THERE ARE OVER 7,000 PROMISES IN THE BIBLE. IN 2025, WE WILL ONCE AGAIN READ THROUGH THE BIBLE. THIS YEAR, WE WILL CHOOSE ONE PROMISE AT A TIME TO REPRESENT EACH BOOK OF THE BIBLE.
GOD'S WORLD IS VAST AND HIS PROMISES LAST!
STANDING ON GOD'S PROMISES FROM GENESIS AND REVELATION
1. GOD PROMISES RIGHTEOUSNESS (BOOK OF GENESIS)
2. GOD PROMISES TO FIGHT FOR US (BOOK OF EXODUS)
3. GOD PROMISES US INTIMACY (BOOK OF LEVITICUS)
4. GOD PROMISES FAIR JUDGEMENT FOR ALL (BOOK OF NUMBERS)
5. GOD PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US (BOOKS Of DEUTERONOMY AND JOSHUA)
6. GOD PROMISES US PEACE (BOOK OF JUDGES)
7. GOD PROMISES US A REDEEMER (BOOK OF RUTH)
8. GOD'S CONDITIONAL PROMISE TO ELI (BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL)
9. GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL PROMISE TO DAVID (BOOKS OF 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS, 2 KINGS, AND 1 CHRONICLES)
10.GOD PROMISES TO HEAL OUR LAND (2 CHRONICLES)
11.GOD PROMISES TO ALWAYS LOVE US (BOOKS OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH)
WEEK #10 - GOD PROMISES TO HEAL OUR LAND
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
How does God heal a land? Is it physical or spiritual healing or maybe both? Is this scripture talking about a particular parcel of land or can it pertain to any place on earth? Does our country need healing? So many questions for one to sort out through pondering this promise in 2 Chronicles. Since we are living in America, let’s consider this a promise to America. I think most of us will agree that our country is in desperate need of revival and spiritual healing. The older adults might recall the Jesus Revolution of the 60s. Many think we are back in this same situation of unrest and tension. “To be healed” is to be aligned with the will of God through a personal relationship with Jesus. When we pray, He forgives us and heals us from sin. I claim this promise and pray often for revival of our beautiful America. The scripture above indicates this promise as a collective desire of ALL people. I pray we will ALL do our part in praying for our nation for GOD PROMISES TO HEAL OUR LAND.
FOR THE KIDS
Children know all about booboos but probably find the image of healing a nation as strange-maybe like putting a band-aide on a globe or a map of the country. Kids know that poor decisions can cause bad things to happen. When bad things happen, they need to be fixed or healed. Only Jesus can do that! Teach the children that God promises to heal through our prayers.
Our two books this week are:
The Get Well Soon Book by Kes Gray
https://youtu.be/4uzk7cxPt6Y?feature=shared
(I recorded this book over 4 years ago for my sweet friend, Layla, who was one of my young garden friends in Durham. She had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Through prayers and God’s love she continues her battle today, and we thank God today that her MRI is stable.
God is good)
God Bless America by Irving Berlin
https://youtu.be/GFGB9cwi0Q0?feature=shared
(Pray for America. May we ALL align our will with God’s will and enable the healing of America.)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
How does God heal a land? Is it physical or spiritual healing or maybe both? Is this scripture talking about a particular parcel of land or can it pertain to any place on earth? Does our country need healing? So many questions for one to sort out through pondering this promise in 2 Chronicles. Since we are living in America, let’s consider this a promise to America. I think most of us will agree that our country is in desperate need of revival and spiritual healing. The older adults might recall the Jesus Revolution of the 60s. Many think we are back in this same situation of unrest and tension. “To be healed” is to be aligned with the will of God through a personal relationship with Jesus. When we pray, He forgives us and heals us from sin. I claim this promise and pray often for revival of our beautiful America. The scripture above indicates this promise as a collective desire of ALL people. I pray we will ALL do our part in praying for our nation for GOD PROMISES TO HEAL OUR LAND.
FOR THE KIDS
Children know all about booboos but probably find the image of healing a nation as strange-maybe like putting a band-aide on a globe or a map of the country. Kids know that poor decisions can cause bad things to happen. When bad things happen, they need to be fixed or healed. Only Jesus can do that! Teach the children that God promises to heal through our prayers.
