Fear Not It! ABC: Deuteronomy for Me! Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

Fear Not It! Fear Him!  ABC: Deuteronomy for Me!  Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

This is lesson six in the Deuteronomy for Me series of lessons for kids, teachers, parents, grandparents, and YOU!  Thus far, for each lesson there's been specific issues covered:  Abhor It: Abomination/Abortion; Bless It: Replacement Theology (Israel); Command It:10 Commandments  Do It!  Do Not Be Involved with Occult; Enter It!: Entering the Land; Entering into, joining with, or unequally yoking with the world; and Fear Not It!/Fear the Lord; trusting in, and reverencing the Lord!  Scroll back to the Intro It! lesson which introduced Deuteronomy for Me!  All lessons have a Little Kids (Ages 4-7) and Big Kids (Ages 8-12) and Teacher-Parents-YOU! sections.

Little Kids: (Ages 4-7)

F Is Fear Not It!

F is for fear not it,

Do not be afraid,

For the Lord Your God--

He'll be your aid!

Fear Him!

F is for fear,

R is for revere

an awesome God

every day of
the year.

Like "Enter It!" and "Enter Into It!" fear has two meanings.  "Fear Not It!" means don't be afraid of something, while "Fear Him!" means to respect and be in awe of the Lord.

Hear It:  The Israelites Go to Battle  

The Israelites had enemies.  They had to fight them.  They had to battle them.  That was scary!  There would be lots of horses, lots of chariots, and lots of soldiers!  That was scary!   Then a priest would speak to them.  He would say, "Let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, don't be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God will go with you to fight with you against your enemies, to save you. ….  And if one of you is really fearful and fainthearted go home for you'll make the other fighters fearful too. After the soldiers went to battle.  From Deuteronomy 20:

Say It!  Fear Not!  

Fear Not!

If you're afraid of the battle,

fear not!

If you're afraid of the enemy,

fear not!

If you're faint-hearted n' jittery, 

fear not!

If you're afraid to assemble,

fear not!

If you begin to tremble, 

fear not!

For the Lord your God will

fight for you, so fear not!
                                         LEP
From Deuteronomy 20

Learn It: Deuteronomy 20:3-4

                               
Deuteronomy 20:3-4   "... let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble … For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you …."  Who helps us if we're afraid?   

Search for It: "The LORD Your/Thy/Our God"  

Write "The LORD Your God" on your white board.  Let the kids read what it says.  Say, open your Bibles to Deuteronomy chapter one, and see if we can find every time you see the words:  "The LORD Your God/Thy God/Our God."  When you find one, highlight it!  How many times did you find it?   All through Deuteronomy you'll find these words over and over.  Notice them!   By the way did you note that LORD has all capital letters!

God also reminded his people that when they came into the promised land, and things were going well, they should never say in their hearts it's because I am a good person that I am here in this good land. Yes, I helped do this for myself.  Why not?  Because it is the LORD who gives us the victory. It is the LORD who does great things--not us!  

Remember It: Dr. Vance's Fav Verse

Many years ago at our church we met a dentist named Dr.Vance.  Every Sunday Dr. V. would stand up and quote his favorite verse.  Do you know what it was?  II Timothy 1:7:  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  After all these years I've never, ever forgotten that verse.  Isn't it wonderful how God's word goes deep into our hearts, and comes back into our minds over and over!  For Psalm 119:11 says: "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."

View It:  A Six-Year-Old-Girl Teaches a Bible Verse to Her Little Brother

I was watching the news and saw this story about a little girl who taught her little brother the very same verse that Dr. V. quoted.  Why was she doing this?  Because her little brother was scared of the virus that is making many people sick.  So the little girl said the verse to her little brother and hugged him too.  Who can you share a verse with?  Who can you help not to be afraid--to fear not?  Click on this little video here, and see the little girl and her brother.  Can you hear the verse?
https://video.foxnews.com/v/6142510161001#sp=show-clips

Color It:  The Fear of the LORD Colouring Book 13 

The Fear of the LORD Colouring BOOK 13 may be ordered from Light House Trails Publishing along with other great KJV colour books.

Older Kids: (Ages 8-12)

Learn Them:  Fear Not, Fear Me Verses

Deuteronomy 1:21:  "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee; go up and possess it, … fear not, neither be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 5:29:  "O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, …."

Fear Not,  Fear Me: Tube Verse Make-It

Prepare It:  toilet tube, 6"x7" dark paper, white pencil, ruler, stapler, tape, stickers, length of yarn or rickrack....

Make It:  Cut a 6"x7"paper.  Use white colored pencil n' ruler to draw random white lines on paper.  Roll tube in paper; staple to hold.  Tape if needed.  Tuck in ends of the paper.  To one side of the tube stick FEAR NOT and to the other side FEAR ME. Place a length of yarn through the tube to hang up or for younger kids wear as a necklace.

Discuss it:  Ask kids to explain the two meanings of the word "fear,"   While "fear not" means we are not to be afraid for the Lord is with us, on the other hand "fear Me" means we are to honor and respect the Lord.

Decide It: Fear Not or Fear the Lord?

Read each verse and decide which definition of fear fits?  A: be afraid of or  B: respect the Lord?

1.  Deuteronomy 1:21
"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, … fear not, neither be discouraged."  A or B?
2.  Deuteronomy 3:2
"And the LORD said unto me, Fear him (King Og) not for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land into thy hand."  A or B?
3.  Deuteronomy 4:10
"...  Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they might teach their children."  A or B?
4.  Deuteronomy 5:29
"O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always …."  A or B?
5.  Deuteronomy 7:21
"Thou shalt not be affrighted of them: for the LORD thy God is among you, …."  A or B?
6.  Deuteronomy 10:12
"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul …."   A or B?
7.  Deuteronomy 11:25
" There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, …."  A or B?
8.  Deuteronomy 20:8
"And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted?  let him go and return unto his house lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart."
9. Deuteronomy 31:8
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."  A or B?
10. Deuteronomy 31:13
"And that their children, which have not known any thing may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.  A or B?

Notice It!  There Is No Fear of God Before Their Eyes

There's a verse in Romans that says some today have no fear or reverence for the Lord.  Many schools are like this. In one early learning center every morning a principal puts on blaring rock music that echoes through its open walkways.  Here little kids never hear "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or our national anthem let alone a prayer or mention of God except as they mumble the pledge to our flag. Sadly, few know to respect and honor the Lord. How about you? Do you know our national anthem or America the Beautiful?  Can you repeat the Lord's Prayer and the pledge?  I hope so!

Parents, Teachers, YOU!

Peruse It:   A Plea to Reopen The New-England Primer

Open up this New-England Primer site to peruse its contents.  Be blown away by the depth of its contents and the Biblical learning contained therein.  Nearly two-hundred and fifty years later, some of its short rhymes and short pithy sentences are perfect for memorization and perfect for writing in the kids' journals.  Take a brief look at the 1777 primer highlighting the word "fear" or  "reverence for the Lord." and other places.  Share with your kids!

The primer begins with "A Divine Song of Praise to GOD, for a Child" (Rev. Dr. Watts), and continues with prayers, the Alphabet, Great Letters, and Syllable Words.  "A Lesson for Children" has some short little sentences starting with: "Pray to God.  Love God.  Fear God. …  Next comes clever little alphabet pictures and rhymes.  Look at B!  It reads: "Heaven to find, The Bible Mind."

It continues Who Was?  e.g.  "Who was the meekest man?  Moses.  Who led Israel into Canaan?  Joshua."   Find "An Alphabet of Lessons for Youth" which contains an ABC list of Bible verses.  B reads: "BEtter* is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure therein."  D has the word "abominable" in it--remember our "A" Lesson.   "Dr. Watt's Cradle Hymn" near its end says, "May'st thou live to know and fear him all thy days."
*  Written like this in the primer!

"VERSES for Children" includes these TIMOTHY lines:  "That blessed child young TIMOTHY, Did learn God's words most heedfully, It seemed to be his recreation which made him wise unto salvation."  Ask child what Timothy's "recreation" was?

I love this one simply titled "Another."  "Good children must, Fear God all day, Love Christ alway,  Parents obey,  In secret pray,  No false thing say,  Mind little play,  By no sin stray,  Make no delay,  In doing good."  What a clever rhyme to memorize, or write in a journal!
https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/nep/1777/

Read It: Fearing God in a Fearless New Age 

Fearing God in a Fearless New Age by Warren Smith begins with "We are living in fearful times, yet the Bible tells us to "Fear not."  Smith notes that the metaphysical/occult teachings in The Course in Miracles in its very first page proposes the New Age teaching "the opposite of fear is love."  He goes on to unpack its New Age teachings versus Biblical teaching of "Fear God-- Yes! and Fear Man-- No!" Smith quotes from Deuteronomy 6:24 that stresses "But the fear of God is 'for our good always.'"

