Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 7: "Change Your Ways and Your Doings!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 7: "Change Your Ways and Your Doings!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets & More!

In chapter seven Jeremiah stands in the gate of the temple proclaiming his sermon to the people as they enter.  Careless and clueless the people came only out of duty and ritual rather than a love for the Lord.  So once more Jeremiah warned them of their idolatry and wickedness.  However, they failed to heed his message.  Beginning in Jeremiah 7:17 and following read about families in the streets worshipping their idol gods even though the Lord had warned them over and over not to walk after other gods and to obey him alone.  Finally, hear the story of a unique street person named Authur Stace who chalked the word "Eternity" all over his city!  Find out how his story so fits with our Jeremiah one!         

  

Jeremiah's Temple Gate Message:  The lesson begins with Jeremiah at the gate of the temple announcing his message:  "Hear the word of the LORD."   Jeremiah continues," Amend or change your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell or live in this place." Jeremiah goes on, "Trust ye not in lying words."  What were those lying words?  Did you hear them?  Exactly, "The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, ..." were chant-like or mantra-like words. Why did the people do this?  It was because they felt when they came into the temple where the ark of the covenant was they'd be safe.  But God challenged them by saying you sin so often and think you can come into this house and expect my protection.  

Ritual Like Practices:  How often have you watched people repeating words, songs, or prayers out of habit believing these words might save them? But do they?  Many, just as in the past, attend church out of habit too believing going to church will save them.  But will it? 

Jeremiah Gem Verse:  Jeremiah 7:3: "Amend your ways and your doings ...."   In our gem verse the action word or verb is "amend" which means "to change!"   Some synonyms for amend are alter, adjust, change, correct, fix, set right, and reform. Jer. 7:5 repeats the words again adding "throughly" (KJV spelling) which means completely!  Reminder:  IYJ (In Your Journal) and IYB (In Your Bible)  

Jer. 7:3 is the perfect verse to use for a week.  Each day repeat the verse as it is written.  Then change "amend" to another word and repeat it again.   e.g. "Reform your ways and your doings. Jer. 7:3  By the way my favorite "doings verse" is from Prov. 20:11: "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." 

         

The Tray Temple Message "Proclaim This Word!":   Here's a simple scene to draw IYJ or just to make on a tray. Needed: tray, bubble wrap, stickers/paper, proclaim/verse strips, bottle tops, lined paper, crayons, markers, tape, paper punch, and small scissors.  Cut a simple bubble wrap gate top, two posts, and print "Proclaim this word:" on lined paper. Around the "o" draw a mini-Jeremiah and punch out his mouth.  Tape "Proclaim" inside two bottle tops and tape each above a gate post.  Do look below to view photo of the tray!                 

The "This List":  There are at least a dozen places in this chapter where you'll find the word "this" starting with verse one where the Lord directs Jeremiah to say, "Stand in the gate and proclaim there this word, ...."  IYB highlight the "this" verses.  Look at the end for more about the "this list."

Two Temple Questions:  Jeremiah 7:8-16 begins with "Behold, ye trust in lying words (like Jer.7:4) ...."  Then the Lord asks this question: "Will you steal, murder, ... commit adultery, ... swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods ... and come ... stand in this house (temple) ... and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations (sins)?"  Then this question follows: "Is this house (temple) which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes?"  God's message continued with what I call "a rising up early verse"* where the Lord reminds them how he has sent his true prophets to warn them of their sins, but they didn't listen.  Therefore, says the Lord, these people will suffer the consequences!  *Note these verses are scattered throughout Jeremiah!

IYJ Rising Up Early Page:  Draw or make a sunrise page by using crayons, chalk, or tissue box side for 3 1/2" X 6" background.  Make small rising sun.  Add wispy cotton clouds/bird if you wish.  May cut sun/rays from foam.  Print verses/glue to page.  Note the three-punch dot symbol for "therefore."  Highlight: up early, therefore, all my servants the prophets, and truth is perished.   See journal photo at end of lesson!  

Jesus Repeats a Jeremiah Verse:  In Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17, and Luke 19:46 the Lord Jesus is in the temple talking to the people where he reminds them of the "den of robbers" verse from Jeremiah.  In contrast to "a den of thieves" Jesus refers to the temple as " a house of prayer."   It's always remarkable how beautifully the New Testament is connected to the Old Testament.  How foolish are those people who want to throw out prophetic books and seldom ever read them!  In Jesus' NT discussions he often prefaced his OT quotes with "It is written ...."  Like Jesus we too should be referencing and teaching our children to be aware of OT words quoted in the New Testament!!        

The "In the Streets of Jerusalem Question:" "Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah* and in the streets of Jerusalem*?" (Jer. 7:17) This was the Lord's question to Jeremiah and his people.  If one changes Judah and Jerusalem to a city or street in the USA what a poignant question it would be for us today!  *Notice often Judah and Jerusalem are mentioned together; I call them "J and J."

What do we see happening in our cities and streets right now?  An honest answer would have to be such devastating, destructive, and abominable things.  As Jeremiah 7:28 declares "... truth is perished."

