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Family Blueprint
by Julianne Bell
(A cardstock box and some "white out" help reinforce that repentance bears fruit, as we learn about Joseph being restored to his family.)
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 42:1-45:28
Story:
Joseph’s Brothers
Application:
Repentance bears fruit and forgiveness brings restoration.
Summary:
Jacob now known as Israel sent his sons to Egypt to acquire grain for the family to eat because of a famine. When the 10 brothers stand before Joseph, they do not recognize him and Joseph uses this to his advantage. Joseph overhears his brothers repent for their sin against Joseph. When Joseph sees Judah is ready to lay down his life for Benjamin, he sees the fruit of their repentance (Matthew 3:8) and restores himself to his family and cares for them.
Focus:
God called Joseph to forgive his brothers and be restored to them. Joseph was only able to do this because he was living surrendered to God’s will.
Finding Christ:
Joseph was a type of the suffering Messiah. We see Joseph suffered much according to God’s will to end up providing for his family. Jesus suffered much for us to be able to provide for us what we could not provide for ourselves.
Live the Lesson:
Have each child make a box out of cardstock and decorate it. You will find a pattern by clicking here: http://www.familyblueprint.org/box_1.htm . While making the boxes discuss a sin that each child has committed this week against another person and what that sin is rooted in, such as pride, greed, fear, coveting, etc. Write out that sin on a piece of paper and place it in the box. Pray about repentance and forgiveness. Have them put their boxes on the kitchen table when they go to bed. After they are in bed remove the paper with the sin written on it. Either blot out the sin with white out or use a new piece of paper to write the opposite "fruit of the spirit" and place it in the box along with some fruit shaped candies. When they wake up they find the fruit of their repentance!
Memory Verse:
"Forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us to ask forgiveness when we sin against others. And let us see the fruit of repentance in ways we understand. Thank you for your forgiveness extended to us.
Living the Life:
This week look for fruit that has come from repentance in any life around you and point it out to the children. Seek out examples. Praise the Lord for the fruit you witness.
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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