The booklet features a lengthy list of "Fear of God" scriptures from "Fearing God is What God Desires to "Fear of God Forever."  Read this provocative booklet here:
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=27640

 


 

 

  

Enter It! ABC: Deuteronomy for Me! Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

Enter It!  ABC: Deuteronomy for Me!  Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

This is the fifth lesson in the Deuteronomy ABC series; scroll back to see the intro lesson, A, B, C, and D lessons.  This series is for homeschoolers, Christian schools, kids' clubs, and anyone who wants to dig into Deuteronomy.  It covers "Little Kids" (4-7), "Big Kids" (8-12), and "Teachers, Parents, Grandparents, and YOU!"

Little Kids (Ages 4-7)

E Is for Enter It!

E is for enter it

an action you do

when you use a 

doorway* that 

you pass through.

* What other word might you use? 

E is for enter it

an activity you do

with other kids

that live around you.

*  What is a good activity you do?  

e.g. Play tag 

What is a bad activity you might do?

e.g. Make fun of someone.

Enter It!  "The Entry Way"

How do you enter your home?  Through a garage door?  front door?  When I was a kid we entered our house through a little room we called "the entry way." It had a door, a red cement floor, and some coat hooks. In it the milkman would leave cream-topped milk in glass bottles, or the eggman would leave our farm-fresh eggs in cardboard cartons. It was where you went in just before you entered our home.    

Define It: "Enter" Means

*Write "Enter It!" on the white board; let kids copy it in their journal.  Explain that "enter" is an action word (verb) that means you go into something.  You can enter a house, building, or room.  If you enter a house how do you get in? a building? a room?  (Through a door)   Have you seen the word "enter" or "exit" on doors?  

You can enter into a park or playground.  Maybe, like Moses and God's people, you could be on a trip or journey to go to or enter into a new country or land.   Can you think of some places that you go into or enter?   

Enter also means to join up with others. Moses kept telling the Israelites to be careful not to join up with people around them that were worshipping and bowing down to other gods.  The Lord was God alone!  Can you think of kids you play or join with who are nice to be with?  not nice to be with?

* Write two sentence using the word "enter:" one about a place/space you enter and one about kids you play with, or should not play with.  Discuss and help as needed.

Understand It:  Exit It

What is the opposite of in?  of enter?  Did you know that God's special people once were slaves living in a land called Egypt?    Can you find  Egypt on one of the maps at the back of your Bible?
Assist kids.

After awhile God helped his people get out of Egypt.  They left.  They exited.  God opened up the Red Sea for them!  Yes, they began an exodus to a new land.

Learn It:  Deuteronomy 1:8

"Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers."
Discuss:  Which words mean enter it? (go in) What were the Israelites supposed to go into? (the land)  Which word means "promised?"  Who promised them this land?  (The Lord!)

Hear It!  Go Into the Land Now!

Yes, God said go in--enter it!  Remember, God had promised the land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all their children that would be born later. Did they go in right away? No, they told God they wanted some spy guys to look at the land.  God agreed.  They picked twelve spy guys.  Ten of the spy guys thought it would be too hard to go in.  Two of the spy guys thought they could go in.  God wasn't pleased for ten spy guys did not believe him.  So God said "Stop!  You won't get in for a long time now because you didn't believe me.  Only two of the spy guys will go in: Caleb and Joshua.  Only the little kids that will grow up later will go in."  (More of the story later in "S Is for Search It!")

Go Into It! Traffic Light Verse Marker

Draw a simple traffic light on your white board, or show traffic light images. Talk about the traffic colors.  Which one means "go?"

Print a book marker with three circles on it for a traffic light.  Color the top circles red and yellow.  Color the bottom circle a bright green.  Press down hard to make it shiny.   Glue on "Enter It!" over the three circles.  Turn on the reverse side and glue on the verse strip:  Deut.1:8.

Help kids find and highlight Deut.1:8 using a green highlighter.  Use a green colored pencil to make a green "go" dot beside it.  Read it, and repeat it before inserting your Bible bookmarks.
    

Older Kids: (Ages 8-12)

Find It!  Synonyms for Enter

Deuteronomy only uses the word "enter" once, but it has other words that mean the same thing.  Can you think of other words for "enter?"  Use your online Merriam-Webster Thesaurus.

Enter Not Into It:  Proverbs 4:14,15

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it,  … turn from it, and pass away."

Here's a verse beginning with "Enter not."   This verse is a warning not to hang out with those who are doing evil things.  For if you do, you'll be influenced by these people. Notice what it says: "Avoid it" and "turn from it!"  When you're confronted by others who tempt you to do wrong or who are into things you shouldn't do, what advice does this verse give?  Back in Moses' day and today, God's message is the same.  Don't turn aside after other things or other gods!
                    

I Remember It!  "Enter In At the Strait Gate"

When I was a girl I attended church in a Christian home for older people that was in a humongous building that had once been a fancy hotel right along the Atlantic Ocean.  At the Home I had a friend named Billy with whom I'd play.  Once we decided to have a club in the Home's rather dark basement library with its ancient books as well as one painting I shall never forget!  The painting showed a narrow bridge to heaven and a wider road to destruction.  Every time I'd look at that picture I would recall the Bible verses I had learned from Matthew 7:13,14  "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and board is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

These verses picture two roads--one narrow, one wide. Which road speaks of the one way to heaven?  Which speaks of a road or a way that doesn't matter what you believe?

Know It:  I Am the Door Verse

In John 10:9  Jesus says, "I  am the door: by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

In scripture this is a very important "enter" verse in which Jesus likens himself to a door--or a way in--to be saved.

Sing It:  One Door and Only One

One door, and only one
And yet its sides are two,
Inside, and outside,
On which side are you? 

One door, and only one,
And yet its sides are two,
I'm on the inside,
On which side are you?

One Lord, and only one,
And yet the ways are two,
Right way, and wrong way,
On which way are you?

One Lord, and only one,
And yet its ways are two,
I'm on the right way,
On which way are you?

Cedarmont Kids:  Hear it on Youtube here:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cedarmont+kids+one+door+and+only+one&docid=608013879498572365&mid=95636E16613E87731DF095636E16613E87731DF0&view=detail&FORM=VRAASM&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dcedarmont%2Bkids%2Bone%2Bdoor%2Band%2Bonly%2Bone%26qpvt%3Dcedarmont%2Bkids%2Bone%2Bdoor%2Band%2Bonly%2Bone%26FORM%3DVDRE

Define It:  To Yoke

To yoke means to join in with.  A definition says "to join as if by a yoke."  What is a yoke?  It's a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the head or neck working together.   People too can yoke themselves or join themselves to something good, or not good.  In Psalm 106 it says that God's people joined up with idol worshippers and mingled with those who were heathen and didn't love the one true God.  Oh, did you notice this "yoke" is spelled differently than an egg "yolk."

Understand It:  A Deuteronomy Ox and Donkey Verse

Deuteronomy 22:10 says:  "Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass (donkey) together."

If you were a farmer and you put a wooden yoke on an ox and a donkey, what might happen? Do you think these two animals would work well together?  Think what a donkey might do, sit down, balk, bray, and more.  This is called an "unequal yoke" because these two just don't go together!  Instead you need two oxen.  View the images of yoked oxen here:  Do you see the picture where someone actually hooked up a donkey and an oxen and labeled it "unequally yoked."

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+oxen+yoked+together&id=187E7FD867280F8C0AB1AE019568A341B9768618&FORM=IQFRBA

Here's something else to know about an ox and a donkey.  In Moses' time the Israelites had laws that said that animals were either clean or unclean.  There laws, which had to do what the people ate, said that an ox was clean animal and could be eaten whereas a donkey was an unclean animal and could not be eaten.  Youth Sleuth: Research an ox and a donkey--what makes them different.  Clue:  Look at their hooves.

