Learn to Discern Granny

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 10: Part I: Good King Josiah: 16th. King of Judah: Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 10: Part I: Good King Josiah: 16th King of Judah: Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets

Lesson 10: Part I features a short introduction to the last five kings of Judah plus the story of good King Josiah while Lesson 10: Part II & III will feature stories about Kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Looking ahead: In Part II read about "The Vermilion King," "The Vermilion Conversation," and the "The Vermilion Color Book Verse", and more. And in the Part III lesson be sure to view cute king and other mini-Bible finger puppets that are such fun to create and use.

Now, get ready to peek into the lives of the rulers that Jeremiah the prophet faithfully preached to. In this lesson read the amazing story of Josiah, the kid king, who at an early age began to seek the Lord. Follow him to his death in battle with Neco, King of Egypt.

To begin recall that Jeremiah was part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah which included the tribe of Benjamin and Judah and centered round Jerusalem. Recall too that the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom Israel were captured by the Assyrians prior to the capture of Southern Kingdom Judah by the Babylonians. Know also many events in Jeremiah are not in chronological order.

The Last Five Kings of Judah: The final five kings included Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Perhaps, you're thinking what's the best way to remember these similar sounding names? Here's a little way that's helped me, and a way that even the youngest child can learn about them. First, cut out crown cutouts folded into four parts. Then print/stick/glue letter parts of each king's name in the spaces separating them by syllables. See photo below!

Your names will look like this: Jo-si-ah, Je-ho-a-haz, Je-hoi-a-kim, Je-hoi-a-chin and Ze-de-ki-ah. Then make some observations: How many names begin with J? Which name has "jo" in it? "ho'" in it? Which names have a "z" in them? "hoi" in them? Which have "ah" at the end? Which ends with a girl's name? a part of the face? Which has the word "zed" (means "z") in it? Which name is shortest? longest? Which have three syllables/parts or four syllables? A Hint: Owning a Bible that syllabizes places and names make pronunciation so much easier!

Crown Cutout Crown cutouts make great book markers, IYJ paper toppers, or even a crown for a younger child. Use them atop your puppet stage area as well. A Hint: These lessons are written so that even preschoolers can be included! For them notice the "headbands" on the puppets and make one for them too. e.g. For our previous lesson the puppet had a sun, moon, and star headband; take a strip of paper and staple into ring; then draw or add pics of sun, moon, and stars! Of course, older siblings could assist them in making puppets too! Pick and choose the activities suitable for your situation!

Jeremiah's Call Came During Josiah's Reign: Jeremiah 1:2,3 pinpoints precisely when Jeremiah heard God's call to be a prophet--during the thirteenth year of Josiah's rule. If Josiah was eight when he began to rule Judah and Jerusalem how old was, he then? (21)

Josiah & Other Kings Mentioned in Bible History Books: Besides Jeremiah's prophecy, accounts of Josiah's reign are also given in II Kings and II Chronicles at the end of the books. IYB locate and read the accounts for each of the five last kings of Judah!

I Kings 13 "O Altar, O Altar" Story Prophesies About Josiah! In I Kings 13:1-1-3 is a curious story about a man of God, King Jeroboam, Josiah, and an altar that would split in two. Find it, read it, and then skip ahead to II Kings 23:15, 16 where this prophecy is fulfilled by Josiah many years later when during his purge or idol demolition, he stopped someone from removing the bones of the man of God named in I Kings 13!

Josiah's Part in Jesus' Genealogy: Josiah is named in the Matthew 1:10,11 along with his grandfather, and son. Turn to that passage and find their names. In it Josiah is listed as Josias. By the way in Matthew chapter two Jeremiah is called "Jeremy."

Josiah's Name Means: According to Easton's Bible Dictionary Josiah's name means "healed by Jehovah," or "Jehovah will support." Find here: Eastons Bible Dictionary Online (biblestudytools.com) Do you know the meaning of your name? Is your name a Bible name? Early I was aware that both my first and middle names were Bible names. I remember being very surprised that our youngest granddaughter's name was Biblical. I had never noticed that name, and I very eagerly shared that with her.