Families Worship Pagan Goddess in the Cities and Streets:  Just what were the families doing?  In verse eighteen it says the kids found the kindling, the fathers fixed the fires, and the mothers kneaded the dough, and baked the cakes.  After the families gave the cake, drink, and incense offerings to Ishtar- "The Queen of Heaven."  As someone said, "It was a family affair."    

Of Ishtar an Amplified Bible (Zondervan 1987) page 837 note records that she is a goddess of fertility identified with the planet Venus.  Offerings to this goddess included cakes made in the shape of an eight-sided star.  (Jer.7:18)

Another great book with informative data about the "The Queen of Heaven" is Queen of All by Jim Tetlow, Roger Oakland, and Brad Myers (c. 2006 Eternal Productions).  Especially read chapter five "Biblical Expose of the Queen of Heaven." Find the entire book online here:   

Layout 1 (eternal-productions.org)

"Queen of Heaven" Journal Page:  Draw/cut out tiny street topped with star; on it print "Queen of Heaven Worship."  Onto page draw a "family face chain" including the father, mother, and two children.   See how they are attached together at the neck.  Draw an altar, cakes, wood pile, incense box, and drink offering bowl.  Recall little ones may make their drawings large!  See below for the "Street Sheets" pad! 

Pray 4 the USA: A Street Stripe Booklet:  Use any flag pic/patriotic napkin that has curvy street-like stripes.  Draw or copy it. Cut into small pages.  Make a cover, and prayer pages.  Staple or fasten with a brad.  On: "Pray 4 the ...." write or glue requests.  e.g.  "Pray 4 the streets where the Supreme Court judges live."  Or "Pray 4 the streets near to you where folks gather."                     

As I thought about these street scenarios, I heard a riveting story about an Australian named Arthur Stace, "Mr. Eternity." Listen to it here!

Arthur Stace's Street Story:  Arthur Malcolm Stace was born in Redfern, Australia near to Sydney in 1885.  Arthur was so poor as a young boy he took to the streets to steal bread and milk.  As a teen he became an alcoholic.  Later he was a soldier in WWI. What a messed-up life Arthur lived until August 6, 1930, when all things changed for Arthur.   Arthur Stace - Wikipedia    Person of Faith: Arthur Stace – Mr Eternity | ChristianToday Australia

It was on that day as Arthur said, "I went into a church to get a cup of tea and a rock cake, but I met the Rock of Ages."  For it was there at St. Barnabas Church Broadway, Arthur heard a sermon by the Rev. R.B.S. Hammond.  As he listened Arthur was very taken by the word "eternity!"  Knowing he was not ready to meet the Lord Arthur went across the street to Victoria Park and knelt beneath a huge fig tree.  There Arthur repented of his sins and trusted in the Lord Jesus to be his Savior.  And Arthur became a new person for as II Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new." 

Arthur Hears Another Eternity Message:  Two years later Arthur heard evangelist John G. Ridley speaking on "The Echoes of Eternity." In his sermon Ridley read Isaiah 57:15 which says: "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  Ridley said, "Eternity, Eternity, I wish I could sound or shout that to everyone in the streets of Sydney.  You've got to meet it, where will you spend eternity?"

Echoes Of Eternity by John Ridley by SermonIndex.net Classics Podcast - Sermon Index

Arthur's Call to Write "Eternity!"  After hearing Ridley's message Arthur so wanted to write "Eternity" throughout the streets of Sydney.  Even though he couldn't write his name well and couldn't read either God helped him to write "Eternity" with yellow chalk on Sydney's doorsteps, streets, and squares. This became his mission.  Just like Jeremiah Arthur never forgot this mission for the rest of his life.  In fact, like God's servants, the true prophets, Arthur got up at 4AM every morning and went out into the dark secretly writing "Eternity!" until it is estimated when he died in 1967, he had chalked a half million one-word messages round Sydney.    

Yellow Chalked Word in City

Yellow chalked word in the city,

Yellow chalked word in the dark,

Yellow chalked word in the city,

Yellow chalked word in the park.

Yellow chalked word in the city,

Yellow chalked word in the square,

Yellow chalked word in the city,

Yellow chalked word everywhere,

Yellow chalked word in the city

Yellow chalked word some did see,

Yellow chalked word in the city,

Whatever could that word be?

Eternity!  (Shout it out loudly!)  

                                                LEP

Use this poem for an action rhyme for the little ones.  Let them stoop and pretend to write "Eternity."  On the last line jump up and loudly shout "Eternity!"  Older kids may read it in unison breaking up into two groups.  Have one read the "city" refrain, while the other group reads the "in-between" lines.  End by having all shout out "Eternity!"  Be sure to explain that eternity means forever and ever--a never ending period of time! 

Arthur the Street Preacher:  Like Jeremiah Arthur too became a street preacher.  It's said he'd hide his Bible under his hat, point to the hat, and tell his listeners, "It's alive, it's alive, it's alive!"  Then he'd uncover the hat to show the hidden Bible.  Even though he couldn't read it he then recited from memory many Scripture verses.  Make a pop-up hat with a hidden Bible.  See journal photo below.