Make it:  The Yoke Bookmark

Prepare It:  sheet of computer paper, rectangle marker shape, fine point marker, online image page of yokes or yoked oxen, scissors, glue, ….   Parent/Teacher: Find a "yoke" page by typing in: "Picture to color of an oxen yoke."  Click on a picture with a yoke that's bookmark size.  After, hold up the computer paper over it lightly tracing it.  If you prefer, print it.  Carefully cut out yoke holes.  Center yoke; at middle top staple to bookmark shape.  Slip it over your Deut.22 chapter edge.   Note it looks like a pair of "spectacles."
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=picture+to+color+of+an+oxen+yoke&qpvt=picture+to+color+of+an+oxen+yoke&FORM=IGRE

*Idea: Yoke Spectacles*  If you wish your younger kids to learn about the ox/donkey you can make a marker/ and an extra pair of Yoke Spectacles with a yarn tie to wear like a necklace.  Kids can than lift their yoke specs to inspect and read Deuteronomy  22:10.   On reverse side of marker print: II Corinthians 6:14  "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: …"

Discuss It: Be Ye Not Unequally Yoked!

Read aloud II Corinthians 6:14-18.  Remember, God told his people over and over, don't join up or link up with those idol worshippers round about you.  And that's what these verses mean don't enter into an agreement with those who don't know Jesus as their Savior or don't marry them either.  Why?

Teachers, Parents, Grandparents, YOU!

It is never too early to begin to talk with your children and teach them that those who've accepted Jesus as their Savior are warned over and over not to hook up with, marry, or even enter into business with those who are unsaved or unbelievers.

Hear It:  A Story About My Parents

Many years ago when my dad met my mom he was an unbeliever-- that is, he had not accepted Jesus as his Savior from sin.  Yes, he tried to be moral and thought himself good.  But, no one had ever told him that he needed to be born again or accept Jesus as his personal Savior.  So when dad met mom right away she shied away from him informing him that she couldn't join up with him, enter into any long term commitment, or marry him for he wasn't saved.  Dad was flabbergasted--what kind of a Christian was she?

That same night as dad walked on the Atlantic City boardwalk with mom and her friend, there was man preaching telling people the very same message.  They stopped to listen.  After dad commented to them,  "Well, I guess there is someone else who believes like you two."  Dad was troubled.  Mom left returning to her home but kept writing dad telling him how to become a true Christian.

Later, dad went to a church and there he met the same boardwalk preacher.  Coincidence?  No, for dad was even more disturbed, and after a time found the Lord as his Savior.  Could mom now accept him as her special friend?  Yes she did, discipling him so beautifully.  Later, they married and what a godly home it was for over fifty long years.

May the Lord help us all--teachers-parents-grandparents-you--to help raise up Caleb kids who faithfully follow the Lord's directions, rather than being unequally yoked or joined to the world surrounding us!    


     

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me: Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introductory Chapter:

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! is a book for parents, grandparents, teachers and kids that includes twenty-six lessons contrasting Bible meditation to Eastern meditation.  For kids, each lesson includes rhymes, letter word, Bible meditation verse, Bible bookmark make-it, Bible Verse Hat, glossary, stories, and much more.  For adults it includes discussion pointers to talk about, online sites to review, articles to read, read aloud picture books to view, and related images to look at.

Below is a sample lesson explaining ways one might use each lesson. In addition to individual ABC lessons, "K Is for Knowledge" and "R Is for Rumination" (end of lesson) provide even more in-depth ideas on how to teach each one.  The Appendix also includes shortened verses, actions to move to, as well as an ABC verse hat directions for the youngest children.

Prepare It:  For each lesson I'd suggest that if possible younger children might have a Giant Print/ Large Print KJV Bible, a small white board, markers, journal notebook, colored pencils, crayons, and any other materials given in each lesson for make-it bookmarks/hats.  Teachers/parents would need their own KJV Bible as well as a larger white board and markers.  Above all, teachers/parents should prepare their hearts and minds ahead of time viewing and reading the Scripture, the videos, and the articles before teaching them. 

Use It:  I would suggest teaching one letter lesson per week.  e.g. Monday: introduce letter, word, rhyme, definition and verse; Tuesday: more verse activities, make-it-marker; Wednesday: continued verse activities, make-it-hat; Thursday: verse meditation discussion, other activities; Friday: review verse, view images, wrap-up.  Whatever way you choose to use the lessons remember to emphasize the contrast between Bible meditation/Eastern meditation as well as meditating and memorizing the verse.  In addition have your child open their Bible, find the verse, and read it each day.

Weekly Use:  If you meet weekly you might use one lesson for two weeks making, e.g. the marker one night and the hat the next week.  You might even include a copy of the lesson for the parents on the first night.            

Sample Lesson:  Lesson Two:  "B Is for Breath!"

B Is for Breath:  Bible Meditation

Write It:  Parent/teacher write "breath" on your white board.  Trace over the word with another color marker.  Kids may write the word on their small boards and trace over their word.

Define It:  P/T use the book glossary and write out the "breath" definition.:  "Air taken in or sent out by the lungs."  Or go online to find "breath" in Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Print It:  Write rhyme on board.  "B Is for Breath"  B is for breath with which I can say, "Praise ye the Lord any time, any day."  Read.  Move: Put finger in front of lips, and raise hands high.

Journal It:  Kids write "breath," and its definition in journal; write one sentence about word.
e.g.  I use my breath to blow bubbles, or I use my breath to speak.  Illustrate.

The Meditation Verse: Psalm 150:6

Print It:  P/T print: "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.  Praise ye the LORD!"  You might write it this way:  "Let everything that hath breath PTL.  Praise ye the LORD."  Ask what "PTL" stands for?  What is our ABC word?

Read It:  Give child a pointer to use to touch each word as it is read out loud.

Discuss It:  Underline, circle, or trace over "breath."  What is a reason God gives us breath?

Write It:  Copy verse into journal.  Write a sentence;  e.g. Our meditation verse is found in the last book of Psalms.  Draw a picture of someone praising the Lord. e.g.  Use a speech balloon or music notes.

Find It:  Have each child open their Bible to its "Contents."  Help them find the "Psalms."  Point out the entire book or more than one Psalm has an "s" on its end while individual chapters are Psalm 1 etc.  Highlight "Psalms."  Note its page number.

Mark It:  Help kids find Psalm 150:6.  Highlight it.  Use a colored pencil to write an "M" by it for a "meditation verse."  Note: this is the last chapter and the last verse of the Psalms.

Recite It:  Recite the verse together in soft, loud, happy, deep, high, low voices and so on.

Reflect on It:  Pause and think about the verse.  Say, e.g. "As I was meditating, or reflecting on our verse, the part that kept coming into my mind was: 'Praise ye the LORD.'   Which part of the verse did you keep thinking about?"

Play It:  Play a game with the white board verse.  Have kids close their eyes.  Erase a word.  Let child tell which word is missing.  Erase a second word.  Repeat until no words are  left.  After each erasure repeat the verse again.  Scramble one word. Let kids tell you what the scrambled word was.  Repeat.

Sing It:  Sing "Hallelu."  Which words from the verse are repeated? ("Praise ye the LORD!")

Pray It:  e.g.  Dear Lord Jesus, we're so glad you have given us breath--breath to thank you for all you do for us and breath to praise and worship you.  And breath just to pray today and to say, 'Praise ye the Lord!"  In Jesus' name, Amen!

Make It!  Bible Verse Bookmark  

Prepare It:  book marker shape; stickers, P.T.L.; colored pencil; glue; …..

Make It:  Stick PTL stickers on one side; on the reverse side carefully print the verse or glue on a preprinted verse strip.

*Idea!*  ABC sticker sheets can be purchased quite reasonably and be used for your markers, hats, or posters.

Insert It:  After rereading your verse, saying it once more, help kids insert their bookmark by the highlighted verse.

Make It: Bible Verse Hat

Find a shortened verse to move to and hat directions in "Appendix for ABC: Bible Meditation Verses for Ages 3-6."

Move It:  "I Can Meditate the Bible Way!"  

Use this rhyme as an action rhyme or rhyme you move to.  Write it on your board; then read, discuss, and move to it.  Discuss "what the Bible way" is versus "breathing a certain way."  Emphasize kids and grownups who meditate the Eastern way focus on their breath or a mantra repeated over and over.  Explain  Eastern meditators tell us not to notice our thoughts and push them away.  But, God says as we meditate to think about his words again and again.
Movements:  open out palms to make a "Bible," point to mouth, point to head, nod head, and raise voice at end.    

B Is for Breath:  Eastern Meditation Part

Breath Used as Bait!