Josiah's Place in History: Josiah is a historical figure and often used with BC (Before Christ) which in case you haven't noticed it is no longer written that way. Rather it is written BCE now. (Before the Common Era) Why do you suppose this is? Discuss!! If you decided it's just another way to wipe out God you'd be correct! So as for me I will continue always to use BC and AD!

Josiah Did Right Gem Verse: II Kings 22:2 tells us that: "And he (Josiah) did right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left."

For even though youthful Josiah chose to follow the way of righteousness. A perfect verse great for younger kids too "... Josiah did right in the sight of the Lord, ..." (Note: right and sight rhyme!) Say could you write your name into this verse?

"Josiah Did Right" Action Rhyme: Click below and scroll down to enjoy poem and much more on Josiah that I did as part of "K for Keep" It in my Deuteronomy for Me Lessons. Fun to say and act out this action rhyme is perfect for the little ones you know. Do click here!! Post: Edit (blogger.com)

Josiah's House of the Lord Renovation: Josiah noticed that the house of the Lord had been neglected and needed repair. Therefore, he ordered workers to fix it up once again. While this repair was being done Hilkiah the priest made a discovery that would change Josiah's life. What was this discovery? It was the finding of God's book! Later, Shaphan the scribe read it to King Josiah. As Josiah heard the words, he felt so sorrowful he tore/rent/ripped his robes.

Josiah Consults with Huldah: After hearing God's book Josiah sent a group of men to ask a word from the Lord from the prophetess Huldah. Huldah, as the keeper of the king's wardrobe, would have been a part of Josiah's inner circle. God's message to Josiah, through Huldah, was because Josiah had humbled himself and showed sadness for the sins of his people, he would never live to see all of the evil that would come to Jerusalem.

IYB put a heart sticker in front of v. II Kings 22:19 to remind you how his heart was touched and saddened over the horrible behavior of the idolaters. I wonder does all of the lying and the evil round us today sadden your heart making you want to stand for truth? I pray so! Look at the "Huldah" IYJ page photo below.

Neat Huldah Page/Article: Find a Huldah illustration on pages 510-511 in Baker Book's 2016 KJV Study Bible for Girls. If one wishes the page can be colored. What a great up-to-date KJV Bible for girls 8-12 with its Book Introductions; Women's World; Be All You Can Be; Good Morning, God; and Heroes and Heroines Sections. At the back is an easy-to-use Dictionary-Concordance. Although it lacks maps and cross references it is a good starter Bible for girls. After purchasing one for our granddaughter, I wanted one as well. Find it here: KJV Study Bible for Girls Hardcover: Baker Publishing Group, Richards, Larry: 9780801018527: Amazon.com: Books

Josiah's Idol Demolition: When King Josiah realized that all the idols, images, and sacred places were filled with abominable things he ordered a huge purging or clean-up of these places. Would that be our leaders in our government/churches would do the same! For we just like in Jeremiah's era we have committed the very same sins. That's why a book like Jeremiah needs to be taught from one's youth!! How sad it was when a pastor I knew confessed to knowing nothing about Jeremiah.

Josiah Images Galore: Learn to click onto image sites that include lots more pics, artwork, time-line line pages, coloring book pics, craft projects, and much more. You can peruse them with a child or grandchild should you want even more things to do. king josiah images for kids - Search (bing.com)

Good King Josiah Then: Good Queen Elizabeth Recently: All his life Josiah sought to please the Lord and of him it was written: "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and all his might, according to the law of Moses, neither after him arose there any like him." I Kings 23:25

This makes me think of Queen Elizabeth who from her youth chose to do right and when she died many stories were told of her loyalty to her people and to the Lord. Her life especially intrigued me as my parents were born in England, and an aunt and uncle attended her coronation. Later, I too got to visit Windsor Castle as well as St. George's Chapel where she is now buried.

Potentate Portraits: In Dr. Harold L. Willmington's outstanding book Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament he presents succinct word pictures of the kings under whom Jeremiah prophesied. Find these portraits in: "Preview: Rulers in the South," and "Overview: Scripture, Subject, Specifics, Saints and Sinners, and Sentence Summaries" which contain a simple and thorough synopsis from Josiah-Zedekiah. (pp. 365-66) Turn over to pages 366-367 and pp.454 and following for even more info. View the book here: Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament: An Overview of the Scriptures from Creation to Christ: Willmington, Harold L.: 9780882078243: Amazon.com: Books Since this is an older book, it may be found online for a fraction of its original price.

Speaking of "Potentates" list some other words for kings: rulers, leaders, monarchs, sovereigns, .... As one reads Jeremiah besides Biblical facts, stories, prophecy, and verses it's easy to expand one's vocabulary. What a treasure trove Jeremiah is for exploring so many other topics at the same time.

Puppet Display: Look at the five king puppet photos. To display them I used a cardboard egg carton which allowed me to stand them all up the in order. Note: Coming up in the next lesson will be easy-to-make: "Mini King Finger Puppets!!!!!!!!!!!!" Don't miss them.

Meet Hilkiah & Shaphan: Hilkiah the High Priest was the finder of the "Book of the Law." It was he who gave it to Shaphan who in turn read it to Josiah. See Shaphan the Scribe or Secretary: Position him by the king with a scroll lectern as he reads its words. Have Josiah listening. Do add a few tear drops or ripped clothing piece. Below view puppets in the photo section.

Josiah Puppet Scene: Josiah: Reading the Book of the Law by a Temple Pillar/Gate: Use your Josiah king puppet made in Lesson Three. See photos below! Also use the silver/gray covered towel tubes that form the "Temple Gate." Click on photos! Stand Josiah by one. Use an assortment of other puppets to be the people who at the direction of Josiah stood to honor the reading of the book.

Toilet Tube Lectern: Make 2 1/4" toilet tube lectern; roll in silver/gray paper. Make simple lectern top 2 1/2" X 2" to place over lectern tube top. Lay "scroll atop" that. See pics! May stand Josiah on bottle top and cover with purple or red small napkin.

Book of the Law Scroll: Roll two cotton swabs in sticky note paper; secure. Put a foam piece between them. Tape. Click on photos for close up. Don't have the exact paper; no worry use what you can find at your house!

IYJ: Look over the IYJ photo pages with its sample Puppet Scripture Story Script.

Step by Step Instructions for Puppet Shows with Scripture Script

1. Choose story title. The IYJ story example is: "Found: The Book of the Law." (II Kings 22)

2. Make a character list; let kids draw them. IYJ the story characters are: Hilkiah the Priest, Shaphan the Scribe, King Josiah, Huldah the Prophetess, and The King's Men. View photo below to see the two pages: notice the characters.

3. Next, read the story from your Bible aloud noticing the speaking parts. If you wish to shorten the verses a bit use ... to show this. Remember, the goal is to use Scripture for our script not our own made-up words! Write or print out the verse words the characters will say perhaps printing or gluing them onto index cards.

4. Check out the puppet photos. Click on them to enlarge them!

5. Set up props: e.g., the silver pillars, a tiny tube lectern, and so on. Use repurposed items. e.g. Use the inside of mailer envelopes for streets. Study the photos below!

6. Practice your script moving the puppets and reading the script words.

7. For each lesson story present a little show; older adults/kids can be in charge of a show for younger ones.

8. Most of all encourage all puppeteers to put the Word into their hearts, not a made-up script.

Thoughts Concerning Scripture Script: Very concerning to me as a lifetime Christian educator and kids' curriculum author is the fact that as I view some Bible Story shows, movies, and podcasts very often the characters use ideas/words that do not resemble the Word in even a remote way. Could this be why our children, products of Childrens' Churches, Christian TV shows, and so on, never have the Word in their heart for they really do not know it nor hear it???