Our two books this week are:
The Get Well Soon Book by Kes Gray
https://youtu.be/4uzk7cxPt6Y?feature=shared
(I recorded this book over 4 years ago for my sweet friend, Layla, who was one of my young garden friends in Durham. She had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Through prayers and God’s love she continues her battle today, and we thank God today that her MRI is stable.
God is good)
God Bless America by Irving Berlin
https://youtu.be/GFGB9cwi0Q0?feature=shared
(Pray for America. May we ALL align our will with God’s will and enable the healing of America.)
WEEK #9 - GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL PROMISE TO DAVID (BOOKS OF 2 SAMUEL, 1-2 KINGS, AND 1 CHRONICLES
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”
(2 Samuel 7:16)
(There are other scriptures from 1-2 Kings and 1 Chronicles that mention the Davidic Promise. You can reference those below if you so desire)
God promised David that the Son of God would come from his future ancestors. This is called the Davidic Promise. Unlike last week, God placed no conditions on His promise to David. It was established that the Son of God would come from the seed of David. Some consider it a continuation of the promise made to Abraham. There was first the promise of land and now the promise of linage. God fulfilled this promise through David’s son Solomon. Then, much later through the birth of Jesus. God works all things to His will. GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL PROMISE TO DAVID was God’s plan and even with its many twists and turns and historical periods of bad kings who did not receive God’s blessing, Jesus indeed came from “the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4).
FOR THE KIDS:
God is such an amazing God. He wants only the best for us. Sometimes our disobedience sends us on detours and tangents in life but God always helps get us back on the right road and works things out according to His divine will.
Our book this week is:
Davi by Seth Parks
https://youtu.be/Q9pMOxxnkS8?feature=shared
(Kids love the story of David and Goliath and he was special to God. He made many mistakes but he was a man after God’s own heart. God kept his promise to David. Jesus was born from his family many year later.)
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
1 Kings 2:4
2 Kings 8:19
1 Chromicles 17:13
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”
(2 Samuel 7:16)
(There are other scriptures from 1-2 Kings and 1 Chronicles that mention the Davidic Promise. You can reference those below if you so desire)
God promised David that the Son of God would come from his future ancestors. This is called the Davidic Promise. Unlike last week, God placed no conditions on His promise to David. It was established that the Son of God would come from the seed of David. Some consider it a continuation of the promise made to Abraham. There was first the promise of land and now the promise of linage. God fulfilled this promise through David’s son Solomon. Then, much later through the birth of Jesus. God works all things to His will. GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL PROMISE TO DAVID was God’s plan and even with its many twists and turns and historical periods of bad kings who did not receive God’s blessing, Jesus indeed came from “the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4).
FOR THE KIDS:
God is such an amazing God. He wants only the best for us. Sometimes our disobedience sends us on detours and tangents in life but God always helps get us back on the right road and works things out according to His divine will.
Our book this week is:
Davi by Seth Parks
https://youtu.be/Q9pMOxxnkS8?feature=shared
(Kids love the story of David and Goliath and he was special to God. He made many mistakes but he was a man after God’s own heart. God kept his promise to David. Jesus was born from his family many year later.)
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
1 Kings 2:4
2 Kings 8:19
1 Chromicles 17:13
WEEK #8-GOD'S CONDITIONAL PROMISE TO ELI (BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL)
"Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promise that members of your family would minister before me forever.' But now the Lord declares, 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me, I will honor, but those who despise me, will be destained." (1 Samuel 2:30)
Promises can be conditional or unconditional. We teach the children that God always keeps His promises but we must also understand that He can also rebuke a promise if it is conditional or based on our behavior. We read about this in 1 Samuel. GOD’S CONDITIONAL PROMISE TO ELI was contingent on obedience and leadership. God withdrew His original favor because Eli’s sons were corrupt.
Think about the promises we have mentioned thus far and decide for yourselves if you think they are conditional or unconditional:
-God promises righteousness(Genesis)
-God promises to fight for us(Exodus)
-God promises intimacy(Leviticus)
-God promises fair judgement (Numbers)
-God promises to never leave us(Deuteronomy and Joshua)
-God promises us peace (Judges)
-God promises a Redeemer (Ruth)
-God’s promise to Eli (1 Samuel)
Are these based on our behavior and choices or are they unconditional?
