Inspire (for parents)

Ruby, my five-year-old granddaughter, thought I could do no wrong. This was a lie that I allowed her to believe. My daughter, her mother, on the other hand, knew the truth and found humor in reminding me of my imperfections on many occasions.

It was on our way to a family gathering last summer when Ruby was hit with the realization that I had the ability to fail her. Running late as usual, I made the mistake of driving above the speed limit. As I cruised under a bridge, I looked in my rearview mirror to see the dreaded flashing lights of a Highway Patrol officer. Sitting next to me, my daughter began to smile and point out to Ruby, “Oh, Ruby, Mimi just broke a safety violation. She didn’t do the right thing did she?”

Ruby sat quietly for a moment, and then began to reassure me that everything was going to be all right. I let her know that I did indeed do the wrong thing by driving too fast and that it was dangerous. I told her I was far from perfect and reminded her that Jesus

alone was the only perfect person to live on the earth, and He always set a good example to follow.

As the officer handed the ticket to me, he said, “I hope I didn’t ruin your day.” My daughter laughed and said, “You just made mine.”

by Debbie Guinn

Equip (for parents)

In the book of Joshua, we read how God did not fail in His promise to give His people their inheritance of land. For Israel, the land had been a living hope for 400 years. And when Moses died, God decided to use Joshua to “‘lead these people to inherit the land [He] swore to their forefathers to give them’” (Joshua 1:6).

With Joshua, Israel became a nation, but God was the Hero directing every action. God told Joshua what to do, and Joshua told the people. In effect, the book was one big follow-the-leader. Joshua followed God, and the people followed God through Joshua.

Joshua also followed in the footsteps of Moses. In fact, Moses is mentioned 57 times in the book of Joshua, as if to prove how much Moses modeled leadership for Joshua.

Before Moses died, he laid hands on Joshua so that Joshua was “filled with the spirit of wisdom … ” (Deuteronomy 34:9). God also affirmed, “‘No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you …’” (Joshua 1:5). And the people agreed saying, “‘Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses’” (v. 17).

God commanded Joshua not to plan strategy or lead armies, because He Himself would do that, but to meditate on His Word, and be a model for the Israelites.

Support (for parents & kids)

Sometime this week, read Joshua 1:1–18. Point out to your children that Joshua listened to and obeyed God. In return, Joshua was able to lead God’s people.

Ask your children if there are some specific areas in their lives where they would like God to lead them. Then remind them God promises to never leave us, and He will lead us if we ask Him to.

JUST FOR FUN, read this portion of Scripture right before bedtime. After reading this part of The Big God Story, choose someone in your family to be the leader and lead everyone off to bed. Make sure the leader is creative in the path he takes and the moves he makes.

When you are finished, share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more about it in church this week. Close your time by praying and thanking God that He leads us and never leaves us!

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Getting Started

Scripture: Joshua 1—4 (Joshua Leads)

Main Point: God Will Not Fail Us

This resource is designed to allow your family to

have time in God’s Word before your children

attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to

be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s

faith, we know that as you grow spiritually, your

children will grow spiritually as well.

© 2011 David C. Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

“Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me, for I

am gentle and humble

in heart, and you will find

rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:29

REMEMBER vERsE

Jesus alone was the only perfect person to live on the earth, and he always set a good example to follow.

date

meditate on his word, and be a model to others.