Family Devotion Idea: Tassels

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

Remember you belong to God.

Scripture:

Numbers 15:37-41  “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.  You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.  Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.  I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt to be your God.  I am the Lord your God.'"

Materials:

3 skeins of colored yarn (one should be blue)

Safety pin or masking tape

Scissors

Optional: beads or charms like fish, crosses, etc.

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

God gave us His Word, the Bible, as a constant reminder of His love and faithfulness.  Let’s look at some of the ways God says we can remember Him.  Invite a volunteer to read Numbers 15:37-41.  Why do you think God tells us how to remember?  We get busy, distracted.  Are there things you hear or see in life that make you think of God?  Creation, crosses, churches, music.  The example we just read in the Bible shows us that remembering is active.

What are some of the RULES we live by as a family?  Everyone clean up after yourself; don’t take things that don’t belong to you.  We need rules, and God gives us His commandments as rules to live by too.  When we take out the trash, that’s a way to serve.  When we say “thank you,” that’s a way to show respect.

Today we’re going to do something to help us remember God, His goodness and His faithfulness.  Think about a time when God did something for you.  Maybe you prayed for Him to help you through a test or sporting event.  Were you sick and He made you well again?  Did He give you strength to say the right thing to a friend?  Whatever it is, we’re going to share our stories while we do our activity.

ACTIVITY:

Feel free to discuss Ecclesiastes 4:12 at some point during the activity.

Take your three pieces of yarn, cut each to 8” lengths, and tie them together at one end.  You may want to add a charm here before you start braiding.  Begin braiding like you would hair.  When you have three inches of yarn left, tie another knot as before.  Loop the yarn in half and tie it so you have a large loop on the end using a slipknot.  Attach it to your coat, back pack, or anywhere else you can loop it through on itself.

What does it say to God when we take the time to remember Him?  We want to love and honor Him and He is important in our life.  What does it say to others when we have outward signs of our faith?  I’m devoted to God; I really believe what I say I believe; it helps to remind us of what we believe.  We hope it will lead people to ask us about God.  God is with us always and cares about what we say, think and do.

If you like this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training.  See the link on the left side of this page for more information.