YHWH Rapha, Moses & the Israelites in the wilderness.

It’s easy to praise God when things are going great, right after a big victory or miracle, just like the Israelites did after crossing the Red Sea. But a few verses later, they faced a tough challenge: no water in the desert. That’s hard! They began to question, grumble, and even doubt.

Exploring this passage, we learn that the same God who rescued His people from Egypt is the same God who cares for them in the wilderness. He asks for our trust and obedience, and in return, He promises care, healing, and restoration.

Let’s explore this story with our littles and teach them about the importance of remembering

YHWH Jireh, The Story of Abraham & Issac.

For littles, this lesson gently introduces the idea that God is always good and always keeps His word, even when we don’t understand what He’s doing. It reassures children that God sees, cares, and provides exactly what is needed at the right time. Teaching YHWH Jireh helps lay a foundation of trust, reminding children that they are safe in God’s hands and can rely on Him in every season.

Psalm 23 holds a very special place in my heart. Some of my earliest childhood memories are tied to this verse, it was one of the first verses I ever memorized, and I’ve carried it with me ever since. I’m usually an NIV girl, but for this one I had to use the NKJV because it’s the version I remember best 🙂

It was also one of the first verses I taught my 3-year-old daughter, and as a sweet surprise, she memorized it too! Even now, hearing her recite it out of the blue melts my heart. Let’s go through it together.

The first compound name we will explore is Shammah, which means “The LORD Is There.” This is a perfect opportunity to help littles understand that God’s presence is real and trustworthy. Even when life feels sad or broken, like it did for God’s people after Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed and the people felt far from home, God promises to make things new. Teaching children this name helps them grasp that God is not just a story or a distant figure, He is always near and lives not only in a temple, but in their hearts.

Our littles are naturally curious about names. They love discovering why someone is called what they’re called, especially when there’s a special story behind it.

In Exodus 3:14-15, we see the first time God reveals His name. Just like our names carry meaning and story, God’s name tells us something true about who He is. YHWH means “I AM” always was, always is, and always will be present and the same. God wants to be known, remembered, and trusted.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore the nine compound names of YHWH. But today, we start at the foundation by focusing on what YHWH means and why knowing God’s name helps our children begin to know God Himself.

Ready, Set…Jesus - based on Matthew 25:1-13 (NIV) This story captures little hearts because it’s full of familiar ideas, waiting, getting sleepy, carrying lamps, and getting ready for something exciting. Jesus uses this parable to teach that being ready means staying close to Him. This mini devo helps parents introduce a big truth in a simple, loving way: Jesus is coming back, and He wants our hearts shining with love for Him.

Bandages & Big Love: This is one parable my daughter loves. She’s always drawn to the kindness of the one who stopped, the one who noticed and chose to help. Even at a young age, children instinctively recognize compassion. They know what love looks like when they see it.

What’s so powerful is that Jesus doesn’t simply tell the expert in the law who the good neighbor is, He asks him. “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor?” The answer is obvious, even to little ones. The good neighbor is the one who showed mercy.

This story gently teaches our littles that loving others isn’t just about knowing what’s right: it’s about seeing, caring, and acting with kindness. Jesus shows us that God’s love moves toward people who are hurting, and He invites us to do the same, no matter who they are.

Birds & Flowers: Do Not Worry - based on Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) This passage is especially beautiful for little ones because it’s full of simple, memorable images: birds being fed, flowers beautifully dressed, things they can see, imagine, and understand. Jesus teaches that if God takes such good care of birds and flowers, how much more does He care for us?

As a beautiful connection, just a few chapters later, Jesus doesn’t only talk about God’s care, He shows it. In the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus takes a small amount and turns it into more than enough. Littles love this story because it’s visual, surprising, and joyful, and it reinforces the same truth: God provides. Nothing is impossible for Him.

The parable of the seed and yeast is such a gift for little ones! Jesus shows us that God’s Kingdom doesn’t always start big or loud; sometimes it begins very small, like a seed in the dirt or yeast mixed into dough. Littles love seeing small things change and grow, and this story invites them into that wonder.

Treasures & Pearls: My 3-year-old and I were coloring when a song came on and the lyrics said, “Your kingdom reigns.” She looked up at me and asked, “Mama… what does that mean?” She’s deep in her princess era, so I leaned into what she already understands. In princess stories, the princess’s daddy is usually the king. The king rules over the land, and that land is called a kingdom. There have been many kings on this earth, but every earthly kingdom has an end, I explained. Jesus is the King of kings. His rule never ends, His love never fades, and His power has no limits. The parable of treasures & pearls is such a perfect next step for little hearts. Jesus helps us understand what His kingdom is like not with big words, but through stories of treasure, joy, and something worth choosing above all else. Here’s how we can bring this story to life with our littles.

The Lost Sheep: This is one of the sweetest stories to share with little ones because it speaks their language, animals, emotions, and love. Kids immediately connect with the idea of a tiny sheep getting lost, feeling scared, and needing help. And they light up when they hear about the loving Shepherd who notices right away, goes searching, and celebrates when He finds His little one. It’s simple, relatable, and deeply comforting, exactly the kind of story our littles can understand and carry with them.

Ask, Seek, Knock! - This passage is so much fun for little ones because they can really understand it! The ideas are simple and relatable: asking, seeking, knocking. Things kids already do every single day. And Jesus asks some rhetorical questions that are a little outrageous and even a bit silly… but that’s exactly the point! Let’s break it down with our littles in a fun and engaging way. Here’s how:

City on a Hill: This is one of our personal favorites because it blends silliness, curiosity, and sweet teachable moments. Kids love anything that lights up, and Jesus uses that simple picture to remind them: “You can shine for Me.” Even the tiniest moment of kindness or bravery becomes a bright light in someone’s day.

House on the Rock: Now this is one that my 3-year-old has on repeat! She loves it so much that she has the whole chapter memorized and trust me, if a preschooler can hide God’s Word in her heart, your little one can too. This passage is simple, powerful, and full of hands-on ways to help children understand what it means to build their lives on Jesus, our strong foundation. And the best part? You don’t need a long lesson or perfect quiet time just a few playful moments and open hearts.

Jesus Calms the Storm: This is one of those powerful red-letter moments. Even though it’s just a few short lines, it’s so important because it shows us Jesus’ strength, His calm, and His care for His friends. It’s also a fun one to role play with your little ones! Here is How: