The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)
Read & Discuss
On April 21, 1980, Rosie Ruiz was declared the women’s division winner of the Boston Marathon. The problem was that Rosie hid in the crowd near the finish line and only ran the final mile of the race. She was disqualified. Clearly she had no business running the race with the real marathoners! After the Philistines defeated Israel, they captured the ark of the covenant and took it to their city, placing it next to Dagon, a false god the Philistines worshiped. The next morning, Dagon was flat on its face in front of the ark. It happened the next day also. The one true God was making it clear that Dagon – or any false god – has no business standing next to Him! God promises He is with all who believe in Him through Christ Jesus, and He alone has all power, authority, and control.
Activity
Go for a family walk. Have your kids pick the route. Tell about God’s promise to be with us (Hebrews 13:5-6) who believe in Jesus. How is God with us wherever we go? Talk about it.
Memory Verse
Write Philippians 4:19 on a piece of paper or eraser board: “ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Keep erasing two words at a time and reciting from memory.
Prayer
Thank God for His power and presence with you. Tell God how good it is to know that He is with you every day in every situation.