HeartShaper Preteen Sample by David C Cook

PreTeen

Visuals in This Pack

Sheet 1 Poster for the Quarter

Sheet 2 Photo Cards (lesson 1)

Sheet 3 Psalm 139:13-16 (unit 1)

Sheet 4 Romans 3:23; 6:23; James 4:7, 8 (unit 2)

Sheet 5 Psalm 100:4, 5 (unit 3)

Sheet 6 Temptation Cards (lesson 7)

Sheet 7 God Is a Forgiving God (lesson 8)

Sheet 8 Is Your Thanks Showing? (lessons 12, 13)

Digital Files

The digital files include audio tracks and printable files. The audio tracks can be played using a media player. The printable files must be viewed and printed from a computer.

Audio Tracks

Track 1 “Achan Was Mistaken” (lesson 6)

Track 2 Preteen Talk Live (lesson 7)

Track 3 U-turns Needed (lesson 9)

Track 4 “A Day at the Mall” (lesson 13)

Printable Files

Activity Pages

Creation Match-Up, Game of Needs, It’s Not Puzzling, Person Outline, Photo Cards, Prayer Walk, Receiving Gifts, Resister Helper, Respect Feud, Tempting Situations, Time for Thanks, What Does It Mean?, Who Repented?

Bible Memory (KJV )

Bible Memory posters for each unit

Bible Skills

Bible Basics, Bible Books and Divisions, Bible People and Events Cards, Optional Bible Skill Builder activities for each lesson

Scriptures Text (KJV and NIV )

Color-coded Scripture text for each lesson

Skits and Readings

“Achan Was Mistaken,” Tabitha’s Story, Tabitha’s Story Name Tags, “The Defeat at Ai,” The Temptation Story, “Trouble in the Body”

Special Needs Helps

“All About Me” Book, Modifying Lessons, Parent Conversation Guide, Picture Schedule, Sensory Inventory Form, Sensory Inventory Form Key, Sensory Supply Drive, Special Needs Friendly Class

Teacher Helps

Bible Skills Plan, Classroom Management, Icebreakers, Knowing Your Preteens, Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide, Lesson Plan Outline, Prayer Request Cards, Spiritual Growth Chart

See the Read Me file for instructions on how to access the printable files. See the Contents file for a complete list of printable files.

PreTeen Resources is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper and David C Cook and its related logo are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-56-2 #1625125. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February—April 2025. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. David C Cook would

like to thank the following contributors: Marjorie Redford, editor. Music Precedent, Ltd., audio tracks. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. June Pfaff Daley, designer. Sean Murphy/Getty Images, cover photo. Think stock, interior photos.

PreTeen Contents Grades 5–6

PreTeen Teacher Guide is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper and David C Cook and its related logos are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-55-5 Printed in South Korea. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version. Digital products are subject to the End User License Agreement (EULA) found at DavidCCook.org/eula/ and any additional terms or restrictions that may accompany the product. Digital products cannot be returned, sold, or relicensed. This product license is good for 6 months. After 6 months, you must purchase another license.

David C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Marjorie Redford, editor. Judy Gillespie, Lu Ann J. Nickelson, Katie Wetherbee, contributors. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. Ahaa! Design, typesetting. Sean Murphy/Getty Images, cover photo.

How to Use HeartShaper®

Welcome to HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum!

With HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum, your students will be engaged in Bible stories through multisensory learning, Bible skill-building activities, and focused life application.

Here’s how to start

• Pray for God’s help to guide preteens to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Read these introductory pages and the unit pages.

• Use the HeartShaper teaching tools.

How the lessons are organized

1 Focus In: Preteens are introduced to the lesson theme and focus.

2 Explore His Word: Preteens will interact with the Scripture passage and develop Bible skills.

3 Make It Real: Preteens will discover how the Scripture applies to their lives.

4 Live It Out: Preteens will plan and begin to practice the principles of what they’ve learned.

Important things to know

Bible Memory lists the passage students will learn in each unit.

Focus is the main thought that students will learn and remember in each lesson.

Want a more detailed overview?

Go to HeartShaper.com. Click on Age Levels and choose PreTeen. View the Scope and Sequence and watch the overview video for this age level.

Quick Step™ activities are easy to prepare and teach. All that’s needed are the curriculum materials and normal classroom supplies.

Option activities are included in every step. YOU choose what works best for you and the different kinds of learners in your class.

Special Needs

Reach kids with special needs

HeartShaper gives the resources you need to understand kids’ different abilities and adapt lesson activities so you can include kids with special needs in your Sunday school classes.

Examples

Look for this symbol throughout the teacher guide to identify activities that work well for all kids, including those with special needs.

Quick Step Take the Challenge

SAY: God cares deeply about how we treat our parents or the grown-ups who care for us. The Scriptures are clear— God wants us to honor our parents. I hope you’ll accept the challenge to always honor your parents. Ask students to turn in their leaflets to the activity Take the Challenge. Read the instructions. Encourage them to write specific times when they will honor their parents in these ways. Give students time to work on this.

Option You Can Do It!

Before class, get an outgoing student to help you. Show the student the worksheet, and tell him that, when the activity starts, he is to do all the things on the list. He should start immediately with number 1 and do all of them, even though no one else may do them.

Give each preteen a copy of the You Can Do It! sheet. Tell them to work on the page by themselves and not to talk while they do it. Don’t say anything if students start doing the things on the list. For those students who did not do anything, give them candy when they ask you for it.

Quick Step Show Me

SAY: Show me the perfect smile. Pause as preteens do that. Show me the perfect frown. Pause as preteens do that. Show me the perfect muscle. Pause as preteens do that. Show me the perfect wink. Pause as preteens do that. Show me the perfect finger snap. Pause as preteens do that. Show me something else you can do that’s perfect. Pause as preteens do that.

