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Genesis 41:15-16
Genesis 41:33-57
Psalm 3:5-6
Psalm 37:18-19
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 11:26-28
Proverbs 13:21
Proverbs 17:2
Matthew 6:26
ALLOWANCE - money given by parents, often for doing chores
CHARIOT - horse-drawn, two-wheeled cart
CONCESSION STAND - a booth where food and drinks are sold
FAMINE - a severe shortage of food
FELLOW-PRISONERS - someone also in prison with Joseph
Patrick and his family were spending the day at the beach. He and his sister were building sand castles. Patrick walked down the beach looking for sticks for their castle. He would use them to make flag poles. Half hidden in some grass, he saw something black. Patrick picked it up and found it was a wallet - and there was money inside! “What should I do?” Patrick wondered. He decided to take the wallet to the concession stand.
Patrick gave the wallet to the girl in the concession stand. He told her where he found it. Just then, a man came up very excited. He asked if anyone had turned in a black wallet. The girl told the man that Patrick had found it. The man was very happy. He said Patrick had done a very good thing. Then he opened his wallet and handed Patrick a five-dollar reward!
Have you ever received a reward for doing something good? Have you ever found something that was lost and returned it to its owner? What did the owner do? Do you ever help your mom or dad clean the house or yard? Do they reward you with an allowance? We should not do good things just to receive a reward. But, rewards are surely nice to receive!
Joseph had been thrown in prison for something he didn't do. But, instead of being angry and pouting, Joseph helped his fellow-prisoners. Two of the other prisoners had dreams that bothered them. They didn't understand what the dreams were about. Joseph told the men what their dreams meant. And, when the king had a troubling dream he sent for Joseph. Joseph also was able to tell the king what his dream meant. The king dreamed that he was standing by the river and seven fat cows came up out of the river and they were eating tall grass. Then seven bony and thin cows came up.
Joseph told the king that the seven fat cows meant there would be seven years when there would be plenty of food. The bony and thin cows meant there would be seven ears of famine when there would be little food. Joseph told the king that he should choose a man he could trust. He should put that man in charge of collecting food during the good years. The food could be stored in barns and used during the famine time. But, who was honest enough to put in charge of al the food?
The king didn't have to look very far to find his man. He knew he could trust Joseph. Joseph was honest. He loved and trusted in God. He had helped his fellow-prisoners and the king. Now the king would reward Joseph. He made Joseph his number one man! There would be no one in the kingdom more important than Joseph except the king. The king took off his own ring and gave it to Joseph. He gave him beautiful new clothes to went He even gave him his own chariot to ride in right behind the king!
Joseph worked hard during the good years. Everyone had plenty to eat. Their gardens grew lots of grain and other vegetables. Joseph told the people to bring part of their harvest to him. He stored it in barns. Soon his barns were full and running over!
Many bad things happened in Joseph's life. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him as a slave. His master’s wife lied about Joseph and he was sent to prison. He helped his fellow-prisoners understand their dreams. But they forgot about Joseph. With all these bad things, Joseph didn't get mad at God. He still loved and trusted Him. And, God rewarded him for his service. But, God was going to use Joseph in an even greater way.
Memory Work for book:
You will be expected to recite Psalm 23.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are good to your children. You watch over us even when things seem to be going wrong. Thank you for rewarding Joseph for loving you and doing what was right. You will reward me someday in your Kingdom. Help me always do what is right.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Proverbs 3:5-6
Monday - Proverbs 1:7
Tuesday - Proverbs 17:2
Wednesday - Matthew 6:26
Thursday - Psalm 37:18-19
Friday - Genesis 41:15-16
Saturday - Proverbs 11:26-28
Genesis 41:46-57
Genesis 42:1-7
Psalm 46:1
Psalm 121:1-2
Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 20:11
Zechariah 7:9-10
Matthew 5:3-12
Matthew 5:23-24
Romans 12:17-21
Hebrews 4:15-16
James 2:15-16
ALERTED - warned
LOYAL - faithful and true
MOPED - to act sadly
RECOGNIZE - to know
Freckles was Jason's best friend. He was a brown and white spotted dog. Freckles followed Jason everywhere. He loved to chase Jason around the back yard. Freckles slept at the foot of Jason's bed. And while Jason was at school, Freckles moped around the house. Freckles seemed to know when it was time for Jason to come home. He looked out the window for the school bus. Then he jumped and barked when Jason came
Jason awakened early one winter morning. He looked out his bedroom window. There was a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. This would be a great day to go sledding! After breakfast, Jason dressed in his warm coat and mittens. He put on his boots and hat. Then he and Freckles headed outside. Mother called, "Don't go near the pond. It might not be frozen solid.”