Honoring Arthur!  After Arthur's death, he became famous in Sydney--there were museums, theaters, and other buildings built in his memory.  At the turn of the new Millenia the Sydney Bay Bridge was lit up with the word "Eternity."  A book Mr. Eternity was written by Roy Williams and Elizabeth Meyers with the Australian Bible Society.  A song by Colin Buchanan too was sung fifty years after his death.  Its last verse says, 

"Eternity (Arthur Stace)"

Arthur felt the chalk inside his pocket

And although he could barely write his name

He wrote that word in copperplate perfection

Again and again and again

For years and years we'd no idea who did it

He wandered Sydney's darkened streets alone

Then finally at 83 old Arthur

Dropped his chalk and finally headed home.

From: https://www.eternitynews.com   Listen here: Colin Buchanan sings about Mr Eternity - Eternity News 

In Your Journal Arthur Stace Street Story:  Either draw/cut out Stace images from online collection and glue them in your journal.  Label them.  See two-page story photos below.

Jeremiah Street Sheets:  Jeremiah Street Verses:  In the KJV Bible there are 63 references to streets with fifteen of them in the book of Jeremiah.  Create a street sheet note pad.  On each sheet write a verse ref and some words in the verse that stand out.  Here are ten Jer. refs to check out: Jeremiah 5:1, 7:17, 7:34, 11:6, 11:13, 33:10-11, 44:6, 44:17, 44:21. View my Jeremiah Street Sheet Pad photo below! 

Don't Miss "This List" Places:  Search for these "this" refs!  "This List:" this word, this place, this is a nation, this house, this people, and this thing, and this day.  Note some "this _____" are in more than one verse; did you find them?  IYB circle the words; IYJ list them.

What Word Would You Chalk?  If you could chalk a one-word sermon as did Arthur, what word would you choose?  The third verse of "Stop; and Let Me Tell You" goes this way: "Watch, and be ye ready, for the Lord may come today.  Watch and be ye ready for the Lord may come today, He will come again in the clouds for me And take me home for eternity.  Watch and be ye ready for the Lord may come today."  Are you ready like Arthur for eternity comes to us all!   Hear the song here:  Stop and let me tell you - Bing video

One of Jeremiah's "this word" words was "Amend!" or Change!"  Later Jeremiah said, Throughly (completely) amend!"  Amend what?  "Your ways and your doings!"  Stanton W. Gavitt's song "Things Are Diff'rent Now" says: "Things are diff'rent now, Something happened to me when I gave my life to Jesus, things are diff'rent now, I was changed it must be when I gave my heart to him.  Things I loved before have passed away- things I loved far more have come to stay.  Things are diff'rent now something happened to me when I gave my life to Him!"  Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior from sin like Arthur did?  Have things changed for you?  Hear the song here:  Things Are Different Now - No. 27 - The Gospel Singout Project - Christian Songs, Choruses & Hymns - Bing video

Try Chalking a Street Message:  On a sidewalk or where it is allowed choose a special word and chalk it.  Try it first on some black paper.  See photos at end of lesson.  Happy chalking!

Puppet Photos:  View the Jeremiah's Temple Gate Message here; use various puppets around him.  Also view the puppet family that worshipped Ishtar or "The Queen of Heaven."                

   

   

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 6: "Choose the Good Way!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 6: "Choose the Good Way!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

In chapter five, Jeremiah wrote about the man that ran through the streets of Jerusalem looking for just one person who stood for truth.  In olden times a Greek man named Diogenes also ran through the streets of Athens with a lantern looking for someone who was honest.  In chapter six, Jeremiah challenges the people to walk down pathways--pathways that are good.  Would the people listen to his pleas to do this?  Read and see!   

Note: IYB=In Your Bible and IYJ=In Your Journal  

Flee Out of Jerusalem!  Blow the trumpet!  Set up a fire signal!  Evil is coming forth from the north, and great destruction!  IYJ:   Inside an "exclaim frame" draw Jeremiah announcing war would soon come. 

"This City Jerusalem:" Like a well that poured out water, God said, Jerusalem poured out evil, IYJ draw a Jerusalem city scape with water tumbling out. See journal idea.      

Answer This Jerusalem!  "To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? ...." IYB draw a "sad face" in front of verse ten.  IYJ make a sad faced person with "Xs" or "plugs" in their ears.  See Journal page sample faces below.  Focus in on the closed ears, won't blush cheeks, and so on!

    

How About You?  Are your ears open to hearing and obeying the Lord?  Do you delight in the law of the LORD?  Psalm 1:2 says that a person will be blessed if his delight is in the law of the Lord or God's word! 

Greed and Falsehoods:  Jeremiah said the people were given to greed, and the priests and the prophets were given to lying.  Priests and prophets even said, "Peace, peace when there was no peace."    IYJ illustrate the people, and the priests and prophets.   View journal page photo.

A Shame Frame:  Verse fifteen is a "face place" that asks the people if they were feeling sorry or ashamed when they sinned?  The answer was, "Nay!" or "No!"  Instead, they couldn't even blush.  Make a frame.  Inside, draw a person having blush cheek circles with a "x" on them.  Click on journal page photo.  Hey, do you know what makes people blush?

