Activity Bible Time Influence Others Drawing/Dramatization Experience

Day 4: God Knows You!

Because GOD IS A PERSONAL SPIRIT, I can get to know Him better every day.

Preparation: Before you begin today's study, retrieve the branch or stem you cut from the plant at the beginning of the week. What does it look like today?

Read or quote the memory verse.

Can you think of a time when you did something that surprised those who know you well? Was it something you did better than anyone expected you to do or something no one thought you could do? Tell me about it.

Listen to how a young girl named Kate answered that question:

My name is Kate, and this is my story. . .

"Give it up." I can still hear the words in my head. Has anyone ever said that to you? It's like, deep down inside you know you can do something, but everyone else says you can't.

I heard about a young boy who was in a terrible accident. The doctors said he would never run again, but he knew he could. He worked hard, harder than most of us will ever work, and when he grew up, he surprised everyone by winning the Olympic gold medal in the mile race!

I can't run very well, but I can sing... at least that's what I thought until my choir teacher told me to give it up and stick to playing the clarinet. I went home that day and cried. I was sure I could sing. I just knew that God had given me the ability to sing. I had a voice inside that wanted to come out. So why did people look like they wanted to cover their ears whenever I began to hum a melody? I tried out for a lot of singing parts in choirs and talent shows. Most of my friends were chosen... I never was. I know, I know, you would think I'd get the hint. What do you do when God has put something in your heart but the opposite seems to happen? Do you know what I did? I talked to God about it. Do you know what He said? "Don't give up."

It was hard. I took voice lessons and learned that even though I thought I was singing the right notes, I wasn't. When everyone else was singing one tune, I was singing another... No wonder people didn't like my singing! I thought that I might have to "give it up" like the boy in the story. It wasn't easy to learn to sing the right tune, but when I did, the voice I had heard on the inside finally made it to the outside.

God is not surprised. He knew how He made me and the voice He had given me. He also knew it would take time and work to bring that voice out. Do you know who is surprised? My choir teacher!!

(PARENT/MENTOR: Share a story from your own life to help your child.)

God is never surprised by anything you do or think because He knows everything about you!

Read Psalm 139:1-6.

Oh Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Discover God Bible, (NLT).

What does God know about you? How does this make you feel?

Read verse 6 again.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Discover God Bible, (NLT).

Why do you think David (the wrtier of the verse) thought it was so great that God knew him so well?

How do you feel about the fact that God knows all about you--the good and the bad?

God is not surprised by the bad stuff you do. As a matter of fact, He planned for it! Let's read what He did…

Read Romans 5:8.

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.Discover God Bible, (NLT).

How did God show His great love for us? (He sent Christ to die for us.)

You don't have to worry that He will discover something about you that will make Him stop wanting a friendship with you.

You don't have to try to be good enough to earn His friendship.

He loves you and He wants a relationship with you now and forever!

Why does it matter?

Because God is a Personal Spirit, we can get to know Him and He knows us. God knows everything about us. There is nothing you can say or do that will surprise Him. There is nothing you can say or do that will make Him stop loving you. He wants a relationship with you so much that, even though He already knew every bad thing you will ever think or do, He sent His Son to die for those sins. He wants a relationship with you that much.

The fact that God is a Personal Spirit, also matters because it is our relationship with Him that helps us get along with others.

Talk With God and Stay Connected to the Vine!

Thank God that He wants a relationship with you. Tell Him how you feel about getting to know Him better.

"The greatest tragedy (or one of the saddest things) in life is when we stop talking with God." -- Zac Bright

"ABIDE" for God is a Personal Spirit
Memory Verse Table Talk
AActivity … Family Fun Activities!
BBible Times … Exploring God's Word together
IInfluencing Others … how can you make a difference?
DDrawing/Drama … exploring your creative side!
EExperience … finding the teachable moments
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