ASK: Who thought that you had the perfect smile, frown, muscle, wink, and finger snap? Accept responses. Who do you know that does everything perfectly? (no one) What does the word perfect mean? (having no mistakes or flaws, completely correct or accurate)

Materials Activities for lesson 2, pencils

When you see this symbol after a title, it means the activity will work well for all kids, including those with special needs.

Materials copies of Resources You Can Do It! printable file (1 per student), wrapped candy

Whisper to rule-based or extremely structured preteens that this is merely an experiment to see what happens

Materials none

Teaching Tip Continue to display the Poster for the Quarter (Resources sheet 1).

See the Resources Special Needs Helps 9 printable file for another way to offer this activity for preteens with special needs.

When you see this symbol in the narrow column, it may give you a helpful tip on how you can tweak the activity to make it better for kids with special needs.

Or this symbol may indicate that there’s an adaptation in the Resources files that will make the activity work better for kids with special needs.

Additional helps for teaching kids with special needs can be found in the Resources files and at HeartShaper.com. Online resources include training videos, Shaping Special Hearts podcast episodes, and free downloads for both teachers and families.

Teaching Tools

These multisensory teaching tools are an integral part of HeartShaper!

PreTeen Activities

Your students will love the full-color activity leaflets designed just for them—they make Bible study fun!

• Helps preteens take a deep dive into Scripture

• Encourages preteens to think for themselves

Live Wire® student magazine

This weekly student magazine helps preteens take home what they’re learning and helps their faith grow.

In the magazine you’ll find:

• Short stories and articles of interest to preteens

• Fun Facts, Spotlight On, and Did You Know? features, plus Have a Blast! puzzles and activities

HeartShaper.com

For teachers:

• Overview by age level

• Training videos

• Family Connections quarterly letters

PreTeen Resources

These resources will help you engage students with different learning styles. These multisensory teaching tools include visual, printed, and audio resources.

On the 8 sheets you’ll find:

• Bible Memory posters (1 per unit)

• Application-type posters and photo cards

• Poster for the quarter

In the digital files you’ll find:

• Audio tracks

• Printable files for students: activity pages for in-class use, lesson Scriptures (KJV and NIV)

• Printable files for teachers: reproducible pages for lessons, Bible Memory posters (KJV), special needs helps, teacher helps

Free resources

• Holiday helps

• Special needs resources

• Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide

For families:

• Faith & Family guide for family devotions

You’ll also want to visit MinistrySpark.com for free ministry resources, articles, and webinars with valuable insights from children’s leaders like you!

Teaching Preteens

With HeartShaper, preteens will grow spiritually

Preteens can know these important facts:

• God continually provides for His people.

• A growing relationship with God is important.

• Jesus, God’s Son, wants to be their Savior and friend.

• The Holy Spirit is their helper and guide.

Preteens can show these godly attitudes:

• Desire to worship God.

• Feel valuable as a child of God.

• Accept and love people of other races, nationalities, and abilities as people whom God loves.

• Trust God in hard times.

Preteens can exhibit these desirable behaviors:

• Regularly read the Bible and pray for self and others.

• Show respect for those in authority.

• Develop God-given abilities to participate in the ministry of the church.

• Put God first in their plans and activities.

See the entire Spiritual Growth Chart in the PreTeen Resources files or at HeartShaper.com.

With HeartShaper, preteens will develop Bible skills

Preteens will build on these Bible skills:

• See the overall story or theme to the Bible; that history is God’s story

• Begin to understand the chronology of Bible events

• Learn the major emphasis of the Old Testament and the New Testament

• Feel increasingly confident when using the Bible

Preteens will develop these new Bible skills:

• Recognize that there are different Bible translations and understand some of the differences

• Read and explain Bible verses and apply them to everyday life

• Use a Bible dictionary and other Bible tools to better understand Scripture texts

• Value time spent reading God’s Word and use the skills they have acquired in personal Bible study

Preteens will gain even more with optional Bible skills: If desired and you have time, the Optional Bible Skill Builder in each lesson (provided in the Resources files) will help preteens learn these skills:

• List major Old Testament and New Testament events in chronological order and attach people to events

• Name the books and divisions of the Bible

• Explain the themes of Bible divisions

• Find and compare parallel Scripture passages.

See the entire Bible Skills Plan in the PreTeen Resources files or at HeartShaper.com.

Unit 1 Living in God’s Image

Lesson Scripture Focus

Bible Memory

Psalm 139:13-16

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Bible Skills

Bible skills are intentionally integrated into each lesson. You’ll help preteens learn how to use their Bibles so God’s Word goes deep into their hearts.

Look for this symbol throughout the teacher guide to identify activities that work well for all kids, including those with special needs. Additional helps for teaching kids with special needs can be found in the Resources files and at HeartShaper.com.

Lesson 1

A Powerful God

Lesson 2

Made in God’s Image

Lesson 3

Everyone Counts

Lesson 4

Celebrate Your Differences

Genesis 1 ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Genesis 1; Psalm 8 ❤ God made us to reflect His image.

Genesis 1; Matthew 22; Galatians 6; 1 Peter 2 ❤ Respect all people and treat them right.

1 Corinthians 12 ❤ Accept people’s differences.

HeartShaper Materials for Unit 1

PreTeen Activities

Lessons 1–4

PreTeen Resources

Visuals

Sheet 1—Poster for the Quarter

Sheet 2—Photo Cards, lesson 1

Sheet 3—Psalm 139:13-16

Bible Memory Poster

Digital Files

Printable Files

Bible Basics, lessons 1–4

Bible Books and Divisions, lessons 1–4

Creation Match-Up, lesson 1

King James Version Bible Memory, unit 1

King James Version Scripture texts, lessons 1–4

New International Version Scripture texts, lessons 1–4

Optional Bible Skill Builders, lessons 1–4

Person Outline, lesson 4

Photo Cards, lesson 4

Prayer Request Cards

Respect Feud, lesson 3

Special Needs Helps (see Contents file for complete list of files)

Teacher Helps (see Contents file for complete list of files)

“Trouble in the Body,” lesson 4

What Does It Mean?, lesson 3

Live Wire student magazine

Issues 1–4

Faith & Family online resource

Faith & Family is a downloadable resource to share with families. Find it at HeartShaper.com.

