Following on Faith. TOPICS Faith, Following God, Ruth, Trust. AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes) Trust in the Lord (Word Puzzle) page 2

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1 Following on Faith With this introduction to the wonderful story of Ruth, children will learn that even during times of uncertainty, they can always follow the path of truth when they put their faith and trust in the Lord. TOPICS Faith, Following God, Ruth, Trust AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes) Trust in the Lord (Word Puzzle) page 2 MEMORY WORK (12 minutes) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Children will already be familiar with these verses from the opening activity. Have them find the verses in their own Bibles and read them several times. Then have the kids see if they can say it without looking. SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes) Introduction: Our Bible story today is about a young woman named Ruth, and her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth was from Moab, a place where they worshiped all kinds of idols. But her mother-in-law was a Jewish woman from Bethlehem. As we read our story, you will discover that Ruth has a big decision to make. Should she stay in Moab and hopefully find a husband, or go with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem where she would most likely live a difficult life? Will she turn to God and follow the truth, or take the easy path? Let's find out what Ruth decided to do. Ruth 1:1-22 (Ruth and Naomi) Read this passage to the kids with feeling. If possible, use slightly different voices for the characters. Discussion Questions: 1. How many years did Naomi live in Moab with her daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth? (Ten years.) 2. Why was Naomi able to return to Bethlehem? (The famine there was over.) 3. At first both Ruth ad Orpah decided to go with Naomi. Why did Orpah change her mind? (Naomi convinced her that it would be easier for her if she stayed in Moab.) 4. What did Ruth do instead of staying in Moab? (Clung to her mother-in-law and went with her to Bethlehem.) 5. What did Ruth say in verse 16 that tells us she wanted to worship God? ("Your people will be my people and your God my God.") 6. Why is it important to follow God even during the difficult times? (Allow for answers.) CLASS EXERCISE (20 minutes) Following on Faith (Bible Research Activity) page 3 Also compare the stories in this activity with how Ruth followed Naomi on faith. ALTERNATE CLASS EXERCISE (10 minutes) Turning To God (Game) page 4 APPLICATION (4 minutes) In our lesson today, we learned that following the Truth is not always easy, but God will be there to help guide us. Ruth was born a Moabite woman, but after living with Naomi for several years, she learned the truth. She chose to give up her own heritage and go with her mother-in-law back to Israel to worship the one true God. She knew it would be difficult without a man to look after them (both women were widows), yet Ruth knew it was more important to follow God and let Him take care of her than to remarry. Sometimes following the path of truth involves making a difficult decision.the path can be paved with hardships and uncertainties. No matter what the obstacles are, God will take care of us if we place our trust in Him. In the weeks to come we will see exactly how Ruth trusted God and followed the customs and laws of the Israelites. We will also see how God allowed some wonderful things to happen in her life because she trusted and obeyed Him. Likewise, we will see how we can imitate Ruth s obedience to God by trusting Him in all things. When we do this, we will see the many wonders He gives us in our own lives.

2 TRUST IN THE LORD Following on Faith (Cross-out) After crossing out certain words, the remaining message will help kids know how to trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 TOPICS: Faith, Trust MATERIALS: Cross-out puzzle for each child page 5 Answer page 6 Highlighters or markers DURATION: Approximately 10 minutes WHAT YOU WILL DO: Give each child a pencil or a marker and a copy of the puzzle. Have students cross out all words that are days of the week. Next, have them cross out all words that are colors. Next, have them cross out all words that are names of women in the Bible. Finally, have them cross out all the words that are numbers. Have students write the remaining words, in order, on the provided lines on the bottom of their pages.

3 Following on Faith FOLLOWING ON FAITH This Bible research activity teaches us how we can faithfully follow God even through difficult times. TOPICS: Faith, Following God, Trust MATERIALS: Activity sheet for each child page 7 Pencils DURATION: Approximately 20 minutes PREPARATION Before class, print or make copies of the activity sheet for each child. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Divide the class into teams of two or three. Each team can work on all three Bible stories, or if time is short, each team can work on one specific story. After the worksheet is completed, have the groups share their answers and discuss what it means to follow God on faith. Abram and Sarai move (Genesis 12: 1-5) Leaving your home and going on a long journey to a place you never were before can be frightening. Yet, Abram and Sarai knew, because of their extreme faith in God, that obeying His instructions would benefit them in the end. God was able to carry out His plan because Abram and Sarai followed Him on faith. (Answers: 1B, 2D, 3C) Elijah flees danger (1Kings 17: 1-6) Elijah's source of food required a lot of faith in God. Imagine depending on ravens to bring bread and meat every day. However, Elijah did exactly as God asked, going to a very specific location and waiting for God to let him know when to leave. (Answers: 1B, 2A, 3C) Paul and the shipwreck (Acts 27: 20-26, 39-44) Paul was no doubt as afraid as everyone else on the ship. Still, Paul had faith in God. When the angel of the Lord told Paul he would be safe along with everyone on the ship, he believed it. Because of his faith in the Lord and His messenger, Paul convinced the others to put their faith in the Lord, and they were all brought to safety. (Answers: 1A, 2D, 3D) Additional Questions: 1. Why is it sometimes hard to follow God by faith, even when we know it is the right thing to do? 2. What bad things can happen when we do not follow God on faith? 3. Name some other people in the Bible who followed on faith. (see Hebrews 11)

