Thankful
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
What are some things you are thankful for? What are some ways you show your parents, teachers and friends you are thankful for the things they do or give to you? How do we show God we are thankful for the things He gives us. We can’t give God a present or a surprise, so what can we give to God in return? This week we will see what happens when we are thankful for the blessings we receive.
BIBLE STORY
Use this website to find out all the ways to say thank you inn other languages. Practice saying thank you in as many languages as you can.
It’s fun to see how people around the world speak. Did you already know some other ways to say thank you in another language? When we are thankful for the things we have been given we know that it is polite to say thank you. But we can show that weee are thankful with more than just our words, but also with our actions. This week we will see how grateful Solomon for all of the blessings God gave him. He wanted to return a blessing to God by building a temple for God that was beyond just a building. Solomon wanted a structure that showed how Glorious, mighty and wonderful God was. Although a building will never be a great as our God, Solomon wanted to give his best. Let’s see what Solomon did to build this temple for God.
Read or listen to the scripture I Kings 6:11-14; 8:22-30
What promisee did God make to David that he would keep with Solomon? (Solomon to build the temple)
What did Solomon need to do in order for God to fulfill His promise to David? (Follow my decrees, observe my law. Keep my commandments and obey them,
Where did God say He would live? (among the Israelites and not abandon then)
Did Solomon believe God kept His promise? (Yes)
What did Solomon compare the temple he built with? (The high heaven)
What did Solomon say could not contain God? (The heavens nor the temple he built)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
God can take our giving and multiply it. We may not be able to build a temple for God, but we can give what God asks of us. David wanted to build God a temple but it was not what God wanted from David. Instead God asked Solomon to build his temple. God does not ask for the same from each person, but He has asked something of us that we can uniquely give. What is a special talent or gift God has blessed you with. Fill out the following sheet to help you determine ways to use the gifts God gave you for Him to multiply.
Materials:printed activity sheet
Alternate
When God asked Solomon to build the temple, Solomon didn’t just throw any structure together but did his best to create a beautiful temple for God. We are asked to do many things every day, but do we give it our best effort? Think about the tasks you complete like washing the dishes, doing schoolwork, cleaning your room, mowing the lawn, setting the table; do you give your best effort or move quickly just to get it finished. Make a list of things you do well to glorify God and give your best, then make a list of things you quickly do halfheartedly. This week, look for ways to continue to glorify God and find ways to add to your list.
Materials: sheet of paper, pencil
Independent activity:
When famous people accept an award, they often have a long list of people they want to thank. On a long sheet of paper, or several narrow sheets of paper taped together, make a long list of “Thank You’s to God for all of his blessings. See how long of a list you can create of things you are thankful for, no matter how big or how small they are. Roll up the list into a scroll and if you decide to read it to someone, stretch the roll out long!
Materials: long narrow sheet of paper or papers taped together, pencil/pen
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: handprint, construction paper, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Psalm 84
The Psalmist describes his desire to be with God. He counts himself as blessed because He is in the courts of the Lord. He would rather be with God for a day thank without him for 1,000 days. He would rather be a doorkeeper to the house of the lord than live in a tents of the wicked. God bestows favor and honor on those who walk blameless. This verse does not mean nothing bad will ever happen to those who believe and trust in God, but that He is their sun and shield, their protection. God will walk with us through the good and bad that life may bring, but we can praise and thank Him all the time. We can want to be in His presence and want to dwell with Him because He is the Lord Almighty.
What did Solomon previously ask God for?
How did Solomon’s wisdom provide him with great wealth?
Who could Solomon have given the credit to for all of his success?
Who do we give credit to for our success at school or on the field?
Is there any success we have that was not given to use by God?
How can new show God we are thankful for all of his blessings?
Since we can not go tot he store and buy God Thank-You flowers, what can we give Him?
What can you personally give to God that He gave you first?
How does this make you a steward of your life?
Practical Application at Home
When we are thankful it is hard to imagine life without God. We would rather lose what seems like a good thing that is only temporary for a lasting relationship with God. What would you rather do than be without God? That can sometimes be a scary thought until we remember the God we serve. What can we fear when God is for us? Listen to the following statements and decide which you would rather have. Then come up with a few “would you rather’ statements of your own.
Would you rather…”
Live in heaven with Jesus for a short time, OR on earth for eternity?
Pray to God for an audible answer OR talk on the phone with a friend whenever you want?
Live a day with no problems without God OR Feel God’s presence during difficult time?
Receive the riches and blessings God has for you OR be rich on earth?
Eat at a fancy restaurant OR Eat Manna God sends down specifically for you to eat?
Go horseback riding whenever you want OR sit and listen to a story at Jesus’ feet?
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?