Always keep in mind II Timothy 3:15 which reads: "... From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 9: "The True God Vs. The False Gods": A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets

In chapter ten we'll read "Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel" with its clear message "Learn not the way of the heathen (idolaters)." What a chapter this is comparing the true God to the false idols. So, let's dig in! And do be sure to meet our new puppets below: "The Workman" Puppet who makes the idols, and "The Host of Heaven" Puppet who is terrified and dismayed at the signs of the heavens.

The Main Message: In Jeremiah 10:2 there's a learn not verse: "Learn not the way of the heathen or the Gentiles. (NKJV) While in Leviticus 19:4 there's a turn not verse: "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God." Now what were the people to learn? Deuteronomy 5:1 tells us Moses said: "Hear ... the statues and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them." The second part of the message says: "Be not dismayed (troubled) at the signs of the heaven (sun, moon, and stars); for the heathen are dismayed at them."

The Workman's Idol: With his own hands the workman would use an ax to cut down a tree that would become an idol. He would deck (decorate) it out with silver and gold. He would use his hammer and nails to fasten it together. And says verse three so "it will move not." Verse four continues his idol will be upright "like a palm tree." And the text adds, "it will speak not!" Besides his idol would need to be carried because it "cannot go!" It continues: "Be not afraid of them (idols)." Why? Because they "cannot do evil, ... or good." IYB: Do dot the nots!

Capital G, Lowercase G! Throughout Jeremiah you'll notice God with an uppercase "G" and then god(s) with a lowercase "g." Be especially alert to looking for passages where the gods or idols are mentioned. Here's a few you'll find in the previous lessons: Jeremiah 2:11, 2:28, 5:7, 5:19, 7:6, 7:9, 7:18, 10:11 ....

Don't Trust in Idols: In Psalm 115: 2-8 the psalmist compares God to idols made with men's hands. Of God we read, "But our God is in the heavens ...." Of idols it says, "They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: neither speak they through their throat." And it adds, "They that make them (idols) are like them; so is every one that trusteth in them."

A Jeremiah 10:6 Gem Verse: "There is none like unto thee, O LORD."

The "None" Verses: Verses six/seven have bookend parts: "there is none like unto thee, O LORD; .... (v.6)" and "there is none like unto thee." (v.7)" IYJ: Look at the none/great page. Print verse making the word "none" and "great" darker and larger than the other words. Add a 'gem" stone figure before it IYB. For kids raise voice on none, point up "Oh LORD," raise voice on greats, and hold fists high saying the words forcefully.

Thou Art Great, and Thy Name Is Great: Verse six says God is great, as does Ps. 86:8-10 that says: "Among the gods there is none like thee, O LORD; neither are there any works like unto thy works. ... ... For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone."

Sing: "My God Is So Great!

My God is so great Kids Song | Christian songs for kids with actions | Children's Christian songs - Bing video

Who Is It? A: The Heathen? B: The LORD? C: The Idols? D: The Workman?

1. Worshipper of idols. 2. Decorates with gold/silver. 3. Cannot move. 4. Cannot speak. 5. Uses an axe. 6. Uses his hands. 7. Upright like a palm tree. 8. The True God. 9. The nations. 10. Are idolaters. 11. Cannot do evil. 12. Uses a hammer, nails. 13. The Gentiles. 14. The living God. 15. An everlasting King. 16. Cuts down a tree. 17. King of the Nations. 18. Is skilled. 19. Wears blue/purple clothing. 20. Is a Graven Image. 21. Creator of Heaven and Earth. 22. Have no breath. 23. None like Him. 24. Are falsehood. 25. Cannot do good.

Key: 1. A 2. D 3. C 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. C 8. B 9. A 10. A 11. C 12. D 13. A 14. B 15. B 16. D 17. B 18. D

19. C 20. C 21. B 22. C 23. B 24. C 25. C

A "Who" Verse for You! Verse seven asks a very important "who" question: "Who would not fear (honor) You, O King of the Nations? And who is King of the Nations? The LORD! For among all men and gods in all nations and kingdoms none was like the LORD. But the men, on the other hand, were brutish, stupid, and foolish while their wooden idols were false, empty, vain, and futile.

