LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. HomeFront Magazine: A Spiritual Parenting Resource is a monthly resource that gives your family ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in your home—setting aside sacred space in the midst of your active, everyday lives. Visit www.HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to the print or digital copy.
GOD BLESSES
Winter Lessons
DID YOU KNOW? • After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi prepared to return to her homeland. • Naomi’s daughter-in-law Orpah returned to the home of her mother, while Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi. • Ruth pledged to make her home with Naomi and worship the God of Israel as her God.
DEVELOPMENT
Lesson: January 7, 2018
Your child is learning more about the world but may have trouble understanding issues such as hunger or homelessness. Offer him plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and then take time to patiently answer each one.
Ruth Ruth 1—4 God blessed Ruth and Naomi. He took care of their needs by working through Boaz.
TEACHABLE MOMENTS
JUST FOR FUN During dinnertime, read Ruth 2:8–13. Discuss with your children how God provided for Ruth. He provided a way for her to gather food from the fields of Boaz, a generous man who loved God and obeyed His words. God took care of Ruth and made sure she had what she needed. Take some time to respond to God together as a family. Pray and ask God how He would have you respond to the needs of those in your neighborhood and community. Do you know a family that may need a meal? Or, perhaps there’s a local canned food drive in which your family could participate. Giving to others is a tangible way of thanking God for the way He takes care of His children.
REMEMBER VERSE Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:68
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss the following together: • How did God care for Ruth? • How can I know God is taking care of me? • How can I let others know that God will take care of them?
BLESSING A blessing can be a spoken prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance over your child. For more information about blessing your child, see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource @ HomeFrontMag.com. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know that you’re blessed by God. May you go out and be a blessing to others this week!
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your children. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (January 7, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD BLESSES Ruth Ruth 1—4 Noami's husband and two sons died while they were living in Moab to escape the famine in their homeland. But when Naomi returned to Bethlehem, her daughterin-law Ruth went with her. God blessed both Naomi and Ruth by providing food and a new family for them. And through this family line, God blessed the whole world by providing the Savior, Jesus!
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (January 14, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD GAVE THE PROMISE, PART 1 Mary Luke 1:1–56 An angel visits Mary and tells her that she will give birth to Jesus.
DID YOU KNOW?
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Read this passage to your children at bedtime. Gather together on the bed and cuddle up. Pray together as a family and thank God for the chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Read Luke 1:26–38. After you’ve read, talk to your children about how surprising and incredible it must have been for Mary to see an angel before her in her home. Ask them to imagine if an angel came and started talking to them right now. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • How do you think Mary felt about the news the angel had given her? • How did Mary show she trusted God? • How can we show that we trust God today? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Gave The Promise into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, BECAUSE HE HAS COME TO HIS PEOPLE AND REDEEMED THEM. LUKE 1:68
Share these facts to get the conversation started.
BLESSING
• The angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would give birth to the Son of the Most High.
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
• Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s words was fear and confusion. • While Mary may not have understood God’s methods, she trusted that He would do what He had promised.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you remember Jesus is The Promise and share Him with others. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your children. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Create a setting for your children that will help them engage with the passage they’re about to hear. Because the angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, read this part of The Big God Story while your children are in bed. Remind them that the angel spoke to Joseph while he was sleeping. Read Matthew 1:18–25. Pray together as a family, and thank God for always keeping His promises to us.
(January 14, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD GAVE THE PROMISE, PART 1 Mary Luke 1:1–56 All the way back in the beginning of The Big God Story, God made a promise to send a Savior. This week children discovered that an angel announced to a young girl named Mary that she would be the mother of God's Promise, Jesus.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • How do you think Joseph felt after his meeting with the angel? • What questions do you think Joseph asked the angel? • Who do you think Joseph may have told about God’s promise of Jesus? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Gave The Promise into your everyday life as a family.
(January 21, 2018)
REMEMBER VERSE
PONDER POINT: GOD GAVE THE PROMISE, PART 2 Joseph Matthew 1:18–25 An angel visits Joseph and tells him that Mary will give birth to Jesus.
The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
DID YOU KNOW?
PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, BECAUSE HE HAS COME TO HIS PEOPLE AND REDEEMED THEM. LUKE 1:68
Share these facts to get the conversation started. • A betrothal was a formal engagement period that lasted about one year, and could only be broken with a certificate of divorce and at the request of the bridegroom. • Mary risked divorce and a possible death sentence when she told Joseph of her pregnancy. • God’s angel visited Joseph in a dream and told him that what Mary had said was true.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know Jesus is The Promise and God’s gift to you! For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your children. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (January 21, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD GAVE THE PROMISE, PART 2 Joseph Matthew 1:18–25 When Joseph found out his betrothed, Mary, was pregnant, he decided to divorce her quietly. But an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him that the baby was God's Promise, Jesus. Joseph obeyed God and married Mary.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Before reading this passage, gather around your Christmas tree. (If you don’t have a tree, try turning down the lights and lighting some candles.) Read Luke 2:8–20. Explain to your children that it must have been an amazing sight to see so many angels praising God. Next, lead your family in singing the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” (You may want to search the Internet for the lyrics or download the song.) After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • What did the angels say when they appeared to the shepherds? • What do you think the angels’ voices sounded like? • What do you think the shepherds told people after they had seen Jesus? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how Jesus Is the Promise into your everyday life as a family.
(January 28, 2018)
PONDER POINT: JESUS IS THE PROMISE Christ's Birth Luke 2:8–20 The angels proclaim Christ's birth.
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started. • The angels who announced Christ’s birth first appeared to the shepherds, who were considered the lowest segment of society at
the time. • Heaven and earth joined for a moment in celebration as a great multitude of angels spilled into the skies of earth to proclaim the arrival of Jesus. • After seeing Jesus, the shepherds were compelled to tell others of their experience with God.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, BECAUSE HE HAS COME TO HIS PEOPLE AND REDEEMED THEM. LUKE 1:68
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know God has shown you and given you The Promise, Jesus. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your children. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (January 28, 2018)
PONDER POINT: JESUS IS THE PROMISE Christ's Birth Luke 2:8–20 While some shepherds were watching over their sheep one night, an angel appeared to them to announce that Jesus, The Promise, had been born in Bethlehem. Soon, a large crowd of angels also appeared, singing praise to God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to worship Jesus, and then told everyone they met about birth of The Promise.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (February 4, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD LEADS Magi Matthew 2:1–12 The magi follow the star to find Jesus.
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Create a setting for your children to help them engage with the passage they’re about to hear. Read Matthew 2:1–2 and 9–11. Talk as a family about the precious gifts the wise men brought to Jesus as a way of worshipping Him. Ask if your children would like to give a gift as a way of worshipping Jesus. Help them select one of their own books, or pick out a new one together, for them to give to children in need as an act of worship. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • How did the wise men find Jesus? • How do you think they felt when they saw Jesus for the first time? • What can you do to worship Jesus? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Leads into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, BECAUSE HE HAS COME TO HIS PEOPLE AND REDEEMED THEM. LUKE 1:68
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started.
BLESSING
• Though not much is known about the magi, it’s clear they were a group of men who put their trust in the signs and wonders of the one true God.
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
• It took the magi several months to make their journey to find and worship Jesus. • Scripture tells us the star the magi followed moved as the men traveled. Each movement of the star brought them closer to their anticipated destination.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may God show you the path to Jesus and lead you every day. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your children. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Sometime this week, set aside an evening to remember and celebrate as a family. Just as the Israelite celebrations revolved around a feast, create a “feast” for your family: eat ice cream, make milkshakes, get french fries, build a fire and roast marshmallows in the backyard. Read Psalm 65. Spend some time remembering what God has done in the life of your family.
(February 4, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD LEADS Magi Matthew 2:1–12 Wise men, or magi, from the East saw a new star in the sky—one God had placed in the heavens to mark the birth of His Son. God used this star to lead the magi to worship Jesus.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • What are some of the ways God has blessed our family? • What are you most thankful for? • How can we show our thankfulness to God? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Is Trustworthy into your everyday life as a family.
(February 11, 2018)
BLESSING
REMEMBER & CELEBRATE Festival of First Fruits: Celebrating God as Trustworthy
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
DID YOU KNOW?
