for God each day a priority.

10 Page10 Take Home Page: John the Baptist Preparing the Way Today your child was reminded that Jesus is the Son of God! The children reviewed the story of John the Baptist and his relationship with Jesus. They examined how John pointed the people to the Lord Jesus as their Savior and explored why we also want to share the Lord Jesus with others. And He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. --Matthew 3:17 1. Why do you think John the Baptist was such an important person? 2. What happened at the Jordan River that confirmed Jesus was God s Son? 3. What specifically can you do today to share Jesus with others? If possible, share with your child about a time that you talked to someone about Jesus who didn t already know who He was. Talk together about what you would do or say in that kind of situation. How would you best be able to share your faith and all that God has done for you with someone else? If you are not sure, start by making a list together of the things God has done for you and how your faith has shaped your life. Pray for each other this week and encourage each other to share what you listed on your paper at least with one other person during the week. Follow up afterwards and talk about what happened, how it made you feel, etc. Continue to pray that God shows each of you who He wants you to tell about Jesus and share your faith with.