Two More "Who" Verses for You: Click on the journal photos. See the oversized "WHO??" IYJ make a giant WHO?? or stick-on gummed stickers. Find the "who" verses IYB. Read aloud and highlight the "Who" in each one. Did you know that Exodus 15:11, and Rev. 15:4 come from the "Song of Moses?"

The Work of the Idol Makers: Verse nine mentions silver and gold from Tarshish and Uphaz was beaten into plates by the workman and the goldsmith to be used on the idols, while cunning and skillful men made clothing from violet and purple to dress them.

The True God, The Living God: Verse ten begins: "But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: (king of eternity!): at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (anger)" Yes, the Lord is as verse 7 says "King of the nations," as well as "King of eternity." As a wise lady would repeat, "The Lord is in charge!"

Senseless Shepherds Then, Senseless Shepherds Now! Just as in Jeremiah's day many pastors or leaders were senseless or brutish. (foolish) They didn't seek the Lord says Jeremiah 10:21. Therefore, the Lord said they wouldn't be blessed, and their people would be scattered. Still today pastors, or leaders are told to be watchmen warning of coming events and informing people that if God's word isn't followed there will be punishment. But so many, like the leaders in Jeremiah's time, refuse to speak out about things that are happening all around us.

Courageous Pastor-Lawyer n' Pastor-Author: Praise the Lord there's a few that aren't afraid to stand for truth and godly pastor-lawyer Mat Staver is one of them. Having argued before the Supreme Court defending many on current issues here is a man that isn't clueless, foolish, or senseless, rather very courageous in facing issues head on. For more: Mat Staver - Liberty Counsel (lc.org)

Still another is pastor-author John K. Amanchukwu who speaks to audiences all over urging them to face up to things happening around us. Choose courageous leaders you've heard about, and especially pray for them!

Zero in on Jeremiah's "O LORD Prayer": Read over Jeremiah 10:23-25 that contains a Jeremiah prayer. Click on the journal page "God Vs. Idols" to view the little pic of Jeremiah at prayer. In verse twenty-three he declares "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Do you know this? In our world how many people have you listened to who do not acknowledge this for continuously we hear how it's our body, it's our life --we can do our own thing! Do ponder Proverbs 3:5,6!

"Host of Heaven Idolater" Puppet: As before tightly roll your toilet tube in a half sheet of light paper, tuck in ends, and tape side. To it add a headband with a sun, moon, and stars for "Heathen Man" worshipped them. Add other features. Click on the puppet scene photos at the end of the lesson. Where did this worship happen? Up on roof tops, in the streets, or in high places. View "Heathen Man and Workman" standing atop a cardboard egg carton on a file box with forest trees in background, and the sun, moon and stars on a shelf. See its 'incense smoke' ascending upward. See the workman's chopped tree stump with its tiny axe. Host of heaven - Easton's Bible Dictionary Online (biblestudytools.com)

The Workman Puppet: Click on photos below to look at more pics of the Workman idol maker or craftsman. It wears a "tree bark" headband from a gift bag, and its tree stump is wrapped in this tree branch giftbag as well. Even the frame/letters on the sample journal page are cut from the same gift sack too. Bright Idea: Save gift bags to reuse! Ditto that for different egg cartons. Oh yes and also save bottle caps. And the list goes on!

Sun Worship on Display Today! Learn to Discern Granny: ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: S Is for Sun! (whputnam00.blogspot.com) to find "S Is for Sun" from my ABC: Bible Meditation for Me: Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation series. Don't miss this series if you have never read it!

Please share these lessons with parents/grandparents to use with their children/grands. They are free and contain tons of items that are repurposed and inexpensive to use! Always remember the puppet script is the Scripture Verses highlighted in each lesson. Don't forget to use your Jeremiah puppet to say "Jeremiah 10:23."

A few of the photos are repeated with tiny differences. Click on them to see them up close.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 8: "Bent on Lies, or Valiant for the Truth?" A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

Bent on Lies or Valiant for the Truth? A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, and Puppets

The lesson begins with Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, crying out to the Lord on behalf of his people. Would they ever turn to the Lord? Would they ever be valiant for truth? Or would they always be full of deceit walking with those who practiced it? Don't miss the new puppets photos below--Deceitful Man, Wailing Woman, and Glory Man! (Scroll to end of lesson and click on them to see them life-sized.)

