Look back:  Read back over 1 Samuel 18-19 and remember Saul’s attempts to kill God’s king will always turn fruitless, for the Lord is with him.

Look ahead: This coming Sunday, Pastor Michael will be preaching from 1 Samuel 20. Read the passage several times during the week with your family.

Ask: How did Jonathan show faithfulness to David?

Pray: Adoration: Praise God for his kindness and faithfulness. Confession: Confess any sin the passage brings to mind, perhaps faithlessness. Thanksgiving: Give thanks that God is our provider and protector. Supplication: Pray for your family to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

Sing: Visit the blog for this week's music. You can also find our music playlists on Spotify.

Monthly Missions Focus: Click here to learn about our monthly missions focus (Mexico).

Catechize: (New City Question 16)
Q: What is sin?

A: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law.

From Sunday School December 11:

Due to Christmas, this week we worked to combine 2 lessons on Daniel. 

CHRIST CONNECTION (1)

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Younger Preschool: Daniel wanted to be faithful to God, and God helped him. Jesus was always faithful to God. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sins and helps us follow Him.
• Kids: Daniel was faithful to God, and God blessed him. In an even greater way, Jesus was always faithful to God. He came to earth and followed God’s plan to save sinners. Those who trust in Jesus receive God’s forgiveness and blessing.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Where is God? God is everywhere and is always with us.
• Kids: Where is God? God is in all places at all times and is always with His people.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: The Lord your God is with you. Zephaniah 3:17  
• Younger Preschool: The Lord your God is with you. Zephaniah 3:17 
• Older Preschool: “The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness … He will delight in you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 
• Kids: “The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

CHRIST CONNECTION (2)

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Younger Preschool: The king of Babylon thought he was better than God. No one is better than God. God punished the king. Jesus obeyed God and gave His life to rescue us from sin.
• Kids: God humbled the proud king of Babylon by taking away his kingdom. King Jesus willingly humbled Himself by dying on the cross for our sin. God raised up Jesus and gave Him honor forever. When we humble ourselves and trust in Jesus, God will raise us up to enjoy Jesus in His kingdom forever.

** Next week: God Is Present with Us (Isaiah 7)