Next week we will talk about God’s unconditional promise to David called the Davidic Promise.
FOR THE KIDS
Most kids understand a conditional promise. It could be something like, “If you clean your room, you can stay up an extra hour to watch a movie.” It is based on something they must do to earn a reward. But, kids need to be reminded that God’s love for them is always unconditional. He will never stop loving them no matter what. Even when we make mistakes, our parents still love us.
OUR BOOK THIS WEEK:
"It Was Me, Mom!" by Brigitte Weninger and Stephanie Roeh
https://youtu.be/Qip6CpPRfLs?feature=shared
(Just like the broken vase in our story, God with His perfect love, deals with our brokenness.)
"Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promise that members of your family would minister before me forever.' But now the Lord declares, 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me, I will honor, but those who despise me, will be destained." (1 Samuel 2:30)
Promises can be conditional or unconditional. We teach the children that God always keeps His promises but we must also understand that He can also rebuke a promise if it is conditional or based on our behavior. We read about this in 1 Samuel. GOD’S CONDITIONAL PROMISE TO ELI was contingent on obedience and leadership. God withdrew His original favor because Eli’s sons were corrupt.
Think about the promises we have mentioned thus far and decide for yourselves if you think they are conditional or unconditional:
-God promises righteousness(Genesis)
-God promises to fight for us(Exodus)
-God promises intimacy(Leviticus)
-God promises fair judgement (Numbers)
-God promises to never leave us(Deuteronomy and Joshua)
-God promises us peace (Judges)
-God promises a Redeemer (Ruth)
-God’s promise to Eli (1 Samuel)
Are these based on our behavior and choices or are they unconditional?
Next week we will talk about God’s unconditional promise to David called the Davidic Promise.
FOR THE KIDS
Most kids understand a conditional promise. It could be something like, “If you clean your room, you can stay up an extra hour to watch a movie.” It is based on something they must do to earn a reward. But, kids need to be reminded that God’s love for them is always unconditional. He will never stop loving them no matter what. Even when we make mistakes, our parents still love us.
OUR BOOK THIS WEEK:
"It Was Me, Mom!" by Brigitte Weninger and Stephanie Roeh
https://youtu.be/Qip6CpPRfLs?feature=shared
(Just like the broken vase in our story, God with His perfect love, deals with our brokenness.)
WEEK #7-GOD PROMISES US A REDEEMER (BOOK OF RUTH)
“The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!”
(Ruth 4:14)
We are all sinners in need of a Savior and GOD PROMISES US A REDEEMER. In the Book of Ruth we read that Boaz married Ruth and became her kinsman redeemer. He saved her family name and it was their son who became the grandfather of King David and an ancestor to Jesus. God also sent us a redeemer when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to die on the cross and save us from our sins.
I know my redeemer lives.
https://youtu.be/b1i0KxhfwyE
FOR THE KIDS
Once again, children don’t usually include the word “redeemer” in their conversation but they do understand what it means to be rescued and saved. Jesus was the greatest hero of all times. Because of His great love we are saved and our broken lives are mended.
Happy Love Week everyone!
Our book this week is:
God’s Great Love For You by Rick Warren
https://youtu.be/bcxlvNFj__E?feature=shared
“The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!”
(Ruth 4:14)
We are all sinners in need of a Savior and GOD PROMISES US A REDEEMER. In the Book of Ruth we read that Boaz married Ruth and became her kinsman redeemer. He saved her family name and it was their son who became the grandfather of King David and an ancestor to Jesus. God also sent us a redeemer when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to die on the cross and save us from our sins.
I know my redeemer lives.
https://youtu.be/b1i0KxhfwyE
FOR THE KIDS
Once again, children don’t usually include the word “redeemer” in their conversation but they do understand what it means to be rescued and saved. Jesus was the greatest hero of all times. Because of His great love we are saved and our broken lives are mended.
Happy Love Week everyone!
Our book this week is:
God’s Great Love For You by Rick Warren
https://youtu.be/bcxlvNFj__E?feature=shared
WEEK #6-GOD PROMISES US PEACE (BOOK OF JUDGES)
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”
(Judges 6:23)
“Thus, Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace forty years.”