Additional Activities for Unit 1

Offer these activities for early arrivers, for students who finish activities quickly, or whenever there is extra time.

Unit Service Project—Welcome Bags

Let students decorate and fill bags to welcome new students. Since being the “new kid in class” can be rather difficult, fun welcome bags will help guests feel welcome and accepted. This project can be as elaborate or simple as you want. Use colorful small bags or containers (dollar stores are a good source). Brainstorm with your students what they could write on the bags. Some ideas include: “We’re glad you’re here” or “Welcome! Hope you come back!” Provide small items for students to fill the bags, such as fun activity pages and wrapped candy. Preteens could also include Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® in the bags and attach a note that says, “It’s a real TREAT to have you in this class!” Have preteens take turns giving the bags to new students in your class.

Beautiful Baby

Ask each student to bring to class a baby photo. Tell students not to show their photos to anyone before class. Collect the photos, making sure that the students’ names are on the backs. Tape each photo to a piece of construction paper and number each paper (don’t write on the photos). Then display them on a wall or bulletin board. Distribute paper and pencils. Ask students to write down who they think is in each photo, identifying each photo by its number. Then see who got the most correct. Point out that even though we all are different, even as babies, everyone is made in God’s image. Read aloud together Psalm 139:13-16. This passage is a reminder that each person is wonderfully made by God.

Prayer Time

Make copies of the Resources Prayer Request Cards printable file. When students have private requests they would like you to pray about, they can write them on the “Dear teacher” request cards and place them in a box labeled “Prayer Requests for the Teacher.” When students have requests they would like their classmates to pray about, they can write them on the “Dear friends” request cards for you to share during your prayer time.

Optional Bible Skill Builders

Use the Optional Bible Skill Builder activities whenever you have time— before, during, or at the end of your class time.

A Powerful God

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-28

Bible Memory: Psalm 139:13-16

Focus: ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Heart to Heart Teacher Devotion

Lord God, how Your power and love are shown in the glory and majesty of creation! As Your Spirit moved over the water, may You work in my life and in the lives of the preteens I teach. May Your Spirit help them move from merely knowing the facts of creation to a personal faith in Your power and love. Give me Your words, Lord, to lead the preteens to know You more and more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lesson 1 at a Glance

FOCUS IN

Use one or more of these activities to help students experience the vastness of God’s creation.

EXPLORE HIS WORD

Use these activities to help students describe God’s power and love as seen in creation.

Quick Step Creation Guess-It Game

Option Creation Match-Up

Bible Exploration Genesis 1:1-28

Bible Memory Psalm 139:13-16

Optional Bible Skill Builder

HeartShaper Materials

• Resources sheet 2

• Resources Creation MatchUp printable file

• Activities for lesson 1

• Resources sheet 3

• Resources Optional Bible Skills 1, Bible Basics, and Bible Books and Divisions printable files

Other Materials

• dark construction paper, whiteboard, dry-erase marker, reusable adhesive

• pencils

• Bibles, roll paper, markers, reusable adhesive, pencils

• Bibles, reusable adhesive, whiteboard, dry-erase marker

• Bibles, card stock, scissors

MAKE IT REAL

Use one of these activities to help students identify examples of God’s power and love in His creation.

LIVE IT OUT

Use one of these activities to help students praise and thank God that His power and love are seen in His creation.

Quick Step Look Closely

Option God’s Power and Love

Quick Step Just Pray

Option Dough Creations

• Activities for lesson 1

• Resources sheet 2

• pencils

• paper, pencils, timer

• Activities for lesson 1

• none

• pencils

• modeling dough

Focus In (10 minutes)

Use one or more of these activities to help students experience the vastness of God’s creation.

Welcome

• Welcome each student by name.

• Early arrivers will enjoy doing one or more of the additional activities described on the unit page.

Quick Step Creation Guess-It Game

Before class, tear apart the photo cards. Place a sheet of dark construction paper over each photo, leaving only a part of each photo showing.

Ask preteens to think how they would answer this question: What do you think is the most ginormous, greatest thing that God created? After a few seconds, have students ask others how they answered that question. When preteens are done, have a few volunteers share what they heard. Then divide the class into two teams. For a small class, let individual preteens play this game. Tell students that you’ll show each team, one at a time, a photo of something that God created, but they’ll only see a small part of it. If they guess what it is, award 40 points. If not, show a little more of the photo. If they guess it correctly, award 30 points. If not, let the other team guess, awarding 30 points for a correct response. If not correct, show a little more of the photo, awarding 20 points for a correct answer. When finished with the game, have kids display the cards on a wall or bulletin board.

ASK: What do you think about God when you look at what He created? (He’s mighty and awesome. He’s creative.)

What part of God’s vast creation would you like to explore someday? Accept responses.

Refer to the photo cards. SAY: Think about the vastness, the awesomeness of God’s creation—from the depths of the ocean to the sun and stars, from a little baby to an elderly adult. Let’s dig into God’s Word to find out how ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Option Creation Match-Up

Give each preteen a copy of the Creation Match-Up page and a pencil. Let preteens work alone or with a partner to match Column A to Column B. When students are done, let volunteers take turns telling their matches. (Answers: 1=c; 2=g; 3=b; 4=h; 5=a; 6=d; 7=e; 8=f)

ASK: What do you think about God when you consider what He created? (He’s mighty and awesome. He’s creative.)

What part of God’s vast creation would you like to explore someday? Accept responses.

