Conversation Starters: Difficult Circumstances
Posted by Karah
A STUDY IN THE PSALMS
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We can often feel overwhelmed and let our circumstances get us down. Some of the most confusing times of our lives can be when we don’t know what to do. In the Bible, we read the words of the psalmist, who also experienced a down time, but his words give us encouragement by pointing to the God who is above our circumstances.
Psalm 42:1-3, 6-8; 43:3-5
Preschool
Matthew 2:1-12
LIFE POINT: After Jesus was born, wise men came to Jerusalem. “Where is the special baby that was born? We saw a star that rose after He was born,” they said. “We have come to worship Him. He is God’s Son.” The king heard about the men who were looking for a special baby. The king asked the priests to find out where this happened. The priests
studied the Bible and said, “The baby was born in Bethlehem.” The king told the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem to find the child. When you find Him, tell me where He is. I want to worship Him also.” The wise men left Jerusalem. As they traveled to Bethlehem, they saw
the star they had followed. It was shining over the place where Jesus was. They were very happy! They went into the house and saw Jesus with His mother, Mary. They worshiped Jesus. The wise men gave Jesus special gifts–gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God warned the wise men in a dream to not return to the king. So they returned home a different way.
LIVE IT OUT: Use your time driving in the car to play worship music and sing. Encourage your child to sing along, too.
Kids
Matthew 2:1-12
LIFE POINT: During the reign of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw a star that rose after He was born,” they said. “We have come to worship Him. ” King Herod was upset. He was the king! Herod’s advisers told him about Micah’s prophecy that t Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod sent the men to Bethlehem. “When you find this child,
come tell me so that I can worship Him, too.” The star led the men into Bethlehem and stopped above the very place where Jesus and His family stayed. The wise men saw Jesus with Mary. They fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus. They presented Him with gifts: treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, the wise men returned to their own country by another route.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child find the following verses in the Bible: John 16:33, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 37:7, and Hosea 12:6. Discuss how these verses speak about God’s
encouragement.
Students
Psalm 42:1-3, 6-8; 43:3-5
THE POINT: You can trust God when you don’t know what to do. Talk to your student about a time in your life when you had to trust that God was above your circumstances.
What did you learn about God’s character during this time? Discuss the following quote:
“Don’t trust to hold God’s hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting.”1 —Hammer William Webb-Peploe
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If your student plans to complete Written Word:
• Encourage your student to look to Scripture when feeling discouraged.
• Suggest Scriptures to your student that you find encouraging.
If your student plans to complete Forward Thinking:
• Help your student find creative ways to encourage others this week.
• Pray for your student to be an encouragement to the people around him or her.
1. SearchQuotes.com, [cited 2 May 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.searchquotes.com.
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Conversation Starters: Prayer
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The church on mission is a threat to Satan. It’s important that we pray for one another—and certainly for those in positions of leadership in the church. God, in ways we don’t always understand fully, chooses to work through the prayers of believers.
Concept: Prayer
Preschool
Exodus 3:1- 4:17
LIFE POINT: Before Moses led the Israelite people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, or God gave the Ten Commandments, or Moses spoke to families, Moses talked to God. Here is what the Bible says: One day Moses was tending sheep. He was by a mountain.
Moses saw a bush that was on fire. But the bush did not burn up! Moses went closer to see this amazing sight. Then God spoke to Moses from the bush. God called Moses’ name, and Moses answered. God told Moses to remove his sandals because this was a special place. Then God told Moses His plans to bring the Israelite people out of Egypt.
Moses spoke with God and tried to make excuses. But God told Moses, “You will be the one to do this!” After talking with God, Moses obeyed.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child roll a piece of paper into a megaphone. Shout “I love You” to God. Pray out loud with your child.
Kids
Exodus 3:1- 4:17
LIFE POINT: Moses was watching some sheep when he saw a bush that burned, but did not burn up. God spoke to Moses from the bush. “You will lead my people out of Egypt,” God said. When Moses led the people in the desert, they found water. But they could not drink it. God showed Moses a tree to put in the water. Then the water was good to drink.
