INTRODUCTION

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Bible Point:

God is with us.

Key Verse:

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

Big Picture:

Children will know God is with them all the time.

Joshua Becomes Leader of Israel

Joshua 1:1-11

Although children at this age tend to be quite independent, they usually don’t hesitate to ask for help. Some days they want more help than other days for the same tasks. Sometimes this is due to a desire for more attention. Just as kids need to know that you’re there to help them when they need it, it’s important for children to know that God is always there to help them. Use this lesson to help kids know that God is always with them, no matter what.

BIBLE TIME!

Joshua 1:1–11 reminds us that God is with us. After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and told Joshua to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Joshua felt a little afraid of this big job, so God said three times, “Be strong and courageous!” Joshua trusted that God would help, and Joshua started to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

KEY VERSE

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

BIBLE POINT

God is with us.

PLAY AND PRAY

This week, ask your child to do a chore around the house that is challenging (but still safe): vacuuming, making the beds, or folding the laundry, for example. Then offer to do it together. As you work together, talk about the Bible.

ASK

• What did you think when I asked you to do this hard job?

• How did working together change the way you felt about the job?

• What do you think about God being with you when you’re doing hard jobs?

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Take your child to visit a senior citizen from your church. Take a snack to share, and have your child sing a song or recite a Bible verse for the person. Then have your child ask the friend if there’s a job around the house to help with. Afterward, discuss with your child how God uses people to help others.

ASK

• What was it like to help someone?

• How does knowing that God helps you make you want to help others, too?

READY, SET, GROW!

This week your child learned that God helps us. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to remember that he or she can ask God for help just as we ask for help from others. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

• When you’re scared about something, ask one of your grown-ups to hold your hand. Then tell them that God’s always with us, too.

• Wear your heart medal from Sabbath School. When people ask you what it’s for, tell them it’s a reminder that GOD IS WITH US and God helps us be brave.