Read Aloud: Jeremiah Verses 9:1-8: One cannot overemphasize reading the Word aloud. How thankful I am I was taught to do that very thing early in life. Perhaps, your Bible chapters are divided into parts as is in many of mine. Often there is a paragraph symbol, or a heading caption by the beginning of a new section. If so, point this out to your youngsters!

The "Oh!" Verses: Jeremiah 9:1-2: "Oh!" cries out Jeremiah, ""Oh that my head was a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for ... my people!" IYJ draw or use tissue box sides as a backdrop for the lamenting Jeremiah. View the IYJ photo below; note the fountain-like background, and the Jeremiah cutout inserted into a tiny slit. Don't miss the "Oh!" frame, the exclamation marks, and the message!

"Oh!" cries out Jeremiah again, "Oh that I had a wilderness place to get away from my people for they are a bunch of treacherous or deceitful people." Click on IYJ photo to see wilderness-like design into which a Jeremiah is inserted. Notice that around each verse is an "Oh!" exclamation frame. Print the verse words, cut out, and glue them in order.

Do You Feel Like Jeremiah? Are there people you love or care about so much that you feel like crying day and night over them? or is there a situation you'd like to get away from for a while? Jeremiah, unlike many prophets, often clearly expressed his feelings. Yes, Jeremiah could full of anger, but he could be full of compassion as well. Tucked in this chapter at the end are words describing our Lord that remind us that we too must be kind, merciful, and loving as well as righteous, truthful and just.

The Bow and Arrow Verses: Jeremiah 9:3,8: After weeping over the unfaithfulness of his people Jeremiah wrote these sinful people used their tongue just like a bow to shoot out lies (v.2), and like an arrow to speak out deceit (v.8). And Jeremiah added they taught their tongues to lie. (v.5) Could these verses help us today? Yes, and yes again for they sound just like so many who practice continual lying day after day. Therefore, be on the alert! Like the Psalmist may we pray, "Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue." Ps.120:2-3 Click on the Bow/Arrow pages below.

A Bunch of Deceitful Men: As Jeremiah described these deceitful men, he used the word "they." IYB circle the "they" parts in verses 3-6. IYJ: "They bend their tongue like a bow for lies, they are not valiant for truth, they proceed from evil to evil, they know not me, they will deceive everyone his neighbor, they will not speak the truth, they have taught their tongue to speak lies, they refuse to know me, they weary themselves to commit iniquity (sin), ...."

"HABITATION" Explanation: Click on IYJ page below! Talk about the word "habitation." Look at the words around it. Discuss them. Ask: What does "habitation" mean? (a dwelling, a house, or even a "hangout.") What letter(s) does it start with? end with? What smaller words do you see in it? How many parts/syllables does it have? Which part is accented? What's an inhabitant? Name some habitation locations listed in the chapter. What kind of a habitation do you live in? hang out in? What kinds of people to you hang around? IYJ print "habitation" using different syllable colors. Little kids may use large outline letters on a table, or the floor. See photo journal page below.

Jeremiah's Habitation Location: Where did Jeremiah find these deceitful people? All around him where he lived. Reread Jer. 9:6: "Thine habitation (Refers to Jeremiah) is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me." In your Bible go back to Jer. 8:5b. Read it. "...they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return." How are the verses alike? See IYJ page--what are the two hands holding on to? The word "deceit." By the way, what's deceit? Look it up!

The Lord, Our Strong Habitation! I'm so happy there's a habitation quotation filled with hope! It is in Psalm 71:3,5: It says about the Lord: "Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: ... for thou art my rock and my fortress. .... For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth." If you've trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you can depend on the Lord to be your strong help and hope!

