September 27, 2020 - Lesson 4: Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Big Idea: God helps me make good choices.

Bible Basis: 1 Kings 2:1–12, 3:1–15

Key Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).

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OPENING PRAYER

Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE LESSON VIDEO

ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?

2. How does God help you make good choices?

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.

+ Wish List

• Supplies: Age-appropriate magazines (4–5), scissors (1 per child), glue sticks (1 per child), poster board (1)
• Directions: Lead your child(ren) in creating a wish list collage. Tell them to flip through the magazines and cut out anything they wish they could have, then have them glue it to the poster board. As the children glue things to the board, ask them questions like, “Why do you like this thing?” or “What would you do with this thing?”.
• Say:In today’s true Bible story, God tells King Solomon that he can have anything he wants. You might be surprised by what King Solomon asks for. We’ll find out what it is in just a little bit. We’ll also learn that God helps us make good choices.

+ Freeze Dance (Application Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Directions: In today’s true Bible story, God tells King Solomon that he can have anything he wants. You might be surprised by what King Solomon asks for. We’ll find out what it is in just a little bit. We’ll also learn that God helps us make good choices.
• Say: Believe it or not, this game helps us remember how to make good choices. When you feel like doing something bad, you can FREEZE! Then say, “Dear God, help me do what is right.” When we pray to God, He helps us make good choices.
• Dance List: Silly robot dance; Silly chicken dance; Silly snake dance; Silly elephant dance; Silly kangaroo dance; Silly ant dance
• Question: When is it hard for you to make a good choice? (Note: After each answer, remind the children to FREEZE, then pray, “Dear God, help me do what is right.”)

+ Road Trip (Application Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, God helped King Solomon make good choices. God helps us make good choices too. Let’s play a game that helps us think about the good choices we can make for God no matter where we are.
• Directions: Tell the children that they’re going on a pretend road trip in the car, but they have to figure out where they are going. During the road trip, the children must follow the leader and do everything you do. Begin by pretending to drive a car. Stop at each of the destinations listed below one at a time. While the children mimic you, act out what you might do while at that destination until the children can guess where they are. When they have guessed correctly, ask the children, “What are some good choices you could make at the [fill in location]?” After taking some answers, continue driving to the next destination.
• Locations: Soccer game; Swimming pool; Playground; Doctor’s office; Grocery store; Airport/Airplane; Church.

+ Copy That (Bible Memorization Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Today's Bible Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
• Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, tell your child to say the verse with you while copying your action. For example, spin around, or hop on one foot, or hold your tongue, or do a silly dance. When finished, allow your child to be the leader, then have everyone say the verse while copying them. Take turns several times to reinforce the memory verse.

+ Story Bop (Bible Story Review Activity)

• Supplies: Balloon, music player
• Directions: Have the everyone stand in a cluster, then begin playing music. As the music plays, everyone must continually bop the balloon into the air. Let the music play for 5 to 20 seconds before pausing it. When the music stops, everyone must try to catch the balloon. Ask whoever who catches it, “What happened first in today’s Bible story?” Only allow them to tell a small part of the story. Allow the others to help answer if needed. When finished, begin playing the music and bopping the balloon in the air again. Ask the next person who catches the balloon, “What happened next in the story?” Repeat this until the whole story has been told!
• Question: What was your favorite part of this story? Why did you like that part?

+ Let's Say Sorry (Response to God Activity)

• Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for your child to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of a sad face. While they’re drawing, ask them to tell about a time they made a bad choice and sinned.
• Say: When we make bad choices, it makes God sad. But if we ask Jesus to forgive us, He washes our sins away so that we can be friends with Him forever. Let’s say a prayer and tell Jesus we’re sorry for making these bad choices.
• Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, ask Jesus to forgive the children for the sins they talked about and thank Him for loving you no matter what.

+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)

• Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
• Question: God said to Solomon, “Ask me for anything you want and I’ll give it to you.” What did Solomon ask for? What would you ask for?
• Question: Solomon could have asked for money, long life, or victory in battle, but instead, he asked for help making good choices. Why do you think he did that?