SAY: Let’s dig into God’s Word to find out how ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Focus

❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Materials Resources sheet 2 Photo Cards, dark construction paper, whiteboard, dry-erase marker, reusable adhesive (optional: pushpins)

Tech Tip

Go online to find images of God’s creation to show students. Or let preteens use their phones to search for images of impressive things God made.

For some preteens with disabilities, circulating through a room and approaching peers for information might be very difficult. Instead, put students into small groups and have them discuss the question.

Teaching Tip

Display the Poster for the Quarter (Resources sheet 1).

Materials copies of Resources

Creation Match-Up printable file (1 per preteen), pencils

God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Explore His Word

(25 minutes)

Use these activities to help students describe God’s power and love as seen in creation.

Bible Background for the Teacher

God is uncreated, separate, and apart from any created thing. The existence of an uncreated creator is the reason there can be anything instead of nothing. The universe is not selfexplanatory. It exists because God upholds it by His powerful word (see Hebrews 1:3). This great act of immeasurable power was also God’s act of immeasurable love. It’s clear that ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

God’s work proceeded in an orderly fashion. He did not leave the world empty and uninhabitable. Genesis 1 does not describe any creative method of God beyond speaking. It is astounding for us to contemplate the perfection and intricacy of God’s system! He had a plan that led to the final creation of human beings made in His image. Being created in God’s image is God’s acknowledgment that He puts more value on humans than on other elements of creation. As image-bearers, we represent God. Our holy living should reflect God’s majesty. Genesis 1 lays the foundation for all that follows—from the very beginning to the very end when God will create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Materials

Bibles, 6 lengths of roll paper, markers, reusable adhesive, Activities for lesson 1, pencils

Note

The Scripture text is provided in the Resources printable files in both the New International Version and the King James Version, if you want kids to read from the same Bible version.

Tech Tip

Go to www.biblegateway.com or a similar website to play a dramatized reading of the Bible verses.

Bible Exploration Genesis 1:1-28

ASK: Where in the Bible would we look to read about the beginning of the world? (Genesis 1)

Have preteens find in their Bibles Genesis 1:1. SAY: Let’s read together verses 1-28. Listen not only for what God created, but how Have volunteers take turns reading the verses.

ASK: What do these verses tell you about God and who He is? (God created everything. He is powerful. He loves His creation very much.)

How did God create everything? (by speaking) Why do you think God created things in the order that He created them? (Students could give several examples, such as: God created dry ground before He created plants. God created the sky before He created birds. God created water and food supplies before He created people.)

On which day do you think God showed His greatest power? Why? Answers will vary. Encourage students to talk about the many awesome things God made and how those things show God’s power and love.

Divide the class into six groups. Give each group a length of roll paper and markers. For a small class, cut a long length of roll paper, and let preteens work together to illustrate all the days of creation. SAY: Each group will illustrate one day of creation. Make your drawings match what Genesis 1 says in your assigned verses. Read closely so you’ll illustrate what the verses say God created. Day 1=verses 1–5; day 2=verses 6–8; day 3=verses 9–13; day 4=verses 14–19; day 5=verses 20–23; day 6=verses 24–28. Tell the groups to also write at the top of their papers what day of creation they are illustrating.

When students are done, ask them to display their illustrations, in order, on a wall. Beginning with day 1, let preteens explain what they drew. Ask these questions after each day of creation:

ASK: How is God’s power seen in what He created? This will differ for each day of creation, but make sure students understand how only our powerful God could create what He did in the way that He did. How is God’s love seen in what He created? This will differ for each day of creation. (God created a lot of food sources to give us a big variety of food. God created a lot of trees and plants for us to use and enjoy.)

Distribute the leaflets, and ask preteens to look at the activity God, the Creator. Read the instructions, and let preteens pair up to do the page together. When students are done, have volunteers tell which days the things were created on, according to Genesis 1. (Answers: 1=day 1; 2=day 3 [according to only the Genesis 1 Scripture]; 3=day 3; 4=day 4) Also have volunteers tell which day each of the things pictured were created on. (Answers: A=day 4; B=day 5; C=day 6)

SAY: God planned every aspect of creation, and everything He made was for us! How awesome that ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Bible Memory Psalm 139:13-16

Display the Psalm 139:13-16 poster on a wall or bulletin board. Write “Psalm 139:13-16” on the board. Ask a volunteer to come to the board and tell what each part of the Scripture reference means. (Psalms is the name of the book, 139 is the chapter number, the colon separates the chapter and verse numbers, and 13-16 are the verse numbers.) Have preteens find Psalm 139:13-16 in their Bibles, and ask a volunteer to read the verses aloud.

ASK: Who wrote these verses? (David) If students aren’t sure, have them look at the notes under the chapter number. What do you think is the main thought in these verses? (that everyone is created by God and that makes everyone special, that everybody should praise God for making them)

SAY: No matter what you think of yourself or what others think about you, you are wonderful because God made you! ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation—and that includes you! These verses are important to memorize because whenever you are feeling down about yourself, you can remember the words of these verses—that God made you, and He made you in a wonderful way. Encourage preteens to begin memorizing these verses.

Materials Bibles, Resources sheet 3, reusable adhesive (or pushpins), whiteboard (or bulletin board), dry-erase marker

Note

The Bible Memory in the King James Version is included in the Resources printable files.

Optional Bible

Skill Builder

Print and use the Resources Optional Bible Skills 1 printable file.

Focus

❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Make It Real (15

minutes)

Use one of these activities to help students identify examples of God’s power and love in His creation.

Materials

Activities for lesson 1, pencils (optional: magnifying glasses)

Quick Step Look Closely

Ask preteens to look quickly at the shirts or tops they have on. Let several share what they see. Then ask them to look at their shirts or tops more closely, and let several share what they see. If you have magnifying glasses, let preteens use them. SAY: When you look more closely at something, you see more details. That’s how it can be with God’s power and love in His creation. We may think about it once in a while, but when we look more closely or think about it more, we’ll discover lots more. Ask preteens to turn in their leaflets to the activity Look Closely. Have a volunteer read number 1.