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you trust that God is good and that He loves you. He will always take care of you.
Share these facts to get the conversation started. • There are seven festivals that were celebrated by the Israelite people: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths). • During the feasts, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God. • In the New Testament, the Festival of First Fruits was fulfilled by the resurrection of the Messiah.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (February 11, 2018)
REMEMBER & CELEBRATE Festival of First Fruits: Celebrating God as Trustworthy The Festival of First Fruits was one of the yearly feasts God commanded His people to celebrate. During First Fruits, the people took the first of their harvested crops and gave them to the Lord to thank Him for His trustworthiness throughout the year.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (March 4, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD SPEAKS Samuel 1 Samuel 3 God came to Samuel and spoke to him during the night.
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started. • Samuel is referred to in 1 Samuel 2:18 as a boy. Some scholars speculate he may have been as young as three or four years of age when his parents brought him to the temple. • Ephods were sacred religious garments that indicated priestly service. In ancient times, an outer garment marked the wearer as bearing a particular status or role of significance. • Samuel’s ephod specified him as having entered the priestly service as an apprentice.
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Have your children wait in another room. Call their names using a funny voice or a silly nickname, or by singing. When your children come, give them a hug and send them back to the other room. Repeat, calling them in several different ways. Then read 1 Samuel 3:1–10. When you finish reading, explain to your children that God wants to talk to them too! It may not sound exactly like what Samuel heard, but God will speak in many ways. Share the ways God may use to speak to them: the Bible, prayer, His Holy Spirit, and others. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • How did Samuel know God was calling him? • What do you think God’s voice sounds like? • What do you think God wants to say to you? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Speaks into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
WHETHER YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, YOUR EARS WILL HEAR A VOICE BEHIND YOU SAYING, “THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT.” ISAIAH 30:21
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you always hear and know God’s voice. May His words stay with you as you trust Him each day. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Take your children outside to gather some rocks. Read 1 Samuel 7:3–13. After you’ve finished reading, explain that Samuel set up a rock to remind the Israelites that God had been their helper. Encourage your children to think of times that God has helped them. Pile up your rocks, each stone representing a time your children have received the Lord’s help.
(March 4, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD SPEAKS Samuel 1 Samuel 3 Samuel was a young apprentice serving God in the temple. One night, he heard a voice calling to him. Thinking it was the head priest, Eli, Samuel obediently ran to Eli’s room. Eli told Samuel he had not called him. After this happened three times, Eli realized that God was speaking to Samuel and instructed Samuel to respond to God the next time it happened. After Samuel responded, God spoke to him and gave him a special message for Eli. God speaks to His people in many different ways, even today.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (March 11, 2018)
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • How did God help the Israelites? • Is there something you need God’s help with? • How can we thank God for His help? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Is Help into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
WHETHER YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, YOUR EARS WILL HEAR A VOICE BEHIND YOU SAYING, “THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT.” ISAIAH 30:21
PONDER POINT: GOD IS HELP Ebenezer 1 Samuel 7:3–13 Samuel sets up a stone of help as a reminder of all God had done for the people.
DID YOU KNOW?
BLESSING
Share these facts to get the conversation started.
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
• Throughout Israel’s 450-year time of the judges, the people were caught in a constant cycle of disobedience and restoration. • When the Israelites returned to the Lord, He gave them victory over the Philistines. • Samuel set a large stone in the ground and named it Ebenezer, which means “stone of help,” declaring, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (I Samuel 7:12).