(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, You are bigger than all of the things that scare me. Please help me to be brave when something scary happens. Amen.

DURING THE WEEK

• Read the account of Solomon asking for Wisdom in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.

• Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).

• Read the account of Solomon from the Bible in 1 Kings 2-3 with your child.

• Do more of the activities above!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?

• Leave them in the comments below!

September 20, 2020 - Lesson 3: Eli's Bad Boys

Big Idea: God helps me make good choices.

Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 2:12–26

Key Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).

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OPENING PRAYER

Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE LESSON VIDEO

ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?

2. How does God help you be brave?

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.

+ Copy Cat

• Supplies: None
• Say: Do you remember Otis the cat? He copies everything we do. Let’s play a game were we pretend to be Otis and copy each other’s actions.
• Directions: Play a game of “Copy Cat” (a.k.a. Follow the Leader) with the children. Make up a fun action, then have the children repeat it after you like Otis the Cat. Next, let the children take turns being the leader. Continue playing for as long as interest allows.
• Say:You did a great job being Otis the cat! Today, Otis is going to help us tell the Bible story again. With the help of Otis, we’re going to learn that God helps me make good choices.
• Question: Did you make any good choices this week? Tell me about it.

+ If You Love God (Application Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Say: The Bible says that we can show God our love by following His commands. Let’s sing a song and play a game that helps us think about ways we can follow God’s commands.
• Directions: Begin by singing the song below to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Encourage the children to sing along and perform the action. When finished, ask the children, “What is one way you can make a good choice and obey God this week?” Choose one child to answer, then allow them to pick a new action for the song. Sing the song with the children again, this time inserting the new action. When finished, choose another child to answer the question and pick an action. Continue until all of the children have had a turn.
• Song:If you love God and you show it, clap your hands. If you love God and you show it, clap your hands. If you love God and you show it, then He really, really knows it. If you love God and you show it, clap your hands.

+ Father, May I (Application Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, Eli’s two sons stole food from God. But not Samuel—he loved God and made good choices. Let’s play a game that helps us think about the good choices we can make for our Father, God.
• Directions: Have the children stand against one wall in the room. Tell them the goal is to reach the opposite wall. If you say a good choice, the children may take one giant step forward. If you say a bad choice, the children may take no steps forward. Begin by saying, “Father, may I…” then read one of the bad choices from the list below. The children should say, “No,” and take no steps forward. Next, ask the children about a good choice they could make in that situation, then say, “Father, may I…” and insert the good choice suggested by the child. The children should say, “Yes,” and take one giant step forward. Continue alternating between bad choices and good choices until the children have reached the opposite wall.
• Bad Choice List: Tell my mom a lie; Push my brother when he pushes me; Disobey my dad when he tells me to clean my room; Steal a toy that I really, really want; Yell mean things when I’m angry; Eat a cookie when my mom said “no."; Push my way into the front of the line.

+ Copy That (Bible Memorization Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Today's Bible Verse: “If you love me (hug yourself), obey my commands (march in place).” John 14:15 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
• Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, tell your child to say the verse with you while copying your action. For example, spin around, or hop on one foot, or hold your tongue, or do a silly dance. When finished, allow your child to be the leader, then have everyone say the verse while copying them. Take turns several times to reinforce the memory verse.

+ Story Bop (Bible Story Review Activity)

• Supplies: Balloon, music player
• Directions: Have the everyone stand in a cluster, then begin playing music. As the music plays, everyone must continually bop the balloon into the air. Let the music play for 5 to 20 seconds before pausing it. When the music stops, everyone must try to catch the balloon. Ask whoever who catches it, “What happened first in today’s Bible story?” Only allow them to tell a small part of the story. Allow the others to help answer if needed. When finished, begin playing the music and bopping the balloon in the air again. Ask the next person who catches the balloon, “What happened next in the story?” Repeat this until the whole story has been told!
• Question: What was your favorite part of this story? Why did you like that part?