ASK: What did God create in the sky or in space that shows His power? (sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies) What did God create in the sky or in space that shows His love? Why do you say that? (the sun, it keeps us warm)

Tell students that for number 1 they might write something like this: “by the way He created the planets and by the way He created the sun that keeps us warm.” Be sure to tell preteens that there are a variety of ways these can be completed. Let students work alone or with a partner on the rest. When preteens are done, let volunteers share what they wrote. SAY: Let’s try to look more closely every day to see examples of how ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Materials paper, pencils, Resources sheet 2 Photo Cards, timer (You might have used the cards in the Focus In Quick Step activity.)

Teaching Tip

There are usually a few students who tend to dominate discussions. Encourage everyone in the groups to participate.

Option God’s Power and Love

Ask preteens to hold up their arms and make a muscle. Look at everyone’s muscles and point out who has the largest muscle. SAY: (name of student) is the most powerful person in our class. Distribute paper and pencils. Ask students to draw the best heart they can. Look at the paper hearts and point out who made the best heart. (name of student) shows the most love of anyone in our class.

ASK: You agree with what I said, don’t you? If not, why not? (no; having a big muscle doesn’t mean someone is the most powerful, making a good heart doesn’t mean that someone shows the most love) What’s one way we can learn about God’s power and love? (by thinking about what He created)

Give each student or pair of students a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a photo card (or cards) that shows something God created: group 1=sky or space; group 2=nature; group 3=animals; group 4=people. Each student is to answer this question: Thinking about the sky and space (or nature or animals or people), what are some examples of God’s power and love? Tell preteens they have four minutes to come up with the biggest list they can. When time is up, let the students report. SAY: Examples of how ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation are all around us. Let’s praise and thank God!

Live It Out (10 minutes)

Use one of these activities to help students praise and thank God that His power and love are seen in His creation.

Quick Step Just Pray

SAY: Some people praise and thank nature itself. But we, as Christians, praise and thank God, the creator of nature. Some people praise and thank people for the great abilities they have. But we, as Christians, also praise and thank God, the creator of people. Let’s praise and thank Him right now that ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation. Think about the vastness, the awesomeness, of God’s creation. Encourage preteens to call out what they would like to praise and thank God for. Tell students that they can simply call out a word or phrase, such as “family” or “the sun” or “my cat Whiskers.” Encourage all preteens to call out something.

Then have students turn in their leaflets to the activity Just Pray. Ask a volunteer to read the prayer that’s been started. Tell preteens to complete the prayer on their own, praising and thanking God for His creation. When students are done, invite them to silently pray their prayers to God. After a brief time of silence, close in prayer. PRAY: Dear God, we are in awe of Your power. By speaking, You brought forth the world and everything in it. God, we are in awe of Your love. You show us love through the people You created to care for us. And You showed us the greatest love possible when You sent Jesus to earth. We can’t praise and thank You enough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Option Dough Creations

SAY: Think about the vastness, the awesomeness of God’s creation. Think about how powerful God is to create the entire world from nothing, just by speaking! Think about how deep God’s love for us must be to create all the many things and people that He did—just for us! Give each preteen some modeling dough. Encourage them to form something that they would like to praise and thank God for. It might be a person, something in nature or space, food, or an animal. As preteens work, you could play some songs that praise and thank God. When students are finished, let volunteers show and tell about what they made with the dough.

Close with a time of prayer. SAY: Some people praise and thank nature itself. But we, as Christians, praise and thank God, the creator of nature. Some people praise and thank people for the great abilities they have. But we, as Christians, also praise and thank God, the creator of people. Because ❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation, let’s praise and thank Him right now. Ask volunteers to offer praise and thanks to God for specific things and people He created.

Focus

❤ God’s power and love are seen in creation.

Materials

Activities for lesson 1, pencils

Tech Tip

Let preteens choose a song that praises and thanks God and find photos that illustrate God’s power and love in nature. Then let them create a presentation of these pics set to music.

Materials modeling dough (optional: songs from your music collection that praise and thank God)

See the Resources Special Needs Helps 1 printable file for activity adaptations.

Live Wire

Distribute Live Wire to students before they leave. They will enjoy the articles, puzzles, and other features included in this fun student magazine.

Faith & Family helps preteens and their families dig into God’s Word with a weekly devotions guide. See the unit pages for more info.

PreTeen

Visuals in This Pack

Sheet 1 Poster for the Quarter

Sheet 2 Photo Cards (lesson 1)

Sheet 3 Psalm 139:13-16 (unit 1)

Sheet 4 Romans 3:23; 6:23; James 4:7, 8 (unit 2)

Sheet 5 Psalm 100:4, 5 (unit 3)

Sheet 6 Temptation Cards (lesson 7)

Sheet 7 God Is a Forgiving God (lesson 8)

Sheet 8 Is Your Thanks Showing? (lessons 12, 13)

Digital Files

The digital files include audio tracks and printable files. The audio tracks can be played using a media player. The printable files must be viewed and printed from a computer.

Audio Tracks

Track 1 “Achan Was Mistaken” (lesson 6)

Track 2 Preteen Talk Live (lesson 7)

Track 3 U-turns Needed (lesson 9)

Track 4 “A Day at the Mall” (lesson 13)

Printable Files

Activity Pages

Bible Memory (KJV )

Bible Memory posters for each unit

Bible Skills

Bible Basics, Bible Books and Divisions, Bible People and Events Cards, Optional Bible Skill Builder activities for each lesson

Scriptures Text (KJV and NIV )

Color-coded Scripture text for each lesson

Skits and Readings

“Achan Was Mistaken,” Tabitha’s Story, Tabitha’s Story Name Tags, “The Defeat at Ai,” The Temptation Story, “Trouble in the Body”

Special Needs Helps

“All About Me” Book, Modifying Lessons, Parent Conversation Guide, Picture Schedule, Sensory Inventory Form, Sensory Inventory Form Key, Sensory Supply Drive, Special Needs Friendly Class

Teacher Helps

Bible Skills Plan, Classroom Management, Icebreakers, Knowing Your Preteens, Leading Young Hearts to the Lord pocket guide, Lesson Plan Outline, Prayer Request Cards, Spiritual Growth Chart

See the Read Me file for instructions on how to access the printable files. See the Contents file for a complete list of printable files.

