INTRODUCTION

The Israelites Cross the Jordan River

Bible Point:

Remember what God has done.

Key Verse:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done” (1 Chronicles 16:8).

Big Picture:

Find creative ways to remember what God has done.

The Israelites Cross the Jordan River

Joshua 3:1-4:24

You have probably been taught to say “thank you” for a long time, but now you are beginning to understand why it matters. You might even notice that when you show gratitude, it can affect how other people feel.

But there is something even deeper to discover. Gratitude is not just about being polite. It can actually change your heart and the way you see your life.

This week, you will explore what it means to thank God and why it matters. As you practice gratitude, you may begin to notice more of the good things in your life and feel closer to God.

PLANTING THE SEED

The day had arrived! The Israelites were going to cross over the Jordan River, and they were going to do it in an amazing way. God told Joshua to have the priests carry the ark (the box with the Ten Commandments tablets in it, remember?) into the river. As soon as they did, the river parted and all the Israelites crossed over. (Do you remember when God did that before?)

When they got to the other side, God had the tribes each take a stone from the middle of the dry river and stack the stones at their camp that night. What was with the rocks? Simple. God wanted the people to remember what God did for them.

Anytime anyone saw the rocks and asked what they were for, the people could tell what happened. And God gave us the Bible so we could remember God, too. 

• What is one way you want to remember what God has done in your life?

FAMILY FUN

At the beginning of the week, have each family member write down three things that they are thankful for on three separate pieces of paper. Put all the papers in a jar, and whenever any of you pass the jar, take time to pull out one of the papers and thank God for what’s written on it. 

READY, SET, GROW!

• Make a collage of the things you can remember and thank God for. Keep creating the collage as long as you can remember things God has done. When you’re done, sit down with a parent and thank God together for the things God’s done.

• Write sticky notes of things God has done that you want to remember. Place the sticky notes on your bathroom mirror. When you see them, thank God for those things and ask God to help you keep your focus on God’s goodness.

• Create a special place to sit and study the Bible. You could make a blanket fort or some other special place to meet with God. In your quiet place, ask God to help you remember the great things God’s done, and then trust God to help you.