Big Idea: God takes care of us, so we should remember the many things He has done.
Bible Basis: The Book of Deuteronomy
Key Verse: “Remember the days of long ago. Think about what the Lord did through those many years.” Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIrV)
OPENING PRAYER
God, thank you for giving us this opportunity to come together around your Word. As we pause from the struggles of this sinful world, help us focus on you, trust in your promises, and find peace in your incredible love for us. Strengthen our faith through your Word and keep us always focused on the ultimate gift of eternal life that you have given us through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of the Book of Deuteronomy?
What did you learn about God from the Book of Deuteronomy?
For older kids:
What do you think the Book of Deuteronomy shows us about God?
After hearing about the Book of Deuteronomy, how do you think you should live your life differently?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Do you remember anything cool God has done for you? Write a prayer and praise Him for it.
Journal Station prompt: Think of how God has cared for you and given you all the things you need. Write them down and thank God for His faithfulness!
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Deuteronomy 30:11-20. Write down your favorite verse or draw a picture of it.
Art Station prompt: Think of one special thing that God has given you or done for you. Draw a picture of it. Tell Him “thanks” while you’re drawing.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Zoom Connect Activity
- Set-up: Print the “Zoom: Moving Truck” picture cards on 8½ x 11 cardstock paper and cut apart.
- Say: Today we’re finishing a super fun series called “Zoom.” During “Zoom,” we’ve been zooming in and out of the first 5 books of the Bible—also known as the “Books of Moses.” Do you remember what the first 4 books are? (Take answers: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.) Today, we’re going to zoom in and out of the last “Book of Moses,” but first, we’re going to zoom in and out of something else. Let’s see if you can guess what it is.
- Directions: Keep the “Zoom: Moving Truck” pictures turned over until the appropriate time. Each card is numbered 1–4. When ready, turn over the first card and place it in the middle of your group. Ask everyone what they think is pictured and why they think that. After everyone has shared, turn over the second card and repeat. Each card will zoom further out on the mystery picture making it easier to identify. Continue until all four cards have been turned over and the mystery picture is revealed. Congratulate everyone who guessed it right. When finished, ask the following question:
- Question: Have you ever moved to a different house before? What sort of things did you have to remember for the big move?
+ The Remembering Rainbow (Application Activity)
- Say: In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses wanted the Israelites to remember all that God did for them. We should still do this today! Let’s play a game that will help us remember some of the things God has done for us.
- Directions: Give each kid a spoonful of Skittles®, but don’t let them eat the candy yet. Each color of candy will correspond to a category (see below). Let the kids choose which color they want to eat first. Go around the circle, and for everyone who has that color, have them answer the corresponding question. After each kid shares, they can eat that color of Skittles®! Repeat with the other colors. PURPLE: What is something cool that God has done for you? GREEN: What is something special that God has given you? RED: What is one of God’s rules that you need to remember the most? ORANGE: What is something God did for the Israelites? YELLOW: God has done all of these things for us. What is something we can do for God? (Have a friendship with Him, follow Him, obey His commands, etc.)
- Question: Why do you think it is important to remember what God has done for us in the past?
- Question:: Why do you think it is important to remember and follow God’s perfect rules for our life?
+ Stone Face (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your child(ren) several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “Remember the days of long ago. Think about what the Lord did through those many years.” Deuteronomy 32:7 When ready, remove the Bible verse sign. Tell the kids to recite the verse together while remaining stone faced. They may not laugh or smile. Choose one kid to be the “Face Maker.” While the other kids are reciting the verse, the “Face Maker” will make a funny face or do something silly in an attempt to get the other kids to laugh or smile. Keep track of how many kids laugh or smile before the verse has been fully recited and give the “Face Maker” a point for each one. Continue until all of the kids have had a turn being the “Face Maker.”
- Question: Sometimes it’s easy to forget what God has done for us. What can we do to help us remember those things?
+ One Word Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Challenge the kids in your group to remember everyone’s name and a prayer request. Select someone to go first and have them share a prayer request. After the first person shares, have the group say their name followed by one or two words that sum up their request. For example, if Brandon needs help not fighting with his brother, say “Brandon, no fighting.” After the second person has shared their request, say the name of the first person who shared and their request, followed by the second person who shared and their request. For example, “Brandon, no fighting. Connor, patience.” Continue this pattern for everyone in the group until everyone has had a turn. At the end, see if your group can remember everyone’s name and request. Encourage them to remember each other during the week and pray for each other. Finally, close your group by leading them in prayer.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for taking care of all my needs. Help me to remember all that you have done for me so that I will praise you all my days. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the different accounts from Genesis that were mentioned as part of this week’s lesson:
Exodus 1-3 (Birth of Moses and the Burning Bush)
Exodus 7-11 (The 10 Plagues)
Exodus 13:17-14:31 (Crossing the Red Sea)
Exodus 15:22-17:7 (God miraculously provides for his people in the desert)
Exodus 20 (The Ten Commandments)
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!