Weeping n' Wailing Women: Jer.9:27-21: Because God's people had sinned so much, they would have to be punished. Therefore, God told the people to call lamenting women to teach their daughters to cry and to weep when someone died. A note and illustration on p.753 in the intro to Jeremiah in the KJV Study Bible for Girls (Baker Books, 2016) explains that these lamenting ladies were actually hired to cry loudly at funerals. Verse nineteen told how the voice of wailing was heard out of Zion or Jerusalem. How sad! However, always remember that God is just and righteous and will judge our sins, but as in Jeremiah's day he gave them chance after chance to obey him. But they refused as our verses tell us.

The Cherrywood Text: Just before I wrote this lesson, I was walking round our living room. As I did, I walked right up to a text on our wall; now I hadn't read it in a long time for it is rather high and the print is dark. How surprised I was as I read it--why it was a beautiful text right out of Jeremiah 9:23,24--exactly what I would be doing next. How I rejoiced to reread it realizing never before had these words meant so much to me than after digging into Jeremiah day in and day out for many weeks. Read its wonderful message below! And then glory in and praise the Lord! For it was he who spoke to Jeremiah way back then, and it is he who still speaks to us today. View photo below!

A Tribute to Mrs. H.: Before you read our gem verses let me tell you about a lady, I knew who recently died. Her name was Penny. Now Penny was very old. She was 99. But she still lived in her own home. She still liked to read. She even wrote me letters with stickers on them. When I shared, I loved reading my Bible and would be studying Jeremiah Penny decided to do it with me. As our letters flew back and forth Penny would give me an update: "Reading more of Jeremiah. Helps me!" How amazing a lady so old could so rejoice in the Word of God and still try to understand things she'd never learned before. Oh, we'd all awaken, open our Bibles, and really dig into the Word. Of Penny, I can say, "I will miss you Mrs. H. You were a wonderful example!"

Jeremiah Gem Verses: Find our gem verses in Jeremiah 9:23,24. Read them: "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory (boast) in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory (boast) in his might, let not the rich man glory (boast) in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight saith the LORD." IYB Draw or stick a glittered jewel-like shape beside the verses. Print the verses IYJ. View verse photo down below!

Free coloring pages for kids by mr adron free jeremiah 9 23-24 - Bing images

Paul Quotes Jeremiah 9:24: In the NT the Apostle Paul knew these verses for he requotes part of them in I Corinthians 1:31 and in II Corinthians 10:17. Which part does he quote? Here's how they read, I Corinthians 1:31: "... According as it is written, HE THAT GLORIETH, * LET HIM GLORY* IN THE LORD." II Corinthians 10:17 "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." Like Jesus, in the first verse Paul uses a phrase "as it is written." In my Bible the first verse also uses lots of capital letters reminding us not to boast in ourselves, but to boast, joy, rejoice, and glory in the Lord!!*

* See note on meaning in the Greek on p. 268 in Vines Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testament Words (c. 1985 Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers).

Check out the newest puppets below. Click on each photo to see them life sized.

Deceitful Man: Like our other puppets it's rolled in a half sheet of pink paper then taped and tucked in. Its headband comes from a black/white/gold giftbag. Its eyes are black punch dots while its nose and long tongue (It bends!) are from red foam. Its beard is a triangle shape from the gift bag. It stands near a bow n' arrow which has its insides cut out into which the printed tongue verses can be inserted. Find the free bow/arrow clip art here: free clip art bow and arrow - Bing images Its script is always "Scripture!" Walk Deceitful Man down an arrow path moving it while quoting the verses. Don't miss the photo!!

Wailing Woman: Click on Wailing Lady to see her up close. Make her look sad adding punch tear drops and an oval mouth to show she is crying out.

Glory Man: Make his beard curve upward and give him a broad smile for Glory Man is happy and boasts and rejoices in the Lord alone! Move him as he says the Gem Verses!

Weeping Prophet: Use Jeremiah from our first lesson. See photo below. Simply turn his mouth upside down and add punch dot tear drops cut from a tissue box side or other paper resembling water. Lay it or stand on a similar tissue box back drop.

Monday, August 15, 2022

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