Thankful for Who God Created Us to Be
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word “Masterpiece?” The dictionary defines it as “an artist’s or craftsman’s best piece of work.” _Ephesians 2:10 says that in Christ Jesus _we are God’s masterpiece! That verse is pretty staggering really. God, the Creator of the entire universe, the one who holds everything together (Colossians 1:17), calls us His “best piece of work.” As Ephesians 2:10 continues, it also says that God created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the things He planned for us long ago. How amazing is it that God created us so intentionally, down to every last detail, with a purpose for His glory, and to be called his best piece of work?! Certainly this is something to be thankful for!
THANKFULNESS: A grateful heart that comes from trusting God
MEMORY VERSE: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: We can be thankful for who God created us to be!
This week we looked at the story of Moses continued, in Exodus chapter 4. Last week we read the story of Moses being called by God through the burning bush, but now we get to hear more of Moses’s response. In short, he was not thrilled with what God was asking him to do. Moses gave every excuse he could think of, mostly citing that there was no way he could speak in front of all those people. Instead of being thankful for the way God knew him and was calling him, Moses did not trust God and argued back- with his own creator!
Family Questions:
- What was Moses worried about? (Exodus 4:1)
- What did God say and do in response to Moses’s unbelief? What were the signs He gave?
- What did Moses not like about himself? (Exodus 4:10)
- Why do you think God became angry with Moses?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
TEACHER: Stories of Design
At dinner this week, brainstorm with your kids people in the Bible who God used despite what they thought they were “good at.” Are there people who handled these callings better than Moses? Why or why not? How did God use these people despite their “flaws?”
FRIEND: Thankful for How We Are All Created
Find a time this week (driving in the car, doing chores around the house, etc.) to have everyone in the family encourage each family member in their strengths. For example, “I am thankful for the way Sally is joyful and encourages me when I’ve had a hard day.” If you have a Thankful Tree going, write these on the leaves too.
COUNSELOR: Know Yourself
During bedtime this week, ask your child what about themselves they like or dislike. Read through Ephesians 2:10 together, then pray together for help to be thankful for how God created each of you. Explain that even in our weaknesses, God can show His power!
COACH: Practice the Memory Verse
It’s only week 2 of this month, so be sure to keep working on this month’s memory verse! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Give a few examples to your kids this week of how you can all practice praying continually, and being thankful and joyful in all circumstances. Pick one morning this week for each person in the family to start the day saying something they are thankful for, then pray together for God to help you each see more things to be thankful for throughout the day.
Prayer
Thank God for both the strengths & weaknesses He has given you. Ask Him to help you remember who He is when tempted to doubt how He created you.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue talking about thankfulness, specifically being thankful in hard times. We’ll be reading about Jeremiah in Lamentations 3.
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