The Good Way Gem Verse! Verse sixteen tells these sinful people what they could do to find peace and rest.  It says:  "... Stand ye in the ways (or at the crossroads) and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls ...."   IYB put a shiny sticker by the jewel verse.  IYJ write the verse and then trace over it with a glitter crayon or marker.  Sing: "I Met Jesus at the Crossroads." 

Sing-along SONG: I Met Jesus At The Crossroads - Dale Reichel - YouTube

The Y Puppet Path:  Cut an outline Y from bubble wrap.  Place "Jerusalem Man" at the Y path starting place.  Have puppet walk choosing the good old way side.  Reread the "Gem Verse."       

They Wouldn't Listen!  Even after God told the people how to have hope and rest, what was their reply?  Our gem verse ends like this.  "But they said, "We will not walk therein."  Where wouldn't they walk?  Sadly, they didn't want to obey and follow the Lord on the good paths.  IYJ draw a person who wouldn't walk in the right way.  See journal photo.

Which Path Do You Walk On?   Do you know the Lord Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me?" John 14:6*   Jesus also said, "Come unto me ... and I will give you rest."(Matthew 11:28) Think about it.   *Recall the Lesson 5 O Ring center verse!

Listen to the Trumpet!  God said he set "watchmen" (another word for prophets) over them saying listen to the trumpet warning sound, but again what was the reply?  "But they said, "We will not hearken (hear)."  How sad Jeremiah must have been at their rejection of God's words.  Then God said, " ... behold, I will bring evil on this people...."  (v.19) and (v.22) "... behold, a people cometh from the north ...." 

"Warrior, Watchman, and Witness":  Roger Oakland in his book The Good Shepherd Calls (Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2017) describes Jeremiah as a warrior, watchman, and witness.  Oakland writes, "The Jeremiah calling is still in place today." Oakland continues, "A warrior is one who is willing to lay down his life for the truth. ...  A watchman is someone always prepared to be on the wall looking toward the horizon to see if danger is coming. ... A witness is someone who will share the Gospel by pointing the people of his day to God's Word, which is truth. ...  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on truth, which is the Word of God; therefore, Jeremiah was a true witness for the Lord."   (pp.35-36)    

The Good Shepherd Calls: An Urgent Message for the Last-Days Church (lighthousetrails.com)

A Fame Frame:  When the people heard God's words and heard of the fame of Babylon their hands felt weak as they realized trouble was coming.  Show IYJ how they felt and how their hands hung down.  Around these pics place words "fame" making a "fame frame."  Opposite hands hanging down are hands that are lifted up to the Lord in prayer and praise.  Draw this IYJ!   

Fear On Every Side:  The people were afraid even to walk in the field or by the way because the

enemy might come.  How sad was this!

Put on Sackcloth!  The people were told to put on sackcloth and sit in ashes.  They were to lament and cry out for a spoiler (raider) would soon be coming.  But God told Jeremiah he was to stand strong whatever happened for the Lord would make him test or try the ways of the people.  How can you show this IYJ?

Have You Heard of These Words?  Jeremiah Chapter Six Vocab

1. delight 2. destruct 3. oppress 4. spoiler 5. instruct 6. desolate 7. blush 8. reproach 9. uncircumcised 10. covetousness 11. watchmen 12. lament

a. raider b. joy c. red cheeks/face d. closed e. treat badly f. greed g. to mourn h. scouts i. ruin j. without people/inhabitants k. dishonor l. teach 

Unscramble Lesson Message!  earth: "O Hear, this people...." bring evil will I upon behold,         

Just As in Jeremiah's Day:  Just as in Jeremiah's time, many do not delight in reading God's Word.  Some folks I've met have never ever read Jeremiah because they think it's violent and depressing.  However, when an amazing book like Jeremiah is left unread people truly can't understand all of Israel's history, nor can they understand how the New Testament flows out of the Old Testament.  Jesus himself continuously quoted the Old Testament; and so should we! 

An exciting site the iBIBLE for kids notes, ..."There are more than one thousand references in the Old Testament about things that happen in the New Testament.  The Scriptural narrative is so interconnected that only God could have written it."  Find this brand-new Bible source here: 

iBIBLE

 

Vocabulary Quiz answers: 1. b 2. i 3. e 4. a 5. l 6. j 7. c. 8. k 9. d 10. f 11. h 12. g    Message answer:  Jer.6:19: "Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, ...."    

A Sackcloth Puppet: The Lamenting Man/Woman: In Jeremiah's day when trouble was about to happen people were told to put on coarse cloth covering and sit in ashes to show their sorrow and their sadness for their sin. Read verse twenty-six.  To create:  Roll a toilet tube in light pink paper; add a bubble wrap head band and bottom strip.  Also add beard with down curved mouth, facial features, and tear spots.  For "sackcloth" add a see-through mesh potato bag piece.  Change puppet to a lady by removing the beard leaving the downcurved mouth.  View puppet photo below! 

