For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b

Sunday, October 22, 2017 Lesson #4-7 God Chooses David for His Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 3 rd -6 th Key Verse: The Point: For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b God sees past both our accomplishments and our mistakes, and recognizes what is within our hearts. Making Connections: Called by God Bible Nuts & Bolts: Old Testament and Divisions Spiritual Practice: Service 1

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Activities Supplies Show how God acts like a coach putting together a winning team. Optional: sport team clothing or balls Discover the different sections of the Old Testament. Bible Activity Sheets #4-7.A and B Chapter book Crayons or markers Scissors Dramatize the choosing of David. Activity Sheet #4-7.C Optional: props (pretend microphone, glasses, basketball or baseball, pretend money, hand mirror, book, five-pound weight, stopwatch, stuffed sheep, and bottle of oil) Identify gifts and ways to share them. Mural paper Magazines Tape Scissors Optional: crayons or markers, paper 2

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Look for hidden beauty. Practice a reminder that God restores our hearts. Interpret a song in a new way. Oyster shell and pearl necklace Piece of charcoal and diamond ring Acorn and picture of oak tree White cardstock Scissors Crayons, including several black ones Paper clips Pitcher Basin or tub Water Towels Internet-connected device or music player Optional ongoing activity. Bible Book page (found at end of lesson) Cardstock or plain paper Pens Markers or crayons Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch None 3

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Background for Teachers Story Connections We continue with call stories. Last week we learned about Israel's great prophet, Samuel. Today we move on to David, and in the weeks to come we will hear the stories of Solomon and Elijah. Story Summary: God Chooses David for His Heart Our world teaches us to look on outward signs of worth, such as a person's appearance or wealth or power. But God sees things differently. God could see David would be a good king, even if he looked just like a little kid to the rest of the world. Even Samuel has difficulty figuring out which man should be king when he sees the men lined up. But as we learned last week, Samuel has cultivated a listening heart from a very young age, and can hear and recognize God's voice. Samuel's intention is to follow God's will, even if he does not understand it at first. Therefore, when he understands David is the chosen one, he trusts God's wisdom and makes the choice public. The Bible calls David a "man after God's own heart." This means that David had an understanding of what God wanted, and David wanted to serve God. As God can see our hearts and who we really are, God can also see what our hearts need. God provides us the love and support we need to heal from our mistakes and hurts, and to grow stronger in our journey with God. The Point God sees past both our accomplishments and our mistakes, and recognizes what is within our hearts. In this story we are reminded that God sees things differently than we do. God does not pick the oldest and strongest of Jesse's sons, but waits until young David is called in from the fields. While we may feel buried in our past and our mistakes, God is able to see the gifts and dreams often hidden to the rest of the world. Bible Nuts and Bolts: Old Testament and Divisions The Old Testament is divided into four sections: the Pentateuch (or Torah), Historical Books, Writings or Wisdom Literature, and Prophets. These divisions help to identify the themes and types of literature of the books. The Pentateuch includes books from Genesis through Deuteronomy. Historical Books include Joshua through 2 Chronicles, and tell the history of Israel. Writings, or Wisdom, Literature is found from Job through the Song of Solomon, and includes poetic books such as the Psalms. Finally, the Prophets report the word of the Lord, and continue from Isaiah through Malachi. Spiritual Practice: Service We continue our spiritual practice of service this week. We may not feel that we have much to offer to others, but each of us can give in some way. Because God can see the hidden truths in our lives, God also knows what we are capable of and calls us to service that matches our special giftedness. What gifts do you have that you can use to serve others and serve God? 4