How wide spread is the use of mindfulness and yoga meditation.  Therefore, it can't be stressed enough that one become aware of such programs/activities being used in public schools, wellness centers, daycare centers and yes, even in Christian schools/churches.  These programs/instructors encourage the use of "seemingly harmless breath techniques" to soothe, calm, and relax your youngsters.--and yourself as well.  Therefore, carefully peruse the articles and web sites listed below and in Lesson B.

"Mindfulness Meditation"

Read the "Mindfulness Meditation" rhyme which warns us of how prevalent is the fascination with mindfulness all over the nation.  Discuss it with older children.  Detail "the various innocent ways" kids are told to breathe.  As you view the sites, the picture books, and images you will be amazed at the numerous ingenious ways kids/adults are lured into mindfulness through clever techniques.

Be Aware of It:  "Conscious Discipline" 

In Lesson B read "The Take a Deep Breath Red Flag" section,  and go to the link provided that describes the dangers of this program. When I researched this CD program that was being used by a local school system as well as a large nearby Evangelical church school I was truly astounded to find that its founder Dr. Becky Bailey was deep into the New Age "Course in Miracles" (Think Marianne Williamson).  Even more mind-blowing was the fact that Bailey herself had lectured at the Christian school touting this program.  This program might be "Exhibit A" as to why all must do their homework to find out the background and beliefs of the author(s) of materials such as those used in "Conscious Discipline."

Be Aware of It: Kids' Breathing Tools

Two breathing tools aimed at getting kids to focus and fixate on their breath are; "The Hoberman Sphere" or "the breath ball," and  Conscious Discipline's multisensory flower pinwheel. See the links to these tools to realize there's an array of breath lures out there for little ones to be exposed to!

Be Aware of It:  Breath Picture Books

Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard PsyD. and Daniel Rechtschaffen (May 2019) is but one of the many breath picture books in the mindfulness arsenal through which unusual breath techniques lure both adults and kids into breathing practices that appear oh so innocent.

Another informative site that features other Willard books, as well his upcoming book The Breathing Book, is "Spirituality and Practice."  On the SP site page click on "Books," and then on "Children's Books" to spot The Breathing Book (April 2020) by Chris and his wife.  Click on its book cover to read its review.
https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com

*"Idea!"*  To obtain, e.g. "Images of Kids Doing Mindful Breathing" or "Images of Chris Willard's Mindfulness Books" or whatever other images you wish, simply enter your "Images of ……"  (topic name).  Almost immediately image after image will appear. Select those pictures appropriate to share with your kids, click on them, and talk about them.  Warn your kids now, for later it may be too late!

As stated in the Parental Suggestion section at the end of "B Is for Breath," the authors of Alphabreaths were taught by mindfulness proponents such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dali Lama to name a few.  Therefore, the authors' agenda is to encourage kids to become lifetime mindfulness meditators.  On the other hand, our Biblical agenda is to encourage kids to become lifetime Scripture meditators.

May these lessons arm you with scriptural meditation verses and meditation teachings that will alert you how to ready your children and students to early know the Lord as Savior so as to be able to stand against the pervasive false teachings that would suck them into worldly meditation practices.  For as Scripture admonishes us: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)











 





  

Do It!: ABC: Deuteronomy for Me: Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

Do It!:  ABC: Deuteronomy for Me!:  Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

This is the fourth lesson in the Deuteronomy ABC series; scroll back to see the intro lesson, A, B, and C lessons.  This series is for homeschoolers, Christian schools, kids' clubs and anyone who wants to dig into Deuteronomy.  It covers "Little Kids" (4-7), "Big Kids" (Ages 8-12), and teachers/parents/

YOU!

Little Kids (Ages 4-7)

D Is for Do It!

D is for do it,

should do, shall do,

do so, do no, 

can do too, 

do this, do that, 

to name a few,

do them, do after,

do all, do ye---
so many dos in 

Deuteronomy!

Besides "dos" mentioned, encourage kids to find 

even more Deuteronomy Dos! 

Discover It:  Dot the Dos

Assist kids to search in Deuteronomy for some "do it" and "do" verses; place a dot beside them.  Set a timer as kids look through the chapters. How many can they find?  If you have a group two children can do this together.  

Repeat It:  Deuteronomy 30:14

"The word is very nigh unto thee _____( put in child's name) in thy mouth, and in thy heart that thou mayest do it!"    If we learn God's word where does the word stay?  (in our hearts n' minds)  And if from a child one learns the word as Timothy tells us, it will make us wise unto salvation!   Recite this inserting the names of each person in your family, or group.  Write this verse too on a white board, or in a journal.    

Move It: God's Word

God's word 

isn't far off. No!

(Shake head.)

God's word isn't

high or low.

(Point up, down.)

God's word is

very near

in your mouth,

and heart right here.

(Point to mouth,

self.)

So do it!

(Say loudly.)

From Deuteronomy 30:12-14 

Mark It: "This Day" Spots

Deuteronomy has lots of "this day" spots.  Which is your fav Deuteronomy "this day" place?    Share it with someone else.  By the way "this day" meant the day it was being said, just like "today" is when this is being read.  

Sing It:  The Bible for Me!  Tune: "Victory Is Mine!"

The Bible for Me!

The Bible for me, the Bible for me,    (Lift Bible high.)

The Bible for me this day,                   (Move Bible to song.) 

In its pages God's words I'll find,        (Thumb  through pages.)

The Bible for me this day!                   ( Hold high.) 

Yea!                                                      (Shout)

Say It:  Do This, Do That Rhyme

Do This, Do That!

All through Deuteronomy,

Moses did say, 

"Do this, do that, listen,

obey!"

Play It:  Do This, Do That!

Choose a leader.  Like "Simon Says" if the leader says, "Do this!"  the kids copy the action, if the leader says "Do that!" no action is taken.  If a mistake is made that child sits down.  The last one standing becomes the new leader.

Dough It:  Playdough D Words

Print a list of "D" words on your white board: do it, do, day, detest. dread, ….  Read the list with your kids. Discuss the meanings.  Use them in a sentence.  Choose one word to model with playdough/other modeling materials.

*Idea!*  Instead of you choosing "D words" let first/second graders find a "D" word in their Bible, highlight it, write it on their white board and in their journal.  After discussion, let them model it with play dough.

Demo It:  Do show kids  how to roll out long snake-like ropes first, before forming their word or words. If a longer word is chosen such as "discouraged" a group of two or more might work together to form the word.

YOU DO IT!  The more you encourage kids to look into their Bibles, the more familiar they'll become with them. And isn't that one of our most important goals of these lessons?  "From a child" is always a phrase we must keep firmly in our minds.  "From a child" thou hast known the holy scriptures!" (II Timothy 3:15)

* Idea!*  I'd strongly suggest the teacher/parent have one larger white board, while the kids have smaller ones as well.  Over the years I've observed how much kids loved writing on white boards and playing games with them besides.

Make It:  Deuteronomy "D" Book

Prepare it: run off large outline Ds on colored paper and cut them out.  Print page of "D" words to cut out, and glue onto cover in a collage fashion.
Make it:  Fill in with materials, words,  or sentences to make into a big D book.  Work on one page at a time, and then make its "D" cover; and staple together.  For cover title, glue on printed strip: "Deuteronomy D Words."
*"Idea"*  Find all kinds of outline letters at YesColoring.com.  Print the letters you want!
https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrCwogLf2Fe2AMAcwIPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=yescoloring.com&fr=yhs-symantec-ext_onb&hspart=symantec&hsimp=yhs-ext_onb

Mark It:  " U Do It!" Book Mark 

Prepare it: sturdy rectangle book marks, tissue paper or facial tissue squares, glue, and word strips.
Make it:  Give each child a book mark shape, and a pile of tissue papers.  Put a tiny dot of glue on marker.   Place tissue square over glue dot.  While wet, scrunch up tissue.  Put another teensy drop of glue on, and continue until entire marker is filled in.  Do just one side.  To it glue printed strip :  "U Do It!"  On reverse flat side glue:  Deuteronomy 30:14 with kid's name inserted!  Put in Bible.

Hear It:  A Deuteronomy Do Not Part

Deuteronomy has lots of do verses as we've learned, but it also has do not parts too.  In them God tells to watch out so we won't do certain things because they aren't good to do.  These practices are called abominations.  They are bad.  God tells us to watch out not to listen to people too who tell us certain things that aren't true.  These people are called diviners.  They are not good.  God says stick to me.  Obey my commands, and do them.  From Deuteronomy 18

Say It:  Do Them!

Do Them!