+ Jesus Loves (Response to God Activity)

• Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for your child to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of themselves holding hands with Jesus. When finished, ask the children to show their picture to the group.
• Say: Did you know that Jesus doesn’t just love grown-ups, He loves kids too! Whether you’re big or small, short or tall, Jesus loves you so, so much. Let’s say a prayer and thank Jesus for loving us so much.
• Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by thanking Jesus for loving each of the children by name.

+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)

• Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
• Question: Eli’s two sons stole food from God and disobeyed their dad. Why do you think they did that?
• Question: Samuel loved God and followed His commands. Do you think that was hard for Samuel or easy? Why do you think that?

(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, You are bigger than all of the things that scare me. Please help me to be brave when something scary happens. Amen.

DURING THE WEEK

• Read the account of Eli and Samuel in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.

• Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).

• Read the account of Eli and his Sons from the Bible in 1 Samuel 2:12–26 with your child.

• Do more of the activities above!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?

• Leave them in the comments below!

September 13, 2020 - Lesson 2: Rahab Helps the Spies

Big Idea: God helps me be brave.

Bible Basis: Joshua 2

Key Verse: “Be strong (flex muscles) and brave (power pose with fists on hips). Don’t be afraid (shake head and wag finger “no”)…I will be with you (hug yourself) everywhere you go (march in place). Joshua 1:9 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).

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OPENING PRAYER

Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE LESSON VIDEO

ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?

2. How does God help you be brave?

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.

+ Hide and Spy

• Supplies: None
• Directions: Tell the child(ren) that you are the king of Jericho and they are the good spies of Israel. Have the child(ren) hide around the room while you cover your eyes and count to 10. When ready, begin looking for the hidden children while repeatedly saying, “I search up high, I search down low, to spy the spies in Jericho.” When you find a child, say (for example), “I spy a spy behind the chair!” The child you find must now come out of hiding until the next round. Play for as long as time and interest allow.
• Say: You little spies were great at hiding! In today’s true story, the king of Jericho goes looking for some hidden spies, but God uses a brave woman to keep them from being found. We’re going to hear that story in just a little bit and learn that God helps me be brave.
• Question: Can you remember a time you felt brave? Why did you feel brave?

+ Spies of Jericho (Application Activity)

• Supplies: Blanket or bed sheet
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, Rahab was very brave. She hid the good spies from Israel in her house while the king’s men looked for them. Let’s play a game that helps us remember the brave thing Rahab did.
• Directions: Choose one child to be Rahab. Tell everyone else to sit down and to close and cover their eyes. While their eyes are closed and covered, lead them in continually saying, “I search up high, I search down low, to spy the spies in Jericho.” While saying the rhyme, Rahab must quietly tap a child on the head. When tapped, the child becomes a spy. The spy must quietly follow Rahab and hide under the blanket. Once hidden, have all of the children open their eyes and guess who the spy is by looking to see who’s missing from the group. When the spy is revealed, have the child answer the question below. Play additional rounds. For each round, choose someone else to be Rahab.
• Question:: When you feel scared, you can pray to God. What do you think you would say to God when you feel scared?

+ I Spy A Spy (Application Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, Rahab did something very brave—she hid the good spies of Israel from the king’s men. God helped Rahab be brave and He helps us be brave too! Let’s play a game that helps us remember that.
• Directions: Have everyone sit down. Say, for example, “I spy a spy with a blue shirt.” Everyone with blue shirts must stand up and say, “God helps me be brave.” Choose one of the people who are standing to answer the question below, then have everyone sit down. Repeat the above instructions, each time choosing a different attribute such as brown hair, wearing sandals, is a boy, is a girl, etc. Continue for as long as time and interest allow.
• Question: When do you need God to help you be brave?