Another time Moses asked God for water. God told him to hit a rock. Water ran out of the rock! God was angry that His people were doing wrong. Moses asked God to keep the people safe. God did not harm the people. Moses went up the mountain. God spoke to him. and gave him the Ten Commandments again. When Moses went down the mountain, his face glowed! The people were afraid when they saw Moses. He told them everything God said to him on the mountain.
LIVE IT OUT: Roll a piece of paper into a megaphone. Shout: “I love you” to God. Plan to pray together and talk to God each day this week.
Students
Ephesians 6:18-22
THE POINT: Support your church with prayer. Do you pray for your church? Commit to praying daily for your church with your family. Discuss the following quote:
“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”1 —Oswald Chambers
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he plans to complete Prayer List:
•Lead your student by praying with him or her for needs in the church.
•Discuss with your student a time you had to pray with persistence.
If he plans to do Missionary:
•Help your student identify a missionary or missionary family to pray for.
•Post a picture (or name) around your house, committing to pray for this missionary whenever you see it.
1. “Oswald Chamber Quotes,” Goodreads, [cited March 21, 2014]. Available from the Internet: https://www.goodreads.com.
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Conversation Starters: Feeling Insignificant
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We all find ourselves from time to time in less than ideal circumstances. We can feel like our dreams are gone or the world has passed us by. The Book of Genesis shows us Joseph, a man whose circumstances were far from ideal, yet he was not defeated by his circumstances. Because we are believers, we can focus on what Christ has done and will do, not on the circumstances we are in.
Preschool
Genesis 39:21- 40:23
LIFE POINT: Joseph was in prison. God cared for Joseph in prison. The head of the prison liked Joseph and put him in charge of all the others. Two of the prisoners were Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer brought drinks to Pharaoh, and the baker made Pharaoh’s bread. Each had a dream and wanted to know what it meant. Joseph said, “God will help me know about your dreams.” The cupbearer told Joseph his dream. Joseph said the dream meant he would get his job back. The cupbearer was happy. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he returned to his job. The baker told Joseph his dream. Joseph told him his dream meant he would not continue to work for Pharaoh. In three days Pharaoh gave a party. The cupbearer got his job back, but the baker did not. All happened just as God had told Joseph. But the cupbearer did not remember Joseph.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about ways God helps us. Pray together, thanking God for loving us and helping us
Kids
Genesis 39:21- 40:23
LIFE POINT: Joseph was in prison. God cared for Joseph in prison. The head of the prison liked Joseph and put him in charge of all the others. Two of the prisoners in Joseph’s care were king Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Each had a dream and wanted to know what it meant. Joseph said, “God will help me know what they mean.” The cupbearer told his dream. Joseph said his dream meant he would get his job back. The cupbearer was happy. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him when he returned to his job. Then the baker told his dream, and Joseph told him his dream meant he would die.
In three days Pharaoh gave a party for all his servants. He gave the cupbearer his job back, but the baker died. Everything happened just as God had told Joseph. But the cupbearer did not remember what Joseph had done for him.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk about dreams. Ask your child about dreams she has had. Explain that God will help your child when she needs help, just as God helped Joseph understand what the king’s dreams meant. Ask what your child would like God to help her with.
Students
Genesis 39: 21-23; 40:5-8, 20-23
THE POINT: Regardless of your circumstance, keep doing what God has gifted you to do. Have you ever felt forgotten? Discuss with your student how God never forgets us.
Discuss the following quote:
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”1 —Mother Teresa
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he plans to complete Gifted:
•Guide your student to identify ways that God can use him or her, even when no one sees.
•Pray for your student to desire to serve for God’s glory, not his or her own.
If he plans to do While You Wait:
•Discuss with your student a time when you felt forgotten.
•Pray with your student to persevere even when he or she feels left behind.
1. Mother Theresa Quotes,” Brainy Quote, [cited March 22, 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.brainyquote.com.
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Conversation Starters: Compassion
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: If this world were all we knew, it would be easy to sink into disappointment and bitterness. What hope do we have if our circumstances always seem against us? If we could see our situations from God’s perspective, we wouldn’t feel hopeless by the way life may have turned out. Like Joseph, we can recognize God’s hand in all that we face.