(Judges 8:28)
The story about Gideon, is a reminder that GOD PROMISES US PEACE. In the beginning Gideon was filled with fear and did not trust God. But, he experienced peace through a visit from an angel and his later defeat of the Midianites. He gained an inner knowledge that everything would be fine. AND, not only did he gain inner peace, there was also peace with no fighting within the land for the next 40 years. What does peace mean to you? There are three types of peace: peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves. I pray that each of you may experience all three. But most importantly, may you experience the promise of peace from God that surpasses all understanding.
FOR THE KIDS
Kids don’t often include the word “peace” in their daily conversations. (Unless, they want a piece of cake!) They certainly yearn for the absence of fear and the presence of joy but they don’t necessarily appreciate quiet moments nor do they always grasp the idea of inner peace. In their innocence they might simply think of peace as being kind to others. Allow the children to talk about what peace means to them. Peace is a gift from God through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Our books this week are:
What is Peace? by Todd Parr
https://youtu.be/dmdHCu27FWA?feature=shared
(Peace can be defined in many ways but the peace God offers is beyond anything else we can imagine.
Gideon by Victoria Kovacs
https://youtu.be/UD66JNf-24s?feature=shared
(Revisit the Biblical story of Gideon)
“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”
(Judges 6:23)
“Thus, Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace forty years.”
(Judges 8:28)
The story about Gideon, is a reminder that GOD PROMISES US PEACE. In the beginning Gideon was filled with fear and did not trust God. But, he experienced peace through a visit from an angel and his later defeat of the Midianites. He gained an inner knowledge that everything would be fine. AND, not only did he gain inner peace, there was also peace with no fighting within the land for the next 40 years. What does peace mean to you? There are three types of peace: peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves. I pray that each of you may experience all three. But most importantly, may you experience the promise of peace from God that surpasses all understanding.
FOR THE KIDS
Kids don’t often include the word “peace” in their daily conversations. (Unless, they want a piece of cake!) They certainly yearn for the absence of fear and the presence of joy but they don’t necessarily appreciate quiet moments nor do they always grasp the idea of inner peace. In their innocence they might simply think of peace as being kind to others. Allow the children to talk about what peace means to them. Peace is a gift from God through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Our books this week are:
What is Peace? by Todd Parr
https://youtu.be/dmdHCu27FWA?feature=shared
(Peace can be defined in many ways but the peace God offers is beyond anything else we can imagine.
Gideon by Victoria Kovacs
https://youtu.be/UD66JNf-24s?feature=shared
(Revisit the Biblical story of Gideon)
WEEK #5-GOD PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US (BOOKS OF DEUTERONOMY AND JOSHUA)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Joshua 1:5)
In Leviticus, God promised intimacy. Now, in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua GOD PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US. How are these promises different? We often say in our relationships with one another, that that commitment without intimacy can be hard. What about those long distance relationships and references to virtual hugs? Not only do we need to know God is always there, we also need to feel His presence. I recall when I went through chemo treatments, I never doubted God’s presence, but I yearned often to feel His presence on those dark days. It often came through family and friends sending cards, emails, and texts. These two promises can be very different, but God promises both.
FOR THE KIDS:
There’s nothing like feeling a parent’s presence and knowing that they will walk beside you. Spending time with your kids shows them what God's perfect love looks like. Make a promise to love your kids by “being there for them” as much as possible. As a family, do things together and “always bring the kids”. Demonstrate God’s promise through your commitment to have a physical presence in their lives.
Our book this week is:
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
https://youtu.be/IzPYSCn9NNs?feature=shared
(Spending time with family and friends is important.)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Joshua 1:5)
In Leviticus, God promised intimacy. Now, in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua GOD PROMISES TO NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US. How are these promises different? We often say in our relationships with one another, that that commitment without intimacy can be hard. What about those long distance relationships and references to virtual hugs? Not only do we need to know God is always there, we also need to feel His presence. I recall when I went through chemo treatments, I never doubted God’s presence, but I yearned often to feel His presence on those dark days. It often came through family and friends sending cards, emails, and texts. These two promises can be very different, but God promises both.