Synopsis of This Chapter:  Jeremiah was the prophet that gave the "war warnings."  Jerusalem was the wicked city where the war would be.  Babylon was the city in the north that would bring forth war.  God's people were the ones who closed their ears to God's war warnings.  The false prophets were the ones who said, "Peace, peace!" and told the people war would not come.  God's people were the ones that were not sad over their sins and wouldn't blush.  God was the one who said, "Ask for the old paths and the good paths to walk in."  God was the one who said, "Hear, O earth, behold I will bring evil on this people."  God's people were the ones who said, "We have heard of the fame of Babylon, and our hands hang down."  And it was God who said, "Jeremiah you are the one who will be a tower and a fortress for my people to test their ways.  For these people are the ones who are revolting from my ways."  Jeremiah 6

Jeremiah "6 Booklet":  Cut out six purple sixes; cut out eight yellow sixes.  Check journal pages for strips to print, and ways to assemble.  Use yellow sixes for front, n' back covers and in between pages.  Draw little faces and silhouette of Jerusalem.  Remember for the smallest folks make larger sixes and larger drawings.  Help them print or glue on printed word strips.  Staple.  How good to read that faithful Jeremiah would be a tower and fortress to his own people.  May we too be encouragers as well as watchmen!  View ideas below!    

Journal Hint:  Consider the Journal Pages a resource of ways to use the lesson.  Use a few ideas or all of them.            

 

      

 

    

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 5: "Search for Truth!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me!  Lesson 5: "Search for Truth!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

At the end of this lesson, you'll see photos of the Puppet Box, the game board cover, the Jerusalem  Gate, and more!  On the "street" Prophet Man, Jeremiah, will 'run' trying to find someone who holds to truth!  Don't miss the Unjust Leaders, much like our day, who overlook or bypass evildoers!! 

Read Aloud:  1-5. 11-15, 18-19, 20-23, and 26-31.  How very important it is to read the Bible aloud with your children.  As a child I was so blessed to hear The Word read aloud daily even though I couldn't comprehend everything I heard. Today I can truly testify Scripture taught early has not been forgotten!!  The more you read Jeremiah the more you'll realize how very apt is the book of Jeremiah for us today.  And chapter five is such a key chapter-- do dig into it!   

Remember:  IYB=In Your Bible, and IYJ= In Your Journal!   

  

Jeremiah Seeks Truth in the Streets:  In lesson five God tells Jeremiah to run around Jerusalem's streets asking folks if there's anyone who stands for truth.  As he does, he asks "O LORD, are not your eyes upon the truth?" (Jer. 5:3) But, says Jeremiah, these people have refused to be sorry for their sins, and refused to return to the Lord.

IYJ cut off and use sticky note tops to make a little street. Remember, for little folks use a whole page!  Kids will enjoy arranging different colored strips into a path.  Help them glue or write the Jer.5:1 verse: "Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see ..., if ye can find a man ,.. that seeketh the truth; ...." onto the path. Kids begin at the green dot to trace the path to the "Jerusalem pic."  Find a Jerusalem image here: images of the streets of jerusalem to color - Bing images

View journal page below.

Did Jeremiah find anyone who stood for truth at all?  By the way, throughout the book of Jeremiah there are references to the streets in Judah and Jerusalem.  As you find them especially notice what's happening in those streets!

Just Like in Jeremiah's Day:  As in Jeremiah's time much has been happening in our streets as well.  Stop here to talk about what's been happening, and why.  

Jeremiah Gem Verse:  Jeremiah 5:3a:  "O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth?" IYJ: Above the verse trace around the word truth with shiny or glittered crayons! Cutout or draw six Os; form into an an O ring frame.  Inside each "O" write or glue printed verse words. In the very middle write the New Testament "truth" verse John 14:6 where Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  Help younger kids read round the O Ring.  

For adults and older kids, you may wish to share parts of a special booklet titled Truth or Consequences? by Warren B. Smith. P.S. Look for the Jeremiah verses!   Read it here: BOOKLET - Truth or Consequences (lighthousetrails.com)

Truth Is Fallen in the Streets!  There are two verses in Isaiah that mention more about streets and truth.  IYB: Go to Jeremiah chapter one and back up a few chapters to Isaiah 59:14-15.  See the journal page!  Read the verses.  How like us where it says judgment and truth are upside down.  IYJ: Make some street ribbons from paper, print verse on them, and put them together in order.  Or just write " for truth is fallen in the street...." (Isaiah 59:14) on one "street ribbon"; use as a Bible marker.  Make note too that the major prophet Isaiah also prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem!  Study the journal page at end of lesson!

        

A Face Place:  Harder than Rock Faces!  While he searches Jeremiah sees many have faces that are harder than rocks.  They just refuse to do right!  IYB: Find Jer. 5:3. Write FP beside it for "Face Place."  IYJ: draw a face or faces of those who look unhappy.  Write: "... they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return."  Look at photo down below.   

How sorry Jeremiah feels for the people thinking they were poor and foolish, for they didn't know the way of the Lord.  Therefore, Jeremiah decides he should talk to important or great men who have known the way the Lord, for they will certainly want to stand up for truth.  But these men too have departed from the Lord.  Sound like today?  Sadly, yes! 

Other Face Places!  Like the Wind!  Like Fire!  The Lord says Jeremiah 5:14, "You house of Judah, have been against me. As for your prophets they are like the wind!  My word is not in them.   But I will make my words in you Jeremiah like fire."  IYJ: draw a prophet with wind-like swirls coming out of its mouth.  Make a "fire frame" for Jeremiah and place him inside.  Check out the journal photos below!