Concept: Compassion
Preschool
Genesis 50
LIFE POINT: Joseph’s father, Jacob, grew old. After many years, he died. Joseph and his family were sad. Even the Egyptians were sad that Joseph’s father had died. Joseph said to Pharaoh, “I promised my father I would take him to Canaan, his homeland, after he died. Let me go there.” All of Joseph’s family and his brothers went with him to Canaan. Many Egyptians went with Joseph. Then Joseph returned to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers were afraid of him because of the wrong thing they had done many years before. They were afraid that Joseph would be unkind to them after their father died. Joseph told his brothers, “Do not be afraid. I will not be unkind to you. Even though you were unkind to me, God had a plan for me. He placed me here for a reason.” Joseph was always kind to his brothers and their families.
LIVE IT OUT: Lead your child to think of someone in your family who needs kindness. Help your child make a gift for that person. Note that God wants us to show kindness.
Kids
Genesis 50
LIFE POINT: Joseph’s father, Jacob, grew old. After many years, he died. Joseph and his family were sad. Even the Egyptians were sad that Joseph’s father had died. Joseph said to Pharaoh, “I promised my father I would take him to Canaan, his homeland, after he died. Let me go there.” All of Joseph’s family and his brothers went with him to Canaan. Many Egyptians went with Joseph. Then Joseph returned to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers were afraid of him because of the wrong thing they had done many years before. They were afraid that Joseph would be unkind to them after their father died. Joseph told his brothers, “Do not be afraid. I will not be unkind to you. Even though you were unkind to me, God had a plan for me. He placed me here for a reason.” Joseph was always kind to his brothers and their families.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child think of a neighbor, friend, or family member who needs kindness. Help your child make a hand-made gift to give to that person.
Students
Genesis 50:15-21
THE POINT: We can trust God is at work on our behalf. What’s something you appreciate now that you didn’t appreciate as a student? Discuss the following quote:
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”1 —Abraham Lincoln
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he plans to complete Fear Not:
•Share a fear of yours with your student.
•Encourage your student to memorize Scripture that helps him or her through times of fear.
If he plans to do Trusting God:
•Challenge your student to journal his or her thoughts about trusting God.
•Discuss a time when trusting God brought you peace.
1. “Abraham Lincoln Quotes, “Brainy Quote, [cited March 22, 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.brainyquote.com.
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Conversation Starters: Defending the Faith
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Everybody faces difficulties, and we all experience suffering. There are no exceptions. The difference comes in how we handle suffering. When we keep Christ at the center of our lives—regardless of the circumstances—people notice the difference. One of the best ways to offer a defense of the Christian faith is letting others see Christ sustain us through difficult times.
Concept: Defending the Faith
Preschool
Acts 21:27- 22:29
LIFE POINT: Paul had returned to Jerusalem. He went to the temple to worship. People who did not like Paul saw him. They became angry and grabbed Paul. Soldiers came to keep the people from hurting Paul. They wondered why the people wanted to hurt Paul. They took Paul away. Paul asked to speak to the people first. He stood on the steps of the temple and said, “I am a Jewish man like you. I once hated people who believed in Jesus and tried to hurt them. Jesus appeared to me, and now I understand that He is the Son of God.” The people got angry again, and the soldiers protected Paul and took him to safety.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child remember that God is with her all the time. Remind her when you put her to bed, when you drive in the car, when you sit down to a meal.
Kids
Acts 21:27- 22:29
LIFE POINT: Paul had returned to Jerusalem. He went to the temple to worship. People who did not like Paul saw him. They became angry and grabbed Paul. Soldiers came to keep the people from hurting Paul. They wondered why the people wanted to hurt Paul. They took Paul away. Paul asked to speak to the people first. He stood on the steps of the temple and said, “I am a Jewish man like you. I once hated people who believed in Jesus and tried to hurt them. Jesus appeared to me, and now I understand that He is the Son of God.” The people got angry again, and the soldiers protected Paul and took him to safety.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child think of a situation when he might need to speak up for God. Role-play some statements he could use in that situation. Pray together for his courage in that situation.
