Nature Walk: Two Rivers
Did you know that rivers have different colors? Some rivers seem blue. Some seem green. Some seem reddish. Some seem brown. These colors appear because of what is in the water, like different kinds of minerals, algae, clay, and dirt.
If you had to choose which river you'd like to go swimming in, what would it be? A pretty, clean looking blue river? Or an ugly, brown river? Probably the blue one, right? Well, in our Bible story today, prophet Elisha told Naaman the Syrian to wash in a brown river. That reminds me of a special Bible verse that says, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19, ICB). It didn't make sense to wash in the brown river, but when Naaman did, he was cured of his skin disease. Sometimes God asks us to do things that don't make sense to us, but He always has a great blessing in store for us.
Memory Mastery: The Godhead
We have finally moved on to our next memory mastery project - the Godhead. During our time, we will unpack a little of the mystery of God to help the children understand some important principles. At the end of our questions and answers, you will find a poem about the Godhead that I want the children to memorize.
Who is God?
Did God really make everything? What was there before Him?
Reference: Acts 17:24-28
Do you like to be alone all by yourself? Neither does God.
In fact, did you know God has his own family?
References: 1 John 5:7; Mark 1:9-11
Can we see God?
References: 1 John 4:12; John 6:46; Hebrews 4:14; John 15:26; John 14:7-9
Here is a poem I wrote to help us remember each person of the Godhead.
(This poem is the actual memory mastery project we will memorize as a class.)
Bible Story: A Faithful Slave
Reference: 2 Kings 5:1-19
Naaman the Syrian had a terrible skin disease called leprosy. Mrs. Naaman had a little Israelite slave that told her, "Master Naaman should go visit the prophet in Israel to get healed." Naaman decided to visit prophet Elisha.
On his way to prophet Elisha's house, Naaman met a messenger from the prophet who said, "Prophet Elisha sent me to tell you to wash in the Jordan River 7 times."
Naaman was angry and didn't see any sense in washing in the dirty Jordan River. But, Naaman's servant told him, "Sir, don't be angry. Why not just do what the prophet said?" So, Naaman went to the Jordan river and dipped down 7 times.
When Naaman came up on the 7th time, the leprosy was all gone! He was healed. He hurried to prophet Elisha's house and told Elisha, "Now I know there is no other God but the God of Israel, and I will only serve Him." Naaman returned home happy and healed.
Our prayer verse comes from 1 Corinthians 3:19, which says, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God" (ICB). Sometimes, we think we are wise when we disobey and do what is wrong. But, God says that is foolishness. Naaman was tempted to disobey the prophet's message about washing in the Jordan River because it didn't make sense to him. But, I am glad he decided to obey because in obeying God's word, he found healing and a new life.
Dear Father God, help me not be foolish by disobeying Your Word or my parents. I want to be wise and obey. In Jesus' Name, Amen