FOR THE KIDS:
There’s nothing like feeling a parent’s presence and knowing that they will walk beside you. Spending time with your kids shows them what God's perfect love looks like. Make a promise to love your kids by “being there for them” as much as possible. As a family, do things together and “always bring the kids”. Demonstrate God’s promise through your commitment to have a physical presence in their lives.
Our book this week is:
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
https://youtu.be/IzPYSCn9NNs?feature=shared
(Spending time with family and friends is important.)
WEEK #4-GOD PROMISES FAIR JUDGEMENT FOR ALL (BOOK OF NUMBERS)
The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth not one if those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times-not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
(Numbers 14:20-23)
This scripture speaks in a powerful way about the two natures of God. He is a loving God but He is also a just God. Perhaps that makes some people sad to read and witness the judgement of God; however, if He says it, He means it. God forgives over and over but he cannot tolerate disobedience. GOD PROMISES FAIR JUDGEMENT. Sin and God are as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:10); however, the. reference to the number ten in the scripture above perhaps can attest to His great patience.
FOR THE KIDS
As parents, we often desire to give our children second chances. It’s a good thing to be forgiving. But, our children need to understand that actions have consequences. If we say it, we must follow through. A promise is when you say you will do something and you do your very best to do it.
Our book this week is:
David Get’s in Trouble by David Shannon
https://youtu.be/6rHJdFAwTRQ?feature=shared
(Often as children we don’t purposely get in trouble…we simply make poor choices. Nevertheless, it is imperative that kids learn the value of a sincere “I’m sorry” and accept the consequences of their actions with a good attitude.)
The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth not one if those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times-not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
(Numbers 14:20-23)
This scripture speaks in a powerful way about the two natures of God. He is a loving God but He is also a just God. Perhaps that makes some people sad to read and witness the judgement of God; however, if He says it, He means it. God forgives over and over but he cannot tolerate disobedience. GOD PROMISES FAIR JUDGEMENT. Sin and God are as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:10); however, the. reference to the number ten in the scripture above perhaps can attest to His great patience.
FOR THE KIDS
As parents, we often desire to give our children second chances. It’s a good thing to be forgiving. But, our children need to understand that actions have consequences. If we say it, we must follow through. A promise is when you say you will do something and you do your very best to do it.
Our book this week is:
David Get’s in Trouble by David Shannon
https://youtu.be/6rHJdFAwTRQ?feature=shared
(Often as children we don’t purposely get in trouble…we simply make poor choices. Nevertheless, it is imperative that kids learn the value of a sincere “I’m sorry” and accept the consequences of their actions with a good attitude.)
WEEK #3-GOD PROMISES US INTIMACY (BOOK OF LEVITICUS)
“I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.”
(Leviticus 26:11-12)
God has always desired a relationship with us. GOD PROMISES INTIMACY. As the Israelites wandered in the dessert, God stayed with them through His presence as a pillow of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. It was always His desire and promise to stay close, even after man was expelled from the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, God was on the outside of man in most of the OldTestament. The Israelites’ relationship with God was limited; they knew of Him intellectually but not intimately. They communicated their needs and requests through priests who acted as mediators. Nevertheless, God has always maintained His desire for intimacy. This can be defined as “to know and be known”. There doesn’t have to be a physical presence as it was in the Garden of Eden. Few have ever seen the face of God but we know of His presence in everything, everywhere. God has a spiritual presence and is only a prayer away.
FOR THE KIDS
Children believe that Jesus/God lives in the clouds. They often innocently point up into the skies. They imagine their loved ones sitting beside Jesus, just like we do. They also accept with few questions the songs and stories that talk about Jesus living in their hearts. But, they know best that He hears and answers their prayers. The best way to teach a child to experience God’s presence is through worship as we pray, sing hymns, and approach the altar of our churches. Teach your children that God has promised to always stay close to them. He can be anywhere and everywhere they are through His spirit.
Our book this week is:
Where Does God Live? By Holly Bea
https://youtu.be/18EUBj0nwfE?feature=shared
(God created everything and He is in everything.
“When God makes a person, a star, or a wave,
A part of God stays with whatever He made.
So God lives in the sky, the meadow, and stream.
God lives everywhere, and God isn’t a dream.”)
