Trafford Publishing: Our Awesome God: Nine Bible Stories for Kids

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Our Awesome God: Nine Bible Stories for Kids

by Kimsey Wade

87 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); illustrated; catalogue #03-1511; ISBN 1-4120-1132-9; US$13.50, C$16.00, EUR11.00, £8.00

The Bible is filled with fascinating stories which can change the lives of readers of all ages. Hebrews 4:12 promises it! Our Awesome God makes nine of those stories come alive in the hearts and minds of children.

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about the book about the author Table of Contents and excerpts catalogue info

About the Book

The Bible is filled with fascinating stories which can change the lives of readers of all ages (God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.Hebrews 4:12 New Century Version) Our Awesome God makes nine of these stories come alive and relevant in the hearts and minds of children. Explore the Old Testament story of Naaman, the General of the Aramean army, who found healing by obeying the prophet's order to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Examine the friendship of Jonathan and David through Jonathan's eyes. Tremble with the prophet Habakkuk as he hears God's judgement on the nation of Israel. Rejoice with Joseph at God's provision to the royal family through the gift of the magi. See the miracle of the loaves and fishes unfold before the eyes of the little boy who graciously shared his lunch with Jesus. Stand beside Jairus as jesus raises his daughter from death and join in their celebration of life anew. See Jesus for the first time like the "man born blind" did after being expelled from the Temple. Crawl out on the limb with Zaccheaus and listen as Jesus invites himself to his house for dinner. Join the mad-man as he roams the tombs until Jesus frees him from demon possession and turns him into an awesome witness. These nine accounts, told in story form are sure to bless your heart!
Grab a chair and snuggle next to your children or grandchildren or neighborhood kids and explore the awesomeness of God together! Come prepared to see these "old stories" in a fresh, new light!

About the Author

Kimsey Wade is a native Oklahoman, reared on the ceremonial grounds of the Osage Indian tribe in Hominy, Oklahoma. After graduating from Hominy High School, Kimsey attended Southwestern State College and Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). He graduated from OBU in May of 1974 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Music. He continued his education at Central State University and the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he studied political science, specializing in state and local government.
Upon completion of his higher education, Kimsey worked several years in public administration with the Boy Scouts of America in Southern Oklahoma, and with the sub-state planning organization in Northeast Oklahoma. In 1987, he left the public sector and opened a private piano studio in Vinita, Oklahoma, where he continues to teach piano to children, teens and adults.
In 1987 the Wades adopted a young girl from an orphanage in the Peten region of Guatemala. Moved by what he saw, Kimsey organized and led seven mission trips back to Guatemala to assist the orphanage with construction of buildings, schools, and a mission church in San Andres. In 1992 he formed a nonprofit organization to solicit funds for the operation of the school and mission church.
Kimsey's desire to write became a reality in the spring of 1995 when he enrolled in a course with the Institute of Children's Literature. He successfully completed the institute's three courses: Writing for Children and Teens: The Basic Course; Writing Articles and Short Stories for children and Teens; and, The Book Course. His first novel, Ray of Hope, was published by Trafford in February 2003. He had his works published in several magazines including: CLUBHOUSE MAGAZINE; FOCUS ON THE FAMILY ; LISTEN MAGAZINE; GRIT; POWER STATION; BOY'S QUEST; SIRS; STRAIGHT; DISCOVERY TRAILS; and,CLUB CONNECTION . In addition, he has won numerous awards at the Christian Writer's Conference held at Glorieta Conference Center in New Mexico.
Kimsey married his wife Anita, in February 1980. They are the parents of four children. The youngest two are high school students. The oldest daughter is attending OBU, and majoring in Children's Ministry. The oldest son is married, and lives in Vinita with his wife and three-year-old daughter.

