Stories Of The Bible Junior - A Saddleback Kids Podcast

Have you ever lost something? How important was it to you? Jesus told a story about losing a little sheep one time. It turns out that the Shepherd in the story cared a LOT about that sheep.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Find out in today's episode! Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan, let's find out what that even means!

Jesus did it! He saved the day! Happy Easter, everyone!

JOSEPH

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson , Joseph, with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. Who was today’s Bible story about?
   Joseph. God made Joseph for a special job. And God made you, too!
2. What special thing did Joseph’s dad give him? A colorful coat! What kinds of colors did you see?
3. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Joseph and his coat. They were mad and wanted Joseph to go away. Can you show me a mad face?
4. Who did Joseph forgive at the end of the Bible story?
   His brothers. He was happy to see them.
5. You can show someone you forgive them by giving them a hug or high five. Can you show me how you give a hug or high five?
6. Just like God made Joseph, he made you, too! Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage them to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:
   God, you made Joseph and you made us, too. Thank you for making us! Thank you for loving us. Thank you for wanting to be our friend! We love you! Amen.

Parent Encouragement - Joseph

Hey Parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by this week and get ideas from to make the Joseph lesson part of your everyday conversation with your toddler at home!
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Toddler Coloring Page - Joseph

As your child colors this coloring page, they will be reminded that God made Joseph and God made them, too! There are additional coloring pages with familiar faces from today’s lesson, too.
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Toddler Craft – Joseph’s Colorful Coat

This week, your child will create their own colorful coat picture like the one they saw in the Bible story. This will help remind them of Joseph. Just like God made Joseph, God made your child, too.
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Toddler Activity – Colorful Coat Sort

Help your toddler remember the story of Joseph and practice their colors with this sorting activity made up of colorful coats!
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Navigating Parenthood - My Friend Jesus Week 2

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this Two-Minute Tip all about the importance of strengthening your own walk with God. When you make time to sit with Jesus first, it becomes easier to lead your child in their faith.

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“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)

Genesis 37 

The same question gets asked in a variety of forms: Where is God when it hurts? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can a good and loving God allow suffering?

Joseph could have asked these same questions; maybe he did. Mistreated and abused by his brothers, and eventually sold into slavery by them, Joseph could have easily chosen to believe that this was all evidence that God didn’t love him or wasn’t “on his side.” Isn’t that the same place our minds are often tempted to go when we face difficulties or troubles? “God must not care about me. If He did, these things wouldn’t be happening to me.” This seems to be especially true if our troubles come about because of other people’s meanness or sin, while we were simply trying to live our lives following God.

Joseph was living a life of obedience even as a young boy. He wasn’t perfect, as evidenced by his somewhat boastful interactions with his brothers, where he relayed his dreams of ruling over them. But he definitely didn’t deserve to be thrown in a pit and then sold as a slave by his own family members! Can you imagine how he must have felt when his brothers ripped off his colorful robe? This robe represented the special bond he had with his father and his brothers, in their jealousy, destroyed it.

Have you ever seen something you treasured be ripped apart before your eyes? Maybe it was a tangible object like Joseph’s robe, or maybe it was a long-treasured dream that you saw crumble. In those moments, it’s easy to ask, “Where are you, God? Don’t you see me?”

One thing we can learn from Joseph’s life is that God never leaves us. Even when we can’t see Him or feel Him, He is there and He is working on our behalf. Joseph must have wondered what God was up to as he was being led off to Egypt as a slave, but he didn’t waiver in his trust and obedience to God.

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to be mistreated when you have done nothing wrong?
2. What do you learn from Joseph’s life that can help you respond to people who mistreat you or are jealous of you?
3. Do you ever struggle with envy like Joseph’s brothers did? If so, what are some healthy ways you can deal with it?

“The Lord,” David added, “who rescued me from the power of both lions and bears, will rescue me from the power of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37

Read: 1 Samuel 17:32-51a

When you learn to ride a bike or swim for the first time, it can be so scary! But practice makes perfect and it gets easier the more you do it, right? This is because you can look back and remember that you’ve done this before and things turned out okay. When you remember that things went well, it gives you confidence to try again.

David was just a young boy, probably small and skinny rather than big and strong, but even as a kid God had been protecting David and preparing him to rule as king.

As a young shepherd in the field, David had to go to extreme measures to protect his flock. When lions or bears came to attack the sheep, David used the supernatural strength God gave him to protect the sheep and fight them off. By remembering this, David had the confidence to face the Philistine army and take down the giant, Goliath.

The best way to experience the peace and confidence of David is to reflect back on the ways God has already provided for us, protected us, and loved us. When you face a challenge like David, think back to the ways God has gotten you through challenges in the past. He is always looking out for you, so you can be confident in His plan for your life!

Questions to think about:

1. What is a challenge you faced recently?
2. How did God provide for you, protect you, or show His love for you during this challenge?
3. How will you remember this in the future?

Jesus is more powerful than any storm

Jesus Calms the Storm

“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.

Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don’t you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.

Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.

When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.

Questions to think about:

1. What storm are you facing?
2. What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?
3. Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.

