God, tell me a story about…animals

Jonah and the Big Fish

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21

Read Jonah 1-3

Or click here to watch the video

1 – In the past couple weeks we’ve seen that God sometimes asks us to do things that are unpopular, difficult, scary. He asked Noah to build a boat in the desert. Daniel obeyed God instead of the king, even though he knew it meant he would be thrown into the lion’s den. In today’s story, God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh, a city filled with wickedness. How did Jonah respond to God?

2 – Jonah said no to God. Why do you think he said no? Have you ever said no to God? Why?

3 – How did God respond when Jonah tried to get away? Why do you think God sent the storm? What happens to make the storm stop?

4 – God does many things to remind us that He is in control, that He wants us to obey, and that He loves us. What does God do next to remind Jonah of all these things? (verse 17)

5 – How do you think Jonah felt inside the belly of the fish? How would you feel if you were trapped somewhere dark and smelly? What does Jonah do next? What do you do when you’re scared? Why?

6- How many days was Jonah in the belly of the fish? Have you seen that number before in the bible? Someone very famous was also in the dark, in a sense, for three days, who was it?

7 – Even though Jonah disobeyed God, God did not forget about him. God was in control and God kept Jonah safe. This is important to remember. Do you ever disobey God? Remember, that even though we sometimes make mistakes, God still loves us. In the end, Jonah obeys God and goes to Nineveh. This is also important. It’s never too late to obey and follow God’s directions. What is God asking you to do now?

This week’s challenge

Take some time this week to listen to God; pray, meditate, or read your bible and listen to God. What is He asking you to do?

 

God, tell me a story about…animals

Daniel in the Lion’s Den

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4: 13

Read Daniel 6

Or click here for the video

1 – Last week we met one of God’s friends, Noah. This week, we meet another friend of God, do you remember his name? What kind of person was he? (verses 3-4)

2 – The king’s other assistants were jealous of Daniel and so they decided to trick the king into punishing Daniel. What did they do?

3 – Did Daniel obey the king’s new rule? Why or why not?

4 – Sometimes people ask us to do things that aren’t right. Things that might go against the rules at school, the rules at home, or the rules in the Bible. Has anyone ever asked you to do something that wasn’t right? What was it? How did you respond?

5- Being obedient isn’t always easy. Daniel obeyed God even when he knew the consequence would be going into the lion’s den. He must have been scared. What are things that you are scared of?

But, Daniel was friends with God. His trust in God strengthened him. It made him brave and helped him to continue to obey God, no matter what. Remember that God is bigger than anything or anyone. God even controls the lions. So, the next time someone asks you to do something that isn’t right or the next time you are scared, remember the story of Daniel and remember that God is the BIGGEST.

This week’s challenge

There are many examples in the Bible where God provides strength. This week, start to work on the memory verse and find other verses about how God strengthens us when we trust in Him.

• Deuteronomy 20:4
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Isaiah 10:31
• Isaiah 41:10
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalm 18:2

This is a fun song about how God helps us when we’re scared.

God, tell me a story about…animals

Noah’s Ark

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5: 16

Read Genesis 6:5-9:17 (older kids may enjoy Genesis 5 to see how we got from Adam to Noah)

Or click here to watch the video

1 – Our story begins with a “deeply troubled” God. Why was God troubled, sad?

2 – However, there was one person who was friends with God. What was his name? How do we know he was friends with God? (Gen 6:9)

3 – God asks Noah to do something pretty crazy, what did he ask? God’s instructions were very specific, read the instructions in Genesis 6:14-21. How does Noah respond? (verse 22)

4 – Do your parents or teachers ever give you instructions? How do you respond? Are you like Noah, do you do exactly what they ask? Why or why not? How would God like you to respond?

5- How do you think Noah’s family reacted when Noah began to build a giant boat in the desert? How do you think his neighbours reacted? Sometimes, God asks us to do things that aren’t popular, He asks us to do things that some people would consider crazy. What does God ask you to do? Do you think that you will be able to do to “crazy” things for God, even when others are laughing at you? Why or why not?

6 – Once the ark was built and the animals were safely inside with Noah’s family, what happened? Noah, his family and the animals stayed on the ark for how long? How did they know when it was finally safe to come out?

7 – Our story ends with God establishing a covenant. What was it? Who does it apply to? (Genesis 9:12-17)

This week’s challenge

Pray that God will help you obey fully, just as Noah did.