Simply Loved
Unit 2: God Has a Plan
Jacob and Esau Make Peace (Genesis 32:3-12, 22-32, 33:1-11)
Bible Point: We can trust God.
“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” (Psalm 33:4)
Purpose
We’ve all had a falling out with someone at some time in our lives. These situations can make us feel confused, frustrated, heartbroken, or even guilty. Broken relationships make us feel crummy, if we’re being honest with ourselves.
Yet even then, we can trust God. Jacob really hurt Esau. But God was at work, bringing reconciliation. You may never reconcile with your adversary, but you can let God work in your own heart. You can trust God.
Young children’s experiences aren’t as intense as Jacob and Esau’s, but in the moment, their arguments with siblings, cousins, or friends feel like a big deal. Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation can encourage kids to submit to God in their struggles with others and trust that God’s always at work.
Prayer
God, relationships can be hard. Help me be on the lookout to see if my child needs love and understanding today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
River Ridge Kids
Dig In to the Bible
Classroom: My Large Group + Age-Graded Small Groups Classroom
01/10/2021
· Read: Zephaniah 3:16-17; Luke 15:8-10; Psalm 18:19; Psalm 37:23; Psalm 149:3-5
· In This Passage: These verses demonstrate that God is joyful…and what brings him the most joy is us! God rejoices over us and delights in us, and he is thrilled when someone turns to him. We can make music and sing for joy in response.
· Bible Point: God is joyful…
· Application: …so we’re joyful.
· Summary Verse: “Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy” (Psalm 100:2).
Dig Deeper
· God is joyful. J oy can be a hard concept for kids. Does being joyful mean it’s wrong to feel sad? What about when life gets really hard? Use this lesson to help your kids see that unlike happiness, joy is rooted in the unchanging truth that God loves us and wants a relationship with us. No matter what else happens, we can have joy in that!
· Think About: What brings you the most joy? How do you feel knowing that’s how God feels about you?
Dig In to Prayer
· Pray that your kids would sense God rejoicing over them and feel his joy flowing through them.
Be Bold
What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
TODAY’S BIBLE BASE Bold Bible Truth God is your friend. (Romans 5:11)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
• Biblical examples of depression and suicide. 2 Samuel; Job 3–10; Jeremiah 20; Matthew 27:3-5
• Joseph’s story had a lot of ups and downs, but he stuck it out. Genesis 37–50
• Our troubles are temporary; they produce glory that lasts forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17
• Satan seeks to harm us; God give us peace and happiness. John 10:10
• God has big plans for our lives—good plans! Jeremiah 29:11
• God is especially close to those who are suffering. Psalm 34:18
• We aren’t ours alone; we belong to God, who paid dearly for us. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