What About You?  Are your words like wind and mean nothing?  Or are your words like fire full of what the Lord wants you to say? 

A Mighty Nation Is Coming!  Next Jeremiah warns that a mighty nation is on the way, an ancient nation, whose language they can't speak.  That nation, says Jeremiah, will make war on you.  Then the people will ask:  "Why does the Lord punish us?"  Then Jeremiah will tell them it's because they have worshipped "strange gods."  Because of this, says Jeremiah, God will allow you to be captured by strangers and live in a strange land too. Read verses 12,13 and 19.  Yet even with all the evil, God promised when war came, they wouldn't all be destroyed.

Hear Ye Now This O Foolish People:  Later Jeremiah says in Jer.5:20, "... O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not; Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: ..."  Draw a picture showing a man without understanding whose eyes and ears are  shut to hearing truth.  Draw an "X" over both eyes and ears.  Whom should the people honor or fear?  Did they?   Click below to read IYJ action commands written specially for 'lil kids. 

Unjust Leader Scripture Depiction:  Reread verses.  Draw a pic of a rich leader.  Surround pic with these descriptive words: wicked, deceitful, great, fat, rich, sleek, and prosperous.  IYJ: Print out or copy verse as shown in photo below. Highlight words above in the verse.  What an apt description of what's happening in our world now just as in Jeremiah's day many of our leaders are unjust often overlooking true justice.  How wonderful to know the Lord Jesus the righteous judge as our Savior and Lord!  Click on journal page photo to view pic!

Be a Truth Sleuth!  Be someone who seeks truth from God's Word, and then shares it with others,  Help those who are unaware of or deceived about current issues enabling them to become more discerning.  Recently, there's been a TV series "The Chosen" that many people really like yet has deception and untruth in it.  If you want to find out more read:  The Chosen Series: 10 Critical Concerns..  Find it here: BOOKLET -THE CHOSEN Series: 10 Critical Concerns (lighthousetrails.com)

Hint:  Always remember to speak "the truth" in love as Ephesians 4:15 encourages us! 

Click on each photo to enlarge them.  

The Jerusalem Woman Puppet: Part of a Jerusalem family, the Jerusalem lady puppet is someone Jeremiah would have met on the street.  In Lesson 7 you will view the family and their idol worship of the Queen of Heaven.

Puppet Container:  A plastic box with an indented edge is perfect to hold the puppets, and to use as a stage for puppet activity.  Besides, the lid makes a perfect spot for using bottle top pieces to play a Jeremiah verse game.  Notice the dark gray bubble wrap path, and silver bubble wrap road.  Both these pieces were inside mailers I received.

Journal Page Photos:   Each page is a resource page for you to use.  the sticky note strip street begins with Jeremiah and ends with a Jerusalem pic.  Notice the words from Jer. 5:1. Underneath the bottom righthand corner is a Jerusalem city picture with the word "truth" underneath.  See the rock, wind, and fire face places. Note the "flame" frame.  The third page shows pics (kids draw) of a foolish person; don't forget to make Xs over both the eyes and ears.  Ponder the "Unjust leaders or unjust judges."  The "truth" page shows the gem verse plus an Isaiah "truth verse."

Bottle Top Bible Verse Gameboard:  Check out the bottle top game verse pieces both along top edge, and in an "O".  Use the large bottle top (green) to cover a word; kids guess which word it is.  Keep removing until all words are used.  One may also use a different smaller colored top, e.g., to highlight the word "truth!"       

             

  

  

   

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 4: "The Lion in the Thicket" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 4: "The Lion in the Thicket" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets 

After you read the lesson especially check out the journal pages and the puppet ideas below.  All of it goes together.  Notice the unique ways to use the Babylonian soldier puppet with Scripture verses.  Always click on the photos to make them larger.

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson: "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah For Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Read Aloud:  Verses: 1-3, 5-10, 13-22, 29-30  Begin by reading "aloud" the verses with your kids or group.  These lessons have one overall goal to get the reader into the Word, and to make it live!!  Yes, we too should as Jeremiah repeated over and over, "Hear the Word of the LORD!" 

Note:  IYB=In Your Bible; and IYJ=In Your Journal 

Jeremiah's The If-if Then Verse:  Chapter four begins with the word "If" you will "return, ... return unto me!" and "if" you will put away your evil practices or abominations God tells his people then you won't be captured, IYB:  Highlight the "Ifs" and "then." Underline "return."  IYJ:  Depict Jeremiah n' the first verse.  Click on photo below.           

Jeremiah's "In the Lord" Verse:  Wow, I like Jeremiah 4:2.  IYB* draw happy faces beside it.  This verse tells us God is truth, just, and good.  Listen to what it says: "The Lord liveth (is real), in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness."  And it also says, "all nations will bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory."  IYB highlight the "in" words. IYJ:  Illustrate the "in" verse.  View photo!         