“I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.”
(Leviticus 26:11-12)
God has always desired a relationship with us. GOD PROMISES INTIMACY. As the Israelites wandered in the dessert, God stayed with them through His presence as a pillow of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. It was always His desire and promise to stay close, even after man was expelled from the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, God was on the outside of man in most of the OldTestament. The Israelites’ relationship with God was limited; they knew of Him intellectually but not intimately. They communicated their needs and requests through priests who acted as mediators. Nevertheless, God has always maintained His desire for intimacy. This can be defined as “to know and be known”. There doesn’t have to be a physical presence as it was in the Garden of Eden. Few have ever seen the face of God but we know of His presence in everything, everywhere. God has a spiritual presence and is only a prayer away.
FOR THE KIDS
Children believe that Jesus/God lives in the clouds. They often innocently point up into the skies. They imagine their loved ones sitting beside Jesus, just like we do. They also accept with few questions the songs and stories that talk about Jesus living in their hearts. But, they know best that He hears and answers their prayers. The best way to teach a child to experience God’s presence is through worship as we pray, sing hymns, and approach the altar of our churches. Teach your children that God has promised to always stay close to them. He can be anywhere and everywhere they are through His spirit.
Our book this week is:
Where Does God Live? By Holly Bea
https://youtu.be/18EUBj0nwfE?feature=shared
(God created everything and He is in everything.
“When God makes a person, a star, or a wave,
A part of God stays with whatever He made.
So God lives in the sky, the meadow, and stream.
God lives everywhere, and God isn’t a dream.”)
WEEK #2-GOD PROMISES TO FIGHT FOR US (BOOK OF EXODUS)
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:14)
Fighting has many context meanings in the Bible. God desires first and foremost peace and love, but He does require obedience and it is necessary for us to experience conflict and even war in our Bible stories and yes, even in the world today. We prefer to think of fighting as a spiritual struggle against sin and evil forces rather than a physical involvement. But, we also know sometimes there are arguments between people and sometimes people get hurt. GOD PROMISES TO FIGHT FOR US. In this particular verse, Moses reminded the people of this promise when they were fleeing from the Egyptians. He told them that they didn’t have to be anxious or discouraged when bad things happen. God is ultimately in control and will fight our battles for us. We can trust in His promise to defend His world and His will. Good will always win in the end.
FOR THE KIDS
When we explain that God fights for us to the children, tell them that God has a deep love for us. He is like a superhero who fights for the good guys; He uses His great power to help us when things are difficult.
Our book this week is of course:
Will, God’s Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh
https://youtu.be/FVb2KQlSNCw?feature=shared
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:14)
Fighting has many context meanings in the Bible. God desires first and foremost peace and love, but He does require obedience and it is necessary for us to experience conflict and even war in our Bible stories and yes, even in the world today. We prefer to think of fighting as a spiritual struggle against sin and evil forces rather than a physical involvement. But, we also know sometimes there are arguments between people and sometimes people get hurt. GOD PROMISES TO FIGHT FOR US. In this particular verse, Moses reminded the people of this promise when they were fleeing from the Egyptians. He told them that they didn’t have to be anxious or discouraged when bad things happen. God is ultimately in control and will fight our battles for us. We can trust in His promise to defend His world and His will. Good will always win in the end.
FOR THE KIDS
When we explain that God fights for us to the children, tell them that God has a deep love for us. He is like a superhero who fights for the good guys; He uses His great power to help us when things are difficult.
Our book this week is of course:
Will, God’s Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh
https://youtu.be/FVb2KQlSNCw?feature=shared
WEEK #1-GOD PROMISES RIGHTEOUSNESS (BOOK OF GENESIS)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he shall crush your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
(Genesis 3:15)
Crushing of satan’s head is victory over sin and bruising of heel is Jesus death on the cross)
“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith"
(Genesis 15:6)
How amazing to hear the first mention/promise of the “Good News” in the Book of Genesis. There is even a fancy name for it. The Catholics call it the Protoevangelium. GOD PROMISES RIGHTEOUSNESS. In this first verse God promises to make Satan the enemy of the woman and all her offspring. This curse on the serpent was also a punishment for man. Both the snake and man had rebelled against God. But, more importantly, this promise established the power of God’s Kingdom over the kingdom of darkness. He declared that there would be continuous conflict and hostility between humanity and Satan but that the ultimate victory was promised to the "seed of the woman".