God had demands,
God had statues,
God had commands
for his people
to do them!

From Deuteronomy 4:6

Older Kids: (Ages 8-12)

Memorize It:  A Deuteronomy 30:14 Do It Verse

"The word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth, and in thy heart that thou mayest do it! 

Discover It:  Deuteronomy Verses in Romans

Deuteronomy quotations may also be found in other OT/NT books.  One such place is Romans 10:5-9 that quotes from Deuteronomy 30:11-14. Verse five mentions Moses.  In Moses' time people had to keep the commandments, or the law.  But in the time when Romans was written, Jesus had been born, lived, died, risen, and gone back to heaven.  Now, people could ask the Lord Jesus to forgive their sins and believe in him to help them be righteous or do right things.

Learn It!  Romans 10:8,9

Romans 10:8,9 says:  "But what saith it?  THE WORD IS NIGH THEE, EVEN IN THY MOUTH, AND IN THINE HEART:  that is the word of faith which we preach: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Do you see the capitalized part from Deuteronomy?  These verses tell us how we can know the Lord as our own Savior by confessing our sins with our mouths, and believing in our hearts about Jesus death and resurrection.  What was "the word of faith" that was preached?

I Remember It:  "Romans Ten and Nine"

I was just a young girl when I sang a chorus about Romans 10:9.  That was many years ago, but I've never forgotten its words.  It went like this:

Romans Ten and Nine

Romans ten and nine,
Is a favorite verse of mine,
Confessing Christ as Lord,
I am saved by grace divine,
For there the words of promise
In golden letters shine,
Romans ten and nine.

May I ask you a question? Have you trusted Jesus as your very own Savior from sin?  If you haven't, you can do it today.

Think About It:  A To-Do List

Have you ever made a to-do list for yourself, or has your dad or mom done this?  Often parents will hang up a chore list on the fridge for kids to know what chores they have to do, or a list of activities you will have coming up soon.  Now, Deuteronomy has some lists of things to do, and lists of things not to do too.  Discuss some of these e.g. recalling the blessings and the curses given in Lesson B, or the Ten Commandment list in Lesson C.

Understand It:  A Deuteronomy Do Not Do It List

Deuteronomy 18 has some very important "do not" verses that everyone should begin to learn while they are young.  Unfortunately, many have never read, or even understood, some of these practices only to be trapped or lured into doing them believing they were harmless.

Hear It:  God's Not Learn to Do List:  Nine Abominations to Avoid!

In Deuteronomy 18:9--14 God told the Israelites when they got into the land there were nine things they shouldn't learn to do--nine abominations of the nations around them.  Now one of these nine things is a Deuteronomy D word called "divination."   Divination is done by diviners who say they can tell the future by looking at stars, palms, cards, crystals, or others things.

But God said "divination" is a detestable practice we shouldn't learn to do. Read God's list of "do nots" here: "When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: …."

The verses go on to say that the nations around the Israelites listened to diviners, but as for you Israel, the LORD thy God "hath not suffered thee so to do."

Do people still do these practices?  Sad to say the answer is "yes"--for all around us are people who experiment with, try out, and use these practices even today.  But, the II Corinthians 6:14,17,18 says:  "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?* …  Wherefore COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, saith the Lord, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU, AND WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YE SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, saith the Lord Almighty."
*  This first verse is from Deuteronomy 7:2.

Find It: Definition of Divination
What is divination?  Merriam-Webster says that divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.  Richard and Linda Nathan in A Glittering Web 
Glossary of  New Age Terms define it this way:  "Divination. There are many methods of divination, but all attempt to foretell the future.  (Deuteronomy18:10-12)."
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divination

https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=31454

Research It: Youth Sleuth 
Check out divination's synonyms and antonyms yourself.  Write a list in your journal.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divination

Discover It:  More Divination Information
 "Divination Facts for Kids--Kiddle" says the word divination comes from the Greek word for "seer" and is an attempt to get information through omens or supernatural things.  Kiddle's divination list includes astrology (by celestial bodies), palmistry (by palm inspection), scrying ( by a crystal ball, mirror, or water), and taromancy (by using tarot cards) plus many more.  Read here:
https://kids.kiddle.co/Divination

Parents, Teachers, YOU!

Notice It!  Regarding Witches

"A witch" is also part of the abominable practitioners mentioned in Deuteronomy 18.  I, as many youth, once thought witches imaginary.  However, I later learned otherwise.

I Remember It: The 'Cute' Witch Rhyme

When I was little I thought that witches were make-believe and just in story books.  I'd chant a little ditty:  "Old lady witch fell in a ditch, picked up a penny and thought she was rich."  I'd listen to Hansel and Gretel and think its ugly witch quite scary.  My Christian parents even bought me a little witch costume.  Back then at Halloween I'd go "begging" or "trick or treating." I liked being out in the dark, and of course I liked getting candy.  It was just fun, but was it?

Later, near Halloween, while student teaching in a first grade class, I taught a 'cute' action rhyme about a witch that flew all around the town. It seemed innocent, but was it?  My master teacher asked, "I thought you attended a Christian college so why are you using a witch rhyme?"  That gave me pause.

Still wanting to believe Halloween was simply fun while getting ready for a youth party I read an encyclopedia article about witches that revealed to me yes, witches were real and practiced the wiccan religion. That was a wake-up call.  Therefore, nothing with witches in it was used at the party.  However, we would play a few spooky games.  That surely couldn't be bad.  But was it?

As I grew older I realized that Christians shouldn't celebrate Halloween, or have anything to do with its practices.  So I began removing from my teaching materials everything related to its celebration.  It wasn't just cute and fun. It was wrong.  So, if you've never really thought about, or paid attention to what's spelled out in these Deuteronomy verses may this be the day you've awakened,  Don't wait, for your lack of knowledge may influence others whom you love deeply.

Read It: Halloween! A Warning to Christian Parents
Johanna Michaelsen, a Christian speaker and author, has a riveting testimony of being freed from occult bondage including witchcraft.  She wrote the classic The Beautiful Side of Evil.  She also wrote a very informative and provocative booklet Halloween!  A Warning to Christian Parents. Order it, or read it here:
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=21511

Hear It: "Deuteronomy 18:9- Why God Hates the Occult"
Pastor Bill Randles is a gifted preacher, and writer.  His not to be missed podcast is "Deuteronomy 18:9- Why God Hates the Occult" (February 28-2019)  Below the podcast its description reads: "How the occult manifests in our present time.  How people partake of it without knowing.  What are the many latent forces of it.  Why God hates it."  Listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gYp5xKozag



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C Is For Command It!: ABC: Deuteronomy for Me: Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World

Command It!: ABC: Deuteronomy for Me! Raising a Caleb Kid in a Disrupted World!

This is lesson three in a twenty-six part series of lessons for homeschoolers, Christian schools, Bible Studies for Kids, or Kids' Clubs.  Each lesson contains rhymes, verses, research, make-its, current issues, songs, and much more!  At the end is a section for teachers and parents.  

Go back to the introductory lesson "Deuteronomy Details" to begin.  The introduction contains Bible skills for little ones 4-7 as well as kids 8-12.  Lesson "A for Abhor"(Detest) is a lesson that includes teaching on the right to life, while "Bb for Bless" is a lesson that includes Deuteronomy stories about blessings and curses (consequences).  In this lesson, the issue addressed for parents/teachers is "Replacement Theology" a doctrine taught by some that the Jewish people, because of disobedience, have lost the promised blessings and kept the curses.

My desire for these lessons is to encourage parents, teachers, and children to dig deep into the Word using the KJV Bible, and by using internet sites to help kids to learn to research.  Not only am I suggesting memorizing the verses and the Ten Commandments, but I am introducing current issues into each lesson that both kids and adults should become aware of enabling all to stand true--to become Caleb kids and Caleb adults in this corrupted world.

Little Kids:  Ages 4-7

C Is for Command It! 

C is for command it--

directions Moses did voice

commanding God's people

to make the right choice.

C Is for Commandments

C Is for commandments

ten rules God did give

that directed his people

how they must live.

I Remember It: My Mom's Admonition

When I was a child my mom would remind me over and over again there was one special commandment with a promise, and then she'd quote Ephesians 6:1-3. To this day these verses remain firmly fixed in my memory.   How thankful I am for her faithful reminders!   

Memorize It: A Commandment with a Promise!

Ephesians six verses two n' three

are promise verses for you and me--

Read them!  Learn them too!

