This week we begin a new series Family Portraits. Each week will learn about one person from the Bible and how God used them.
Bible Truth:
God has a plan for you and wants the best for you.
Key Verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Focus:
Our person this week is Hagar. She got caught in a tough situation when her boss decided to take a shortcut and do things her way instead of trusting God.
It can be hard to wait for something you really want or have been promised. Have you ever had your parents promise to do something you later? Did you get impatient and try to do it yourself or did you wait? When I was younger my grandmother, Mama C, promised to make help me make a cake. She wanted to read the recipe with me and get the ingredients ready first. I just wanted to make the cake. When she went to the pantry to get something, I decided to start making the cake by breaking the eggs. I picked up the first egg and smashed it on the edge of the counter.
I did not know that Mama C gently tapped the egg on the counter. When she came back in the kitchen, I had a big slimy mess on the counter. Mama C helped me clean up the mess. She wasn’t mad at me instead she gave me a hug and showed me that correct way. She told me that it is why I needed to wait for her instructions because part of growing up was learning to listen. God is like that when we do not wait for him or listen to him. Just like my Mama C he wants the best for us.
Get Into It:
Read pages 53-56 in the Action Bible.
Watch Sari & Hagar by Fishnet Tales
Watch Hagar & Ishmael by Fishnet Tales
Keywords:
Plans
Have you ever planned for something? What kind of plans did you make? Did you know God created you for a purpose and he has a special plan for your life? He created you just the way you are. Part of that plan is that he created you to be His friend. God wants to be your friend.
Prosper
Prosper is a big word that means to be successful. God wants the best for you. That doesn’t mean things will always be easy. It does mean that God will always be with you. He will help you do hard things.
Hope
In the Bible hope is assurance that God will keep his promises. It means He will never ever leave us, even when we feel alone. Hope means just like Hagar; we can call on God when we don’t know what to do. It also means that God rejoices with us during the good times.
Future
Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up? God has and he as a plan for you. It is okay if you don’t know what it is right now. As a kid it is important for you learn, grow, and develop life skills.
Think About It
- Have you ever had to wait for something you really wanted? Did you have to wait a long time? How did you feel? What did you do?
- What are some ways your family shows that they love you? How is God’s love like the love your family has for you? What are some ways you can show love to your family this week?
- Did you know that praying is just talking to God? God wants you to talk to him about everything, the good things, the bad things, when you need something and when you are thankful for something.
You can read more about Hagar, Abraham, and Sarah in page 46-67 of the Action Bible.
Sing It
Hope you enjoy Happy Dance by MercyMe. It is a fun song with an awesome message. Have fun making up your own happy dance.
Remember God loves you and wants the best for you.
Have an awesome week and see you Sunday.
Dee