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Lesson Plan Show how God acts like a "coach" putting together a winning team. You will need: Optional: sport team clothing or balls During class: 1. How many of you like team sports? Who are your favorite teams? Allow students to answer. 2. Today we are going to play a game, but first I have to divide you into teams. Make a show of choosing teams based on ridiculous outward characteristics: shirt color, hair color, people with two arms, etc. Be sensitive and avoid any characteristic that would intentionally leave out students with challenges. 3. Did the way that I just chose the teams for our game make any sense? What would happen if we only chose people based on how we look on the outside? 4. When we're watching sports, our eyes are on the players, but who is it that's calling the shots from the sidelines? [Coach.] A good coach knows what each player is good at. For example, in football, a good coach knows which player is good at throwing the ball, which one is good at catching, which one is good at running, and which one is good at tackling. The coach gives each person their position on the team, based on their strengths. 5. God is kind of like a coach to us too. God looks at each one of us and knows what we're really good at. Some of us are good at caring for other people. Some of us are good at laughing and making people happy. Some of us are good at singing or drawing or painting pictures. Some of us are good at learning things and sharing it with others. God looks at each one of us, figures out what we're best at, and then gives the best positions on the team. 5

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 6. Even though God can see what we're really good at, sometimes other people can't. People usually can only see what's on the outside of a person, but God can look at us, right through to our heart. God can see how loving our hearts are, how kind we are to animals or people who need help, how much we try to forgive people who make mistakes. God sees all these things in our hearts, and knows that we have these strengths. God knows what we're really good at. That's what makes God such a great coach. 7. In our story today God decides to find a new king of Israel, and he chooses a young boy named David. When the other people in the story look at David they just see a small, weak, little kid. But when God looks at David, God can see David's heart. God sees that David's heart is courageous, that he will do his best to serve God, and that he can lead others in serving God too. God can see David will be a great king, even though no one else can see it yet. And that's what makes God the best coach ever! 6

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Discover the different sections of the Old Testament. You will need: Bible Activity Sheets #4-7.A and B Chapter book Crayons or markers Scissors Before class: 1. If students have their own Bibles, send a reminder to bring them to class this week. 2. Print copies of Activity Sheets #4-7.A for each student. Have a copy (or two) of Activity Sheet #4-7.B available to show the class. During class: 1. Hold up the Bible and a copy of Activity Sheet #4-7.B. Do you remember our very first class this year? In that class, we talked about the Bible being like a library with lots and lots of books. 2. Show the chapter book. In some book, we have different sections that are called chapters. This book has chapters, and each chapter starts with a page that looks a little different than the rest of the pages. Show a chapter title page. 3. Our Bibles have different sections in them, too. Everybody open their Bible to the very beginning, and find the Table of Contents. This is a list of all of the books in our Bibles. 4. Each of these books is like a chapter in our big book, and those chapters tell different parts of the big story in different ways. 5. Distribute a set of bookmarks to each student. Allow students time to decorate their bookmarks. 6. Help students find the beginning of each section, and place the bookmark in the appropriate place. Pentateuch (Torah): Genesis through Deuteronomy. Historical Books: Joshua through 2 Chronicles Writings or Wisdom Literature: Job through the Song of Solomon Prophets: Isaiah through Malachi 7

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Dramatize the choosing of David. You will need: Activity Sheet #4-7.C Optional: props (pretend microphone, glasses, basketball or baseball, pretend money, hand mirror, book, five-pound weight, stopwatch, stuffed sheep, and bottle of oil) Before class: 1. Make copies of Activity Sheet #4-7.C. There are ten parts total, not including the voice of God (which the teacher can do). Some of the students can double up on the brothers' parts. 2. Collect props if you decide to use them, including a pretend microphone for Jesse (announcer), glasses for Eliab, basketball or baseball for Abinadab, pretend money for Shammah, a mirror for Handsome, a book for Smartasawhip, a five-pound weight for Hercules, a stopwatch for Lightningquick, a stuffed sheep for David, and a bottle of oil for Samuel. During class: 1. Does anyone remember what we talked about last week? [God called Samuel in the middle of the night to give Samuel an important message.] God asked Samuel to be God's prophet. That meant it was Samuel's job to share God's word with the people around him. The main thing God wanted Samuel to do was to find Israel a new king. God told Samuel to travel to the little town of Bethlehem, to the home of Jesse. Jesse had eight sons, and God told Samuel one of them would be the next king. 2. Now we are going to act this story out ourselves, showing how God picked out the new king. Pass out the parts. Give students a chance to practice. Then read the script together. The Bible does not give us all the names of David's brothers, so we had to make up some names. Any guesses on the ones we made up? [Handsome, Lightningquick, Smartasawhip, Hercules.] Yes, those names are kind of silly. Discussion Questions 1. Why did Samuel think the older sons would be good kings? [They were tall or strong or handsome or smart.] Are those good traits for a king to have? Allow the students to reflect on this a bit. 2. Why do you think God chose David? [Because God could see through to David's heart.] Why do you think it might be important for a king to have a good heart? [Because he will make fair and good decisions, he will try to do the right thing.] 8

