YE2E.1 · Activity Page
Genesis 1:1-25
Psalm 90:1-2
Psalm 95:3-5
Isaiah 45:18
Colossians 1:16
Hebrews 11:3
James 1:17
Revelation 4:11
Revelation 10:6
ARTIST - someone who is very good at painting or creating
SCALY - like the thin, flat plates that cover most fish
TRUMPET - musical instrument making a loud sound
Carmen loved art class. He new teacher let the class do many fun things. Today they were working with clay. Mrs. Craft gave everyone a ball of clay. She said, "Squeeze and pound the clay to make it soft.” She said they could make anything they wanted from the clay.
Carmen didn't know what to make. Some kids made bowls and vases. Some rolled their clay into long snakes. Others made flowers and animals. But all Carmen made was a bumpy ball!
Mrs. Craft looked at what everyone had made. "Oh Sarah, what a pretty flower," she said. "Tomorrow you can paint it." She stopped at Allen's seat. "That looks like a rattlesnake. I hope it doesn't bite!"
Mrs. Craft came to Carmen’s seat. She wanted to hide her bumpy ball of clay. Then Mrs. Craft said, "Oh Carmen, you made a world." Carmen was surprised. "There are mountains and valleys. You can paint the water blue. Paint the land green and the mountains brown.”
We know Carmen's world wasn’t the real world. She just made one out of clay. Only God can really make a world.
Before there was anything else, there was God. No one made God. He always was there. And our God wanted to be a Father. But God's family had to have a place to live. So, God just said, "I want a world," and the world was made. He didn't need clay. He just spoke and it happened Just like that! What a wonderful God we have!
God made mountains and valleys, just like Carmen. He made night and day. God put the sun and moon in the sky for light. He put stars in the night sky and fluffy white clouds in the daytime sky. All this was good.
Carmen colored her world with paint. God colored His world with green grass and trees. He colored the sky blue. Clear water ran down mountains over brown rocks. He put blue-green water in lakes and oceans. It sparkled in the sun. He put little splashes of pink, red, yellow, and purple flowers everywhere. It was so beautiful!
God's world was too quiet. So He made all kinds of birds. They each had a different song. He made great gray elephants. God gave them a voice like a trumpet. God made cats of all sizes, from lions to kitty cats. They all made different sounds. He made furry animals and scaly animals. Some had stripes and some had spots. Now the world was full of sounds and colors!
God put animals on the land and in the water. He put snakes in the grass. Snaky eels swam in the water. He filled the water with all kinds of animals and fish. Some had fins and some had shells. Some even had legs!
God told animals, birds, and fish to have babies. He wanted to fill His whole world. He wanted many of everything. He looked around and said, "it is good!"
Just think of all the colors God used to make this world. He used every color in the biggest box of crayons. God is a real artist! He made everything. And everything belongs to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are so big, strong and mighty that you could create the whole world. Thank you for making all these beautiful things for m e to enjoy.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - James 1:17
Monday - Psalm 95:3-5
Tuesday- Isaiah 45:18
Wednesday - Psalm 90: 1-2
Thursday- Colossians 1:16
Friday- Revelation 4:11
Saturday - Revelation 10:6
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 2:6-8
Genesis 2:16-25
Philippians 3:21
Hebrews 2:6-7
DOLPHIN - very smart, playful, whale-like animal that lives in the sea
PARTNER - Someone who works with you for the good of both
Think of a very beautiful place. Is it by the ocean? Are there dolphins jumping out of the water? Maybe you are up in the mountains. Squirrels jump and play in tall pine trees. You might be at your grandfather’s farm. Peach trees are full of peaches. Juicy red tomatoes and yellow squash grow in the garden.
God looked at the world He had made. It was full of beautiful, perfect things. He saw green grass on rolling hills. He saw big green trees and sweet smelling flowers. Animals played in the fields. Birds sang in the trees. God watched fish swim in the lakes and rivers. Al of these were good. But something was
missing.
God wanted someone like Himself. He wanted someone to talk to Him - someone to worship Him. He wanted a family. So God reached down and picked up a handful of dirt. He made two dirt hands. He made two dirt feet. He made arms and legs, a body and a head. God made the very first man out of dirt.
Then God bent down and blew His breath into the man. The dirt man came to life! God called him Adam.
God put Adam in a beautiful garden to live. He had lots of food to eat. God told Adam, "I want you to take care of the garden." God also told Adam to name all the animals, fish, and birds. But Adam needed someone to talk to. All the animals had partners. So God gave Adam a wife to be his partner.
The first woman wasn't made from dirt like Adam was. God put Adam to sleep. He opened up Adam's side and took out a rib. God made a beautiful woman from it. Adam was very happy with the woman. She would be his wife.
Adam and Eve had everything they needed. They had food to eat. Rivers gave them fresh water to drink. They had trees for shade. God took care of everything. It was just perfect!
The whole garden was for Adam and Eve. They could have anything they wanted to eat .... anything except one! In the middle of the garden was a tree. God told them, "Don't eat the fruit of that tree!" Its fruit would open their eyes to good and bad.
God didn't want His people to know about bad things. He didn't want them to do bad things. God didn't want people hurting each other. He didn’t want them to lie and steal. God wanted Adam and Eve to be like Him - perfect!
Did you know you are very special? God made you to be like Him, just like He did Adam and Eve. He picked the color of your eyes and hair. He knew how big or small you would be. There is no one else just like you! Even if you have a twin, you are different. Everyone acts differently. No one can take your place!
None of the animals is like God. Elephants can't talk. Snakes don’t feel love for each other. Rabbits are cute and cuddly. But they can't take care of a garden. Birds can't choose to do right or wrong. God made Adam and Eve, and you and me, to be like Him. He wants to help you be more like Him every day. How? Read your Bible and come to Sabbath School. When you obey God's commands you will be more like Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for making me different from everything else you made. You made me special, to be like you. Help me to obey you and follow your commands.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Hebrews 2:6-7
Monday- Genesis 1:26
Tuesday- Genesis 2:7-8
Wednesday - Genesis 2:16-17
Thursday - Genesis 2:18
Friday - Genesis 2:21-22
Saturday - Philippians 3:21
Genesis 2:1-3
Exodus 20:8-11
Exodus 31:14-15
Exodus 31:15
Deuteronomy 5:12-14
Psalm 92:1
Isaiah 56:2
Matthew 12:10-12
Mark 3:2-4
CELEBRATE - having a good time to mark a special time
HEALED - made well
HOLY - without sin, set apart to worship
WORSHIP- showing our love to God in prayer, songs, and offerings
What is your most special day? Is it your birthday? Is it the first day of school, or the last? Is it the day you leave for vacation? Some people like to celebrate their special day.They may have a party with decorations. There may even be gifts!
God had a special day, too. He was done making the world and everything in it. Adam had work to do. He was to take care of God’s garden and all the animals. Then God made one very special day. It wasn't His birthday. God always was - He wasn't born like you and me. God's special day is the Sabbath.
How many days did it take God to make everything? The Bible says ti took six days. After those six days God was done. Look outside. How many things do you see that God made? Let's make a list: grass, trees, clouds, sun. . . you name the rest.
Sabbath means rest. God rested on the seventh day. It wasHis special day for you. But, how did He make it special? God didn't have a party or gifts. He celebrated by making the day holy, and He rested!
God gave man and animals everything they needed. They had food and a place to live. The sun kept them warm. They had cool, clear water to drink. But God knew they needed something else. They needed rest.
God felt better after He rested on the Sabbath day. He rested on the seventh day to make it special and show man he needed to rest. God even made the Sabbath day different from the other days. He said we shouldn't work on the Sabbath.
Would you like to go to school every day of the week? Would your daddy like to work every single day? Wouldn't you get very tired? We all need a break, even the animals. So God made a special day for it.
But, God also made theSabbath day holy. It's the day we worship God. We come together to pray. We sing songs that worship God. We do kind things for other people.
Jesus always did kind things for other people. One Sabbath day He met a man who couldn't see. Jesus picked up a handful of dirt. He spit on it and made some mud. Jesus put the mud on the man's eyes. He told the man to wash his eyes in the pool of Siloam. After that the man could see! Jesus healed him.
One Sabbath Jesus saw a man who couldn't walk. He had to be carried everywhere. The man was sitting by a pool of water. Jesus told the man to "Get up! Pick up your bed and walk." Just like that, the man was well!
Think about your own special day - your birthday. What if no one even noticed that it was your birthday? What if no one even said, "Happy Birthday." What if no one gave you a gift or a card? What if no one even sang "Happy Birthday To You." If everyone acted like you weren't there, how would you feel? Wouldn't you be sad?
Now think how God must feel. He gave us a special day to worship Him. But, people go to work. They work in the yard. They work in the house. They don't talk to God in prayer. They don't sing songs to Him. They don't say"Happy Sabbath" to anyone. They forget all about Him. Don't you think God is sad?
God wants us to rest on the Sabbath day. It is a holy day to worship Him. He even promised to bless people who keep the Sabbath holy. Don't you want to be a part of that blessing?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us the Sabbath - your special day. Help me think of ways that I can worship you, and kind things I can do for others on the Sabbath.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Exodus 20:11
Monday - Exodus 31:14-15
Tuesday - Deuteronomy 5:12-14
Wednesday - Psalm 92:1
Thursday - Isaiah 56:2
Friday - Matthew 12:10-12
Saturday - Mark 3:2-4
Genesis 2:8-17
Genesis 3:1-14
John 8:44
Romans 5:12
Romans 6:23
Ephesians 5:6
CONSEQUENCES - the effect which follows an action; result; outcome
TEMPT - to invite or persuade to an act which is evil, immoral, or unwise
SUFFERING - having great pain
Karen and her mother were working in the garden when Karen began to think of her Sabbath School lesson about Adam and Eve living in the Garden of Eden. This was a good time to ask her mother some questions about things she didn't understand.
"Mom," Karen said, "when God made Adam and Eve, He put them in the Garden of Eden. It was a beautiful place filled with ripe fruits and vegetables. God made squirrels and animals to play in the trees and fields. There were many sweet smelling flowers. Why don't we live there today?”
"You're right," Mom explained, "the Garden of Eden was a beautiful place. God put Adam and Eve there and told them to work it and keep it beautiful. There were trees full of fruit. The garden had many ripe vegetables ready to be picked. It was the most beautiful, perfect place you could imagine. God told Adam and Eve that they could eat the fruit and nuts from any of the trees - except one!”
"What tree was that, Mom?" Karen asked.
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God commanded Adam that he was not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil," Mom continued.
"Did Adam obey?" Karen asked.
"One day Eve heard a voice. She looked around to see who was talking to her. She saw a serpent - a snake that could talk! That was strange! This snake told Eve, 'Go ahead, have some of the fruit. If you eat it, you will become like God,’" Mom told Karen.
"Did Eve eat the fruit? And did she become like God?" Karen asked.
"Eve did eat the fruit and, no, she didn't become like God," Mom explained. "Satan, the snake, lied to Eve and she believed him. Eve also got Adam to eat of the fruit of the tree that God said not to eat. Eve made a choice to eat the fruit, and Adam also made the wrong choice.”
"Then what happened?" Karen wanted to know.
Mom told her, "God saw what Adam and Eve had done. He came down to the garden to talk to them. But, when Adam and Eve heard God walking, they hid themselves. Just think, they tried to hide from God! When you do something really bad, do you feel like hiding from God? When God asked Adam what he had done, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the snake; she said he had tricked her. They both made wrong choices. They had to pay the consequences.”
"Mom," Karen pleaded, "Were the consequences bad?”
"Karen, you asked why we don't live in the Garden of Eden today," said Mom. "It is because Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command and ate the fruit He told them not to eat. Because Adam and Eve listened to Satan and disobeyed God, they were punished. God made them leave the beautiful Garden of Eden to live in a world with pain and suffering. Things were no longer perfect. When God tells us to do something, we must be careful to do it. Satan will try to tempt you to do what he wants you to do. He may say, ‘If you do this, you'll look cool.' But we must believe God and not listen to Satan.”
"Mom, tell me," Karen quizzed, "Was the serpent punished as well?”
"Yes, Karen," Mom answered, "From then on, the snake would crawl on its belly on the ground. Whenever God tells us to do something, or not to do something, it is for our own good. If Adam and Eve had listened to God, they might still be living in the perfect garden. But, they suffered consequences because they disobeyed God. Sin always brings suffering. Sin brings about sickness, suffering, death, and many more bad things. God wants you to make good choices and obey Him. If you ask Him, He will help you.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing me why we don't still live in the Garden of Eden. Help me to make the right choices and obey your commands so that you will bless me with good things and not bad consequences.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday -Genesis 2:17
Monday- Genesis 3:4-5
Tuesday - Genesis 3:8
Wednesday - John 8:44
Thursday - Romans 5:12
Friday- Romans 6:23
Saturday - Ephesians 5:6
Genesis 4:1-16
Genesis 9:6
Deuteronomy 19:9-10
Psalm 10:4, 8
Psalm 90:8
Proverbs 6:16-18
Ecclesiastes 12:14
Jeremiah 23:24
John 7:4
1 John 3:11-12
ADMIT - to own up to
ATTITUDE -the way we show our feelings
Robbie’s mom and dad were going out to dinner. Karen was coming over to babysit Robbie and his little sister, Rose. Mom said Robbie could watch his favorite show onTV. They could play some games or play with their toys. But Mom said Robbie must not play ball in the house. And he must go to bed when it was time.
Robbie liked Karen to babysit. She played with Robbie and Rose. She wasn't bossy like some babysitters. One time she helped make a tent in Robbie's room. Karen was fun!
Robbie and Rose were watching TV. Karen was washing dishes in the kitchen. Robbie saw his soccer ballon the floor. He rolled it around with his feet. He picked up the ball and bounced it with his head. Robbie loved to play soccer.
Bounce, bounce, bounce went the soccer bal. Oops! The ball bounced high in the air. Crash! The soccer ball hit the table. Mom's pretty glass vase crashed to the floor. Oh no! Robbie remembered what Mom said--he must not play ball in the house.
Karen came running when she heard the crash. She saw the glass on the floor. "What am I going to do?" asked Robbie. "I'm in big trouble now." Karen got the broom. She swept the glass and put it in the trash. Robbie put in some old papers to cover the glass. "Maybe Mom won't notice.”
The next morning at breakfast Mom asked what happened to her vase. At first Robbie acted as if he didn't know. But Mom showed him the glass in the trash. Robbie got mad and said, "Why are you blaming me?”
Mom knew the truth. She said, "You broke it with your soccer ball." What do you think Mom will do to Robbie? What Robbie did was wrong. Then he tried to hide what he did. He had to be punished. "No TV for a whole week," Mom said. And Robbie had to miss his soccer game!
Today's Bible story is about two brothers. One did something bad. He tried to hide it, like Robbie. But, God knew what happened. Do you think the boy will be punished?
Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was the oldest. He was a farmer. His garden had lots of fruits and vegetables. Abel was a shepherd; he took care of the sheep.
Adam and Eve taught Cain and Abel about God and sin. They taught them to worship God and to always try to please God. So, Cain and Abel brought offerings to worship God. Abel brought one of his best lambs to give. This pleased God very much. Cain gave God a gift from his garden. But, God wasn't happy with Cain's gift. He had a bad attitude. Instead of worshiping God, Cain got mad.
Cain was mad because God liked Abel's gift. So, Cain killed his brother! That was a terrible thing to do. It was the very first murder - ever! Things got even worse. Cain tried to hide what he did. But God saw everything.
God asked Cain, "Where is your brother, Abel?" Do you think God couldn't find Abel? Or, do you think God was giving Cain a chance to admit what he did wrong? This made Cain even madder. He was mad at God!
Cain lied to God. He said he didn’t know where Abel was. He said, "Am I supposed to take care of my brother?" But God knew what Cain did. He even gave him a chance to admit it. If Cain told the truth, do you think God would forgive him? God promises He will always forgive us if we are truly sorry for our sins.
Cain did wrong. Then he lied and tried to hide what he did. He had to be punished. God said, "You will always be a wanderer, Cain. The ground will no longer grow good food for you.”
It is always wrong to disobey God. It is wrong to try to hide when you do something wrong. God knows where you are and sees what you do. He wants you to be sorry for your sins. Then He will forgive you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that you see everything I do. Teach me from your Word to do the right things. Help me not try to hide when I do wrong. Forgive me when I admit my sins to you.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Genesis 9:6
Monday - Psalm 10:4, 8
Tuesday - Psalm 90:8
Wednesday - Jeremiah 23:24
Thursday - John 7:4
Friday - Deuteronomy 19:9-10
Saturday - Proverbs 6:16-18
Genesis 6:13-22
Genesis 7:1-24
Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Jeremiah 7:23
Matthew 24:38
Hebrews 11:7
1 Peter 3:20
RESCUE - to save from danger
COASTGUARD- government boats used to rescue boats in trouble
DROWNING - to die by breathing in water
DESTROY - to do away with, to ruin
The fire department has a special Rescue Unit--a truck with all kinds of things to help people in trouble. The Rescue Unit comes to a car crash. They help anyone who might be hurt. The Coast Guard helps people in trouble in the water. A rescue boat comes to search when people fall overboard. They help people who are drowning. Even God had a special Rescue Boat—the ark. It saved Noah, his family, and the animals from a terrible flood.
God made the earth and everything in it. Then He made one man and one woman. Adam and Eve had children. Their children had children. Soon there were more people than anyone could count. But these people forgot about God. They disobeyed God. They lied to each other and even hurt one another.
There was one man who did love God. Noah was a good man who obeyed God. He taught his children about God. He worshiped God and did what was right.
God looked down and saw how bad things were. He saw people fighting and killing each other. This made God very sad. He had to put a stop to what was going on.
God said, "Noah, I am going to send rain to the earth." The rain would make puddles. The puddles would make streams and rivers. Soon there would be a great flood. Everything would be covered with water. And everything would be destroyed! But, God told Noah not to worry. He had special plans for Noah and his family. God was going to save them from the flood. He would rescue them.
God said, "I want you to build a big boat." God called it an ark. It wasn't just a fishing boat. This boat was huge! But, Noah didn't know how to build things. And he wasn't a sailor. So, God told Noah just how to make the boat. It was bigger than a football field. It had many rooms in it. God said, "Use special wood so the boat won't leak." This was a really big job!
Noah and his sons chopped down trees and cut logs into boards. They fit the boards together. Soon the boat started to take shape. His neighbors came by and laughed at Noah. "Why do you need such a big boat?" they asked. Why would anyone build a boat where there was no water? They thought Noah was crazy.
Noah kept on working. He also told his neighbors about the flood. He said God was sending it because of the bad things people were doing. But everyone just laughed at Noah. They wouldn't stop doing bad things and obey God.
Finally the boat was finished. It would save people and animals. Everyone would need food. So Noah loaded all kinds of food onto the ark. There was people food and animal food.
Then God said, "Take two of every kind of animal onto the ark. If the animal is good to eat, take seven girl and seven boy animals." Noah didn’t have look for the animals. They came to him, two by two! Elephants and giraffes had big rooms. Cats and dogs had little rooms. Birds had shelves for their nests. Everyone had a place on the ark. And everyone was safe inside. Then God shut the door!
God had Noah build the ark because Noah loved and obeyed God. What if Noah had not obeyed God? Everyone would have drowned! See how important it is to always do what God tells you to do?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me enough to correct me when I am wrong. Help me learn from the story of Noah to love and obey you so I will not have to be punished for my sin.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 24:38
Monday - 1 Peter 3:20
Tuesday - Genesis 6:13-14
Wednesday - Genesis 7:1
Thursday - Genesis 7:6-7
Friday- Jeremiah 7:23
Saturday - Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Genesis 7:11-12
Genesis 7:17-24
Genesis 8:1-13
Psalm 8:6-8
Psalm 29:3-4
Psalm 32:6-7
Psalm 55:6-8
Psalm 93:4
Psalm 106:2
MIGHTY- big and powerful
CAST - to throw out
The day had finally come. Chris was excited. He and dad were going fishing. They packed a lunch. Dad loaded the boat on the trailer. Off they went to the lake. They put the boat in the water. They went into deep water.
The day started out sunny and beautiful. Dad showed Chris how to cast out his line and how to reel it in. Dad caught three fish. Chris caught two. They were having a good time. They didn't see the clouds in the sky.
The storm came up quickly. The wind was blowing. Rain started falling. Waves splashed and tossed the little boat back and forth. Dad knew they had to get to shore fast. He prayed, "God please keep us safe from this storm." Dad told Chris God was more powerful than the waves and storm.