4 TURNING TO GOD Following on Faith The world may be full of distractions, but when we turn to God, He will help us along the way. TOPICS: Discernment, Following God, Listening, Relationships MATERIALS: Blindfold DURATION: Approximately 10 minutes WHAT YOU WILL DO: Have the children form a large circle facing each other. Then blindfold one volunteer to stand in the middle. Everyone standing in the circle will say "WORLD" over and over in a normal voice (waiting a few seconds between each time they say it). Secretly select one child in the circle to say God over and over instead of World. The object is for the blindfolded child in the middle to listen very carefully to hear who is saying "GOD" and either point to or go up to that child. Then that child is blindfolded and goes to the center as you secretly pick another child in the circle to say GOD over and over. Continue play as time permits. You can also choose other word combinations for the kids to say such as "MONEY" and "JESUS", or "WORRY" and "HOLY SPIRIT." WHAT YOU WILL SAY: The world we live in is full of noise and distractions. Many things take our minds away from God, such as money, fear, worry, peer pressure, and the list goes on and on. But God knows about all these things. When we keep our faith and turn to God, He will be there for us every time. When we look for God and decide to follow Him no matter what, He reveals Himself to us so we can know the way. Just like in our little game, once you turn to God's voice, His voice becomes clearer and clearer. Your relationship with God grows and grows. Although the rest of the world is all around, trying its best to confuse you, it can't keep you away from God's love.

5 TRUST IN THE LORD Instructions: First cross out all words that are days of the week Second cross out all words that are colors Third cross out all words that are names of women in the Bible Fourth cross out all words that are numbers BLUE TRUST MARY IN PINK THE SARAH MONDAY RUTH LORD SIX WITH TWO ALL YOUR EIGHT HEART AND TUESDAY LEAN BLACK FIFTY NOT GREEN ON MARTHA YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING BROWN THURSDAY EVE IN TEN SATURDAY RACHEL RED ALL YOUR WEDNESDAY PURPLE SIXTY WAYS REBECCA SUBMIT ELIZABETH TO SEVENTEEN HIM SUNDAY AND HE ORANGE ELEVEN WILL MAKE YOUR ESTHER PATHS SEVEN STRAIGHT GREY FRIDAY What do the remaining words say? Write them in order on the lines below. Proverbs 3:5-6 Kids Sunday School Place, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

6 TRUST IN THE LORD Instructions: First cross out all words that are days of the week Second cross out all words that are colors Third cross out all words that are names of women in the Bible Fourth cross out all words that are numbers BLUE TRUST MARY IN PINK THE SARAH MONDAY RUTH LORD SIX WITH TWO ALL YOUR EIGHT HEART AND TUESDAY LEAN BLACK FIFTY NOT GREEN ON MARTHA YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING BROWN THURSDAY EVE IN TEN SATURDAY RACHEL RED ALL YOUR WEDNESDAY PURPLE SIXTY WAYS REBECCA SUBMIT ELIZABETH TO SEVENTEEN HIM SUNDAY AND HE ORANGE ELEVEN WILL MAKE YOUR ESTHER PATHS SEVEN STRAIGHT GREY FRIDAY What do the remaining words say? Write them in order on the lines below. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Kids Sunday School Place, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

7 Read the following stories from the Bible, then pick the correct answer to each question. Read Genesis 12: 1-5 (Abram and Sarai move) 1. Where did God want Abram and Sarai to go? A. Egypt B. Canaan C. Israel D. Haran 2. What made the journey a difficult one? A. Long walk B. Leaving home C. Possessions D. All three 3. What did God promise Abram for following Him? A. Wealth B. Comfort C. Blessings D. Wisdom 4. In your own words, why did Abram and Sarai follow God's instructions? Read 1 Kings 17: 1-6 (Elijah flees danger) 1. Where did God tell Elijah to go? A. Israel B. To a brook C. Back home D. Jordan River 2. Why did God tell Elijah to leave Gilead? A. No dew or rain B. To serve Him C. No work D. No friends 3. How was Elijah protected and fed after he reached his destination? A. Manna B. Fruit and berries C. Food brought by ravens D. B and C 4. In you own words, why did Elijah follow God's instructions? Read Acts 27: 20-26, (Paul and the shipwreck) 1. What did God want Paul to do? A. Go before Caesar B. Go to Crete C. Stay on the ship D. Go home 2. What made the journey a difficult one? A. Severe storm B. Broken ship C. Violent waves D. All three 3. How did God reward Paul for following God's message? A. Comfort B. Many believed in God C. Blessings D. Safety 4. In your own words, how was Paul certain that he and everyone with him would be safe? Kids Sunday School Place, Inc. All Rights Reserved