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Identify gifts and ways to share them. You will need: Nothing During class: 1. Today s story is about David. Even thought David was young, like you, God chose David to do great work for God. God could see David s heart, and see what David would be good at, and was able to use those gifts. 2. We are all given special gifts from God too, things that we are good at. Today we are going to play a game of charades. I want each of you to think of something that you think you are good at and that you could use to help tell God s story. Then we are going to take turns acting out those gifts while the rest of the class guesses what your gift is. 3. Take turns allowing students to act out their gift. If some are hesitant, offer suggestions such as: good listener, good sense of humor, positive attitude, loyal, etc. 4. God has created each of us with special gifts and talents. How can you use these to tell God s story? Allow responses. 5. Let s end with a prayer asking God to use us. God, you saw David s heart, and you see our hearts, too. Thank you for giving us gifts and talents. Give us the courage to use these gifts to tell others about you. Amen. 9

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Look for hidden beauty. You will need: Oyster shell and pearl necklace Piece of charcoal and diamond ring Acorn and picture of oak tree White cardstock Scissors Crayons, including several black ones Paper clips Before class: 1. Assemble the example materials listed above, or find pictures of the examples. You can also substitute other materials to illustrate the point if they are more accessible. 2. Cut cardstock into half sheets. During class: 1. I have a few items I want you to look at. Start with the oyster shell. Does anyone know what this is? [Oyster shell.] How does it look to you? [Rough, brown, ugly.] Hold up pearls. Can you believe that something as beautiful as this comes out of that rough, brown oyster shell? Hold up coal. What about this? Does anyone know what this is? [Piece of coal.] How do you think that looks? [Black, dirty.] And do you know what comes out of coal? Hold up diamond. A diamond! I have one more thing to show you. Hold up acorn. Who knows what this is? [Acorn.] And what comes out of an acorn? Hold up picture of oak tree. [A tree.] The oyster shell, the piece of coal, and the acorn do not look like much at first, do they? The oyster shell looks rough and dark, the coal is black and dirty, and the acorn is very small. But out of each of these things comes truly beautiful creations of God. 2. This reminds us of what God said earlier in our story: God doesn't look with human eyes, but God looks at the heart. At the heart of all these ordinary things is something very beautiful. And that is true of us as well. Maybe we look just ordinary on the outside, but our hearts are like the pearls, the diamond, and the oak tree. They are strong and beautiful and full of gifts. That is what God sees when God looks at us. 10

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 3. Pass out pieces of paper and invite the students to fill the page with different colors. Then have them cover the colors with a thick coating of black, completely blotting out the colors. Finally give each student a paper clip and invite them to draw a picture on their page by scraping away the black layer where they want to make a line. 4. Even though the black covers up the colors, it only takes a little bit of scraping to see the beautiful colors underneath. Just like us, underneath everything we are full of beautiful colors. God sees that in us, and helps us scrape away all the black until our true colors shine out. 11

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Practice a reminder that God restores our hearts. You will need: Pitcher Basin or tub Water Towels Before class: 1. Fill the basin with warm water before class, and invite each student to hold their hands over the basin as you pour the water over them. This is probably a more powerful ritual since it feels more deliberate than the common act of washing hands in the sink. During class: 1. When David grew up he was a very good king, but he also made mistakes and bad choices sometimes. When David made mistakes he always came back to God, and asked God to forgive him and help him make better choices. One of the prayers David wrote became a Psalm. Psalm 51 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." David wanted God to clean his heart the way we might take a bath when we are dirty. 2. I am going to invite you to spend some time thinking about a mistake you have made over the past week. Maybe you were angry with someone and hurt their feelings. Maybe you were angry with yourself and used unkind words against yourself. Maybe you just forgot to do something important, like feed your pet or clean your room. How does it feel when we think about the mistakes and bad decisions we have made over this past week? [Heavy, bad, dirty, sad.] What would it be like if every time we made a mistake that feeling just grew and grew? How would we feel after a year of mistakes? Five years? A lifetime? [Overwhelming, hopeless.] Thankfully, God does not make us keep that feeling in our hearts. God removes it from us, helping our hearts to feel clean and whole again. 3. Either bring students to the sink or ask them to gather around the basin and pitcher. We are going to take that heavy feeling of making bad choices to God. Imagine taking those feelings into your hands. When it is your turn to wash your hands, lift them up, offering your mistake to God and asking God to make you clean again. Allow each student a turn to have his or her hands washed. Allow time to confess out loud for those students who wish to do so. 4. Take time to talk about what the experience was like for the students. 12