Table of Contents and excerpts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TAKING THE JORDAN PLUNGE
HEY KID! WHAT'S IN THE BASKET?
TOUCH OF HOPE
WHERE'S GOD IN ALL THIS MESS?
MUD SLINGING AT THE TEMPLE
OUT ON A LIMB FOR JESUS
EXTREME FRIENSHIP
AWESOME WITNESS
THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TAKING THE JORDAN PLUNGE
(Based on 2 Kings 5: 1-19)

The Aramean army stood along the shore of the muddy Jordan River. The men looked uneasy at the sight of their leader plunging into the filthy water. But, this was his last chance.

Naaman wanted to be cleansed of his dreaded skin disease. So, he went to Elisha, a prophet of God, who told Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan. Then he would be cured.

"Do you think it will heal him?" Semeon asked as he held the reins of General Naaman's chariot.

"I hope so," Jason replied. "One of his slave girls from Israel said the prophet could heal the general."

"Look!" Semeon whispered. "The general is surfacing."

"Any change?" Jason called.

"I don't see any," Naaman replied as he studied his arms. He dunked himself a second time.

The men watched as Naaman surfaced again and looked at his hands and chest. He shook his head and submerged himself for the third time.

"Even though he is our country's fiercest warrior and our king's close friend, the general will be banished from his home if he isn't cured," Jason stated solemnly.

"Did you see how Israel's leaders reacted when General Naaman handed them the letter from our king?" Semeon chuckled. "You would have thought we had declared war on them!"

Jason smiled and nodded his head in agreement as Naaman slipped under the polluted Jordan River for a fourth time. The soldiers fidgeted uncomfortably at the lack of progress.

They re probably afraid of Naaman's reaction if this doesn't work, Jason thought. I've seen Naaman when a plan didn't go as he wanted. His fiery personality makes him the great fighter that he is.

"Perhaps Israel's king is fearful of what could happen if Naaman isn't cured," Jason finally replied. "But, the prophet certainly wasn't afraid of the general."

"If that's so, why did the prophet send a messenger instead of dealing with the general himself?" Semeon asked.

Jason shrugged his shoulders. He watched as Naaman broke the surface of the water. Their eyes met, and Naaman slowly shook his head; no change.

I've never seen the general act this way, Jason thought. Was that a look of fear? If the prophet was wrong, the general will be humiliated in front of his troops.

Naaman took a deep breath and dunked himself for the sixth time.

"You shouldn't have begged the general to follow the prophet's advice," Semeon stated quietly. "You saw how angry he was. After all, the general is right about Aram's rivers being more pure."

"I know the Abana and Pharpar rivers have the purest water in the world," Jason replied. "But, the prophet said to wash in the Jordan."

"Maybe the prophet wants to embarrass General Naaman, and sending him to the Jordan is his way of doing it," Semeon said.

Jason didn't reply. If this fails, the general will feel betrayed, he thought. Had the prophet told Naaman to do something mighty, he would have gladly done it. But this simple act is so hard for him. I hope it works.

Naaman stood up and carefully examined his upper body. Jason could see nothing had changed. Naaman acted as if he was ready to give up. The soldiers and servants on the shore turned away, but Jason stared at his beloved general. Their eyes locked.

"One more time, General," Jason urged. "The prophet said seven times."

Naaman stood waist-deep in the water. He stared at Jason for several seconds. Finally, he slowly lowered himself under the water. When he surfaced, Jason whooped with joy! He ran into the water. Naaman threw his arms around Jason and gave him a mighty hug.

"My skin is as smooth and clean as my young son's!" Naaman cried. "Thank you for insisting I do exactly as the prophet said."

"Let's go back to his house and thank him!" Jason shouted with joy.

Naaman, Jason, Semeon and the troops returned to Elisha's home. This time the prophet came out to meet them. Naaman stepped from his chariot and knelt.

"I now realize the only true God of the earth is the God of Israel," Naaman stated. "Please accept a gift from me as a token of my gratefulness."

"No," replied the prophet. "Give the glory to God for His mercy. He is the one who healed you."

After many more expressions of gratitude to the prophet and praises to the God of Israel, Naaman led his army to their homes in Aram.

Catalogue Information