It was storming outside Noah's ark. But, he and his family were safe inside. The animals were safe, too. Everyone had a place to sleep. He gave each animal some food to eat. At first Noah didn't hear the rain.
The rain got louder and louder. "What is that noise?" someone asked. Everyone listened. Rain was coming down very hard. It pounded on the roof. Rain ran into the streams. Soon water was making lakes and rivers. Water was even coming up from the ground. There was water everywhere!
All of a sudden the ark started moving. It rocked back and forth. Noah heard waves splashing up on the sides of the ark. It started moving! The ark was floating on the water!
Things were not going well outside the ark. People were not laughing at Noah now. Water was in their houses. Roads turned into rivers. It was even covering the hills. People couldn't get into the ark now. God had closed the door. The people outside were not safe because they didn't obey God.
For 40 days and nights it rained. Soon water covered everything - even the mountain tops! But, the ark floated on the water. Noah and his family and animals were safe and dry inside. God rescued them because they obeyed Him. Then one day the ark stopped moving. It was resting on something.
Noah sent birds out to see if water still covered the land. First he sent out a raven. The raven flew around and found bits of food to eat. He didn’t come back to the ark. Next, Noah sent out a dove. At first the dove couldn’t find a place to land. It came back to the ark. The second time the dove came back with an olive leaf in its mouth. Noah knew the water must be drying up. The third time the dove didn't come back. Noah knew it had found a home in a tree.
It had been almost a year since Noah had seen the sky or land. How would you like to be cooped up for that long? You couldn't run and play. You couldn't climb trees or go swimming. Think about the animals. I wonder how it smelled inside the ark. No wonder everyone wanted to get out!
Noah and his sons opened a window in the ark and looked around. The ground was still wet. So they stayed on the ark a little longer. At last Noah, his family, and the animals came out.
The flood was very powerful. It covered everything on earth. Everyone who wouldn't obey God died. Even the animals, trees, and grass died. But God is greater than any flood. He is more powerful than the roar of the ocean. He is stronger than the waves of the sea. At His word the rain stopped. He told the wind to dry up the water. Then He covered the earth with new grass and trees. He led the dove to find a tree for its home. Noah trusted God to take care of him and his family. And God took care of them. You can trust Him, too.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for rescuing Noah and his family from the flood. Teach me to believe and obey you so that I can be saved and live with you in your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Genesis 7:11-12
Monday - Genesis 8:1-2
Tuesday - Genesis 8:6-8
Wednesday - Psalm 29:3-4
Thursday - Psalm32:6-7
Friday - Psalm 55:6-8
Saturday - Psalm 106:2
Genesis 8:14-22
Genesis 9:8-17
Genesis 9:17
Isaiah 54:9
Ezekiel 1:28
2 Corinthians 1:20
Titus 1:2
2 Peter 1:3-4
2 Peter 3:9
NECTAR- the sweet liquid in many flowers
ALTAR - a place to worship God
Signs are everywhere. They tell us things. Street signs tell drivers to slow down or to stop. They tell fi there is a curve ahead or a steep hill. The school crossing guard holds up a stop sign. Drivers have to stop so you can cross the street safely. There are danger signs and "poison" signs on cans to warn you. There are warning signs along the highway. There are signs that you must obey. Some signs have the name of your favorite restaurant or store. We see many signs every day.
God gave Noah a very special sign. It was not on a pole along the side of the road. It wasn't in front of a store. This sign was up in the sky. It was the beautiful rainbow.
Noah and his family were in the ark for almost a whole year. The animals were there with them. Now the rain had stopped. The flood waters were drying up. When Noah looked out the window, he could see the sunshine. It looked beautiful after so much rain. Everyone was excited to walk on the ground again.
God told Noah, "Go out of the ark. Take all your family and the animals with you.I want you to have babies. Spread animals and people all over the earth." So the animals left the ark in pairs. Birds flew happily into the trees to build nests. Horses could run again. Bees and butterflies went from flower to flower. They sipped the sweet nectar. It was so good to be free!
What would you do first if you had been cooped up for a year? Would you run and climb trees? Would you wade in the cool water? Would you just lie down in the green grass and look up at the sky?
