Family Worship (Nov 09)

Have you ever built something really cool—like a Lego tower, a fort, or a sandcastle—and then watched it fall apart? Maybe the dog ran into it, or a big wave came and knocked it down. It can feel frustrating when all your hard work doesn’t last very long!

A long time ago, God’s people worked hard to build their own houses after coming home from a big trip called exile. But they forgot something important—they forgot to rebuild God’s house, the temple, where His people came to worship Him. God sent the prophet Haggai to remind them what really mattered.

This story teaches us that it’s easy to build our own little kingdoms—our toys, sports, grades, or stuff—but God wants us to build His Kingdom first. When we do, He promises to be with us and bless our work.

Haggai 1:7–8 (NIV) 
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the people forgot to rebuild God’s house?
2. What are some “little kingdoms” we sometimes build for ourselves today?
3. What does it mean to build God’s Kingdom instead of our own?

Activity
Grab some building blocks, Legos, or anything you can stack—books, cups, even rocks from the yard. First, let each person build their own little tower. Don’t talk much—just build. After a minute or two, look around at everyone’s towers and ask:
What did you build?
How do you feel about what you made?
Now, take everything apart and build one structure together. Work as a team—share ideas, make decisions, and cooperate. It might take longer, and there might be a few arguments, but in the end, you’ll have something stronger and more meaningful.
When you finish, talk about it:
What was different about building together?
Why is it sometimes harder—but better—to build for God’s purposes instead of our own?
Remind everyone: “When we work together for God’s Kingdom, He promises to be with us and make our work last forever.”

Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for giving us work to do that matters forever. Help our family remember to put You first in everything we build or do. When we get distracted by our own little kingdoms, remind us that Your Kingdom lasts forever. Make us strong and joyful as we build together for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
45. Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?
No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.

Memory Verse
Colossians 1:16b-17 (CSB)
All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.