David And Goliath

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson, David and Goliath, with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. What was your favorite part of the video we just watched?
2. Was David afraid of Goliath? Why did he feel this way?
   David wasn’t afraid of Goliath because he knew God was bigger and stronger. He was confident in God!
3. Why was David confident in God?
   David remembered the times that God had taken care of him before – like when he rescued David from lions and bears. He knew that God was bigger and stronger than all things – even Goliath. David didn’t need to be afraid because he knew that God would still do great things.
4. What are some great things God has done?
   Spend some time thinking with your child about the good things God has done in the Bible and some good things God has done for you and your family!
5. Pray with your child. You might say something like this:
   Dear God, thank you for the great things you have done for me. Help me to remember those great things, and to always know that you will do great things again because you are a good God, and you love me. I love you! Amen.

Parent Devotional - Big and Strong Week 3

Hey parents! We have something just for you to enjoy this week’s Bible story for yourself. Read over this devotion sometime this week as a way for you to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!

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Early Childhood Craft – David Story Stones

Your child will create their own pouch filled with stones like the pouch David used to hold his stones. Each stone will represent a part of the Bible story and remind them they can be confident like David.

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Early Childhood Coloring Page and Activity Sheet

Each week we have a new coloring page and activity sheet for your child to remember the Bible story for the week and learn more about our Big Idea.

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Navigating Parenthood - Big and Strong Week 3

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about building our kids’ confidence – not only in themselves but as children of God, too.

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Prayer is talking to God

Daniel would continuously talk to God through prayer. Even when he was threatened to be thrown into the lion’s den, Daniel would continue to pray to God.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
– Colossians 4:2

Daniel 2, Daniel 6

Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Daniel was a very good, faithful man, who always obeyed God. He would pray to God consistently, three times a day. Daniel had a very close relationship to God due to how often he would talk to God through prayer and because of his unshakable faith. God also gave Daniel an incredible gift—Daniel was able to interpret dreams. This gift led Daniel to successfully interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The king then gave Daniel a high up position in the kingdom and gave him many gifts. Because Daniel was so smart, other wise men in the kingdom were very jealous. Their jealousy led them to convince King Darius to make a new law—that the people were only allowed to pray to the king. If people chose not to obey this law, they would be thrown in the lion’s den. These jealous men knew that Daniel would never obey this law since he would pray to God several times a day.

Daniel continued to pray in his room, even when he had heard about this new law. After the jealous men saw him do this, they told King Darius. This made King very upset because he cared for Daniel and tried to get him out of trouble, but knew there was no way around it. Before throwing him in the den, King Darius told Daniel “Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this.” The next morning, King Darius went to check on Daniel and heard Daniel say “My God sent his angel to shut the lion’s mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have wronged you, Your majesty.” Daniel had not been harmed! They both knew that Daniel was protected because he had completely trusted God and had faith in Him. Daniel had a great amount of love for the Lord. Daniel also had a deep and personal connection to God because he would intentionally talk to God all the time through prayer. Regardless of the situation he was facing, he would make time to pray. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our daily routine, that we neglect to prioritize our quiet time with God. But the truth is, God wants to hear from us—He wants us to talk to Him because of His love for each and every one of us.

I can talk to God.

 
Questions to think about:

1. Why did Daniel continue to pray, even when he knew his life would be threatened?
2. Why did Daniel have such a close relationship with God?
3. How can I remember to talk to God on a daily basis?

Esther

Hey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week’s lesson about Esther with your child after they’ve watched the video service!

1. Who was today's Bible story about?
   Esther. God made Esther and she loved God.
2. What did Esther wear on her head?
   A crown! The crown showed everyone that Esther was a queen.
3. One day, she heard someone was going to do something bad. Uh oh! Did Esther stop the bad thing from happening?
   Yes! She stoppped the bad plan. Shake your head “no” because the plan was not good.
4. Esther had to do something brave and tell the king to stop the bad plan. Can you be brave, too?
   Yes! God helps us be brave. Show me your strong arms because God made us to do good and brave things.
5. Take some time to pray with your toddler. Encourage your toddler to sit with you and fold their hands, saying something like:
   God, thank you for loving us and wanting to be our friend. Thank you for making us. Help us do good things and be brave like Esther! We love you! Amen.

Parent Encouragement - Esther

Hey parents! Here's something for you to be encouraged by and get ideas to bring this Bible story into your everyday conversation with your child at home!

Download

Toddler Craft – Esther Character Stick

In this craft, your toddler will create their own Esther Character Stick to remind them of the main character from the Bible story. God made Esther, and God made them!

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Toddler Activity – Talk Like Esther

In this activity, your toddler will bring the craft they made to life. They will practice saying and doing things with their Esther Character Stick to remember this Bible story about Esther.

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Toddler Coloring Page - Esther

We have a variety of coloring pages to help your child remember familiar faces from this month’s lesson!

Download

Navigating Parenthood - Esther

Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about how to foster healthy obedience in our children that comes from a place of love and respect rather than rules they follow out of obligation

Download

At Saddleback Kids we believe every kid should be known, connected, equipped and empowered. KNOWN by another kid and a leader. CONNECTED to a group where they can grow spiritually. EQUIPPED with the tools and the knowledge to develop a strong faith in Jesus. EMPOWERED to serve others and share Jesus in the world.

To sum it up, Saddleback Kids exists to connect kids to God and others while helping them live a purpose driven life.

Stories of the Bible Jr is a part of the Lumivoz Podcast Network for more great shows like Stories of the Bible Jr and others, just search "Lumivoz" in your favorite podcast app!