WELCOME TO WEEK 2

When it is storming outside, where do you go for protection? When you ride your bike, what do you use for protection? When you ride in your car, what do you use to help keep you safe? We use lots of things for our protection and safety. This week we will see that God keeps us safe because He watches over us all the time

Psalm 23; Philippians 4:6-7; 19

BIBLE STORY

David was a shepherd before he became king of Israel. He worked with the sheep caring for them and protecting them. He knew the importance of guarding the sheep because they were unable to defend themselves against predators. If he didn’t pay attention they could be eaten by a wolf or jackal, or they could be bitten by a snake. David’s job as a shepherd was to be sure they ate, they drank water, he healed their wounds and he protect them from predators. God is our Good shepherd. He protects and provides for us. Read the following cards and divide them into groups to determine if the shepherd is protecting his sheep or providing care for them. 

Read or listen to the scripture story in Psalm 23

Who wrote Psalm 23? (David)

What was the poem describing God to be? (A shepherd)

Who was David describing himself to be in the poem? (A sheep)

Name 3 things the Shepherd did for his sheep in this poem? (protected, fed, cared for, loved)

How does a rod and staff comfort a sheep? (It gives protection which makes the sheep safe)

How does God protect you?

What did David say would follow him all the days of his life? (Goodness and faithful love)

Where did David say he would dwell for the rest of his life? (In the house of the Lord)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God is our shepherd and He wants to lead us in our life. He has a plan for us because He created us. We can know that we are safe because God is leading us. He cares for you! That is something worth singing praises about.

Activity

There are verses in the Bible that describe the way God protects us. He loves us and wants to keep us safe. That doesn’t mean we will never get hurt, but that God is with us and he knows what is best for us. Look at the following activity sheet that have verses that describe God’s protection. Put the sheep together by matching each passage with the correct scripture and glueing the sheep onto a piece of construction paper.

Materials: Printed activity sheet, scissors, glue, construction paper

Alternate

God has protected each one of us in big and in small ways. Sometimes we get to see his hand of protections and other times we may be protected without even knowing. Create a timeline of your life, starting with the day you were born. Then add times throughout your life when you know God’s protection was over you or your family. Discuss this with a family member and ask them to share a time when God protected them as well.

Materials: personal stories

Independent activity:

God created animals with a way to protect themselves from predators. A porcupine has needles it can shoot at a predator. A skunk uses a foul odor to chase off its’ predators. An opossum can play dead to trick its predator from harming it. A turtle has a hard shell it can hide inside to keep most predators away. Create a protective shelter for an animal or person. Use popsicle sticks to create the turtle’s octagonal shaped shell. Or design your own protective covering for an animal using materials you have at home such as craft sticks, cardboard, or toothpicks.

Materials: Craft sticks, glue, paper, optional: cardboard, toothpicks, and other art supplies

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create this shepherds rod. Print the attached rod and the verses. Color each verse attachment the color listed and the shepherds rod. Then cut out each piece and attach the scripture verses in order onto the rod. Reread the psalm together.

Materials: Printed shepherds rod and Psalm 23 verses, crayons or colored pencils, scissors, glue

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons

Craft 3

Coloring page

Materials: printed coloring sheets, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Read Philippians 4:6-7; 19

What does this passage say we should worry about?

What things do you worry about?

What should you do with your worries?

When you give your request, or worries to God, what will you have in return?

Who can supply all your needs?

Sometimes we confuse our needs with our wants. We think we need a lot of things and when we don’t get them we worry. Sometimes we worry about how we will get the things that we need or how everything will work out. We don’t always see how everything will work out and we worry about it. Everyone has concerns about the future or even about today, but the Bible says that we should give our worries to him.We can trust that God is watching over us and he will take care of us. 

Practical Application at Home

When we give our worries and concerns to God, the Bible says that we will have peace that passes all understanding. That means that we receive our peace from God so we can trust that God is in control and will always be with us. People who do not have God’s peace will not have the peace of a Mighty God on their side. Listen to the following scenarios and determine if the person has God’s peace or No peace!

-The storm is wild and rages on strong. Sam thanks God for the rain and prays for the protection of his family. He knows that even if he loses his things, God will still be there.

-The storm is wild and rages on strong. Scott is afraid he will lose everything in this storm. He paces back and forth through his house frantically searching for things he can save. He almost forgets to find shelter because he is working so hard to save his stuff. If he were to lose everything he would be so ashamed.

-Phil has a big test at school. He has studied as best he could. He trusts that God will help him recall his answers. Even if he is not successful at his test, He knows God loves him just the way he is, not for the good grades he receives.  He will try his best on his test today.

-Frank has a big test at school. He has studied as best he could. He is counting on this test to help him keep up his good grades. If he is not successful at his test he will have a horrible weekend and be in a bad mood. Keeping good grades is what makes him the most happy.

-Stan is waiting in line at the store when another customer pushes ahead and cuts the line. Stan decides not to get upset but offer a few kind words instead. He remembers the verse he read that morning about loving your enemies and that God loves both of them. 

-Kate has a classmate who has been saying mean things about her to other kids in class as well as to her. The other kids tell Kate to say something mean in return. Although the words have been hurtful, Kate remembers who God says she is and chooses not to believe the lies the girl is telling. She also remembers that a gentle answer turns away anger, so she begins to return the mean words with words of truth and kindness.

-Callie has a classmate who has been saying mean things about her to the other kids in class as well as to her. The other kids tell Callie she should say something mean in return. Callie has an even better idea. She will follow her home after school one day and really show her who is boss. She must put an end to this or else others may begin believing these lies and not want to be her friend. Callie believes she must fight meanness by becoming even more mean in order to win. 

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.