INTRODUCTION

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Bible Point:

God is with us.

Key Verse:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Big Picture:

Children will remember that God is always with them.

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Joshua 1:1-11

Your 5- and 6-year-olds still need help with many things, such as learning to count, crossing the street, or riding a bicycle. As children get older, their needs may change, and the people who meet those needs sometimes change: teachers, friends, or childcare providers. Use this lesson to help kids understand that God will always be with them. No matter what else changes, kids can count on God.

BIBLE TIME!

This week the Bible (Joshua 1:1-11) tells us how God called Joshua to be the leader of Israel after Moses’ death. God promised to give Joshua courage and to help him be brave in this new role. Your child learned that God helps us when we’re frightened or unsure, just as God helped Joshua. God helps us in everything that we do, from big, important jobs to those that may not seem as important.

KEY VERSE

“God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

BIBLE POINT

God is with us.

PLAY AND PRAY

As you and your child do chores together around the house, sing “God Helps Me” to the tune of “The Mulberry Bush.”

God helps me to clear the table, Clear the table,

Clear the table.

God helps me to clear the table.

God helps every day.

Substitute different chores as you sing other verses.

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Make sandwich cookies with your child this week. Use your favorite cookie recipe, and help your child make cookies. After the cookies have cooled, use icing to stick two cookies together to form a sandwich.

ASK

• Would you have been able to make these cookies without my help? Why or why not?

• How was my helping you make cookies like how God helps us do hard things?

• When two cookies are stuck together, how is that like God being with us wherever we go?

READY, SET, GROW!

This week your child learned that God is with us. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to remember that they can help others just like God helps them. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

1. Make a tag that says “God is with me.” Decorate it so it’s really pretty. Put it on your shirt or backpack so it’s with you wherever you go for a day.

2. Take a walk with your mom or dad. Along the way, have a conversation and include God in it.

3. Do something you’ve never done before. You could help an adult bake cookies, or you could try to do three somersaults in a row. As you try to do this new thing, talk to God and ask God to be with you.