God promised us from the very beginning that He would make things right again even after the fall of man. His power would reign over any evil forces. Our righteousness comes from God alone. All we have to do is believe and make Him the center of our lives.
FOR THE KIDS
Children know all about making mistakes. They need to understand that we all make poor choices sometimes but God never stops loving us. Through our humble requests for His forgiveness, things can be “made right again” because of His great love and sacrifice.
Our book this week:
God Cares When I Am Sorry by Elspeth Campbell Murphy
https://youtu.be/PRZ7skVRSNE?feature=shared
(God promises to make things “right again” when we mess up. Whether it is a forbidden apple or a brownie that belonged to our little sister that we ate, God promises us righteousness.)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he shall crush your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
(Genesis 3:15)
Crushing of satan’s head is victory over sin and bruising of heel is Jesus death on the cross)
“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith"
(Genesis 15:6)
How amazing to hear the first mention/promise of the “Good News” in the Book of Genesis. There is even a fancy name for it. The Catholics call it the Protoevangelium. GOD PROMISES RIGHTEOUSNESS. In this first verse God promises to make Satan the enemy of the woman and all her offspring. This curse on the serpent was also a punishment for man. Both the snake and man had rebelled against God. But, more importantly, this promise established the power of God’s Kingdom over the kingdom of darkness. He declared that there would be continuous conflict and hostility between humanity and Satan but that the ultimate victory was promised to the "seed of the woman".
God promised us from the very beginning that He would make things right again even after the fall of man. His power would reign over any evil forces. Our righteousness comes from God alone. All we have to do is believe and make Him the center of our lives.
FOR THE KIDS
Children know all about making mistakes. They need to understand that we all make poor choices sometimes but God never stops loving us. Through our humble requests for His forgiveness, things can be “made right again” because of His great love and sacrifice.
Our book this week:
God Cares When I Am Sorry by Elspeth Campbell Murphy
https://youtu.be/PRZ7skVRSNE?feature=shared
(God promises to make things “right again” when we mess up. Whether it is a forbidden apple or a brownie that belonged to our little sister that we ate, God promises us righteousness.)
REVIEW OF 2024-THE MANY NAMES OF JESUS
SEED OF EVE AND REDEEMER (GENESIS)
PASSOVER LAMB AND NEW BEGINNING (EXODUS)
OUR HIGH PRIEST (LEVITICUS)
THE ONE LIFTED UP IN THE WILDERNESS (NUMBERS)
THE PROPHET LIKE MOSES (DEUTERONOMY)
CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION (JOSHUA)
JUDGE AND LAWGIVER (JUDGES)
KINSMAN REDEEMER (RUTH)
REJECTED KING (1 SAMUEL)
HEIR OF DAVID'S THRONE (2 SAMUEL)
OUR REIGNING KING (1-2 CHRONICLES)
REBUILDER OF THE BROKEN DOWN WALLS OF OUR LIFE (EZRA AND NEHEMIAH)
OUR PROVIDENTIAL PROTECTOR (ESTHER)
OUR MEDIATOR (JOB)
OUR SHEPHERD (PSALMS)
OUR WISDOM (PROVERBS AND ECCLESIASTES)
OUR BELOVED BRIDEGROOM (SONG OF SOLOMON)
