Simone's Butterfly

My Favourite Bible Story swap
Oh boy - I saw this swap and thought this should be an interesting one to do.
Now I am not sure which story to pick. I have three/four favourites:
1. Ruth
2. Ester
3. Joseph
4. Jesus Life, Death and Resurrection - the modern version told by the play and movie Jesus Christ Superstar

The one I probably have read most and watched is Joseph. As a teenager I play Potipha's wife in a skit. I was also involved backstage with a school production of the play a few years ago. My daughter fell in love with the music and theatre.

There are so many aspects to Joseph's life story that have spoken to me at various times in my life. The themes that stand out to me are:

opening yourself to the possibility of dreaming
the power of dreams
vision
sibling rivalry
fairness
jealously
hardship
willingness to work
do your best in all things and all circumstances
sexuality
fleeing from tempting situations
service
forgiveness
organisation and planning is part of life

You could probably add more.

I find the use of symbols in the story intriguing. Its like mysteries are being revealed.

Enjoy the Any dream will do - Karaoke (Piano, Strings and Sax)

Interesting Links:

Children's lesson plans and resources (MSSS Crafts)

Free Sunday School Lessons for Children from Danilles Place

The Official website for Joseph and His technicolor dream coat





 

The memory text that summarises this story well and gives me hope is: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

The story starts in Genesis 37: click here to read BibleGateway

(A gift of a blender and ingredients make Orange Delicious to teach us along with Joseph that God gives gifts for His glory.) 

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 40 & Genesis 41

  Story:
Joseph Interprets the Dreams

  Application:
God gives gifts for His glory.

  Summary: 
God had provided Joseph with the gift to interpret dreams. Joseph was sensitive to the prompting of the Lord to use this gift by serving the cupbearer and the baker when they had dreams. Joseph did not see immediate fruit of using his gift for God’s will, but later Pharaoh summoned Joseph to interpret his disturbing dreams. Joseph directed the glory to God for the interpretation, knowing that every gift comes from God!

  Focus: 
God provided Joseph with the gifts he needed in order to serve Him where he was. Joseph knew to always direct all praise to God for the gifts of service. God will provide each of us with gifts in order to serve Him, but always for His glory!

  Finding Christ:
Joseph was a type of the suffering Messiah. We see in Genesis 41that Joseph begins his rule at age 30, the same age that Jesus was baptized and began His ministry.

  Living the Lesson: 
Work your drama as you claim to be parched. Request your children to make Orange Delicious to refresh you. Ask them how they will go about making it for you to lead them to understand without the right tools and ingredients they cannot do it. Then pull out a gift wrapped box with a blender, measuring cups, measuring spoons, and the following recipe. Explain to them in the same way God provides the “gifts and talents” we need to serve Him. And though we may think we did the “work” with the gifts, actually all praise belongs to Him because He supplied all our needs, gifts, and abilities!  

Orange Delicious

• ½--12 oz can of frozen concentrate orange juice

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 12 ice cubes

Blend on high for about 1 minute or until well blended and enjoy, as you praise the Lord for the Orange Delicious!

  Memory Verse: 
“…you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the building up of the church that you seek to excel.”
1 Corinthians 14:12

  Prayer: 
Dear Lord, please reveal to us the gifts You desire us to utilize for Your will. May we always direct all glory for any gift or talent we have back to You, the only One who deserves praise!

  Living the Life: 
This week praise God for the gifts and talents you see in others around you. Teach your children humility in serving with their gift. Take them some place where they may bless another with their gift from God and have opportunity to direct the praise to Him!

By Julianne Bell
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