PreTeen Digital Files

A complete menu of PreTeen Resources printable files is listed here to help you plan your lessons.

SPECIAL NEEDS HELPS

AllAboutMeBook.pdf

ModifyingLessons.pdf

ParentConversationGuide.pdf

PictureSchedule_EL.pdf

SensoryInventoryForm.pdf

SensoryInventoryFormKey.pdf

SpecialNeedsFriendlyClass_EL.pdf

SpNeedsFamilyConnectLetter.docx

TEACHER HELPS

BibleSkillsPlan.pdf

ClassroomManagement.pdf

ExtraTimeActivities.pdf Icebreakers.pdf

KnowingYourPreteens.pdf

LeadingYoungHeartsGuide.pdf

LessonPlanOutline.pdf

SpiritualGrowthChart.pdf

UNIT 1

PrayerRequestCards.pdf

Unit1BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Lesson 1

• BibleBasics1.pdf

• BibleBooksAndDivisions1.pdf

• CreationMatchUp1.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills1.pdf

• ScriptureKJV1.pdf

• ScriptureNIV1.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps1.pdf

Lesson 2

• OptionalBibleSkills2.pdf

• ScriptureKJV2.pdf

• ScriptureNIV2.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps2.pdf

Lesson 3

• OptionalBibleSkills3.pdf

• RespectFeud3.pdf

• ScriptureKJV3.pdf

• ScriptureNIV3.pdf

• WhatDoesItMean3.pdf

PreTeen Digital Files

Lesson 4

• OptionalBibleSkills4.pdf

• PersonOutline4.pdf

• PhotoCards4.pdf

• ScriptureKJV4.pdf

• ScriptureNIV4.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps4.pdf

• TroubleInTheBody4.pdf

UNIT 2

PrayerRequestCards.pdf

Unit2BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Lesson 5

• OptionalBibleSkills5.pdf

• ResisterHelper5.pdf

• ScriptureKJV5.pdf

• ScriptureNIV5.pdf

• TemptingSituations5.pdf

• TheTemptationStory5.pdf Lesson 6

• AchanWasMistaken6.pdf

• BiblePeopleEventsCards6.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills6.pdf

• ScriptureKJV6.pdf

• ScriptureNIV6.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps6.pdf

• TheDefeatAtAi6.pdf Lesson 7

• OptionalBibleSkills7.pdf

• ScriptureKJV7.pdf

• ScriptureNIV7.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps7.pdf Lesson 8

• OptionalBibleSkills8.pdf

• ScriptureKJV8.pdf

• ScriptureNIV8.pdf Lesson 9

• OptionalBibleSkills9.pdf

• PrayerWalk9.pdf

• ScriptureKJV9.pdf

• ScriptureNIV9.pdf

• WhoRepented9.pdf

UNIT 3

PreTeen Digital Files

PrayerRequestCards.pdf

Unit3BibleMemoryKJV.pdf

Unit3ServiceProject.pdf

Lesson 10

• OptionalBibleSkills10.pdf

• ReceivingGifts10.pdf

• ScriptureKJV10.pdf

• ScriptureNIV10.pdf

• TimeForThanks10.pdf Lesson 11

• OptionalBibleSkills11.pdf

• ScriptureKJV11.pdf

• ScriptureNIV11.pdf

• SpecialNeedsHelps11.pdf Lesson 12

• GameOfNeeds12.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills12.pdf

• ScriptureKJV12.pdf

• ScriptureNIV12.pdf Lesson 13

• ItsNotPuzzling13.pdf

• OptionalBibleSkills13.pdf

• ScriptureKJV13.pdf

• ScriptureNIV13.pdf

• TabithasStory13.pdf

• TabithasStoryNameTags13.pdf

All art, activity pages, Bible skill builders, and teacher helps Copyright © by HeartShaper® Curriculum. Permission is granted to use the files as indicated in PreTeen Teacher Guide. All photos Copyright © Thinkstock.

Fall, PreTeen Resources, HeartShaper® Curriculum

Permission is granted to reproduce this page for ministry purposes

Bible Basics

Bible Chronology Chart

The events and people in the Bible can be divided into 8 eras.

Take a look at how the testaments, the three stages of God’s plan, and the eight eras of Bible history fit together.

OLD TESTAMENT

God Prepares for Salvation Through Jesus

NEW TESTAMENT

God Sends Salvation Through JesusGod Offers Salvation Through Jesus

Old Testament

The 66 books of the Bible are divided into 2 sections, the Old and New Testaments. The Old and New Testaments are each divided into 4 sections, called divisions.

There are 39 books in the Old Testament. The events in the Old Testament happened before Jesus was born. The Old Testament tells how God chose a group of people to obey and worship Him. It tells how God prepared these people for the coming of His Son, Jesus.

Old Testament Law helps us know what God is like.

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

Old Testament History teaches us to obey God.

Old Testament Poetry helps us to worship God.

Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther

Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs

Old Testament Prophecy points to Jesus. Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations

Ezekiel Daniel Hosea

Joel Amos

Obadiah

Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk

Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

There are 27 books in the New Testament. The New Testament tells about Jesus. It tells about His life. It tells us what He taught. The New Testament also tells how the church began. It tells us how to live. It promises that Jesus will return.

New Testament Gospels help us know Jesus. Matthew Mark Luke John

New Testament History helps us tell the good news. Acts

New Testament Letters help us love one another.

