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soon she was safe and happy-in his arms. LESSON STORY: “Don’t be afraid!” —that is exactly what God told His friend Joshua who was to lead the Lord’s people into the land He had promised them. The land was very large (1:4)., It was filled, with ene mies who wanted to fight back- But the Lord said something like this: “Never mind about that, Joshua. I will take care of you.” (Read aloud, slowly, 1:7-9.) Now Joshua knew what he was to do. He was to remember God’s Word; always he was to go ahead, fearing nothing. And he was to do exactly what God told him, when he met the enemies. When the people, led by Joshua, came to the city of Jericho, the king and .the mighty men were waiting in side, and they wfere not friendly. But the Lord whispered something won derful to Joshua.' (Read 6:2.) The Lord’s people did just what He said to do—though it may have seemed strange to them. (Tell the story con tained in 6:3-5, 20.) When they saw how Well everything worked out for them when they obeyed; the heavenly Father, they must have felt like say ing, all together, the words of our Memory Verse, for they had learned a happy lesson. OBJECTS: A promissory note for one hundred dollars, and a check for the same amount, dat,ed two months later. LESSON: How many of you have ever made a promise, and did not keep it? It is wrong to break promises. If you do, soon people will not believe you at all. In the business world, when one person owes another a certain amount of money, he often gives a written promise to pay on a certain date. This is called a “ promissory note.” Here is one. It is dated two’months ago. It reads, “Two months from this date, I promise to pay William Jones one hundred dollars.1” The note is signed by Sam Smith. The time has come for the pay- merit, and here is a Check to pay the note. It reads, “Pay to the order of Object Lesson K eeping a P romise
Topics for Children’s Division In the Children’s Division for this month, there are five lessons that may follow thé general theme: What Hap pens When. We Trust the Lord Jesus. July 2—We Are Not Afraid.
enemies, simply because God had given the victory; “ the Lord thy God . . . hath fought for you” (v. 3). Hence there should be an absence of pride as they would remember that victory had not come through their own power. Second, he reminded them of how the land had been fairly and equita bly divided among the twelve tribes. That land had been given “ to be an inheritance for your tribes." Third, he told them what they might 'expect from God (v. 5). He would make them to be victorious and pros perous while they walked in the path of obedience to Him. Their history .would be glorious, or otherwise, ac cording to the obedience of the nation. For Christians today the same prin-. ciple holds true; the path of obedience to Christ is the path of constant spirit ual prosperity and success. Points and Problems 1. "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan" (Josh. 1:2). God may bury His serv ants, but His work must go on. An honored father may be taken from the place of responsibility in the home. A son is called to take his place. A minister of great ability and piety may be summoned into the presence of his Lord. A younger man is challenged to arise and carry on the work. A teacher in the Sunday school, an offi cer in the church, a mother in Israel may be removed from the scenes and duties of this life. Others must hear God’s call, “ Now therefore arise!” 2. "Every place that the soul of your foot shall tread upon, that have Xgiven unto you" (v. 3). A principle of vast significance is suggested in these words. God is generous. His gifts are beyond calculation. But God’s gifts must be received. God gave all Palestine to Israel, but bnly so much of it as their feet trod upon actually became theirs to enjoy. God gave His Son, His Word, and His gos pel to all men. But only those who receive these blessings are benefited thereby, 3. "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life" (v. 5). These words may well be used to set forth the irresistible character of the believer “ in Christ Jesus.” Clothed upon with His armor, no power can overwhelm the Chris tian July 9—We Are Brave. July 18—We Are Happy. July 23—We Are Victorious. July 30—We Are Strong. is the secret of soul prosperity. God has a plan for every life. It is revealed in His Word. This text suggests that the servant of the Lord should be so familiar with “this book” that it will be continually oh his lips. Golden Text Illustration J oshua 1 9 ,, A little village lad had to make a long journey to a distant town. When he was ready to start, he hesitated at the doorway. "Mother,” he-said in a trembling voice, “it’s so far, and it is a sfrânge road. I—I’m not exactly afraid, but could you come a teeny way with me?” The mother caught the anxiety in the childish appeal, and taking his little hhnd in hers, said, “My son, Mother will go all the way with you.” With his hand in hers, the lad walked along fearlessly. Likewise; we have no need to fear the future if God be our guide. “ God is Before me, He will be my guide; God is Behind me, no ill can be tide; God is Beside me, to comfort and cheer; - God :'s Around me, so why should I fear?” —^Christian Herald. MEMORY VERSE: “ All that the Lord said will we do, and be obedi ent” (Ex. 24:7). AIM: To show that one who loves the Lord Jesus need not be afraid of anything. APPROACH: On*ce a little girl was trapped in a burning -building. No one could get to her, and she could Captain Joshua J oshua 1 ; 6:1-20 not get out any of the doors, ’then she heard her father’s calm, loving voice outside: “Don’t be afraid, d e a r,” he said. “Just do what I tell you, and you -will be all right. Jump from the win dow, and T will catch you.” Though the child could not see her father, she obeyed—and
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