Many other children were at the big hill. They all had sleds. Everyone was having a great time. Freckles ran up and down the hill following Jason. Jason laughed and Freckles barked. They made tracks in the snow with the sled. Soon the snow was all packed down.
Jason saw that there was fresh snow on the other side of the hill. But, the pond was near the bottom of the hill. He wanted to try the fresh snow. Jason thought he could stop before he reached the pond. Down the hill he slid. Freckles ran along barking. Then something terrible happened. Jason's sled went out onto the icy pond. Splash! Jason fell through the ice.
Freckles barked and barked. He ran back and forth near the hole in the ice. Jason was in trouble. The other children heard Freckles barking. Someone ran for help. But, Freckles wouldn't leave the spot where Jason fell in. He was loyal and loved Jason. He even tried to pull Jason out of the water with his teeth.
Soon some older boys came and rescued Jason. He was cold, but he was okay. Freckles had saved his life. His barking alerted the other children that Jason was in trouble. Freckles was there when Jason needed him. He was a faithful friend! Proverbs 17:17 tells us, "A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." Let's see how Joseph helped his brothers in their time of need.
Joseph had been made the second most important person in Egypt. The people brought part of everything they grew to Joseph.Joseph stored the food in big barns. There was lots and lots of food
But, now the ground was getting hard and dry. There was no rain. Nothing could grow. There was nothing for the animals or people to eat. They remembered that Joseph had food stored in his barns. So the people went to Joseph to buy food.
Joseph had eleven brothers and a father far away. There also was no food to eat where Joseph's family lived. His father heard that there was food in Egypt. So, he sent ten of his sons to buy food. Without it they would all die.
God had Joseph in the right place at the right time. His brothers sold Joseph as a slave because they were jealous. But, God was watching over Joseph. God was even with Joseph when he was in prison. And God helped Joseph understand the king's dreams. Now it was God who put Joseph in such an important position.
Joseph's brothers stood before him to buy food. They didn't recognize Joseph. He was a man now. He had beautiful clothes. But, Joseph recognized his brothers. If you were Joseph, would you be mad at your brothers? Would you sell them food? After all, they wanted to leave Joseph to die.
These were Joseph's brothers. He loved them. Our memory verse says, "A brother is born to help in time of need." Joseph would be a loyal brother. Like Freckles, he would help save the lives of his brothers.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me and sending Jesus to die for my sins. Help me learn to be a loyal friend and brother like Jesus and Joseph. Teach me how to help others who are in trouble or need. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - Proverbs 20:11
Monday - Psalm 121:1-2
Tuesday - Psalm 46:1
Wednesday - Hebrews 4:15-16
Thursday - Zechariah 7:9-10
Friday - James 2:15-16
Saturday - Matthew 5:23-24
Genesis 42:1-34
Psalm 37:21
Psalm 107:8-9
Proverbs 25:21-22
Matthew 5:42
Matthew 6:14
Luke 17:3-4
Acts 20:35
Romans 12:20
Hebrews 13:1
2 Peter 1:5-8
ADMIT - confess
SEPARATED - kept apart
Suppose you had a brother or sister that you hadn’t seen for a very long time. Maybe he lives with your daddy in another city. Or, maybe she has been away at college. And what if the two of you had a big fight the last time you were together. How do you think you would feel about seeing him or her again? Would you be nervous? Would you be glad to see him or her? Or, would you still be mad? Joseph would have to answer these questions.
Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy food. They didn’t recognize the man who sold them the grain. He looked like a very important Egyptian man. He wore Egyptian clothes. He spoke the Egyptian language. He seemed to be the man in charge. The ten brothers bowed when they came before Joseph. These were the brothers who had sold Joseph to be a slave.
