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| Not that God's people deserved it, but God finally gave them their promised land (Biggest Story 73) |
Ornament: TrumpetGenesis 17:7-8
Joshua 1:1-2:21; 6:15-27
Matthew 1:1-6
Hebrews 11:31
Revelations 21:1-3
Verse: Rev. 21:3 "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man."
Christmas Song: Good Christian Men Rejoice
Hymn: On Jordan's Stormy Banks
The Big Picture Story Bible: Going into God's Place (141-157)
The Jesus Storybook Bible: The Warrior Leader (108-115)
The Biggest Story: Chapter 5 (65-77)
The Ology: God is All-Powerful (22--24)
It was time to go to the land God promised to His people, but there were enemies - BIG ones. Israel could not do this on their own. God would have to fight for them. And He did! It wasn't the marching or the shouting or the trumpets sounding that made the walls of Jericho fall. It was the power of God. Nothing can stop God from providing for His people. Nothing can keep God from doing what He says He will do. God delights in saving His people. The Israelites must have been so overjoyed to see God work out His purposes through them.
God also worked out His purposes using the most unlikely of people - Rahab. So, confession ... when I was younger, I always thought her name was the "Scarlet Rahab." I think a combination of the game CLUE, the scarlet cord, and that it rhythms with harlot was enough to confuse me. Haha! What a gracious God to weave her, the most lowly of women into the beautiful tapestry of His promises. She had faith that God would do what He said He would. She became a child of the Promise: the promise that is greater than land flowing with milk and honey. The promise is the same for her as it is for us. God's promise is to return us to a special land, a garden where there is a river as clear as crystal flowing out from the around the throne, and a tree of life, and God Himself will be there. There is no sun, for the Lord will be our light. Christ was born to open heaven's door for us. Christ was born to save! Hallelujah! I am bound for THAT Promised Land!
Tidings and Tidbits:
Hymn: On Jordan's Stormy Banks
The Big Picture Story Bible: Going into God's Place (141-157)
The Jesus Storybook Bible: The Warrior Leader (108-115)
The Biggest Story: Chapter 5 (65-77)
The Ology: God is All-Powerful (22--24)
It was time to go to the land God promised to His people, but there were enemies - BIG ones. Israel could not do this on their own. God would have to fight for them. And He did! It wasn't the marching or the shouting or the trumpets sounding that made the walls of Jericho fall. It was the power of God. Nothing can stop God from providing for His people. Nothing can keep God from doing what He says He will do. God delights in saving His people. The Israelites must have been so overjoyed to see God work out His purposes through them.
God also worked out His purposes using the most unlikely of people - Rahab. So, confession ... when I was younger, I always thought her name was the "Scarlet Rahab." I think a combination of the game CLUE, the scarlet cord, and that it rhythms with harlot was enough to confuse me. Haha! What a gracious God to weave her, the most lowly of women into the beautiful tapestry of His promises. She had faith that God would do what He said He would. She became a child of the Promise: the promise that is greater than land flowing with milk and honey. The promise is the same for her as it is for us. God's promise is to return us to a special land, a garden where there is a river as clear as crystal flowing out from the around the throne, and a tree of life, and God Himself will be there. There is no sun, for the Lord will be our light. Christ was born to open heaven's door for us. Christ was born to save! Hallelujah! I am bound for THAT Promised Land!
Tidings and Tidbits:
- We chose to use a trumpet as our ornament today (because I had one), but you could also use a scarlet cord or grapes.
- Here is a link for a fun activity with kids (Hat tip - Lydia!)
- Songs: It is so important not only to sing with your children and for them, but also to make sure they are singing with understanding. As you introduce new songs, take time to pick out a big word and broaden their vocabulary, teach them theology, and help them sing with understanding! Today, my 4 year old asked what "bound" meant, so I was able to take that opportunity to explain what the phrase meant from our song. Don't wait for them to ask. They are never to young to sing these songs of the faith and to be taught what these words say about God.
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