The Parent Weekly for February 18th, God Redeems

What we learned today

Big Idea: God Redeems

Nehemiah. Nehemiah 1—4; 6—9. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to build a wall around the city.

Where we’re headed next time

Big Idea: Remember & Celebrate

Feast of Harvest: Remembering and Celebrating God's Abundant Provision

Did you know?

Share these facts to get the conversation started:

• The Israelites celebrated seven annual festivals: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths).

• The Feast of Harvest is also called Pentecost. Pentecost, which means “50 days,” lasted for the 50 days after Passover and recognized when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

• During this celebration, the Israelites thanked God again for providing for their physical needs. They also thanked Him for providing a way into relationship with Him.

• The Feast of Harvest began with a great harvest of 3,000 souls by the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, who continues to harvest souls today.

Connect as a family

One evening, around the dinner table, take time to remember and celebrate all that God has done in the life of your family. Thank Him for the many things that we often expect or take for granted, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Remind your children that everything we have comes from God. Ask them to list some things for which they’re thankful. Then read Psalm 100 together.

After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:

• What are some of the things this passage says about God?

• What is your favorite thing about God?

• How can we remember and celebrate the things God has done for us?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about God's abundant provision into your everyday life as a family.

Blessing

Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.

A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you appreciate all of the good things you have in your life, and may you praise God who has blessed you.