So pumped up for this week- so many things happening! I am happy to announce that VBS will be happening this week, bus will be running for any family who doesn't have a ride (just email stonypointkidsmin@gmail.com or click on the contact tab above to contact me)!
We also have a great lesson for this week about how Joshua and Caleb. How they saw one thing- the bad, but put their trust in God, and knew that it was meant for good! In this week's lesson, we'll read their story and talk to kids about how what we see, matters. That whole "don't judge a book by it's cover" thing.... that's not necessarily true.
In the bible we're told that what we see externally is a reflection of what's going on internally. We have to understand the connection of externals and internals. What we see on the surface matters because it reveals the posture of a person’s heart. Brian from the Gospel Project points us toward these three times Jesus provided examples of how externals are connected to internals:
Trees (v. 33). This may not be as readily apparent to many of us, but it surely would have resonated with the people of Jesus’ day who lived in an agrarian society. It would have been common sense to them that the condition of a tree—good or bad—determined the quality of its fruit. A bad tree simply cannot produce good fruit just as a good tree will not produce bad fruit. If you see a tree with bad fruit you know this to be true: the tree itself is bad.
Mouths (v. 34). This is where Jesus addressed the sinful religious leaders more directly. An evil person speaks evil. While that person may be able to temper his or her speech when it is needed, ultimately, what is in the heart—evil—will come out of the mouth.
Actions (v. 35). Similar to our words, Jesus said that our conduct is rooted in our character. A good person does good. An evil person does evil.
As we read the account of the spies scouting the land, we will see different actions and hear the differing opinions. This story isn't about what they in the cities they scouted, it's about the words and action of the spies. God had promised to give them this land, so when they decided not to take it, it was an outright rebellion. But it wasn't just that choice and the words of rebellion that made them rebels. Rebellion was already in their hearts. This rejection of the land was the action that affirmed what was true about the people. And if we have been tracking with the story of the Exodus, we know this to be true. Time and time again the people rebelled against God. Time and time again they doubted His goodness. Time and time again they chose their way rather than His. Turning their backs on the land of promise was outward evidence of what the people had done long before: turn their backs on the God of the promises. Here's a fun quote about that:
Conduct, is what we do; character, is what we are… Character is the state of the heart, conduct its outward expression. Character is the root of the tree, conduct, the fruit it bears.” – Pastor E. M. Bounds
Preschool Tip: This session serves as a good opportunity to talk not only about trusting God, but also in checking our hearts. As we know, preschoolers can often let their hearts get away from them leading to temper tantrums and meltdowns. While this is a normal part of the developmental process, we can still encourage them from this early age to pursue having a calm, gentle, obedient heart.
Kids Tip: Try to guard time this week to talk about how God cares about our motivation—our hearts. Yes, disobedience is wrong, but so is our grudging obedience. God wants our joyful obedience because only that reflects a heart of trust and contentment in Him.
A song to start us off AND a reminder that VBS starts tomorrow! (Register here)
CLICK HERE for this weeks story summary and read about the rules for sacrifice.
And because Mom, you're doing amazing- here's a video version for the kids to watch while you make lunch. #KidsMinGotYourBack
Connection to the promise: The Israelites turned away from God because they did not trust Him. Jesus always trusted God. He took the punishment we deserve for turning away from God. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and gives us life with Him forever.
If you have a bible at your house, read the book of Numbers 13-14- If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
Questions from Kids:
Activity Booklet:
We are excited to be hosting Pre-K Wee Worship in the building again, this can be found next to the coffee shop, which is open again, and things see to be getting back to normal! Instead of crafts, we're going to make it super easy on you with printables that are super easy for you parents at home!
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