The Parent Weekly for January 15th, God is Strength
What we learned today
Big Idea: God is Strength
Entering the Promised Land. Joshua 1; 3— 4. God leads the Israelites into the Promised Land and gives them strength.
Where we're headed next time
Big Idea: God is Powerful
Taking the Promised Land. Joshua 6—10. The Israelites fight the battles of Jericho and Ai and take the Promised Land.
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
God told the people not to take any of the gold, silver, or other property they found in Jericho, but instead to give it to God by putting it in the treasury.
A man named Achan did not heed God’s warnings and, in his greed, took some of the gold and silver from Jericho.
God was angered because of Achan’s disobedience. Achan’s sin stained the community. When the soldiers made an attempt to invade Ai, they were chased out, and several were killed in battle.
This battle showed the Israelites, once again, that they were helpless without God’s power. After they decided to obey and trust God, God would give them victory over Ai.
Connect as a family
Joshua and his leaders marched into Ai and set up camp early in the morning. Consider choosing one morning this week to wake up earlier than usual together. Then read through the biblical account of Joshua, the Israelites, and Ai in Joshua 8v3–22 (Note: Parts of The Big God Story can be a bit graphic for young children. Read through these chapters first so you know which parts will be appropriate for young listeners, or just stick to the passage above.)
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What do you think it might have been like to be in the Israelite army?
How did God use His power to help the Israelites?
In your own life, how have you seen God’s power?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God is Powerful 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 know that God is powerful, and may you see His power in your life.
