Recess - Week 4
For a lot of us, recess is one of our favorite parts of our kids school day. Our kiddos get to play dodgeball, hopscotch, or race friends around the play area. Recess helps our kids to stay active so they can grow strong, but it also gives them a chance to grow in their relationships. In this five-week series, our families will discover through the stories in the books of Judges, Ruth, and 1 Samuel the unexpected ways God can help them grow. As they do, they’ll learn how God helps us grow stronger, helps us belong, answers our prayers, tells us what is true, and can use anything we give.
BIG IDEA: God tells me what is true.
BIBLE: 1 Samuel 3:1–20; Job 38:1–11
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1A (NIV)
Toddler Twist: "We are part of God's loving family!" 1 John 3:1
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Friend of God, and In You Alone
DISCIPLE:
It’s time to slow down and think about everything we talked about today. Researchers say the average person has 6,200 thoughts per day! That’s a lot! We get thoughts from friends, movies or shows, books we’ve read, social media, family . . . everywhere.
If we’re not careful, we can believe that all the thoughts that pop into our heads are true. They might help us understand what we’re feeling, but God helps us know what’s true when we are confused, worried, or unsure.
Let’s practice taking in some deep breaths as we focus on the word “true.”
Samuel wasn’t sure where the voice was coming from in the middle of the night at first. Once he learned it was God, he listened to what God had to say. It wasn’t happy news he received, but God gave him words to let him know what his job would be in the future.
Sometimes we can hurt people when we don’t tell them the truth. Even when we think we’re trying to protect them, when we lie or cover up the truth, it often does more damage than good. Even when the truth you need to speak is hard to say, you can find a way to deliver it in a kind way.
What are some examples of when you might have to tell someone something true from God?
God tells me what is true, and that means I need to tell others what is true, too.
Pray: Dear God, in a world full of so much information, we are so thankful that you tell us what is true. Help us to hear your voice and choose the truth over what is harmful or wrong. Amen.