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter

2 Peter 1 John

2 John 3 John Jude

New Testament Prophecy points to Jesus’ return. Revelation

Bible Basics

Era Rhyme

Use this rhyme to help you remember the eras of Bible history. Making up motions will help you even more!

After the CREATION came man’s sinful FALL.

Through the PATRIARCHS God blessed us all.

The EXODUS and CONQUEST led to the promised land.

JUDGES saved the nation from the enemy’s hand.

Many KINGS ruled while God’s PROPHETS spoke His Word.

But the nation fell because God’s message wasn’t heard.

A march into EXILE—the captives’ RETURN.

Faithfulness to God had to be relearned.

JESUS’ LIFE brought salvation. He showed us the right way. And believers in the EARLY CHURCH learned to love and pray.

Old Testament Genesis

Leviticus

Deuteronomy

Judges Exodus Numbers

Joshua Ruth

1 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ecclesiastes

Proverbs

Lamentations

Song of Songs

Daniel

JoelAmos

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Old Testament Law helps us know what God is like.

Old Testament History teaches us to obey God.

Old Testament Poetry helps us to worship God.

Old Testament Prophecy points to Jesus.

New Testament

1 Corinthians Mark John Romans

2 Corinthians

Philippians Galatians

Colossians Ephesians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

New Testament Gospels help us know Jesus.

New Testament History helps us tell the good news.

New Testament Letters help us love one another.

New Testament Prophecy points to Jesus’ return.

Column A

Creation Match-Up

Draw lines to match Column A to Column B.

1. Light travels at this speed per second.

2. The moon is this far from earth.

3. The sun, at its core, can be this hot.

4. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain, stands this tall above sea level.

5. The sun is this many miles from earth.

6. The deepest part of the world’s oceans is this many miles deep.

7. The nearest star is this far from earth.

8. It’s estimated that there are at least this many species in the world’s oceans.

Column B

a. 93 million

b. 27 million degrees F

c. 186,000 miles

d. 1,580

e. 4.2 light years

f. 230,000

g. 238,000 miles

h. 29,029 feet

Optional Bible Skill Builder 1

Materials

Bibles, card stock, 1 copy of Resources Bible Books and Divisions printable file, scissors, copies of Resources Bible Basics printable file (1 per student) (optional: clear adhesive covering)

Before class, copy the Bible Books and Divisions printable file onto card stock, and cut the cards apart. For more durability, cover the cards with clear adhesive covering. Make copies of the Bible Basics printable file.

SAY: The Bible tells us God’s story. The Bible was written by 40 different authors, each telling an important part of God’s story. The best way to organize these writings was to group the different books according to their kind of writing— history, poetry, prophecy, and so on. When we learn to use God’s Word, we discover more about God and who He is. Let’s play a game to help us remember the books of the Bible and the divisions they belong to.

Distribute a copy of Bible Basics to each student. Have volunteers read page 1 aloud. Then ask volunteers to read the text at the top of pages 2 and 3. Review with students how books of the Bible are grouped in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Place the large testament cards and division cards on a table. Put the Old Testament card and its divisions cards near one end. Put the New Testament card and its divisions near the other end. Then shuffle the Bible Books cards. Distribute cards as evenly as possible among the students. Students will

Optional Bible Skill Builder 1

place their Bible Books cards under the correct testament and division. The book names are color coded to help students who are unfamiliar with the divisions and books of the Bible. Assist students as needed.

If time allows, students may place Bible Books cards in Bible order under the divisions. They may refer to the books of the Bible chart in the Bible Basics document or to the table of contents in their Bibles.

Keep all materials to use in upcoming lessons.

King James Version

A Powerful God

Genesis 1:1-28

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

10And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in

itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

13And the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

23And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

25And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

A Powerful God

King James Version

New International Version

A Powerful God

Genesis 1:1-28

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 A nd God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 G od called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 A nd God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8 G od called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 A nd God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 G od called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

11 T hen God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 T he land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that

it was good. 13 A nd there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

14 A nd God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 a nd let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 G od made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

17 G od set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 A nd there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

20 A nd God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the g reat creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 G od blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23 A nd there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

24 A nd God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.”

And it was so. 25 G od made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

26 T hen God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

28 G od blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

A Powerful God

Lesson 1 Special Needs Helps

Focus In DOUGH CREATIONS ACTIVITY ADAPTATION

Materials

modeling dough, small boxes (or paper bags)

Make sure that the dough being used is safe for all students. Sometimes students with food allergies cannot even touch foods that contain allergens. In additional, be certain that it’s safe in case students eat it. Some students with disabilities try to eat nonfood items. Finally, consider not having students “show and tell” about their creations. Some students with visualperceptual problems might not be able to make sculptures that represent exactly what they are trying to create. This might be embarrassing for them. This activity could be done as a worship time, during which quiet worship music is played while students work independently on their creations. Remind students, as they work, that they were carefully created by God, just as they are carefully creating their art. This will be a good connection for many students to make. At the end of the lesson, have students place their sculptures in small boxes or paper bags to take home and use as reminders to thank God for His creation.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16, King James Version

t h a n k s t a n k s

PreTeen Activities is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper and David C Cook are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-57-9 #1625225. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February—April 2025. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. David C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Marjorie Redford, editor. David C Cook Creative Services Team, design and production. June Pfaff Daley, design. © Sean Murphy/Getty Images, cover photo. © Thinkstock, interior photos. James Bernardin, illustrator, lessons 6—10, 13. is for the things You do for us, Lord, the loving, wonderful things You do every single day. is for how much we appreciate You and all You give to us. is for Your always being there for us, no matter how we feel or what’s happening in our lives. is for never failing, never letting us down, never forgetting us, never breaking Your promises, never turning away from us. is for knowing how wonderful You are and have always been and always will be, our precious, loving God. is for saying thank You, Lord, for everything all the time, whether we feel like saying it or not.

