It’s fall and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. This is a great time of year to refocus and remember all those things we have to be thankful for. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and perfect gift comes from above. . .” So, let’s take some time and really think about the good things in our lives and remember the ultimate giver of good gifts is God. God is good! (I know some of you just said, “all the time,” in your head. ????)
God IS good all the time and all the time, God IS good. A great visual for showing how good God really is, is a Thankful Tree. This is something you can work on all month with your family as we focus on different things we can be thankful for. (See Bible Story Activity link below for more details.)
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: I can thank God for good things. (Every Good and Perfect Gift • James 1:17; Genesis 1)
Memory Verse: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” Psalm 107:1, NIV
Key Question: Who is good?
Bottom Line: God’s is good.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch this video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them. Most of us think of singing as the way we worship God. But remember, whatever you do, if you do it for God, is a form of worship. Help show your kids this concept as you sing and dance with them for our amazing God.
Bible Story Video – Every Good and Perfect Gift
Worship – Don't Be a Turkey
Worship – Special
Worship – Brand New Day
Worship – Thank You God
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice the verse with your kids. We’ll practice this same verse all month so think of a special prize you can give at the end of the month when they say it all by themselves. Then we have an activity sheet and coloring page to help reinforce what they’ve learned.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory verse again. Then have each family member name one good thing that God made. Think about how God made the world and everything in it—kangaroos, rain drops, strawberries, sunshine, snowflakes, people . . . there are A LOT of things to think about! Make a list of good things that God made to include in your prayer:
PRAYER: “Dear God, You are so good! You made a wonderful world for us to live in and filled it with so many good gifts for us to enjoy. We want to thank You for some of those good things. [Family member’s name]wants to thank You for (read what they listed). [Family member’s name] wants to thank You for (read what they listed). [Family member’s name] wants to thank You for . . . (continue with each family member). And I want to thank You for [one thing]. I pray we will thank You for Your goodness every day. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I’d like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
Isaiah 54:13