Joseph remembered the dreams he had when he was just a boy. In his dreams, his brothers all bowed down to him. But his brothers got mad when he told them about his dreams. Did Joseph think he was better than they were? But now his dreams were coming true.
Joseph knew that the men were his very own brothers. He hadn't seen them for many years. They had treated him very badly. And now they were hungry. They had come to Joseph for help. Would you help them if you were Joseph?
At first Joseph spoke to his brothers in a mean way. He called them spies. But his brothers promised that they were not spies. They were all from the same family. They said their father had twelve sons. The youngest one was still at home.
Joseph loved his family very much. He missed his father. He told his brothers to bring his younger brother to him. He would keep one of the brothers until they brought Benjamin back.
Joseph heard his brothers talking. They didn't know he could understand them. His brothers said they treated Joseph very badly. They knew what they did was wrong. They thought they were being punished for the way they treated him. They were probably sorry for what they did. How do you think Joseph felt about his brothers now? Do you think he was still mad?
Joseph was glad to hear his brothers admit that they had treated him wrong. He was sad that he had been separated from his family. He loved them all very much. He turned his back with tears in his eyes. Joseph didn't want his brothers to see him cry.
Joseph ordered men to fill his brothers' bags with grain. He even put their money back in their bags while they were not looking. Then he sent them back to their father. He ordered them to bring Benjamin with them the next time they came.
Joseph helped his brothers when they were hungry. He forgave them for the way they treated him. He showed them Brotherly Love. Proverbs 10:12 says, .". love erases all sins by forgiving them."
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us families to love and to take care of each other. I'm glad that Joseph showed Brotherly Love to his brothers, even when they treated him badly. Teach me to have that kind of love for others.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 37:21
Monday - Matthew 5:42
Tuesday - Matthew 6:14
Wednesday - Acts 20:35
Thursday - Romans 12:20
Friday - Proverbs 25:21-22
Saturday - Psalm 107:8-9
Genesis 43:1-34
Genesis 44:1-17
Psalm 32:1-5
Psalm 37:23-26
Psalm 69:5
Psalm 90:8
Ecclesiastes 12:14
Matthew 10:26
Luke 8:17
Luke 12:2
FOOLISH - unwise, silly
GUILT - feeling bad for having done wrong
THIEVES - people who steal from others
Ben and Sean were sitting in the back seat of the car. It was a long trip to Grandpa's farm. The boys were getting bored. Sean wanted the game that Ben had been playing. He reached over and grabbed it. Ben grabbed it back. Soon the boys were hitting each other.
"What's going on back there?" Mother asked. Both boys answered, “Nothing." Sean grabbed the game from Ben. Ben punched Sean's arm. Both boys kept an eye on Mother while they were fighting. They didn't want her to see what they were doing. When Sean got hurt and started to cry, Mother stopped the car.
The boys had been trying to hide from their mother. They even lied when she asked them what was going on. Now Ben was feeling guilty for hurting Sean. He knew he was in trouble. Ben told Mother he was sorry. He told Sean he was sorry.
When Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave, they lied to their father. They wanted to hide the terrible thing they did. And their father believed the lie. All these years they thought their sin was hidden. But there is one person from whom you cannot hide - God. He knows everything you do and everything you say. He even knows what you are thinking!
Joseph's brothers knew what they did was wrong. They couldn't forget what they did. Now they were told to bring their youngest brother to Egypt. Joseph's brothers were feeling guilty. They thought they were being punished. They went back home to their father feeling very sad.
Joseph had sold grain to his brothers. But the grain didn't last very long. Soon they were hungry again. Their father told them to go again to Egypt to buy food. But the brothers knew they couldn't go without Benjamin. Joseph wanted to see his youngest brother. Their father didn't want Benjamin to go to Egypt. He was afraid he would lose Benjamin just like he lost Joseph.
Now their food was all gone. They had no choice. They must take Benjamin with them to buy more food. So, their father sent gifts to Joseph. He sent spices and nuts and the very best they had. He also sent back the money that was in their sacks of grain.
This time Joseph had his brothers taken to his own house. They were very afraid. They didn't want Joseph to think they were thieves. They gave his servant the money they found in their sacks. They said they had more money to buy more food. They also had gifts for Joseph.
