October

October 4 – Today we learned that David got all of his strength from God.  We talked about things that frighten us…carry on this discussion, and then talk about how we can ask God to help us be courageous, even when we are scared.    Do a search, as a family, on the internet, and look for biographies of Christian Heroes (hint – start with Jonathan Goforth, a good Presbyterian).  What fears and challenges did/do they face? What did they do when overwhelmed with fear and doubt?  What can we learn from that?

October 11 – Read the first verse of Psalm 111 together.  What does it mean to thank God with our whole heart?  What kinds of things are you and your family thankful for.  Be sure to spend some time sharing with each other, just how good God has been to your friends and family this year.

October 18 – Friends are such an important part of our lives.  David and Jonathan is a really good example of friendship.  Does God care about how you treat your best friend?  As a family, talk about what a godly friendship means.  Write down ways to encourage friendship among family members on slips of paper.  Put slips in a hat or in a bowl.  Have everyone in the family draw two of the ideas.  Try to do these encouraging things before the week is over.  Then be thankful together for the event over dinner.

October 25- This week, we heard the second part of the story of David and Jonathan.  In this week’s lesson, Jonathan continued to keep David safe from King Saul.   Talk together aobut why it is good to have at least one close friend who follows Jesus.  Was there a time when you went out of your way to be a loyal friend?

Our verse from the Psalms is from Psalm 34:3-4 (easy address to remember, right?)  It says: Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.  This week, pick a night to lift God’s name above all others.  What a better way than with a celebration.  Make cookies, or brownies, or the family’s favourite dessert.  Then while you are enjoying it together, talk about all the great things that God has done recently or is doing with your family and friends.