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you see all the ways God is helping you and our family this week. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (March 11, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS HELP Ebenezer 1 Samuel 7:3–13 The Israelites had moved away from following and obeying God, so God allowed the Philistines to attack them and take the ark of the covenant. Soon after, the Israelites returned to the Lord and cried out to Him for help. God heard His people and allowed them to defeat the Philistines, and the ark was returned to Israel. In celebration, the prophet Samuel set up a stone called Ebenezer— meaning “stone of help”—to remind the people of God’s great love, help, and mercy.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (April 8, 2018)
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY As your family gathers, play quiet worship music and light some candles. Read Psalm 30:11, 149:3, and 108:1. Tell your children you’re going to spend some time worshipping God, and ask them how they would like to do this. They may choose to sit quietly, kneel, raise their hands, or even dance and sing along to the music. Encourage everyone to choose a response and spend several minutes worshipping God as a family. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • In what ways was God worshipped in these verses? • What are some ways we worship God today? • What is your favorite way to worship God? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Is Worthy of Worship into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
PONDER POINT: GOD IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP, PART 1 Psalms Psalm 27:6; 30:11; 95:2; 98:4; 108:1; 149:3 Only God is worthy of our worship. Through reading the Psalms, we learn that we can express our worship to God in many different ways.
WHETHER YOU TURN TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, YOUR EARS WILL HEAR A VOICE BEHIND YOU SAYING, “THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT.” ISAIAH 30:21
DID YOU KNOW?
BLESSING
Share these facts to get the conversation started.
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
• Worship literally means, “giving worth to something.” • When we worship God, we’re able to give voice to our deepest thoughts and feelings for Him. • Worship is not just singing. Everything we do can be directed to God in worship.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know Jesus more and more and worship Him always. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church and can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (April 8, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP, PART 1 Psalms Psalm 27:6; 30:11; 95:2; 98:4; 108:1; 149:3 God is holy, and only He is worthy of worship. There are many reasons to worship Him! Today we looked into the book of Psalms to see the various ways we can worship God.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Have your kids gather several of their favorite possessions. Read 1 Chronicles 28:1–3, 9, and 16–20. After reading, take a few minutes to examine their things. Tell them that just as these things are very important to them, David and the Israelites sacrificed valuable things for the temple. Ask them to imagine what it might feel like if God asked them to give Him their most valuable possessions. How would they respond? After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • What was Solomon going to build? • What kinds of things did David and the people offer? • How do you think Solomon felt about the job God gave him? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Is Worthy of Worship into your everyday life as a family.
(April 22, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP, PART 2 Solomon 1 Chronicles 28 David presents Solomon with God’s plans to rebuild the temple.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, FOR YOU ARE MY GOD; MAY YOUR GOOD SPIRIT LEAD ME ON LEVEL GROUND. PSALM 143:10
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started. • After the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, it became necessary for them to set up a permanent location for their worship of God. • David gathered the materials and organized the project, but it was his son, Solomon, who completed the building of the temple. • Though Solomon was young and inexperienced, the Lord set him up to win as long as he remained “unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws” (28:7).
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know God created you and will always be with you. He is worthy of worship! For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and you can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (April 22, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP Solomon 1 Chronicles 28 King Solomon received plans from his father, David, to build a temple where the people could worship God and meet with Him. Solomon instructed that no tools should be heard in that sacred space; each piece was to be cut and shaped elsewhere. The people gave generously of their goods, talents, and time to bring the temple to completion. After seven years, God’s temple was finished.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (April 29, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS OUR SAFE PLACE Elijah 1 Kings 19:1–18 Elijah flees from Jezebel and meets with God.
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started. • Elijah challenged the king and his false prophets on behalf of the Lord God. After the pagan prophets failed to summon their false gods, God responded to Elijah’s prayer and sent fire from heaven. • After hearing all that had happened, Jezebel made a promise to have Elijah killed. Elijah ran for his life to Mount Horeb. Mount Horeb, or the mountain of God, was also referred to as Mount Sinai, where Moses met with God and was given the Law for the people.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Ask your children what their “safe place” is in your home—the place where they feel most comforted and protected (for example: their bed, your bed, a soft corner on the couch, etc.). At this “safe place,” read together the biblical account of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:3–13. After you’ve read the passage, explain that just as they may feel safer in your bed or under their covers, God kept Elijah safe at the mountain. Ask them to share with you any things that are scary in their lives right now, and then pray about them. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • When are times that you need God’s protection? • Why is God a safe place? • What do you want to tell God today? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Is Our Safe Place into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, FOR YOU ARE MY GOD; MAY YOUR GOOD SPIRIT LEAD ME ON LEVEL GROUND. PSALM 143:10
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you always remember that God is your safe place. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and you can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (April 29, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD IS OUR SAFE PLACE Elijah 1 Kings 19:1–18 When Queen Jezebel vowed to have the prophet Elijah killed, Elijah fled to Mount Horeb. God promised to meet Elijah there and speak with him. As Elijah waited, there was a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire. But God was not present in those events. Instead, He revealed Himself to Elijah through a peaceful whisper, showing that He was Elijah's safe place.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (May 6, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD'S WORD HAS POWER Josiah 2 Kings 22—23:30 When King Josiah's workers clean out the long-unused temple, they find the lost Book of the Law—God's Word—amidst the rubble.