Students
1 Peter 3:13-16; 4:1-2
THE POINT: Suffering brings opportunities to point to Jesus. How has God used suffering in your life to help others see Him? Have a conversation around this quote:
“Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that the believer would stake his life on it a thousand times.”1 —Martin Luther
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.
If your student chooses to do Be Challenged:
•Encourage your student to find the person that can help challenge him or her to grow spiritually.
If your student chooses to do What I Believe:
•Ask your student if he or she wants help in formulating his or her reasons to believe.
•Pray for your student as he or she thinks through his or her faith.
1. Martin Luther, Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings, ed. Timothy F. Lull and William R. Russell, (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012).
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Conversation Starters: Creation
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The debate about the origin of the universe has been around for a long time. Did all this happen by chance, or was a Master Designer responsible? More and more scientists are embracing the theory that an Intelligent Designer was behind the universe, even if they don’t understand completely what that means. The Bible gives us a clear picture of the One behind the creation of the universe and how to have a relationship with Him.
Concept: Creation
Preschool
Psalm 104:1-5, 24-31
LIFE POINT: The Bible has many songs about God. These are called psalms. One song talks about God and some of the things He did. These are some of the words from this song to God. ”I praise You, God. You are very great, majestic, and beautiful. Your presence lights up heaven and earth. You created everything. You made the land and sea. You placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky. You told the mountains where to rise and the trees where to grow. You placed birds in the sky and fish in the sea. You provide food for all of the animals. You care for every living creature. God, I praise You. May Your glory last forever!”
LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child to name a favorite animal. Emphasize that God created that animal. Sing a simple praise song thanking God for His creation.
Kids
Psalm 104:1-5, 24-31
LIFE POINT: The Bible has many songs about God. These are called psalms. One song talks about God and some of the things He did. These are some of the words from this song to God. ”I praise You, God. You are very great, majestic, and beautiful. Your presence lights up heaven and earth. You created everything. You made the land and sea. You placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky. You told the mountains where to rise and the trees where to grow. You placed birds in the sky and fish in the sea. You provide food for all of the animals. You care for every living creature. God, I praise You. May Your glory last forever!”
LIVE IT OUT: Discuss with your child something she enjoys doing outdoors in God’s creation. Ask her to explain what she enjoys most about being outdoors. Encourage her to thank God in different ways—praying, singing, writing a poem.
Students
Psalm 104:1-5, 24-30
THE POINT: Everything in creation is the work of the God who loves us. In what ways does creation show God’s love for us? Have a conversation around this quote:
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”1 —Ralph Waldo Emerson
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.
If your student chooses to do Thankful for Creation:
•Have a discussion with your student about the things you are thankful for in God’s creation.
•Encourage your student as he or she determines the things he or she is thankful for.
If your student chooses to do God’s Love Shared:
•Pray for your student to be ready to share his or her faith at all times.
•Encourage your student to share God’s love with others.
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, (London: George Routledge and Sons, 1883), 502.
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Conversation Starters: God’s Wisdom
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We live in an age of information. It is estimated that we will generate more unique information this year than was generated in the last five thousand years. And most of that knowledge is at our fingertips. Over four billion online searches are made every day. But are we any wiser? Do we know how to wisely use that knowledge? Technology cannot deliver to us what God can. God is the source of wisdom, and the Bible shows us that by trusting Him, we become wise.
Concept: God’s Wisdom
Preschool
Daniel 1:1-20
LIFE POINT: Daniel and his friends had been taken to be trained as king’s helpers. They
loved, worshiped, and obeyed God. The king ordered all of the boys to eat from his table. Daniel knew that it would not please God. So he asked a helper if he and his friends could eat vegetables and drink water instead. The helper was worried that he would be in trouble. “Let us eat vegetables and drink water for 10 days. See if we are healthy then,” Daniel said. The helper agreed. After 10 days, Daniel and his friends were healthier
than the other boys. At the training’s end, the king saw they were the best of all the young men.
LIVE IT OUT: Explain the word wisdom to your child and say that God is wise. Comment that God uses His wisdom to help us know how to live. Together make a list of things he knows God wants him to do.
