Devotional – Thankfulness

Devotional

Big picture God has given us many things to appreciate and enjoy, like hobbies and interests.

• Q: What’s the best day you ever had? Have you ever had a REALLY good day? (share an example)
• Q: What made that particular day so good? And, how did you feel?
• We hope all of you have had great days where you felt so good, and so blessed by God that you could hardly hold all the joy in your heart. And, that you will have many more joyous days like that to come!
• The Bible book Revelations tells us that heaven will be 1000 times better than even your best days here on earth. And you will live in heaven forever and ever, in such joy you cannot even imagine.
• Isn't that wonderful?! All of you boys who believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior will someday go to heaven and live with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, and all the angels, and every other person whom God has saved from hell. That’s why we say, “Hallelujah! And Amen!” to that wonderful day when we all will meet Jesus in heaven.
• But until that heavenly day, we live here on earth and do the best we can, living our lives, and serving God. But God is a perfect father. He knows sometimes we need to see a little bit of heaven here on earth. So, God gives us good gifts, even while we live here on earth.
• All that to say, hobbies are one of those good gifts from God that many people find give them great joy doing. That’s why we are teaching you about hobbies. Because we know how fun they are.
• God loves us so much! Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you!
• Q: What are some things you are thankful for? (loved ones, pets, food, shelter, health, hobbies, etc)
• The teaching verse tells us that we should rejoice every day for all these good gifts God gives us.
• Rejoicing in the Lord means repeatedly returning to joyful thoughts, not letting yourself get unhappy, or grumpy, or sad, because God loves you. And letting that joyfulness in your heart overflow towards God to give Him thanks. Because God deserves our praise. He is worthy of all our praise and worship.
• So, the next time you get down or sad, think about how much your Heavenly Father loves you. And how many good gifts He has given you, and about how great heaven will be. Many people find learning a hobby turns their sadness into gladness. We hope you do too!