PSALM 139:13-16

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

ROMANS 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

ROMANS 6:23

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will ee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

JAMES 4:7, 8

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

PSALM 100:4, 5

the ReatoR

Think about how God prepared the earth for human life and how He showed His power and love in what He created. Write on the lines the day(s) Genesis 1 tells us that God created what we would need.

Where do you see God’s power and love in His creation?

Closely

2. In

“In the beginning God created . . . ”

In the sky or space, I can see God’s power and love . . .

nature, I can see God’s power

and

love . . .

In animals, I can see God’s power and love . . .

4. In my family, I can see God’s power and love . . .

5. In myself, I can see God’s power and love . . .

“And God said, ‘Let there be . . .’”

Jus PRAY

Thank You, God, for everything You have created. I want to praise and thank You that Your power and love are seen in creation . . .

TRY THIS

Psalm 139:13-16

Look around and think about the vastness and awesomeness of God’s creation—then praise Him!

Q: What did the pen say to the pencil?

A: So, what’s the point?

Q: What follows a cat wherever he goes?

A: His tail!

DID YOU EVER visit or see pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s a marble bell tower in Pisa, Italy. The tower looks like it might fall at any minute! Yet it has stood this way for centuries. The tower’s trouble started in 3. fter the ﬁrst three of its eight stories were built, the ground started sinking. This caused the tower to lean. Every year since then it has continued leaning a millimeter each year. This means it now leans over 14

by MarjorieShannon

IT’S LEANING!

feet out of line. Things are

Do you put your faith in the Lord?

family. Do you see His power and you y day ld e ﬁnd y leanin

Things humans make are never perfect. God’s creations are different. Sin only entered our world when Eve believed the serpent in the Garden of Eden. God wasn’t ready to give up on His creations. He gave us a way to purify ourselves. Jesus is the way. Do you put your faith in the Lord? Look around at all the beautiful things God gives you—pets, trees, friends, family. Do you see His power and l e e e ed e d wants you to care for the creatures and blessings on earth. If He checked in on y day ld e ﬁnd y leanin lazily? Or do you stand on solid ground as you trust in His holy Word?

but INVISIBLE

by Catherine Hershberger

You will need:

• a beef bouillon cube

• 1 cup of water packet of unﬂavored gelatin

• a small saucepan and lid a clean, ﬂat dish and lid

• a wooden spoon

• hands that haven’t been washed for several hours

• an adult to supervise use of the stove

Directions:

IF YOU CAN’T see something with your naked eye, does that mean it doesn’t exist? Some people think so. They believe that God doesn’t exist because they can’t see Him.

You can prove that many things exist, even if you can’t see them. Take bacteria (germs), for example. You can’t see them, but you can prove they exist with this experiment.

1. Put the water in the saucepan and heat on high until it boils.

2. Add the bouillon and gelatin to the boiling water. Stir with a spoon until all the ingredients dissolve.

3. Cover the pot and boil the mixture on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally.

4. Pour the mixture into the dish. Cover the dish and let the gel set for at least 3 hours.

5. Lay your unwashed hand on top of the cooled gelatin and press down gently. Do not touch the bottom of the dish.

6. Put the dish in a warm place. Cover it and leave it alone for 3–5 days.

When you uncover the dish, you should see small white dots where your hand touched the gelatin. What happened?

Inside the dish, where it’s dark, damp, and warm, bacteria from your unwashed hand fed on the bouillon mix and multiplied. The bacteria created millions of new cells that are visible on the gelatin.

No, you don’t have to see something to believe that it exists. Bacteria, which is too small to see, is alive. God is also alive, even though you can’t see Him. Everything God created, from the tiniest bacteria to the brightest star in the universe, reminds us that God exists.

of Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created . . .”

The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language. The word for create was bara. The symbols below are how the word looks in the Hebrew language. mean “create,” but bara created out of nothing.

There are some other Hebrew words that refers to something extraordinary, the beginning of something new. It’s the word that would have to be used to say that something was God is the only one who can create something out of nothing. When Bible teachers talk about God creating the universe, they say creation is the Latin term that means “from nothing.”

Can you imagine trying to create something if you didn’t have anything to start with? That’s what God did. All He had to do was speak—and it happened. Wow! (That’s English for

ex nihilo. Ex nihilo have anything to start with? That’s what God did. All He had to do was speak—and it happened. Wow! (That’s English for Wow!)

by Norene Paulson

Low-pressure

air makes flying more difficult, so most birds roost in trees, huddle on wires, or perch near buildings before bad weather. re the birds flying high? Good weather today!

A POWERFUL GOD

Across

2. God called the gathered ______ “seas.” (v. 10)

4. God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing _______ and trees.” (v. 11)

8. In the beginning, God created the ___________ and the earth. (v. 1)

10. God called the dry ground “_______.” (v. 10)

11. Besides two great lights, God also made the _______. (v. 16)

12. God called the ______ “day.” (v. 5)

Down

1. God set lights in the sky to govern the ______ and the night. (v. 18)

3. When God began His creation, the _____ was formless and empty. (v. 2)

5. God created livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild _______. (v. 24)

6. God said, “ et _______ ﬂy above the earth.” (v. 20)

7. God created ______ in His own image. (v. 27)

9. The lesser light made by God was to govern the _______. (v.16)

Preteen LiveWire Magazine No. 6254

by Dorothy Pryse

Live Wire® is published quarterly by Standard Publishing, an imprint of David C Cook, DavidCCook.org. © 2025 by David C Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, U.S.A. HeartShaper and David C Cook are registered trademarks of David C Cook. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-784778-58-6 #1625425. Printed in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, February—April 2025. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

David C Cook would like to thank the following contributors: Marjorie Redford, editor. David C Cook Creative Services Team, production. Jenette McEntire, design. © Thinkstock, interior photos.