+ Copy That (Bible Memorization Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Today's Bible Verse: “Be strong (flex muscles) and brave (power pose with fists on hips). Don’t be afraid (Shake head and wag finger “no”)…I will be with you (hug yourself) everywhere you go (march in place). Joshua 1:9 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
• Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, tell your child to say the verse with you while copying your action. For example, spin around, or hop on one foot, or hold your tongue, or do a silly dance. When finished, allow your child to be the leader, then have everyone say the verse while copying them. Take turns several times to reinforce the memory verse.

+ Story Bop (Bible Story Review Activity)

• Supplies: Balloon, music player
• Directions: Have the everyone stand in a cluster, then begin playing music. As the music plays, everyone must continually bop the balloon into the air. Let the music play for 5 to 20 seconds before pausing it. When the music stops, everyone must try to catch the balloon. Ask whoever who catches it, “What happened first in today’s Bible story?” Only allow them to tell a small part of the story. Allow the others to help answer if needed. When finished, begin playing the music and bopping the balloon in the air again. Ask the next person who catches the balloon, “What happened next in the story?” Repeat this until the whole story has been told!
• Question: What was your favorite part of this story? Why did you like that part?

+ Brave Like Rahab (Response to God Activity)

• Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for your child to draw. Tell the children to draw a picture of Rahab with the 2 spies. While they’re drawing, ask the children to tell about something that scares them.
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, God helped Rahab be brave. He helps us be brave too! Let’s say a prayer to God. We can tell Him about the things that scare us and ask Him to help us be brave like Rahab.
• Prayer: Begin by asking if any of the children would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by praying for the children individually and asking God to help them be brave when the scary things they shared about happen.

+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)

• Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
• Question: If you were Rahab, would you have helped hide the good spies of Israel from the king’s men? Why or why not?
• Question: Do you think you could be as brave as Rahab? Why or why not?

(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, You are bigger than all of the things that scare me. Please help me to be brave when something scary happens. Amen.

DURING THE WEEK

• Read the account of Rahab in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.

• Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).

• Read the account of Rahab and the Spies from the Bible in Joshua 2 with your child.

• Do more of the activities above!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?

• Leave them in the comments below!

September 6, 2020 - Lesson 1: The Two Brave Spies

Big Idea: God helps me be brave.

Bible Basis: Numbers 13:1-14:10

Key Verse: “Be strong (flex muscles) and brave (power pose with fists on hips). Don’t be afraid (shake head and wag finger “no”)…I will be with you (hug yourself) everywhere you go (march in place). Joshua 1:9 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).

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OPENING PRAYER

Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE LESSON VIDEO

ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite part of this Bible lesson?

2. How does God help you be brave?

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Choose one (or more) of these activities to do with your child.

+ I Spy a Giant

• Supplies: Giant Person pictures (1 set of 10)
• Preparation: Print the 10 Giant Person pictures on 8½ x 11 paper and cut apart. The giants look the same, but vary in size. Ahead of time, tape the giants in various locations around the room. Make some of them easy to find and some a little harder.
• Directions: Tell the children to search the room for the hidden giants. Some will be easy to find and some a little harder. Continue searching until you have found all 10 giants.
• Say: Way to go! We spied all 10 giants! In today’s true Bible story, there are two very brave spies who spied some giants in a giant land. We’re going to hear that story in just a little bit and learn that God helps me be brave.
• Question: Can you remember a time you were brave? What happened?

+ Fear Disappear (Application Activity)

• Supplies: Coffee filters (1 per child), washable markers, eye dropper, cup of water
• Directions: Give your child a coffee filter and some washable markers. Tell them to think of something they’re afraid of and draw it on their coffee filter. When finished, have them show what they drew and share why that scares them.
• Say:: When you’re a little kid, there are a lot of things that can make you feel afraid, but God is with us and He helps us be brave. We’re going to do something now that will help us remember that when we pray to God, He can make our fears disappear.
• Directions: Have your child suck up water with the eye dropper and drip it onto their fear picture. The picture will slowly disappear.

