Think about your favorite (or least favorite) roller coaster. Does it have lots of ups and downs, loops, and twists and turns? Sometimes, life can feel a lot like a roller coaster. We’re faced with different seasons throughout life that are just plain hard to navigate on our own. Thankfully, God offers us wisdom that guides us in all situations!
MEMORY VERSE: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17 (NLT)
This week, we are talking about a guy in the bible named Joseph. No, it’s not Jesus’ earthly father…this is a different Joseph. His story is found all the way from Genesis chapter 37 – 50, which is a LOT, so let’s hit some highlights. Buckle up, because here we go!
Whew! Joseph was in many situations in many different places, from Potiphar’s house, to prison, to the palace, and God gave Joseph wisdom in each and every situation. In what situation(s) do you need God’s wisdom?
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READ GENESIS 45:3-11 How did God help Joseph respond with the wisdom our memory verse, James 3:17, talks about? (He was merciful and forgave his brothers, wanted to be at peace with them, gave them land and told them to come live in Egypt to be saved from the famine.) Talk about ways you can respond to each other as a family (parent/child, siblings, cousins, etc.) with the wisdom God gives as described in our memory verse.
Throughout his life, Joseph gave God credit for giving him wisdom and taking care of him. What are some things you are really good at? Spend time talking about how you can give God credit for those things, even when you’re tempted to trust your own wisdom or take credit for yourself. You can even thank God for the things you see in each other’s lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” God’s wisdom guides us in all situations. Talk about your life and where you go each week…each day. (with family and friends, at home, at church, at school, at practice) No matter where you are or who you’re with, God can give you wisdom to know how to make choices that honor Him. Pray and ask Him for that wisdom now.
Check out the Significant Summer Calendar and Activity Book for this week’s National Hot Dog Day (July 19th) challenge! See who in your family can come up with the most creative challenge or activity for National Give Something Away Day (July 15th), National Sour Candy Day (July 18th) and do that activity as a family! For example: make a grab bag of mixed sour candies from a fun candy store to snack on as a family, go through your closet and pick out clothes that are too small or that you never wear and pick an organization to donate them to (check out Watermark’s ministry partners by clicking here OR check out other summer service opportunities here!), etc.
Thank God for where the He has led you in your life. Thank Him for never leaving you throughout your journey. Ask Him for wisdom in the areas of your life you’re most likely to try to rely on yourself.
Next week we will continue the month of July with the godly character trait, WISDOM. We will learn that seeking wisdom leads us to trust in Jesus.
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