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started. • Josiah became king of Judah when he was eight years old. His reign followed that of his father, Amon, and his grandfather, Manasseh, both of whom were evil kings. • At the age of 26, the king put a team of people together to clean out and restore the temple to once again dedicate it to the worship and service of the one true God. • During this reconstruction, the high priest found the Book of the Law and had it sent to King Josiah. When he heard the words written in the book, Josiah tore his robes and began to grieve for himself and the people.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Together with your children, find an item that has been passed down by someone in your family. It could be a Bible, a piece of jewelry, a picture, an heirloom, etc. Show your children this item, and tell them a story about their family heritage. Read 2 Kings 22:1–2, 11–13 and 18–20. After reading, ask questions as you reflect on the passages, such as, “What did the men find and bring to King Josiah?” or “What did Josiah do when he heard God’s Word?” After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • What are some ways we can respond when we hear God’s Word? • How does God speak to us from His Word, the Bible? • How else does God talk to us? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God's Word Has Power into your everyday life as a family.
REMEMBER VERSE The Remember Verse focuses on a character trait of God that’s highlighted in next week’s portion of The Big God Story.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, FOR YOU ARE MY GOD; MAY YOUR GOOD SPIRIT LEAD ME ON LEVEL GROUND. PSALM 143:10
BLESSING Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you see the power of God's Word in your life this week. For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
LIL’ RES PRESCHOOL
HomeFront Weekly is designed for you to use during the week with your son or daughter. You’ll find out what they learned today at church, and you can help them prepare for next week by exploring the theme (or Ponder Point) and spending time together in God’s Word.
WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK (May 6, 2018)
PONDER POINT: GOD'S WORD HAS POWER Josiah 2 Kings 22—23:30 After a line of evil kings who worshipped false gods and allowed the temple to fall into disrepair, young King Josiah took the throne and decided that he would follow the Lord. When he had the temple cleaned and repaired, the workers found a copy of the Book of the Law—God’s Word. Josiah read God’s Word to the people, reminding them of all God had done. Together, Josiah and his people make a covenant to serve and obey the Lord.
Winter Lessons
CONNECT AS A FAMILY Take a few moments around the dinner table to remember and celebrate all that God has done in your family. Thank Him for the many things we often expect or take for granted, such as food, clothing, and a roof over our heads. Remind your children that everything we have comes from God. Read Psalm 100 aloud, and then work together to list some specific things you’re all thankful for. Remind your children that this week at church they’ll have the opportunity to remember and celebrate God’s abundant provision in our lives. After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together: • What does it mean that God provides “abundantly”? • When was a time that God provided abundantly for you or our family? • How can you respond to God’s blessing in your life? These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about God’s Abundant Provision into your everyday life as a family.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED NEXT TIME (May 27, 2018)
BLESSING
REMEMBER & CELEBRATE Feast of Harvest: Celebrating God’s Abundant Provision
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
DID YOU KNOW? Share these facts to get the conversation started.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know God loves you very much and will provide for your needs.
• The Israelite people celebrated seven festivals: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths).
For more information about blessing your child, go to truministry.com to the Parenting tab. And for more creative ideas on spiritually leading your family, visit HomeFrontMag.com.
• During the feasts, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God. • The Feast of Harvest corresponded with the harvest season. It was a time when the Israelites remembered the ways that God provided for them, both physically and spiritually. It recognized when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. • In the New Testament, the Feast of Harvest was marked with a great harvest of three thousand souls by the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, who continues to harvest souls today.
© 2016 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
