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Family Blueprint
by Julianne Bell
The Lord gave us the blueprint of His Word to architect our family on Jesus Christ.
Going through the Bible with your family…
Weekly Scripture:
Genesis 37
Story:
Joseph, the Favorite Son
Application:
Jealousy in the family (spiritual or blood related) causes bitterness. Learn to be content in the place God has planted you.
Summary:
Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, because he was the son from his first true love, Rachel. When Joseph was a teen, Jacob made Joseph a beautiful coat that created an intense hatred and jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s brothers wanted him out of the family, as they envied his position, instead of making the most of each of their places in the family. We too can feel things are unfair in our family of blood relation or our family of God. In either case, God is not interested in what we think is fair or unfair, but rather how we respond in our heart. Do we trust Him in all things? Can we learn to appreciate that each member of the family has a unique place that God has designed just for them, but we all need to work together to form the body of our family or in spiritual things, the body of Christ?
Focus:
Joseph’s brothers allowed their jealousy to turn to sin. We must learn to surrender our jealousy to God, that we might appreciate others for their God-given place in the family and the body of Christ.
Finding Christ:
Joseph was a type of the suffering Messiah. In this passage we see that Joseph was dearly loved by his father. Jesus is dearly loved as we read in Matthew 3:17; John 3:35; and John 5:20. We see that both were hated by their brothers in Genesis 37:4 and John 15:23-25 whom conspired to put them to death in Genesis 37:18 and Mark 3:6.
Living the Lesson:
Tape a body part label on each child and then discuss which parts seem necessary, important, etc. Each member of your family will control the body part on Dad or Mom. Such as one can be the arm, one can be a hand, one can be a leg, and one can be a foot. Design a task that must be completed such as getting a drink from the kitchen. Now have each child instruct the body part they control to accomplish this task. Give it a lot of drama for a lot of laughs, as they realize they have to work together to make it happen. Help them come to the realization that they were all important, as is every member of your family and the body of Christ. Each is designed for a purpose!
Memory Verse:
"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased." 1 Corinthians 12:18
Prayer:
Lord every person in Your body is important to you. Please help me to appreciate each of them as You do. Help me to understand my place in my family and value each of our contributions.
Living the Life:
This week point out to your children each of their unique abilities and strengths that build your family. Help them to recognize their gifts to serve Christ with as well. Make sure to take the opportunity to point out others value in the body and family and praise the Lord for creating you each with a unique purpose for His glory.
Family Blueprint has come to fruition as a complimentary service for those seeking creative ways to 'teach them (the words of the Lord) diligently to your children...' Deuteronomy 6:7
Julianne Bell is also a consultant for Once Upon A Family at www.familyblueprint.org/once_upon_a_family.htm This allows her to work from home while homeschooling her children and keeping her ministry website resources free.
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