Jeremiah's Message:  Jeremiah was to declare, publish and cry out this message that because of bad things God's people were doing that God would being evil from the north. This evil would come just like a lion who was hiding in some thickets (bushes).  When that comes, says Jeremiah, kings, priests, princes, and prophets would be so astonished they would exclaim, "Woe is us!"  IYJ:  Draw a lion hiding in the bushes.  Inside an "Exclaim Frame" show persons exclaiming, "Woe is us!"  Find a map showing Babylon and Jerusalem.  Glue it into your journal or draw one of your own!  See photo!!

Jeremiah's Gem Verse:   IYB make or stick a heart by Jeremiah 4:14 which says, "O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness (sins) that thou mayest be saved."  IYJ draw a series of hearts; print the verse inside. Sticky hearts may also be used.  Look at the photograph at the end.     

Jeremiah's "My Soul!" Face Place Jeremiah was so upset thinking of how God would have to judge and punish his people that he cried out, "My soul, my soul!" twice, and "O My Soul" once. Look at journal pic.

The Last Question:  Verse thirty is the last question and oh such an important one.  It asks the people when they were captured what would they do?  And what would you do if trouble came to you?  Would you ask the Lord for his help?  Would you obey his words?  Or would you refuse to listen to God's words and do your own thing?  Later on in Jeremiah we will read how God said they might not be hurt by the Babylonians if they didn't do something important.  Read on in our lessons to find out what that was!  

Where In the Word Are These Vocabulary Words? Find a verse within chapter four where these words are used.  IYB * them. *  Here are the words: destruction (ruin), spoiled (robbed), declare (shout out), north (direction), thicket (bushes), abominations (evil practices), destroyer (Babylon), sackcloth (coarse cloth), lament (mourn), and howl (loud cries), whirlwind (a violent wind), and Gentile (pagans).  *  Make an asterisk sign in front of verse, and highlight word found.     

 

Lion n' Thicket Tubes and the Babylonian Soldier Tube Puppet 

Lion Puppet:  Cut toilet tube in half, roll in paper, and tape and tuck.  Add a yarn or rope tail.  Draw or use a lion image face.  Pop out top of head and ears.  For thicket trees: color or cut out green cloud-like treetops.  For thicket bottom roll half a toilet tube in brown paper and tape and tuck.  Hide "lion" behind bushes.  See photo!  Say: Jeremiah is filled with many picture symbols.  The lion is a picture of Babylon which would sneak into Judah and Jerusalem.  P.S.  Did you know that a symbol for Babylon was a winged lion?  Find winged lion info here:  images of winged lion from babylon - Bing images

Babylon Soldier Puppet:  Roll toilet tube in light paper, and tape and tuck.  Using a 3"X3" yellow sticky note draw a simple helmet on the sticky end.  Cut it out. Stick to puppet top.  May also add rick rack if you like. Add eyes, nose, mouth, and beard. To see sample, click on photo to make it bigger.  Hint: I use foam stickers for eyes/nose, and mouth.  I even have removed google eye black pupils and used them.  View puppet below!

Scripture Picture Frame Tray:  Place puppet inside black clean food tray.  Round the edges stick cutouts--clouds, wind curls, and eagle heads*--that frame the soldier puppet.  This is such a simple way to make a scripture verse come alive.  Jer.4:13 describes exactly how the Babylonians would come in to capture Judah and Jerusalem.  It says: "Behold, he (Babylon) shall come as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles."  Throughout Jeremiah you will see word pictures beginning with "like" and "as."

* By the way the eagle head used here is a Short-toed Eagle which might have been an eagle seen round the Jerusalem area. 

O Frame Box:  Cut out an oversized O to fit over the Soldier Man puppet.  Put it in a tray or box.  Onto O frame glue "chapter four war words" you've discovered in lesson--there are at least twenty of them.  Once again see O Frame Box below.   Just like today the sound of the alarm of war was upsetting for the people and Jeremiah too.  Notice that just like those at war today the people would flee.  Where?  They would run for the thickets and rocks! 

A Caution!  Should you choose to write a little script for your puppets remember never to add your own thoughts and details not found in Scripture.  Stick to Scripture!!!             

    

     

Jeremiah For Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 3: "Truly, In the LORD Is Salvation!"  A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

In this lesson we'll hear God's words to both Israel and Judah. For journal ideas click on the sample journal photos to see them up close.  Don't forget to "meet" our new puppet--good King Josiah!  Remember, that for every lesson there are brand new journal ideas and a new puppet or accessories.  DON'T miss them!!! 

If you haven't read Lesson 1 (Intro Lesson) click below to read it and view the Jeremiah puppet.  And if you haven't viewed Lesson 2 click below to find it and the Jerusalem Man puppet.  

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Intro Lesson: "Be Not Afraid of Their Faces!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Learn to Discern Granny: Jeremiah for Me! Lesson 2: "Consider the Word of the Lord!" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets (whputnam00.blogspot.com)

Chapter Three: Read Aloud:  Read verses 6-19 and 22-25.  Remember IYB = in your Bible while IYJ = in your journal.

Background Info to Know:  The twelve tribes of Israel were divided into a Northern Kingdom of ten tribes known as Israel and a Southern Kingdom of two tribes known as Judah. See journal page photo below for pic of this!  Both kingdoms were like sisters.  In 722 BC Assyria captured the Northern Kingdom, while in 586 BC Babylon captured the Southern Kingdom.  After each was captured, they were scattered to various places.  When you think of dates here are two to also keep in mind: the Olympics began in 776 BC while Jeremiah lived about 600 BC.