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Interpret a song in a new way. You will need: Internet-connected device or music player Before class: 1. Conduct an online search for a video of Create In Me a Clean Heart (https://youtu.be/2fvliokreqe is a nice one to show) or locate an audio a recording. During class: 1. David was a shepherd and a king, a slayer of giants and a writer of songs. Many of the songs that David wrote we now know of as Psalms. Even back in Bible days, people would worship God through music and dance. We are going to take one of the songs that David wrote and reinterpret it. You can do a dance, or a rap, re-write it as a poem, or do whatever you would like to do to interpret it. You can work on your own or in a small group. When we are done, we will share our creations. 2. Here is one example, put to modern music. If you would like to create some form of movement, you can use this version as your music. Play the video or recording of the song. 3. Give students or groups time to create. 4. Invite those that are willing to share what they have created. 5. God gave all of us gifts, and that includes the gifts of creation and praise. We all praise God in different ways using these different gifts. God gave each of us special and unique gifts and talents. 13

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Optional ongoing activity. You will need: Bible Book page (found at end of lesson) Cardstock or plain paper Pens Markers or crayons Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch Before class: 1. Make copies of this week s Bible Book page on cardstock or copy paper for each student. During class: 1. Hand out Bible Book pages. 2. What are some of the important things we have learned from today s story? [Answers will vary.] 3. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from the story today. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of the important things you ve learned. Don t forget to put your name on the back of the page, please! 4. Optional: Collect and three-hole punch the pages, and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year. If you wish, you can investigate other options for binding the Bible books through a local print shop at the end of the year instead of using a three-ring binder. 14

Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Gather the students together for a final prayer: Loving God, Thank you for looking into our hearts, for seeing the beauty beneath our ordinarylooking outsides. Remind us who we really are: your children with great gifts to bring to the world. Help us, like David, to bring our hearts to you when we need help or forgiveness, or when we just need to say thank you for all the wonderful things you've given us. In your name we pray. Amen. 15

Activity Sheet #4-7.A Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Old Testament and Divisions Discover the different sections of the Old Testament. 17

Activity Sheet #4-7.B Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Old Testament and Divisions 19

Activity Sheet #4-7.C Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 Characters: Samuel, the prophet Jesse, the father Eliab, oldest son Abinadab, second oldest son Shammah, third oldest son Handsome, fourth oldest son Smartasawhip, fifth oldest son Hercules, sixth oldest son Lightningquick, seventh oldest son David, youngest son The Surprise King Dramatize the Choosing of David. Jesse: So, you say you're looking for a new king of Israel? Samuel: Um, yes. God sent me here, so here I am. Jesse: You've come to the right place. Samuel: Um, I know. Because God told me. Jesse: No, what I mean is, I have the best picks in town right here in my own household! Let's start off with Eliab. (Jesse pulls out the microphone and starts speaking like a wrestling announcer. Eliab comes strutting on.) He's the oldest, the boldest, the pick of the bunch. Just look at those eyes (Eliab stares into Samuel's eyes), full of wisdom. Look at those teeth (Eliab shows his teeth), full of Samuel: (looking at teeth) Spinach, I think it is? Yes, yes, Eliab is very impressive. I think he would make a great king. Just let me check with God on it. (aside) God, what do you think? He is the oldest. God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. 21