Short Verse: Ephesians 6:1

  "A verse to say with all your might:  "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."  Ephesians 6:1   (Raise voice: on might, and right.  Wag finger and point upward.)

Longer Verses:  Ephesians 6:1-3

"Children obey your parents in the LORD, for this is right.  HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER: (which is the first commandment with promise;) THAT IT MAY BE WELL THEE THAT MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."  Whom should we obey every day?  Whom should we honor or respect?  What does this commandment have in it?  What is that?  What is the promise?  Which words begin with a capital letter?  Why do you think that is?  Print the verse on the whiteboard and mark various parts as you lead the discussion.

Be Aware of It: Deut. Verse Warning About Dishonoring Parents
While the Bible tells us our days on the earth will be prolonged if we're obedient to the fifth commandment, Deuteronomy 27:16 warns against dishonouring or not honouring one's parents.  It says:  "Cursed be he that setteth light by (makes fun of) his father or his mother. …."  (Deut.27:16)

Recall It: Respect Elderly Parents!

Respect Elderly Parents!

Respect elderly parents.
Honor them.
Don't neglect them.
Don't reject them.
YOU respect them,
it's the godly thing to do!

What does elderly mean?  It means those who are much older, like your grandparents or like your parents will be some day.      

Practice It:  Select an Elderly Friend
Choose an elderly friend to pray for, talk to, listen to, or help out from time to time.  Think of something you can do.  Older people will enjoy a text message, a card, or phone call. Even a picture you draw will make them smile.

Think About It:  A Word of Wisdom
Recently I heard a man say when we repeat, "Honour thy father, and thy mother." we think of children or teens.  But this verse is for grown children too.  No matter when,  as long as one's parents are alive, we are to show respect, and honor for them whether we agree with them or not. 

Understand It: The Fifth Commandment or 5-5-5-5

The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Pentateuch or Torah.  What does "penta" stand for? ("penta" is a prefix meaning "five.")  The fifth book of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy.  The fifth chapter of the Deuteronomy has the "The Ten Commandments" in it.  The fifth commandment is "Honor thy Father and thy Mother."  Remember 5-5-5-5!  By the way what other book is the Ten Commandments in?  (Exodus)

Say It: The Ten Rules Rhyme

Hey, hey, we've begun.  Can you say rule number one?
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Hey, hey, you and you.  Can you say rule number two?
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."
Hey, hey, look at me.  Can you say rule number three?
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain."
Hey, hey, let's say more.  Can you say rule number four?
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Hey, hey, look alive.  Can you say rule number five?
"Honour* thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
Hey, hey, your lips fix.  Can you say rule number six?
"Thou shalt not kill."
Hey, hey, look toward heaven.  Can you say rule number seven?
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Hey, hey, please don't wait.  Can you say rule number eight?
"Thou shalt not steal."
Hey, hey, you look fine.  Can you say rule number nine?
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."
Hey, hey, it's the end.  Can you say rule number ten?\
"Thou shalt not covet."                                                          LEP

*  The KJV Bible spells honor as honour. If you wish, lengthen the commandments in-between the rhyming lines.

Note:  The Ten Commandments are given in Exodus 20 as well as Deuteronomy 5.  While there are  differences, most posters/markers use those given in Exodus 20 as I've done here.

Hear It:  Moses Receives The Ten Commandments
The ten commandments, says Deuteronomy 5:22, are the words that the LORD spoke to all the people that were listening to Moses by Mt. Sinai, or Horeb.  It was down at the bottom of the mountain that the people heard a great voice out of the fire, the cloud, and the darkness.  The people then asked Moses to go up the mountain to talk with the Lord. They told Moses that whatever God said they would hear and do it.

So Moses went up into the top of Mt. Sinai to talk with God and stayed there for forty days and nights. Meantime, below the people grew tired of waiting and waiting for Moses to descend asking Aaron to make a calf god from their gold jewelry, and Aaron did.  Oh, what a sin that was!

Later, when Moses came down carrying the two tablets what did he hear but the people having a big party, and what did he see but the people bowing down to the golden calf god.  Moses was so angry that he broke the tablets he had in his hand right on the ground.  Smash!  They were busted to bits.

How sad that the people had "quickly turned aside" soon after they had first heard the commandments "Thou shalt have no other god beside me, " and "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."

Read Deut. 5:1-33, aloud to your children, or better yet let them read aloud with you.   Read Deut.9:11-29 too.

View It: You Tube Read Aloud Picture Book Exodus 
Don't miss hearing and viewing Brian Wildsmith's book Exodus that includes the giving of the Ten Commandments.  Wildsmith was an extraordinary author whose art work especially captures kids' attention.  As you listen, challenge the children to detect one thing in the text that he wrote that wasn't true concerning Moses' death.  To hear the book read click below.

If you can check out the book from your local library in order to examine its captivating art work more closely.  On which pages do you find pictures of the ten commandments? Moses up on Mt. Sinai?  Moses viewing the land?  Joshua taking over?   What color do you see on the pages/page edges?   This book is also a great book for older students as well.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Exodus+Read+Aloud+by+Brian+Wildsmith#id=1&vid=17632da077b03c0ffd94d4c22be496c2&action=click

Make-It: The Ten Commandment Marker
Needed: half-sheet construction paper 6"X9"; 1-10 stickers; printed strip of ten commandments; glue; ….
Make It:  Fold sheet lengthwise into four equal rectanglular sections. Fold left quarter inward as well as the right outer quarter inward so marker has "a little door" to open to peek inside.  Glue a printed 10 commandments strip inside on the middle two sections. On the left front panel stick numerals: 1-5; and on the right panel stick 6-10.  Open the marker up to read the ten rules.  Place in Bible at Deuteronomy chapter five.

Learn It:  The Ordinals
As you teach the Ten Commandments introduce the ordinals first-tenth.  Can your child say them in order? read them? spell them?  Notice the endings--1st., 2nd., 3rd., and then 4th-10th.  Teach these also.  The word "ordinal," by the way, means "expressing order in a series."

Sing It:  "On Top of Mt. Sinai" 

Tune:  "On Top of Old Smoky"

On top of Mt. Sinai, all covered with smoke, Moses God's leader, to the Lord God spoke.

God gave him commandments; there were ten in all, God gave him commandments for the big and the small.

God gave us commandments that we might obey, God gave us commandments, so learn them today.

Have no gods before Me, love Me most of all, don't make an idol, whether short or tall.

Do not misuse God's name, do not curse or swear, remember the sabbath, keep it everywhere.

And honor your father, and your mother too, obey them in all things whatever you do

And you shall not murder, commit adultery, and you shall not steal, or lie constantly.

And you shall not covet your neighbor's things, for obeying these ten rules, much happiness brings.
                                                                                                                                                    LEP

Color It:  The Ten Commandments Coloring Book 7: Outline Texts  TBS Colouring Book No.7
Here's a KJV Bible color book that includes "The Ten Commandments."  Order from Lighthouse Trails Store.  Order some "Ten Commandments" KJV Bible book markers  too.  Find them here:
https://www.lighthousetrails.com/scripture-coloring-puzzle-books-for-youth/1475-the-ten-commandments-coloring-book-7-outline-texts.html?search_query=Ten+commandments+coloring&results=138

Learn It:  Introduce Roman Numerals 
Find Chris Cabrera's book The Ten Commandments for Kids at Amazon books.  Zoom in on its bright yellow tablets on its cover.  Point out the Roman Numerals to your youngsters.  Kids may even copy the tablets in their journal drawing them themselves, and write the Roman Numerals on each tablet.  Idea: A fun snack is to use vanilla wafers or Snackwells Vanilla Crème Sandwich Cookies as commandment tablets, and a tiny frosting tube with which to write the Roman Numerals 1-5 on one cookie, and 6-10 on the other one.  Push the two cookies together to make the tablets.  Discuss, and eat!
https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Commandments-Kids-Chris-Cabrera/dp/1088871380

A good video to use when introducing first and second graders to the Roman Numerals is "Roman Numerals for Kids (First and Second Grade Math Explained) made ty Homeschool Pop on You Tube.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Roman+Numerals+for+Kids+First%2FSecond+Grade+Homeschool+Pop#id=1&vid=4d07908fb2ec8ddf0222037ff691fd08&action=click

Older Kids:  (Ages 8-12)

Research It:  Command, Commandment 
Find the word command, and commandment online in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.  Write the definitions down in your journal.  Did you check out the synonyms and antonyms?  Write them as well.   Notice too that commandment has the root/base word command in it.  And when the suffix "ment" is added to "command" it changes the action verb into a noun.  "Ment" by the way means "put into action."

