Provision

CONNECT

Pass the Baton

In this game, you may use any object from your home instead of a baton. Let everyone form a circle. Play any song and once it starts, pass the object to the next person. Keep passing the object until the song ends. The person holding the object at the end of the song will be out of the game. Keep playing until only one person is standing. They are the winner.

Our goal in the game was to give away the object to others. Today's lesson will teach us about people who gave away or shared their belongings with others.

READ THE WORD

The early believers probably had the best way of teaching what generosity is all about.

Let us read:

All the believers were agreed in heart and mind. They didn’t claim that anything they had was their own. Instead, they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued their teaching. They were telling people that the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead. And God’s grace was working powerfully in all of them. So there were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them. They brought the money from the sales. They put it down at the apostles’ feet. It was then given out to anyone who needed it. Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles called him Barnabas. The name Barnabas means Son of Help. Barnabas sold a field he owned. He brought the money from the sale. He put it down at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32–37

The early believers were so generous that they were sharing their things with everyone. Because of that, nobody lacked anything! Can you believe that a community like that can exist—that no one needs anything because all their needs are met? That could only happen because they understood that everything belongs to God. The community also believed deep down that God provided for them. As a result, they willingly blessed others.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• What was the newest gift you received?
• How many of your toys do you think you can share with others? Why?

7–12 years old

• How do you feel whenever you share what you have? Why do you feel that way?
• Do you remember to go to God whenever you need something?

Kids to Parents

• What is your idea of provision?
• What will happen if I share what God has provided for me?
• How have we been generous as a family? How did it make you feel?

God is truly our provider. And the amazing thing is He provided for our greatest need—a Savior. He sent Jesus to die on the cross so our sins can be forgiven and we can be reconciled back to Him. You see, God knows our every need. Do you believe He will provide? Romans 8:32 points it out clearly:

God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won’t he also freely give us everything else? Romans 8:32

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for Your provision. Thank You because we know You own everything, and by knowing that, we can fully trust in You. Mold us to be a channel of blessings to others. This we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen!

DISCOVER

Did you know that since the time of Genesis, God has been graciously providing for mankind?

• In Genesis 1 and 2, God provided Adam and Eve with the proper environment and food by creating the world out of nothing.
• In Genesis 3:21, God provided animal skins to clothe Adam and Eve.
• In Genesis 22:13, God provided a ram for Abraham to complete his sacrifice.
• In Exodus 16, God provided manna and quail for the Israelites.
• In 1 Kings 17, God provided ravens to feed Elijah.

These are just a few of the many stories of God’s provision. Do you know of any others?