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» Deliverance
1
The Secret
Students heard a story about the “secret”—one way to be content. Every time Mae Beth wanted to complain, her mom suggested that she find a reason to be thankful. (Thankfulness is a great way to end complaining.) When she wanted to complain about the oatmeal for breakfast, she decided to be thankful that she had food. When she wanted to complain that her brother always got to sit in the front seat of the car, she reminded herself that at least she got to hold the hamster cage. Every time she wanted to complain, she found a reason to be thankful.
Practice the “secret ” for ONE whole day. Every time someone starts to complain (parents included) see if you can find something for which to be thankful. Help one another if ideas are needed.
Optional: Think of situations and brainstorm something to be thankful for in each one. For example: It's your turn to do the dishes. Instead of complaining, for what can you be thankful? You can be glad you had food to eat or you can be glad that you have a healthy body and are able to do a chore.
2
Hebrews 13:5b
Review the Bible verse students have been learning – Hebrews 13:5b.
Read the whole verse and ask:
What is covetousness? (Desire what someone else has)
What is an example of coveting? (Your friend just got a new game system and all you can think about is how you wish you had a new one, how you can get one, how unhappy you are without one, and why you need one)
What does it mean to be content? (To be glad and thankful for the things you do have)
Why can we be content? (God has promised never to leave or forsake us)
GOD is what we really need! He will be with us and give us what we need. We can talk to Him anytime and know He will help us. If we have the God who created the world, what more do we really need?
Set an alarm (phone or regular alarm) about five times throughout the day and say the verse every time the alarm goes off. (Make it a game to see who can be the first one to hear it, run to the alarm, and say the verse.)
3
Be Thankful!
Items needed: paper
Pencils or crayons
Instruct kids to draw a picture . . . while looking at the person’s picture on their right (to illustrate the idea that it is often looking at what others have that causes us to be discontent with what we have).
Ask:
What was hard about drawing your picture? (I couldn’t pay attention and enjoy drawing my picture because I was looking at theirs)
Why is it easy to be discontent when we are looking at what others have? (We can’t appreciate what we have because we are looking at and wishing we could have what others have, someone always has something better or newer or cooler, etc.)
Being thankful for what WE have can help us be more content. Ask each person to say a thank-you prayer for one thing they are glad they have.