PRINCE OF PEACE (ISAIAH)
OUR WEEPING PROPHET AND ULTIMATE GRIEF BEARER (JEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONS)
THE FOUR-FACED MAN (EZEKIEL)
FOURTH MAN IN THE FIERY FURNACE (DANIEL)
THE FORGIVING HUSBAND (HOSEA)
UNEXPECTED AND UNQUALIFIED PROPHET (AMOS)
FOREIGN MISSIONARY (JONAH)
MESSENGER OF BEAUTIFUL FEET (MICAH)
DELIVERER (OBADIAH)
AVENGER OF GOD'S LAND (NAHUM)
OUR FOREVER HOPE AND JUSTIFIER (HABAKKUK)
NEW CREATION TO COME (ZEPHANIAH)
REDEEMER AND SPIRIT (JOEL)
RESTORER (HAGGAI)
FOUNTAIN (ZECHARIAH)
SUN (SON) OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (MALACHI)
SON OF GOD (MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN)
SAVIOR AND HOPE (ACTS)
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD (ROMANS)
THE ROCK (1 CORINTHIANS)
THE INVISIBLE GOD (2 CORINTHIANS)
OUR LIBERTY (GALATIANS)
HEAD OF THE CHURCH AND OUR COMPLETENESS (EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS)
OUR JOY (PHILLIPIANS)
OUR LIVING HOPE (1-2 THESSALONIANS AND 1 TIMOTHY)
OUR STABILITY (2 TIMOTHY)
THE TRUTH (TITUS)
OUR BENEFACTOR (PHILEMON)
THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER (HEBREWS)
EXALTED AND GLORIOUS LORD (JAMES)
THE CORNERSTONE (1 PETER)
YOUR PURITY (2 PETER)
OUR PATTERN (1-3 JOHN)
OUR FOUNDATION (JUDE)
THE ALMIGHTY, OUR BRIGHT MORNING STAR, OUR LION (REVELATIONS)
SEED OF EVE AND REDEEMER (GENESIS)
PASSOVER LAMB AND NEW BEGINNING (EXODUS)
OUR HIGH PRIEST (LEVITICUS)
THE ONE LIFTED UP IN THE WILDERNESS (NUMBERS)
THE PROPHET LIKE MOSES (DEUTERONOMY)
CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION (JOSHUA)
JUDGE AND LAWGIVER (JUDGES)
KINSMAN REDEEMER (RUTH)
REJECTED KING (1 SAMUEL)
HEIR OF DAVID'S THRONE (2 SAMUEL)
OUR REIGNING KING (1-2 CHRONICLES)
REBUILDER OF THE BROKEN DOWN WALLS OF OUR LIFE (EZRA AND NEHEMIAH)
OUR PROVIDENTIAL PROTECTOR (ESTHER)
OUR MEDIATOR (JOB)
OUR SHEPHERD (PSALMS)
OUR WISDOM (PROVERBS AND ECCLESIASTES)
OUR BELOVED BRIDEGROOM (SONG OF SOLOMON)
PRINCE OF PEACE (ISAIAH)
OUR WEEPING PROPHET AND ULTIMATE GRIEF BEARER (JEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONS)
THE FOUR-FACED MAN (EZEKIEL)
FOURTH MAN IN THE FIERY FURNACE (DANIEL)
THE FORGIVING HUSBAND (HOSEA)
UNEXPECTED AND UNQUALIFIED PROPHET (AMOS)
FOREIGN MISSIONARY (JONAH)
MESSENGER OF BEAUTIFUL FEET (MICAH)
DELIVERER (OBADIAH)
AVENGER OF GOD'S LAND (NAHUM)
OUR FOREVER HOPE AND JUSTIFIER (HABAKKUK)
NEW CREATION TO COME (ZEPHANIAH)
REDEEMER AND SPIRIT (JOEL)
RESTORER (HAGGAI)
FOUNTAIN (ZECHARIAH)
SUN (SON) OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (MALACHI)
SON OF GOD (MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN)
SAVIOR AND HOPE (ACTS)
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD (ROMANS)
THE ROCK (1 CORINTHIANS)
THE INVISIBLE GOD (2 CORINTHIANS)
OUR LIBERTY (GALATIANS)
HEAD OF THE CHURCH AND OUR COMPLETENESS (EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS)
OUR JOY (PHILLIPIANS)
OUR LIVING HOPE (1-2 THESSALONIANS AND 1 TIMOTHY)
OUR STABILITY (2 TIMOTHY)
THE TRUTH (TITUS)
OUR BENEFACTOR (PHILEMON)
THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER (HEBREWS)
EXALTED AND GLORIOUS LORD (JAMES)
THE CORNERSTONE (1 PETER)
YOUR PURITY (2 PETER)
OUR PATTERN (1-3 JOHN)
OUR FOUNDATION (JUDE)
THE ALMIGHTY, OUR BRIGHT MORNING STAR, OUR LION (REVELATIONS)