Activity Sheet #4-7.C Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 The Surprise King Samuel: (turning back to Jesse) Hmm, I'm afraid Eliab isn't God's choice. Jesse: Not to worry. I have many more choices! Next up I have Abinadab, easily my most talented son. (Abinadab comes walking on the scene, carrying a basketball, acting out each activity.) He can play baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. He can write a poem, act on the stage, and dance a jig. Samuel: Wow, I really like that jig. Okay, let me check. (aside) God, what do you think? He's got some impressive talents. God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. Samuel: Abinadab is pretty great, but I m going to have to pass. Jesse: Okay. Well, let's move on to Shammah, then. (Shammah comes out carrying pretend money, looking proud of his earnings.) Shammah has a real gift for money. When he was only three years old I gave him a coin to buy some sweets. He invested it in the sweet shop, and made ten coins as a profit. Oh, he would be very good to have in a royal treasury. Samuel: Oh, yes. Being good with money is a helpful trait for a king. Just a minute, let me check with God. (aside) God, what do you think? Kingdoms do need a lot of money, you know. God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. Samuel: I'm afraid Shammah is not our guy. Jesse: All right then. Next we have Handsome. (Handsome walks on, holding a mirror, admiring himself.) Handsome is, well, handsome! Everywhere he goes people admire his beauty. He would offer a striking image with a crown on his head, seated on a throne. (nudging Samuel) Also, he wouldn't have any difficulty getting a queen, if you know what I mean! Samuel: Yes, being handsome would be a nice asset for a king. Just need to check on it. (aside) Okay, God, this is the best-looking guy I've ever seen. Wouldn't you like him to be on your throne? God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. 22

Activity Sheet #4-7.C Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 The Surprise King Samuel: Sorry, Handsome, it's not you. Can you show me anybody else? Jesse: Of course, next we have Smartasawhip. (Smartasawhip comes on, reading a book.) Now Smartasawhip has got to be the most intelligent young man I've ever seen. He learned how to read at just four years old, and visits with the local scholars every Saturday to discuss the Holy Scriptures. He can tell you about history, arithmetic, the arts, and the sciences. I'd say a head full of knowledge would be ideal to wear the crown. Samuel: Well, I can't argue with you there. Let's just see what God has to say. (aside) What do you say to Smartasawhip? I must say, I think being smart is a great quality for a leader to have. God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. Samuel: All right, God. (turning back) Jesse, Smartasasawhip is great, no doubt, but God doesn't pick him. Jesse: (beginning to look doubtful) Ooookay. Well, fear not. Next up is my son Hercules. (Hercules comes up pumping his weight.) Hercules is the strongest of my sons. I've seen him lift a boulder off of a trapped ox - then lift the ox! Look at those arms, look at those pecs. Oh, yes, Hercules is a fine specimen of strength and power. Samuel: (touching Hercules' arm) Wow, you're right. He's solid. Strength and power is a wonderful quality for a king. Just let me check with God a minute on it. (aside) Okay, God what do you say? Hercules seems like a perfect fit. God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. Samuel: (reluctantly turning to Jesse) I'm sorry, Jesse, but it seems that Hercules is a no-go too. Do you have anybody else in your household? Jesse: Well, yes. I also have Lightningquick. (Lightningquick comes dashing out with a stopwatch, running in place.) Lightningquick is really fast, and I mean REALLY fast. He can run six laps around the sheep field in under five minutes. You know, speed could be a real asset on the battlefield, leading the army into a fight - or leading it in running away! 23

