May 23-29
Joshua 1-8; 23-24
"Be Strong and of a Good Courage"
Materials: cowardly lion picture, video (link below), coloring utensils, badge of honor coloring page printed
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity:
Show the picture below. Explain that this is the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz. In the movie, the lion feels like a bad lion because he is often afraid. "He does not understand that courage means acting in the face of fear, which he does frequently. The cowardly lion is in fact brave, but he doubts himself. In many scenes in this classic book and film, the Lion shows bravery in the face of danger" ("Cowardly Lion," Wikipedia April 2022).
Lesson:
In the Old Testament, the Lord tells the prophet Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage" (Joshua 1:6).
Have you family watch the video "Joshua the Prophet" video from the church website.
The Israelites were led to the promised land, but there were wicked people living there. How did Joshua and the Israelites show courage in the face of this challenge?
Courage and bravery can often relate to our faith in Jesus Christ. As we put our faith in the Lord, we are able to act in the face of our fear and do what He wants us to do. Having strength can come from the Lord too. Being spiritually strong can help us as we overcome obstacles and face down the walls of Jericho in our own lives.
There are some aspects or challenges in our life that may seem scary or daunting like the walls of Jericho were to the Israelites. What are some things that scare you? How can you have more corsage to overcome these challenges?
Activity: Badge of Courage Coloring
(Before FHE, print the page below and give one to each family member.)
At the end of The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion is given a medal to remind him of all the times he was courageous while helping Dorothy. Medals of bravery are still given to courageous men and women throughout the world by sovereigns. Color the picture below and write down one thing you will do to show more courage and faith in Jesus Christ.
As we confront our challenges with our spiritual strength, showing corsage, and exercising faith in the Lord, He will help us to conquer those battles. When the Lord helps us overcome and conquer our trials we can remember how he has helped us and promise to follow him. As Joshua said, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).
Closing Song: "I Will be Valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple cheesecake "tacos" recipe here