The very first thing Noah did was build an altar. He was very thankful that God saved them from the flood. Noah was thankful to be out of the ark. He made a pile of stones. He laid wood on top of the altar. Then Noah did what God commanded. He offered one of the animals as a gift to God.
God smelled the smoke from Noah's offering. It smelled sweet to God. Noah was thankful and obedient. And God was happy. God was so happy, he made Noah a promise. This promise had a sign. It would always remind Noah of the promise.
God said, “This promise is for you, your children, and all who will be born after.This promise is for all the animals, too. Waters of a flood will never destroy all life again. A flood will never destroy the earth again." Isn't that a wonderful promise? And God left the rainbow as a sign.
Noah remembered what God said every time he looked at the Rainbow of Promise. This sign was from God Himself. It reminds us, too. When you see a rainbow, remember God's promise.
God has given you and me another special promise. It's even more important than the rainbow. God promised that we could live with Him forever in His Kingdom. Jesus came to die for all the bad things people do. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. He came alive again. Jesus went back to His Father. Now He is making a place for you and me in His Kingdom. Jesus is our Sign from God. He shows us how we can live again. We can be in the Heavenly Father's Kingdom. What a wonderful promise! And God always keeps His promises.
Now is a good time to do what Noah did- thank God. We don't have to build an altar out of stones. We can talk to Him anytime in prayer. We can thank Him for all He does for us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all the good things you do for me. Every time I see a rainbow, help me remember that you always keep your promises!
In Jesus' name l pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Isaiah 54:9
Monday - Ezekiel 1:28
Tuesday - 2 Peter 3:9
Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 1:20
Thursday - Titus 1:2
Friday - 2 Peter 1:3-4
Saturday - Genesis 9:11-12
Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 10:4
Psalm 18:2
Proverbs 16:18
Proverbs 26:12
Isaiah 14:12-13
Jeremiah 17:9
Jeremiah 49:16
Daniel 5:20-21
CONFUSE - to mix up
LANGUAGE - the way people speak and communicate
PLAINS - flat lands, suitable for grazing cattle
PROUD - thinking you're better than someone else
A new family moved into Connie’s neighborhood. There was a girl Connie's own age in the family. Connie went over to meet her. The mother answered the door. Connie said, "Hi, my name is Connie. I live down the street." But the mother just looked confused.
Connie tried again. She said,"Can your little girl come out to play with me?" This time the mother said something Connie didn't understand. This would be hard. They didn’t understand each other.
It is hard to understand someone who doesn't talk like you or speak your language. Just try making up some words. Ask someone to help you do your homework. "Rauzk nuk shul vi lu yegi?" It makes no sense! That's how things sounded when God mixed up people's languages.
Many years past after Noah left the ark. What did God tell them to do? He said they should have many children. Noah's sons did what God told them. Some of the people were farmers. Others took care of sheep and cows. Families were growing. Flocks and herds were getting bigger. Everyone needed more room.
People who raised sheep took them to the hills. There was grass to eat and plenty of room to grow. People who raised cows moved to the plains. There was plenty of grass and room there. Farmers moved where they could plant gardens. Hunters moved near forests where deer lived. There was room for everyone on God's great earth.
Everyone on earth talked the same way and spoke the same language. They all came from Noah's family. And they all got along with each other. They shared their land.
Some people didn't want to do what God said. They wanted to stay together. They built a big city called Babylon. They also built a tall tower. They made their own bricks. Everyone worked together. The tower got taller and taller. Soon the top of it reached up to the heavens. The people were very proud of it. They wanted everyone to see their tower. They wanted them to brag about it.
One morning something strange happened. The people went to work, as usual. One man asked another to hand him some bricks. But it sounded like, "Yark zi lobi dach!" What happened next was a big mess. People couldn't understand each other. They pointed to things. They tried to make each other understand. But it was just too hard to get things done. Soon they stopped working on the tower. Everyone wondered what happened.
God saw that His people weren't doing what He told them. They didn't spread out all over the earth. They stayed together and built a city and tower. They were proud. They thought they knew better than God. God wasn't happy about that. So He put a stop to their work. God confused their languages. They couldn't understand each other.