Do It: A Commandment Verse to Put Into Action!
A commandment verse to say:  "Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statues, and his judgments, and his commandments, always."  Deuteronomy 11:1

Notice It:  The Six Verb Verse!
Here's a verse from Deuteronomy 13:4  that has six action words or verbs in it.  Can you pick out the six verbs?  What a great verse this is!

"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave to him."  Write the verse in your journal, and highlight the six action words.  Then write six sentences using the words in a sentence.  Here's a starter sentence:  "I will walk after the LORD my God."

God's people, by the way, often did not walk after the Lord, but rather they went after other gods.  While you read through the book of Deuteronomy notice how often you find go after, or turn aside or like words.

Repeat It: Learn the Ten Commandments

Ten Commandment Poem

Ready, set, say:  "The Ten Commandments" with me today.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Not one!*
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."  None!
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."  Never!
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."  Forever!
"Honour your father and your mother."  Say, "I will!"
"Thou shalt not kill."  Say, "I won't!"
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."  "Don't!"
"Thou shalt not steal."  Say, "No deal!"
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor!" Do not!
"Thou shalt not covet" Anything he's got!
Ten rules, that's the end, can you say them once again?  LEP 

*  One person may say the darkened words, or a group may chime in. 
  
Think About It:  What Are the Ten Commandments?
What Are the Ten Commandments? by Yona Zeldis McDonough is a paperback book for kids 8-12 with sixteen photographs at the back of the book. Having discovered this book in a bookstore, later at home I went to Amazon.com books to "Look Inside" it again. I would emphasize this is a research technique I often use when I find a book and want to see its sample pages.
https://www.amazon.com/What-Are-Ten-Commandments-Was/dp/0515157236

Near the end of its sample pages a photograph of two commandment tablets outside a church caught my eye.  Below the photo it said "The Ten Commandments Near the Entryway of a Church" Now, it didn't say which church this was, but right away I noted one commandment was missing while another commandment had been moved. Look below to figure out what's missing, moved up, and divided on the tablets.  For reference look at; Exodus 20/Deuteronomy 5 in your Bible.

Left Tablet in Photo:
1.  I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange
gods before me.
2.  Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God
in vain.
3.  Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

Right tablet in photo:
4.  Honor thy father and thy
mother.
5.  Thou shalt not kill.
6.  Thou shalt not commit adultery.
7.  Thou shalt not steal.
8.  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
9.  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
10.  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.

What did you see?  Which commandment is missing? Why do you suppose that is? Think about this Deuteronomy 12:32 verse:  "What thing soever I command you to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it."   What does this verse mean?  Yes, one should not add to God's word, nor take away from it.  Read the little rhyme below, and remember it!

Remember It: Recall This Fact!

Recall This Fact!

Recall this fact!
Don't add or subtract
from God's word,
Instead, leave it intact!

Note:  While What Are the Ten Commandments? has useful information in it, it's not a book that I'd recommend a child read.  Here's one reason:  In chapter eight  "Was Moses Real?"  the author questions the Biblical narrative implanting the idea that maybe Moses wasn't a real person at all. In short, as parents/teachers we must be alert always to what a book is teaching before allowing kids to read it.  The WHOHQ book series certainly would fall under this category.  In addition one should be aware that this author is a Jewish feminist who is the Fiction Editor for a magazine called Lilith.  Lilith, it must be noted, is an occult figure found in Judaism and other religions.
https://www.lilith.org/blog/tag/yona-zeldis-mcdonough/

Look It Up: Ten Commandment Facts for Kids
The Kiddle Kids' site has an informative article on the ten commandments.  Be sure and note the chart comparing what various churches and groups consider as the ten commandments.  This helps unlock why the photo above listed the commandments as it does.  At bottom under "Contents" click on "Different Numbering."
https://kids.kiddle.co/Ten_Commandments

View It:: Rembrandt's Moses Art
View this Rembrandt painting of Moses with the commandments over his head just ready to be broken.  Find the picture here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Breaking_the_Tablets_of_the_Law

I Remember It:  Cecille B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments"
In 1957 our sixth grade went to New York City to see Cecille B. DeMille's famous movie: "The Ten Commandments."  Were we excited?  You bet!  I especially was excited for it was the first time I'd been allowed to attend a movie in a theater.  For in those days many believed that born again Christians should not smoke, drink, or go to movies.  The movie was indeed awesome as a theater poster at that time touting the film read: "The Greatest Event in Motion Picture History!"  See it here: 
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/F2T20W/ten-commandments-the-1956-movie-poster-F2T20W.jpg

Parents, Teachers, YOU!  Is Keeping the Ten Commandments A Ticket to Heaven?

I'm sure you've met someone to whom you've spoken about knowing the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior who responded with:  "I'm a good person, I've kept the commandments, I'm baptized, or I go to church."  However, as the Bible clearly tells us it is not by works of righteousness that we have done that one gets to heaven. And as my mom made sure to often remind me James 2:10 says, "But whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all."  And Deuteronomy 27:26 also says, "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. …."  For it isn't through keeping the commandments, attending church, or being baptized we gain entrance to heaven, but it's through the Lord Jesus Christ alone.  For Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  (John 14:6)  

Understand It:  "Do You Have to Obey the Ten Commandments to Get to Heaven?"
Ponder this informative 2003 Berean Call short podcast between Tom McMahon and David Hunt as to whether it's required of us to obey the Ten Commandments to reach heaven. Listen here:
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/do-you-have-obey-ten-commandments-get-heaven

Hear It:  "Ten Holy Words"
Listen to Bill Randle's sermon "Ten Holy Words" in which Randles says as Christians we should remember  Jesus' words, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."   Hear it here, and be blessed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwhiEEQVfbc


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B Is for Bless It!

B Is For Bless It!   (ABC: Deuteronomy for Me!)

Little Kids: (Ages 4-7)

B Is for Bless It

B is for bless it,
and pray for it too,
for this is something
God says to do--
for Israel.  

Discover It:  Dictionary Research: Bless!

Assist your child in finding the words bless and blessing in the KJV Bible Dictionary.  Have them point to the words.  If they are able (first/second grade) read the definitions.  Write the words on the white board; discuss.   Have children write the words in their journal and use them in a sentence.  Illustrate!  Fours may dictate a sentence that you write for them, and they may write the word bless or blessings.
http://www.thekingsbible.com/Concordance/bless

Children who early learn the skill of looking up information will easily do more research later on enabling them to "study to show themselves approved unto God."  Sadly, this is something
many older Christians have never done, and as a result are easily snared into false teachings.

B Is for Blessings

B is for blessings,
C is for curses--
lessons Moses taught
written in these verses:
Deuteronomy 11:26-27

Learn It:  Deuteronomy 11:26, 27:  A Blessing and A Curse

God told the children of Israel how they could have a blessing, or how they could have a curse or consequence.

"Behold, I set before you a blessing, and a curse; a blessing if ye  o-b-e-y*  the commandments of the LORD your God ... a curse if ye will not  o-b-e-y  the commandments of the LORD your God."
What is the opposite of a blessing? What word tells us what God told the children of Israel to do so they might be blessed?  Yes, obey.

*  Be sure to spell out o-b-e-y each time you say the verse.

Explore It:  A Bible Map Showing Mt. Gerizim/Mt. Ebal

Can you find the maps at the back of your Bible?  Maps help us know where things are.  Some maps have little triangles to show where mountains are.  Here is Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal on this map.  Can you point to them?   These mountains are where special blessings and curses would be read and shouted out.

We can find pictures of maps and pictures of Mt. Gerizim/Ebal right on our computer.  Look here are lots of pictures--can you see the maps?  the mountains? their names?
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mt.+gerizim%2fmt.+ebal+images&qpvt=Mt.+Gerizim%2fMt.+Ebal+Images&FORM=IGRE

Make It:  A Map Marker

Materials:  map with Mt. Gerizim/Ebal on it; sturdy paper; glue; ABC stickers; highlighter; glitter punch dots; ….

Print a page with Mt. Gerizim/Ebal on them from the back of your Bible. Cut into marker rectangle; glue to sturdy paper.  Next, print the Bible verse strip.

Shall we make a "map marker" for our Bibles?  On top we'll stick on "B Is 4 Bless It."  On the back we'll glue our verse.  On the front, glue glitter dots by the mountains, Shechem, Lake of Galilee, Jordan River, Dead Sea, Canaan, Mediterranean Sea, or whatever locations you wish the children to notice.  Talk about them.