Joseph ordered his servant to make dinner. He seated his brothers at a table. There was more food than they had seen in a long time. They should have been happy. But, they were very afraid. Why do you think they were afraid? Do you think they were feeling guilty?
Joseph asked the men if their father was well. Then he saw his real brother, Benjamin. All of the other brothers were his half-brothers because they had a different mother. When Joseph saw Benjamin he had to leave the table. He went to his room and cried. Do you think Joseph was happy or sad? He was happy to see Benjamin. But, he was sad that he was separated from his father and mother. Now his mother was dead.
Joseph again sold grain to his brothers. Again he had their money placed in their sacks. But this time he had his servant place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. His brothers started for home. But, Joseph sent his servant after his brothers. They searched the sacks and found the silver cup.
Joseph's brothers tried to hide the bad thing they did. Now Joseph hid the money and silver cup in their sacks. Joseph was even hiding who he was from his brothers. But, we know that God sees all. He knows when we have been foolish. He knows everything about us!
Dear Father in Heaven,
You see everything I do. I can't hide from you. You even know what I think. Help me to always try to do things that will make you happy. And when I do wrong, teach me to admit it and confess it.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 90:8
Monday - Ecclesiastes 12:14
Tuesday - Luke 8:17
Wednesday - Genesis 44:15-16
Thursday - Psalm 37:23-26
Friday - Matthew 10:26
Saturday - Luke 12:2
Genesis 44:18-34
Genesis 45:1-16
Proverbs 18:19
Matthew 7:7-11
Luke 17:3
Acts 7:12, 13
Galatians 6:1
Ephesians 3:14-15
1 Timothy 5:8
James 2:15-16
1 John 3:17
1 John 4:21
RECESS - a time when work is stopped for a short period, a time to relax
SELFISH - thinking only of yourself and not about others
What do we know about families? Does everyone in a family look alike? Do they all have the same parents? Do they all live in the same house? One of the most important things about people in a family is that they love each other. They don't always get along with each other. Sometimes they treat each other badly. But, God says, "Anyone who loves God must also love his brothers and sisters.”
Patty came home from school mad. Everything had gone wrong. She missed three words on her spelling test. She couldn’t find her sandwich at lunch time. During recess she fell and skinned her knee. Patty was in a really bad mood.
Patty's little brother, Josh, wanted to borrow one of Patty’s books. Patty told him, "No!" When he kept asking, Patty pushed him out of her room and slammed the door. She didn't want anyone to bother her.
Later that evening, Patty came into the living room. Josh was playing a video game. He asked Patty if she wanted to play, too. Josh loved Patty. He showed his love by forgiving her for what she did.
Joseph's brothers needed food. They came to him to buy food. But, they didn't know that Joseph was their brother. They thought he was an important Egyptian. He looked like an Egyptian. He dressed like an Egyptian. He even talked like an Egyptian.
Joseph wanted his brothers to leave the youngest brother, Benjamin, with him. Joseph had missed his family. His older brothers had been mean to him. They sold him to be a slave. But Benjamin was the youngest.
Joseph's brothers knew that they couldn't leave Benjamin in Egypt. Their father was very old. He loved Benjamin very much. If they didn't take Benjamin back home, their father would die from sadness. One of the other brothers offered to stay in Benjamin's place.
Joseph saw that his brothers had changed. They were no longer selfish. They loved each other and their father. They were willing to do anything to make their father happy. Joseph knew he just had to tell them who he was.
All the servants were sent out of the house. Joseph was alone with his brothers. He began to cry - not because he was sad, but because he was happy. He said, "I am your brother Joseph. You thought I was dead. But I'm alive!" He told his brothers not to feel badly about what they did. God used that bad thing and made it into something good. Joseph was brought to Egypt as a slave. But, God used Joseph to feed the people. He saved his brothers' lives.
Joseph forgave his brothers for what they did to him. He loved them. He was good to them and gave them food.