Soon the people of Babylon moved away. There was no need to live together any more. Now the people were doing what God told them to do. God helped them obey!
What happens when you don't obey your parents? Sometimes they punish you. You may spend time in your room alone. This helps you learn to obey them. Let's say Mom said, "Don't ride your bike in the street." But, you want to do it anyway. How could your mom help you obey? She might take your bike away for a while. This would help you obey. Sometimes God has to help us obey Him, too.
Your memory verse says, "If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall." Don't think you are better than anyone else. Everyone should obey God. If you don't, He may have to help you obey!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Teach me to obey you instead of doing things my own way. When I want other people to brag about me, I may be headed for a fall. Help me learn to always obey you.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - Daniel 5:20-21
Monday- Proverbs 26:12
Tuesday - Psalm 10:4
Wednesday - Jeremiah 49:16
Thursday - Jeremiah 17:9
Friday- Psalm 18:2
Saturday - Isaiah 14:12-13
Genesis 12:1-20
Genesis 13:1-18
Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 3:5-6
Luke 1:72-74
Acts 3:25-26
Acts 7:2-3
Galatians 3:6-8
Hebrews 11:8
DELIGHT - to get pleasure from
DESIRES- things you want very much
IDOLS - statues carved to look like a god for worship
HERDSMEN - men who take care of a herd of cattle
How would you feel if one day your daddy said you were going to move? "Where?" you ask him. But Daddy said he's not sure. God will show him later.
You start packing. You pack all your toys. Mom packs the dishes and blankets and towels. Daddy packs the furniture and heavy things.Then Mom asks, "Where are we going?" But again daddy says he doesn't know for sure.
You load the moving truck and get in the car. Again you ask, "Do you know where we are moving, Daddy?" This time Daddy says he will drive until God tells him where to stop. Wouldn't that be a strange way to move? I'm sure Abram thought it was strange, too. But, he trusted God and obeyed Him.
Abram was a good man. He lived in the land of Ur. People in Ur worshiped idols. But, Abram worshiped the true God.
Abram was a rich man. He had lots of cows and sheep. He had gold and silver. And, Abram lived in a nice house. He had lots of people working for him.
One day God spoke to Abram and said, "I want you to leave this country. Leave your family and your house. I will bless you in a special way. I will make a great nation out of you. There is a new land I want to give you. Get Ready to Move!”
Abram and his wife packed up everything they had. They didn't have a moving truck. They loaded everything onto camels and donkeys. They had to leave a lot of nice things behind. But they loved God more than things. So, they did what God told them.
Abram left his own country with his wife, Sarai. He also took his nephew, Lot. He took all his servants and his animals. They went where God told them to go. They came to the land of Canaan. God said,"I will give this land to your children. Abram was thankful for God's promise. So, he built an altar and worshiped God.
Next, Abram went to a mountain near the town of Bethel. He didn't move into a house in Bethel. Abram and Lot set up tents out under the trees. This is where they lived for a while. Abram built another altar and prayed.
Abram and Lot had many cows and sheep. The land was getting crowded. The shepherds and herdsmen started fighting over the land. So, Abram took Lot up on a mountain. He said, "Look at all this land. There is plenty of room for all of us. Let's not fight about it."
Abram let Lot choose his place first. Lot chose a very nice place. There was plenty of water and grass for his animals. Abram left lots of space between them. They could live in peace.
After Lot moved away, God talked to Abram again. This time He made Abram another promise. He gave Abram all the land that was before him. God said He would give Abram many, many children. Now, Abram didn't have even one child yet. But he believed God. He even built another altar to thank God.
Abram gave up his nice home in Ur. He left all his family behind and lived in a tent. But, he obeyed God and God blessed him. God will bless you, too, if you love Him and obey Him. He will help you make good choices. He will show you how to live a good life.
God is making a place for you in His Kingdom. Follow God's Word like you are following a road map. When it tells you to do something, Get Ready to Move!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm glad that Abram loved you and obeyed you. Thank you for your promise to bless him. And thank you for your promise to bless me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Genesis 12:1
Monday - Acts 7:2-3
Tuesday - Hebrews 11:8
Wednesday - Galatians 3:6-8
Thursday - Luke 1:72-74
Friday - Proverbs 3:5-6
Saturday - Acts 3:25-26