A Time Frame:  IYJ make a time frame for the capture of both kingdoms. Show the kids the journal tiny pics from the timeline book below pointing out the dates.  Explain that "BC" means before Christ.  However, now this dating method has been changed to BCE which means the "Before the Common Era," and CE which denotes "Common Era." This page is a great tool to explain why Christians continue to use BC/AD. 

Discover The Big Picture Bible Timeline:  Check out The Big Picture Bible Timeline (Gospel Light, 1991) that features both an O.T./N.T. timeline. e.g. On page 37 is a picture for the capture of the No. Kingdom, and on p.41 is a picture for the fall of Jerusalem.  Notice I downsized the pics and colored them.  Find the book here:  The Big Picture Bible Timeline (Big Books): Gospel Light: 9780830714728: Amazon.com: Books

        

Have You Seen?  In Jeremiah 3:6 God says to Jeremiah, "Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done?"  Then the Lord answered saying, "she has gone up upon every high hill and under every green tree ..."  What did Israel do there?  Yes, there she worshipped other gods or idols.  Who else saw all the evil in those high places?  Her "sister" Judah did.  

View the journal page below; click to make it larger.  Kids may draw eyes, mountain, green tree, and an idol.  Or they may do as I have done cut out a mountain pic e.g., and make it pop out.  Once again, I used a timeline pic and folded up the line about idol worship putting the word "open" on it so kids can read it.  Do discuss "high places" and what was done there. Remember, younger children may make their journal pics full page size.  See example below!

After many warnings God punished the No. Kingdom Israel.  And the Lord said, "Israel made my land sinful.  Israel worshipped idols of wood and stones. Even after Israel was captured Judah had no fear of me and kept right on doing the same things. Judah pretended to turn to me, but really did not."  Then God said, "Backsliding Israel has done better than unfaithful Judah. "(Jer.3:9-11)

Jeremiah's Mercy Message:  Because of his people's sin God told Jeremiah to proclaim these words to the north, "Return, backsliding Israel, and I will have mercy on you.  I won't keep my anger forever. Admit your sin against me." (Jer. 3:12) And the Lord promised in future (verses 15-19) Israel and Judah would not ever again walk after the imagination of their evil hearts but would come from the north back to Jerusalem. 

The Proclaim Frame:  IYJ draw Jeremiah announcing: "Return, thou backsliding Israel!" View the larger "Proclaim Frame" picture below.  Understand younger kids should do larger drawings; see the synonyms of "proclaim" around Jeremiah's picture.   

The Truly-Truly Gem Verse Jeremiah 3:23: "Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."   

Our gem verse tells us how foolish it was that God's people thought worshipping idols up on the mountains or under the green trees would help them because their only hope was in the LORD their God.   IYJ use glitter crayons to write the verse.  See the gem verse journal photo below!  

Judah's Shame:  Have you felt sad because something you did was wrong?  God's people did.  Jer. 3:23-24 tell us that from the time they were youths they were doing evil. The last verse says we lie down in our shame (prostrate) for what we've done, for we are so sad we've not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.   IYB Draw a sad face in front of verses 23-24.   

A Sad Face Place:  IYJ draw one of the people with a downcurved mouth and a shameful expression.  Draw another person with hands covering their face.  See sample. 

Just Like in Jeremiah's Time all of us sin. But the good news is we have a Savior, the Lord Jesus, who took our sins on himself on the cross, and if we confess our sin to him, we can have forgiveness and trust Jesus to be our Savior.  After that, when we sin, we can confess our sins each time.  For I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."       

Have You Heard of These Words?

1. return 2. backsliding 3. treacherous 4. defiled 5. stocks/stones 6. proclaim 7. merciful 8. vain 9. salvation 10. truly 11. shame 12. confusion

a. made unclean b. idols c. announce d. compassionate e. turning to sin f. to come back g. foolish

h. rescue from danger/distress i. disgrace j. surely k. embarrassment l. unfaithful

Unscramble the Chapter Message:  "children! Return ye backsliding"

Answers to Vocab Word Meanings.  1. (f)  2. (e)  3. (l)  4.  (a)  5.  (b)  6.  (c)  7.  (d)  8.  (g)  9.  (h)  10.  (j)  11. (k)  12.  (i)    

Answer to Message Meaning:  "Return ye backsliding children!"   

Good King Josiah Puppet:  Today's puppet is King Josiah who was the last good king of Judah.  After him came four more kings--Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah-- who all did evil things.  View his photo below to see his "paper-plate edge, pipe cleaner, and gift bag handle crown."  For more on Josiah read II Kings 22-25. 

Say did you notice Jer. 3:6 says it was during the reign of King Josiah that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah regarding backsliding Israel had done?   Puppet Pointer!  Save used gift bags for your puppet's headbands, beards, belts and ....   Coming in Lesson Four will be "The Lion in the Thicket" puppet and the Babylonian Soldier Puppet! And in Lesson Five you can make an easy to assemble towel tube Jerusalem Gate where your puppet Jeremiah can 'preach' from. DON'T MISS THEM!