Joseph proved that he loved God by loving his brothers. He forgave them for being mean to him. God wants you to forgive when people treat you badly. He wants you to turn hate into love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You loved me and proved it by sending your Son to die for me. Help me to learn to love and forgive others. Help me turn hate into love.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Proverbs 18:19
Monday - Luke 17:3
Tuesday - James 2:15-16
Wednesday - 1 John 3:17
Thursday - Galatians 6:1
Friday - 1Timothy 5:8
Saturday - Ephesians 3:14-15
Genesis 45:21-28
Genesis 46:1-34
Genesis 47:1-10
2 Chronicles 16:9
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 33:12-14
Psalm 46:10-11
Psalm 121:8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 32:27
1 Peter 2:9
FAMINE - not enough food to eat
FLOCK - a group of animals, sheep
HERD - a group of cattle
Susan had been invited to Janet’s overnight birthday party. All of her friends were going. Everyone had talked about it for weeks. They would have a cookout and swim in Janet’s pool. Janet’s mother had rented a great movie. Some of the girls were even bringing games. It was sure to be a fun time.
There was one small problem. Susan had never spent the night away from her family. She had spent the night at her grandparents’ house, but they were family. What would happen if Susan got sick? What if she had a bad dream or was afraid? Susan had to decide whether to go to the party or stay home.
What do you think Susan should do? Do you think she would be safe at the party? Do you think God would watch over her? Joseph’s father had to make a choice like Susan. Let’s see what he decided.
Joseph was sending his brothers back home. He told them to bring their father back to Egypt with them. They were to bring their families and their flocks and herds. Joseph told them to bring everything they had.
Remember, there was a famine in the land. There was not enough food for people or animals. But there was food in Egypt. Joseph had lots of grain stored in barns. He promised to take care of his family. He would make sure they had plenty to eat.
Joseph's brothers were taking good news to their father. They said, "Joseph is still alive! He is the ruler over all Egypt." Jacob was shocked. He didn't believe his ears. Could this be true? Then he saw the wagons that Joseph sent. It must be true!
Joseph's father was a very old man. He had lived in the land of Canaan a very long time. Now his sons said he should leave. They wanted him to move all the way to Egypt. The people there spoke a different language. They even worshiped different gods. Should he go? Yes, he would get to see Joseph again.
Jacob and his sons loaded up their families. They took their sheep and cattle. They started out for Egypt. Along the way they stopped in Beersheba. Jacob made a sacrifice to God and prayed. Do you think he thanked God that Joseph was alive? God also spoke to Jacob. He said that He would be with Jacob wherever he went. God was going to make a great nation from Jacob's family.
Joseph had waited a long time to see his father. His brother, Judah, came with a message. He said that they had arrived in Goshen. Joseph was excited. He hurried to Goshen. He ran to his father and hugged him. Joseph was so happy that he cried!
Joseph went back to Egypt. He told Pharaoh that his family had come to him. Pharaoh told Joseph that his family could have the best part of the land.
God had watched over Joseph’s family when they traveled. He brought Joseph and his family back together. Now, He was giving them food to eat. Our God is so big and mighty that He can do anything. Don't you think He can take care of you too?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are so big and mighty that you can do anything. You took take care of Joseph's family. You said you would make a great nation of them. Thank you for watching over me, too, wherever I go.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 23:3-4
Monday - Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday - Jeremiah 32:27
Wednesday - 1 Peter 2:9
Thursday - Psalm 46:10-11
Friday - 2 Chronicles 16:9
Saturday - Psalm 33:12-14
Exodus 1:6-22
Matthew 5:10-12
Acts 5:41
Romans 8:16-18
Philippians 1:29
2 Timothy 2:3
2 Timothy 3:12
Hebrews 11:24-25
1 Peter 3:14
1 Peter 4:16
GRAZED - ate the growing grass
IDOL - a carving that people worship as a god
ISRAELITES - Jacob’s descendants - his children, grandchildren, etc.
PROFESSION - a trade or job that a person does for a living
RUDE - unkind, uncouth
Old MacDonald had a farm. And on his farm he had cows and sheep and pigs. The cows grazed in the pasture that was near the barn. In the morning and evening they came to the barn to be milked by Old MacDonald. The sheep had a nice green pasture. It was in the hills around the edge of the farm. The pigs had a wonderful pen with lots of mud. Old MacDonald made sure the pigs had plenty to eat. All the animals lived happily on Old McDonald's farm.
But, one day Old MacDonald stopped milking the cows. He no longer gave food to the pigs. A new farmer had come to live on Old McDonald's farm. He took care of all the animals. But, he took special care of the sheep. The herd of sheep began to grow. Soon there were many, many sheep.