After, help kids find the Bible contents. Turn to Deuteronomy and find chapter eleven.  Highlight verses twenty-six and twenty-seven.  Read them.  Place a marker there.       

Listen to It! Mt. of Blessing, Mt. of Curses: Deuteronomy 27 

In Deuteronomy 27 Moses told the people that after they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan that they were to have a special day when all the people, along with the priests, would gather by Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. There six tribes would stand by Mt. Gerizim and six tribes by Mt. Ebal.  Then the Levite priests would shout out the blessings and curses in a loud voice --the blessings would be said toward Mt. Gerizim, while the curses would be said toward Mt. Ebal.  Later on when Joshua took the people into the Promised Land they would hold the blessings and curses gathering.

Make it:  Mountain Mitts

Needed: paper, staples, marker. Cut out two mountain humps that will fit over the child's hands.  Staple mitt sides so the mitts may be slipped on.  On one write Mt. Gerizim, Blessings, Obey and on the other write Mt. Ebal, Curses,, and Disobey.  Wear as you sing the action song below.

Sing It:  The People Stood By Mt. Geri'zim (Tune: The Bear Went Over the Mountain)

The people stood by Mt. Geri'zim, the people stood by Mt. Geri'zim, the people stood by Mt. Gerizim,  to hear the blessings read, to hear the blessings read, to hear the blessings read,  The people stood by Mt. Geri'zim, the people stood by Mt. Gerizim, the people stood by Mt. Gerizim, to hear the blessings read.

Continue with Mt. Ebal ….  The people stood by Mt. Ebal … to hear the curses read.

Learn It:  Did You Know?

Did you know Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal  are found in Samaria?  In between was a city called Shechem.*  The Samaritans really liked Mt. Gerizim and built a temple there.  And in John 4 is the wonderful story of how Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well.  Where was this well and "this mountain?"   It was on Mt. Gerizim!

* Today Shechem is the town of Nablus.

Understand It:  Mts. Are Landmarks

I once lived in a little town called Pilot Mountain named after a nearby mountain that had an unusual knob on its top. The Indians, it's said, used it as a lookout place to see what was happening all about or a landmark to tell where they were.  If you drive by Pilot Mt. on a clear day you can't miss it. And long ago in Bible times you couldn't miss Mt. Gerizim nor Mt. Ebal either even though they weren't huge mountains.

Think About It: Time Out  

Maybe you have had to sit in time out.  Why did that happen?  Perhaps, it was because you didn't obey or listen to your parents or teacher.  Just like God's people did, we have a choice to listen and obey or to not listen and disobey.  What will you choose?

Say It!  Bless Who? 

Bless who?
The Jewish people.
Honor who?
The Jewish people.
Pray for who?
The Jewish people.
This do, for God says:
"Pray for the peace
of Jerusalem!"*   LEP

Ps.122:6

Older Kids: (Ages 8-12)

Research It: Bless and Curse

Go to your Bible concordance, or online dictionary, to find out the meaning of the words bless and curse.    Go back to the "Abhor It!" lesson for a list of ways to explore a word online.  To see how many bless, blessed, and blessing verses are in Deuteronomy, key in "bless" in the KJV Bible to explore more of the verses.   Don't forget to write the definitions/sentences in your journal.

Learn It; Deuteronomy 11:26-28  The IF Verse

"... I set before you a blessing and a curse; A blessing if ye obey; the commandments of the LORD your God, … a curse if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you … to go after other gods which you have not known."

God told Israel they had a choice to get blessings or curses if they obeyed or disobeyed.  Did you notice the "if" you obey, or "if" you disobey God's rules or commandments.  What did the people do when they disobeyed? Our verse says they turned after other gods instead of following the true God.

We too we can choose to obey the Lord or disobey him.  While we may not be bowing down to or making idol gods, we can have other things we like far more than the Lord--maybe its your phone or maybe its your sport or whatever "idol" that you enjoy.

Make It:  The IF Verse Marker

Needed:  marker shape, printed "If, if" strips, glue, and verse strip.

Cut out marker shape you'd like from heavy paper.  Glue "Ifs" and "ifs" all over front.  On back glue the entire verse.  Read it, think about it.  Memorize it.  And don't forget that little word "if"; for how very important it is!

Hear It!  The Rest of the Story!

Jump ahead to Joshua 8:30-35 to read about the actual day that God's people did hear the blessings and curses read aloud near to Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal.  Remember, there were twelve tribes listening --six by one mountain and six by the other.  The Levites were in between.  Their shouted words were heard by all.  After they read each part, the people would respond with an "Amen," or "so be it!"  After it was all over it was up to the people to obey, or not.

Make It:  "Mount of Blessing" Booklet
Needed:  drawing paper, crayons, colored pencils, markers, stapler, glue ….

Make a Mount of Blessing or Mt. Gerizim booklet.  Begin by having kids draw a picture of the mountain; you might let them look at pictures online first.  Cut out the drawing and using for the cover of your booklet.  Glue a printed 'Mount of Blessing" to the cover.  Cut out additional pages of the same shape and staple to cover.  Encourage them to research and write facts about the mountain on each page.

Talk About It:  "This Is the Blessing" (Deuteronomy 33)

In Deuteronomy 33 it tells how just before his death Moses said a special blessing for each of the twelve tribes.  Verse one begins with  "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."  Can you pick out the tribe names, and read the blessings.  

Learn About It:  Some Forever Blessing Verses

Did you know there's a false teaching some people believe about Israel's blessings and curses?  This teaching says that the people of Israel lost all the blessings God promised them because they disobeyed God so much.  It also says all these blessings went to Christians instead.  Do you think God would break his promises to his special people?  If you said no, you're right, for God does not lie nor does he break promises.

Ask your dad, mom, teacher, or pastor more about this.  And always remember these blessing verses from Genesis 12:1-3 that God promised to Abraham:  "Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."  Especially remember the end of the verse where the Lord says if one blesses Israel or the Jewish people he or she will be blessed, but if we turn against Israel we'll have to answer to the Lord for that.

Parents, Teachers, YOU:  Recognizing Replacement Theology

Are you aware of Replacement Theology?  Would you recognize its teachings?  For years, I was unaware of it.  Having been raised in a home where I was early taught that the Jewish people were God's chosen people, who although they'd rejected Jesus as their Messiah, were to be blessed and to be respected for some day they'd turn to the Lord.  Because of this, I assumed all Christians felt the same way.

My parents had faithfully modeled for me what it meant to love and to pray for the Jewish people.  My dad himself had come to know Jesus as his personal Savior both through the testimony of my mom and a converted Jewish preacher he'd heard on the Atlantic City boardwalk.  Not only that, but dad had worked for a Jewish grocery keeping their books and had witnessed to his Jewish bosses. Besides, dad consistently read aloud books to my mom and I about Jews who had come to know the Messiah and their persecution.

Many years passed with neither I, nor my husband hearing about Replacement Theology until we began to attend a new church, soon finding ourselves fellowshipping with some of its friendly members.  Something, though, was wrong.  This church's outlook toward Israel was puzzling.  What was the problem?   One Sunday the pastor mentioned that we are the "apple of God's eye."  Immediately, I sat up knowing that Bible said Israel was the apple of God's eye, not us.  It was shortly thereafter we finally had the name for what this church taught--Replacement Theology.   We studied more. We questioned others.  Sadly, we had to leave.

Israel: Replacing What God Has Not by Mike Oppenheimer, who was raised Jewish, and then fell into the New Age before trusting the Lord as his Savior, is a booklet that carefully explains why RT isn't biblical.  What verse does Mike use to end his booklet?   Zechariah 2:8!  It reads: "For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."

https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=11341

Say It!  "Have Israel's Blessings Gone Away?" 

Here is little poem to teach your children to remind us all, that as Paul declares in Romans 11:1: "I say, then, Hath God cast away his people?  God forbid."   Talk about this verse, and the poem.

Have Israel's Blessings Gone Away?

Have Israel's blessings gone away
to be given to the church today?
No, no, no!  They never did--
as Romans declares: "God forbid!"
                                                 LEP

Note:  Remember these lessons can be used for Homeschooling lessons every day, for Wednesday night clubs, for Bible studies for all ages, and your own study.  Select those activities best for your children.  If your children are older but haven't known or completed parts listed for younger children use these as well!  The goal is to learn to dig deep into Deuteronomy, and into the word.