Kids
Daniel 1:1-20
THE POINT: Daniel and his friends had been taken to be trained as king’s helpers. They
loved, worshiped, and obeyed God. The king ordered all of the boys to eat from his table. Daniel knew that it would not please God. So he asked a helper if he and his friends could eat vegetables and drink water instead. The helper was worried that he would be in trouble. “Let us eat vegetables and drink water for 10 days. See if we are healthy then,” Daniel said. The helper agreed. After 10 days, Daniel and his friends were healthier
than the other boys. At the training’s end, the king saw they were the best of
all the young men.
Students
Proverbs 2:1-6; 3:5-7
THE POINT: God will give me wisdom when I humbly seek it. Who is the wisest person you know? How do you typically seek wisdom? Have a conversation around this quote:
“Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means.”1 —A.W. Tozer
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out
activities.
If your student chooses to do Seek Wisdom:
• Help your student identify key Bible verses for wisdom in different areas of life.
• Encourage your student to reflect on the verses he or she chooses.
If your student chooses to do Scripture Strategy:
• Determine to use the same plan as your student to read through the Bible this year.
• Pray for your student to develop a passion for the Word of God.
1. A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, (Figbooks, 2012), 66.
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Conversation Starters: God’s Love
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: For many people, love means whatever they want it to mean. They can express a deep and profound love for someone or something, but later that love has disappeared. Too often our examples of love disappoint or fail us. We see in God a whole different example of love. He is the very embodiment of love. The Bible shows us that we can know and experience that love through Jesus Christ.
Concept: God’s Love
Preschool
2 Kings 5:1-17
LIFE POINT: Naaman was a military commander. He had a skin disease. A servant girl of
Naaman’s wife said, “The prophet Elisha can help Naaman.” Naaman traveled to Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger who said to wash in the river seven times. Naaman was angry. “Why didn’t the prophet come out and help me? Don’t we have better rivers in our country?” Naaman’s helpers said, “If Elisha told you to do something hard, you would do it. Why won’t you wash yourself in the river?” Naaman went to the river. On the seventh wash, he was healed. Naaman returned to Elisha. “Thank you. Now I know that God is the
only God.”
LIVE IT OUT: Tell your child that God loves everyone. Help your preschooler think of some friends he likes. Make small treat bags to give to his friends. Pray with him for these friends.
Kids
2 Kings 5:1-17
LIFE POINT: Naaman was a soldier. He had a terrible skin disease. A servant girl of Naaman’s wife said, “The prophet Elisha can help Naaman.” Naaman went to Elisha, but
Elisha sent a servant with a message, “Wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River.” Naaman was angry. “Why didn’t the prophet come out and help me? Don’t we have better rivers in our country?” Naaman’s servants said, “If Elisha told you to do something hard, you would do it. Why won’t you go to the Jordan River?” Naaman washed in the water seven times. On the seventh wash, the skin disease was gone! Naaman returned to
Elisha. “There is no God except the God of Israel,” Naaman exclaimed to Elisha.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child and help him think of a friend or relative who is ill.
Pray together for that person. Emphasize that, even though God is able to heal
everyone, sometimes He does not. Thank God for His love for all people.
Students
1 John 4:7-12
THE POINT: God’s love empowers me to love. Discuss the way your family shows
love and how, empowered by Christ, it might improve. Pray as a family to be more loving.
Have a conversation around this quote:
“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other
identity is illusion.”1 —Brennan Manning
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.
If your student chooses to do Show Love:
• Encourage your student as he or she determines to whom he or she might extend God’s love this week.
• Pray that your student will grow in love for God and others.
If your student chooses to do Love Grid:
• Ask your student if he or she would like help determining areas in which to be more loving.
• Encourage your student as he or she discovers ways to experience and show God’s love.
1. Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging, (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002).
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Conversation Starters: God’s Justice
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: When we are wronged by others, our typical response is to call for justice. However, when we are the ones who have committed the wrong, we want mercy. We demand fairness, but we define fairness based on what we want. God is fair, in that His justice holds everyone equally accountable for their actions. God is completely just, but He is also merciful, showing mercy to those who choose to turn to Him.