One evening after milking, the cows began to talk. Elsie the cow asked, “Have you seen how many sheep are out on the hills?” Soon there will not be enough food for them to eat. They will take over our field.” All the other cows nodded their heads. The pigs heard the cows talking. They, too, were afraid. Portia Pig said the sheep might come to their pen looking for food.
A strong fence separated the cows' pasture from the sheeps’ pasture. There was also a fence around the pigs’ pen. But that wasn't enough. If a sheep came near the fence, the pigs and cows were very mean to the sheep. The cows would reach over the fence and push the sheep away with their heads. The pigs made very rude noises if a sheep came close to their fence.
What do you think made the cows and pigs act so mean? They were afraid. People do some strange things when they are afraid. Today's Bible story shows how the Egyptians acted when they were afraid.
Joseph had been a good ruler in Egypt. He grew old and died in Egypt. All of Joseph's brothers died too. Even the pharaoh of Egypt was dead. Now Egypt had a new king.
The old pharaoh of Egypt said Joseph's family could live in the land of Goshen. God took care of them and blessed Joseph's family. Many children and grandchildren had been born. There were many, many Israelites living in the land of Goshen. Their flocks and herds grew, too. Before long, Joseph's family had filled the land of Goshen.
But the new pharaoh of Egypt didn't know Joseph. He didn't know what a good ruler Joseph was. The new pharaoh saw all the Israelites. He saw all their cows and sheep. He thought to himself, "These people will take over all of Egypt." So he started making life hard for the Israelites. He made the Israelites work for him. They had to build great buildings and cities. But God still blessed His people. Next, the pharaoh made the Israelites work hard to make their own bricks. Finally, the pharaoh of Egypt ordered all the Israelite boy babies to be killed. That was a terrible thing to do!
The Egyptians worshiped idols. But, the Israelites loved and served God - even when bad things happened to them. Sometimes God's people must suffer. But, God was still with the Israelites. He was still blessing them. He still loved them. Will you still love and serve God when bad things happen to you? Will you be Like A Good Soldier?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm thankful that you are caring for me - even when bad things happen. Help me be like a good soldier and always love and serve vou.
In Jesus'name.
Amen.
Sunday - 2 Timothy 3:12
Monday - Acts 5:41
Tuesday - Romans 8:17
Wednesday - Philippians 1:29
Thursday - Hebrews 11:24-25
Friday - 1 Peter 3:14
Saturday - 1 Peter 4:16
Exodus 2:1-10
Psalm 32:7
Psalm 34:6
Psalm 91:1-12
Psalm 119:114
Psalm 119:116-117
Proverbs 29:25
Hebrews 11:23
PROTECTED - kept safe from trouble
WILDERNESS - a rough, wild land with few growing things
WOVE - made by intertwining, to twist or wind something into or through
What do you like to do on a hot summer day? Do you like to play in the lawn sprinkler? Do you have a swimming pool? Or, do you like to play in the ocean or lake? There is nothing like a dip in the cool water!
Egypt was a very hot place to live. All around was desert wilderness. But, running through Egypt is the Nile River. People got their water to drink from the river. They washed their clothes in the river. And, they cooled off in the water of the river.
One day the king's daughter went to the river for a cool dip. She and her servants were having a good time. They splashed about in the cool water. Now the sun didn't seem quite so hot.
"Listen, what's that sound?" the princess asked. She thought she heard someone crying. The princess sent one of her servants to look. There along the edge of the water was a small basket. It was almost hidden in the tall grass. The crying seemed to be coming from inside the basket. The servant brought the basket to the princess. When she looked inside, there was a Hebrew baby!
In your last lesson you learned that Egypt had a new king. This king didn't know Joseph or his family. He was afraid the Hebrews would take over Egypt. So he ordered all the Hebrew boy babies to be killed. Now, here was a boy baby - in a basket! Someone must have hidden him.
Jochebed was a Hebrew woman. She had a baby boy. When she looked at him, she saw he was a fine child. Would she obey the king's orders? Would she throw her baby boy into the Nile River to drown? No!
Jochebed hid her baby boy in her home as long as she could. But he was growing strong. His cries became louder. His mother was afraid someone would hear him. They would take her baby and kill him.