Activity Sheet #4-7.C Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 The Surprise King Samuel: Yes, I can see how speed would be a good quality for a leader, especially on the battlefield. Let me just Jesse: I know - check with God. Samuel: Yes. (aside) So what do you think, God? I think we're coming to the end of our choices here. What do you think of Lightningquick? God: No, not this one. I don't look at people the way you do. I search the heart. Samuel: (dejected) Jesse, I'm sorry. It's not Lightningquick either. Do you maybe have another son I haven't met yet? Jesse: No, that's it. (remembering) Oh wait, I do have one more. He's the youngest, and he's out in the field taking care of the sheep. Lightningquick, would you run out to get him? (Lightningquick dashes away.) I can't believe God is looking for him, though. He's really small and young and, well - kind of dreamy. He spends all his time hanging out with the sheep singing songs. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider my others boys? (All gather around Samuel, showing off their strengths.) Samuel: No, I'm sorry. (Lightningquick returns with David, carrying stuffed sheep.) Here he is. And what's your name, son? David: Me? I'm David. God: Yes! That's the one! Samuel: He is small, but he's a nice-looking kid. Most importantly, this is the one God has chosen to be king. Come here, David. (Samuel takes out his flask and pretends to pour oil over David's head.) God has chosen you to be the next king of Israel. It's a big job God has given you, but God will be with you every step of the way, and I will help you too. David: I'll do my best to be the king God wants me to be. Samuel: That's all we can ask for! 24

Bible Book Lesson #4-7 (3rd-6th) October 22, 2017 God Chooses David for His Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 I learned: 25

The Story @ Home 3 rd -6 th Living the Word: Teaching Kids God s Story Narrative Lectionary, Year 4 (2017-2018) Lesson #4-7 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 Last Week 1 Samuel begins to reveal the story of God s honoring the desire of the people for a king, but only in God s time and in God s way (1 Samuel 3:1-21). This Week Today we move on to the rise of the monarchy and eventual role of David as the king ordained by God. Story Summary Our world teaches us to look on outward signs of worth, such as a person's appearance or wealth or power. But God sees things differently. God could see David would be a good king, even if he looked just like a little kid to the rest of the world. Even Samuel has difficulty figuring out which man should be king when he sees the men lined up. But as we learned last week, Samuel has cultivated a listening heart from a very young age, and can hear and recognize God's voice. Practice: Service We may not feel that we have much to offer to others, but each of us can give in some way. Because God can see the hidden truths in our lives, God also knows what we are capable of and calls us to service that matches our special giftedness. Talk about what gifts you have that you can use to serve others and serve God. The Point God sees past both our accomplishments and our mistakes, and recognizes what is within our hearts. Bible Nuts & Bolts Old Testament and Divisions The Old Testament is divided into four sections: the Pentateuch (or Torah), Historical Books, Writings or Wisdom Literature, and Prophets. These divisions help to identify the themes and types of literature of the books. The Pentateuch includes books from Genesis through Deuteronomy. Historical Books include Joshua through 2 Chronicles, and tell the history of Israel. Writings, or Wisdom, Literature is found from Job through the Song of Solomon, and includes poetic books such as the Psalms. Finally, the Prophets report the word of the Lord, and continue from Isaiah through Malachi. Next Week Next week, Solomon oversees the building of the temple, creating a permanent place for the Israelites to worship their God.

Family Discussions @ HOME Lesson #4-7 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 Use the questions below or other questions you think of to discuss today s Scripture reading (listed above) with your family. In what way does this text speak to our theme of Called by God? What does this scripture have to do with our lives today? What part of this scripture is the most interesting to you? Why? Family Devotions As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. What is God s message to us? How should we respond? Sunday Read I Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 God calls David because God can see beyond David s outward appearance to who he truly is. Describe one thing about each other that you can see by looking at them. Then describe one thing you know about who they are as a person something that lives in their heart. Monday Read 2 Samuel 1:1-27 David mourns Saul. When is the last time you were sad? How did God help you through that time? Tuesday Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5 David becomes king and the ark comes to Jerusalem. Take a few drops of olive oil and take turns drawing crosses on each other's forehead, sharing what it is about that person that especially blesses you. Wednesday Read 2 Samuel 7:1-29 God makes a covenant with David. A covenant is a promise. What do you promise each other during this next week? Thursday Read 2 Samuel 12:1-24 Even King David makes mistakes. How hard is it to admit when we've made a mistake? Thank God for forgiving us when we mess up, and for loving us forever. Friday Read I Kings 1:28-40 Solomon is appointed king. Take turns being the king or queen. Crown a family member, play pretend trumpets, and have a parade, proclaiming, Long life the King (or Queen)! Saturday Read 1 Kings 3:3-28 Solomon prays for wisdom. Discuss the things that are most important to us to have full, healthy lives. Wisdom? Compassion? Friendship?