+ Fear Fighters (Application Activity)

• Supplies: “Scary Things” picture set, paper (1 piece per child), tape (1 roll)
• Preparation: “Print each of the 5 “Scary Things” pictures on a separate piece of paper. Fold each piece in half so the picture stands up like a tent card. Using a roll of tape, create a “throw” line about 5–6 feet from where the picture will be placed.
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, the two brave spies said, “Don’t be afraid, God is with us!” Let’s play a fun game that helps us remember to say that when we feel scared.
• Directions: There are 5 “Scary Things” pictures. Each picture will be folded so that it stands up like a tent card. One at a time, stand the pictures on a table or chair. For each picture, ask the children if that thing ever makes them feel afraid, then ask them why. Next, give each child a crumbled piece of paper and have them stand behind the “throw line.” Lead the children in saying, “Don’t be afraid, God is with us!” then prompt them to throw their crumpled paper at the picture in an attempt to knock it down. If they miss, have them retrieve their paper and try again. If they knock it down, set up the next picture and repeat the above steps. Continue until all of the pictures have been knocked down.
• Question: What do you think you could say to God when you feel afraid?

+ Copy That (Bible Memorization Activity)

• Supplies: None
• Today's Bible Verse: “Be strong (flex muscles) and brave (power pose with fists on hips). Don’t be afraid (Shake head and wag finger “no”)…I will be with you (hug yourself) everywhere you go (march in place). Joshua 1:9 (extend hands like you’re holding a book).
• Directions: Practice the verse together several times. When ready, tell your child to say the verse with you while copying your action. For example, spin around, or hop on one foot, or hold your tongue, or do a silly dance. When finished, allow your child to be the leader, then have everyone say the verse while copying them. Take turns several times to reinforce the memory verse.

+ Story Bop (Bible Story Review Activity)

• Supplies: Balloon, music player
• Directions: Have the everyone stand in a cluster, then begin playing music. As the music plays, everyone must continually bop the balloon into the air. Let the music play for 5 to 20 seconds before pausing it. When the music stops, everyone must try to catch the balloon. Ask whoever who catches it, “What happened first in today’s Bible story?” Only allow them to tell a small part of the story. Allow the others to help answer if needed. When finished, begin playing the music and bopping the balloon in the air again. Ask the next person who catches the balloon, “What happened next in the story?” Repeat this until the whole story has been told!
• Question: What was your favorite part of this story? Why did you like that part?

+ Be Brave (Response to God Activity)

• Supplies: GO! Home Guide (1 per child), markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a GO! Home Guide and some crayons or markers. The sheet will have a space for your child to draw. Tell your child to draw a picture of something that makes them feel afraid. When finished, ask the child to share their picture and to tell about it.
• Say: In today’s true Bible story, Joshua and Caleb were brave because they knew God was with them. God is always with us, so we can be brave too. Let’s say a prayer to God. We can tell Him about the things that make us afraid and ask Him to help us be brave.
• Prayer: Begin by asking if anyone would like to pray. Allow any children who want to pray the opportunity to do so. When they’re finished, close the prayer by praying for the children individually and asking God to help them be brave during the situations depicted in their drawings.

+ Coloring Sheet (GO! Deeper Activity)

• Supplies: Bible story coloring sheet, markers or crayons
• Directions: Give each child a Bible story coloring sheet and some crayons or markers. While the children are coloring, ask the following questions to help them go deeper into the story.
• Question: If you were one of the spies, how would you have felt when you saw the giant people? Why would you feel that way?
• Question: Why do you think Joshua and Caleb were brave when all the other spies felt afraid?

(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, You are bigger than all of the things that scare me. Please help me to be brave when something scary happens. Amen.

DURING THE WEEK

• Read the account of the two brave spies in your child’s favorite Bible storybook.

• Say this week’s Bible verse every morning with the actions (see above).

• Read the account of the two brave spies from the Bible in Numbers 13-14 with your child.

• Do more of the activities above!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?

• Leave them in the comments below!