Jochebed took some of the tall grass from the river bank. She wove it into a little basket boat. She coated it so it wouldn't leak. She carefully put her baby boy into the basket. Then she put the little basket into the river. The baby's older sister, Miriam, loved her brother. She didn't want anything bad to happen to him. So, she hid in the tall grass to watch over him.
"Oh, no," thought Miriam. "The king's daughter has found my brother. Surely she will kill him." But that didn't happen. The princess looked at the baby boy. She knew that he was a Hebrew. She saw that he was a fine child. And, she felt sorry for him.
This was Miriam's chance! She came out of her hiding place. Miriam asked the princess if she needed someone to take care of the baby. Then Miriam ran home and got her mother - the baby's own mother! Jochebed was allowed to safely feed and take care of her own son. She even got paid to do it!
The baby boy began to grow. When he was old enough, his mother took him to live in the palace. 'The princess called his name Moses, because she had taken him from the river. Moses grew up in the palace of the king. This is the same king who wanted to kill all Hebrew baby boys!
Isn’t our God wonderful? He took care of the Baby In A Basket. He protected him from a king who wanted to kill him. He protected him while he was in the river. Even though Miriam was just a child, God used her to watch over her brother. God let Moses' own mother take care of him. Now, God was letting Moses live in the palace! This same God will keep you safe in times of trouble.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for protecting the Baby In A Basket. Thank you for keeping Moses safe from the mean king. I know you can take care of me, too. Help me not be afraid when bad times come. You are there watching over me.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 119:114
Monday- Exodus 2:3
Tuesday - Exodus 2:10
Wednesday - Hebrews 11:23
Thursday - Psalm 119:116-117
Friday - Proverbs 29:25
Saturday - Psalm 34:6
Exodus 2:11-25
Exodus 3:1-12
Exodus 15:26
Exodus 18:19-20
Deuteronomy 4:33
1 Samuel 15:22
Psalm 78:1
Proverbs 8:32-35
Isaiah 51:4
Hebrews 3:15
1 Peter 1:25
DESERT - a dry sand place where hardly anything grows
FATHER-IN-LAW - a wife’s father
SHEPHERD - one who takes care of sheep
VASE - container to put flowers in
Moses grew up in the palace of the Pharaoh of Egypt. He enjoyed all the nice things. But, his own family were Israelites. They lived in the land of Goshen and worked for the king of Egypt.
Now Moses was a man. One day he was in the land of Goshen where his family lived. Moses saw the people working hard. They were making bricks. An Egyptian soldier stood guard, making them work. Moses saw the Egyptian soldier hitting one of his own people. It made Moses mad. He looked around to see if anyone was watching. Then, Moses killed the soldier. He knew what he did was wrong. So, Moses tried to hide the person he killed.
Have you ever done something wrong and tried to hide it? Maybe you broke your mom's favorite vase playing ball in the house. Did you get caught? Did your mom find out? It would be much better to tell Mom what you did. Tell her you are sorry. You might still be punished for playing ball inside. But, trying to hide it will get you into more trouble!
Someone saw what Moses did. Then Pharaoh heard about what happened. He was so mad he wanted to kill Moses. Moses was afraid and ran away into the desert. He lived there for many years. He even got married and became a shepherd.
One day Moses was out taking care of his father-in-law's sheep. He saw something very strange. There was a bush that looked like it was on fire. That wasn't so strange - but the bush wasn't burning up! Moses walked closer to get a better look.
All of a sudden Moses heard a voice coming from the bush. It was calling his name. Moses knew it was the voice of God. He answered, "I am here, Lord." The voice told Moses not to come any closer. The very ground he was standing on was holy.
God told Moses that He had seen His own people suffering. The Egyptians were being very mean to Moses’ people. God was going to do something to put a stop to it. God loved the Israelites. He said He was going to give them a land of their very own. It would be a wonderful land with plenty to eat and lots of room. They would be free. God wanted Moses to help Him.
Moses was afraid. He remembered the terrible thing he did to the Egyptian soldier. He asked God, "Who am I that I should go?" But, God told Moses that He would go with him. He would tell him what to say to Pharaoh. God wanted to use Moses to set His people free.