Concept:God’s Justice
Preschool
Daniel 3
LIFE POINT: King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue. The people were told to worship the statue whenever music played or they would be thrown into a fire. Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were helpers of the king. They only worshiped God. Other helpers told the king about them. The king threatened to throw them into the fire. They said, “God can save us; even if He doesn’t, we will not worship the statue.” They were thrown in the fire. The king looked in the fire and saw the three friends and someone else. When the three friends came out, they were not burned! The king knew God had saved them.
LIVE IT OUT: Explain that God is fair and just. Ask your child to split a treat with you. Remind her to divide the treat fairly.
Kids
Daniel 3
LIFE POINT: King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue. The people were told to bow down and worship the statue whenever music played or they would be thrown into a fire. Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were helpers of the king. They only worshiped God. Other helpers told the king about them. The king threatened to throw them into the fire. They said, “God can save us; even if He doesn’t, we will not worship the statue.” They were thrown in the fire. The king looked in the fire and saw the three friends and someone else. When they came out, they were not burned! The king knew God had saved them.
LIVE IT OUT: Discuss the word righteous. Can people be righteous? Comment that only God is righteous. Make an acrostic using the word righteous. As a family think of words that describe God.
Students
Ezekiel 18:21-24, 30-32
THE POINT: God is always just. How do you deal with guilt? Discuss with your student how people and God tend to view justice differently. Have a conversation around this quote:
“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.”1 —Thomas Jefferson
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. If your student chooses to do Attack Guilt:
•Pray for your student to seek and accept God’s forgiveness and mercy.
•Remind your student that he or she is guiltless because of Christ’s sacrifice.
If your student chooses to do Struggle Together:
•Encourage your student to find a friend to help him or her face struggles.
•Let your student know you are also always available to help.
1. Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII: Manners, 1781.
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Conversation Starters: God’s Holiness
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Every culture has some religious element, but each culture tries to make God in its own image. That god tends not to be too different from the people who worship it; there is nothing unique about their god. We desperately need a God who is beyond us…and beyond our ability to fully explain or understand Him. God is holy—completely separate from His creation—yet He calls us to know Him and walk with Him.
Concept: God’s Holiness
Preschool
Isaiah 6-7
LIFE POINT: Isaiah was a prophet who told people important news from God. One day when he was in the temple, he saw God seated on a throne surrounded by angels. The angels praised God, “Holy is God. His glory fills the earth.” Isaiah remembered his wrong choices. An angel told him God had forgiven him. Then God asked, “Who will go and speak for Me?” Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me.” God said, “Tell the people they have not listened to Me. They do not worship Me. Tell them to make right choices and I will help them. If they continue making wrong choices, I will punish them.” Isaiah did what God told him.
LIVE IT OUT: Explain that God is special and no one is like Him. Help your preschooler learn some simple praise songs to praise God for His holiness.
Kids
Isaiah 6-7
LIFE POINT: One day when Isaiah was in the temple, God showed him a vision. In the vision God was seated on a throne, surrounded by angels. They praised God, “Holy is God. The earth is full of God’s glory!” Isaiah realized how holy God is and knew he did not deserve to stand before God. An angel flew to Isaiah and touched his mouth with coal from the altar. God said, “Who should I send? Who will go for Us?” Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me.” God gave Isaiah messages to preach to the people and the king. Isaiah said, “Turn back to God or your nation will be destroyed.” God gave Isaiah another message. “God will give you a sign,” Isaiah said. “He will send a special child.”
LIVE IT OUT: Gather as a family and choose a favorite praise song. Sing the song together to praise God for being holy.
Students
Psalm 99:1-9, Isaiah 6-7
THE POINT: God’s holiness calls me to be holy. Have a discussion with your student about holiness. How can we help each other pursue holiness as a family? Have a conversation around this quote:
“A true love of God must begin with a delight in his holiness.”1—Jonathan Edwards
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities.
If your student chooses to do Personal Worship:
•Encourage your student to find a time this week to set aside for personal worship.
•Choose to have a personal worship time this week and discuss it with your student.
If your student chooses to do Be Holy:
•Pray for your student to evaluate the different areas of his or her life regarding the pursuit of holiness.
•Ask your student if there is any way you can help him or her this week with this Live It Out.
1. Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 1. Avon: The Bath Press, 1834.
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