How would you feel if God spoke out loud to you? Would you be afraid, like Moses? Did you know that God has spoken to you? No, not out loud. He talks to you in His Word, the Bible. He tells you what He wants you to do. He tells you how you should act. He says that you should worship Him. You should keep the Sabbath. You should obey your mom and daddy. He also tells you what you shouldn't do. You should not steal. You should not lie. You should not kill. There are many other things in the Bible that God tells you. Will you listen to Him? Will you obey and do what He tells you? You don't have to be afraid. God will only tell you to do what is good for you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What a wonderful God you are. You took care of Moses, even when he was hiding. Thank you for speaking to him in the burning bush and using him. Help me to listen when you speak to me in your Word.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Peter 1:25
Monday - Proverbs 8:32-33
Tuesday - Isaiah 51:4
Wednesday - Exodus 15:26
Thursday - Exodus 18:19-20
Friday - 1 Samuel 15:22
Saturday - Deuteronomy 4:33
Exodus 5:1
Exodus 5:1-23
Exodus 6:1-30
Exodus 7:1-13
1 Chronicles 16:23-29
Psalm 33:12
Psalm 95:7-8
Isaiah 45:5-6
Mark 12:29-30
Acts 5:29
MIGHTY - strong
PHARAOH - the king of Egypt
RULER - the one in charge
STATUES - carvings of wood or stone
When your teacher tells you to do something, do you listen and obey? When your mom tells you to clean your room, do you do what she says? Or when your daddy says it's time for bed, do you listen to him? It is important that you learn to obey. Sometimes even grown-ups have to obey. Daddy has to obey his boss at work. Mommy has to obey traffic laws. And, we all must learn to obey God. We must do what He tells us in His Word.
One day God spoke to Moses in the desert. He spoke through a bush that was burning. God gave Moses a job to do. He told Moses to go and speak to Pharaoh, the king. God said, "Tell him to Let My People Go?” God wanted the Israelites to be free to go into the desert. There they would hold a feast unto God.
Remember, the Israelites worked for the Egyptians. They made bricks and built big cities with them. Pharaoh didn't want to lose his workers. If he let the Israelites go, who would make the bricks?
A king is a very important man. Not everyone was allowed to talk to him. Wouldn’t you be afraid if you had to talk to a king? It would be like talking to our president. Moses was afraid, but he obeyed God. He told Pharaoh what God said.
Pharaoh was angry with Moses. He asked, "Who is this God that I should listen to Him?" The Egyptians didn't worship the true God. They worshiped and prayed to statues. Pharaoh was the king. He didn't like anyone, not even God, telling him what to do. He said he wouldn't let the people go to worship their God.
Pharaoh wanted to keep the Israelites busy. He made it harder for them to make bricks. They needed dirt and water to make mud. Then they would add straw to help hold the bricks together. Pharaoh said, "Don't give them any more straw. Let them find their own." They even had to make more bricks than before. Now the people would have to work longer. There would be no time for worshiping God.
The Israelite people were very tired. They were mad at Moses. They said that he had brought this trouble to them. I wonder why they were not mad at Pharaoh?
Moses prayed to the Lord. He thought God had made a mistake. He said that Pharaoh wouldn't listen to him. But God still wanted Moses to tell Pharaoh to "Let My People Go!" Then Moses tried to get out of his job. He said that he didn't speak very well. Sometimes it is hard to do what God says. God said He would help Moses. He said to take his brother, Aaron, to speak for him.
Moses and Aaron went again to Pharaoh. They said what God had told them, "Let My People Go!" But Pharaoh refused to listen. He only got more angry.
Our God made the earth and the sky. He made everything in them. He is great and mighty. He is the ruler over everything. Next to God, Pharaoh was very weak and small. God could squash him like a bug! It is dangerous to get mad and not obey God. There could be trouble. Pharaoh had better be careful!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are so strong and mighty, no one is as great as you. You made everything and you know everything. Help me to listen and obey what you tell me.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - Acts 5:29
Monday - Isaiah 45:5-6
Tuesday - Psalm 95:7-8
Wednesday - Psalm 33:12
Thursday - 1 Chronicles 16:25, 29
Friday - Mark 12:29-30
Saturday - Exodus 5:2-3
