Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Recognizing the Giver of Gifts”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Title: Recognizing the Giver of Gifts

Then I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.(Ecclesiastes 2:15-17)

Ever thought about where all the cool stuff around you comes from? Well, let’s talk about it with a story from the Bible, from Ecclesiastes 2:15-17. It says, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise? This too is meaningless.”

Imagine having lots of cool toys but feeling like it doesn’t really matter. King Solomon, who was super wise, felt the same way. He realized that all the cool things he had were from God. But, here’s the catch – when people start thinking they’re the bosses of everything and forget about God, it’s like saying, “There is no God.”

Have you ever felt like everything you do is just like chasing the wind? Well, in the Bible, there’s a wise person who once felt the same way. Now, Solomon’s story is a bit like having a treasure chest but forgetting who gave it to you. It’s like having a superpower but not using it for good. He wanted to remind everyone that God gives us all the awesome things we have!

Imagine playing a fun game, and you suddenly start thinking you’re the best, forgetting the friends who play with you. That’s not cool, right? Well, it’s the same with God. He gives us the power to do amazing things, and when we forget Him, it’s like saying, “No thanks, God, I did this all by myself.”

Sometimes, we might wonder if being smart or doing the right thing really matters. The person in the Bible realized that being wise doesn’t always make us famous or remembered for a long time. Even the wise and the foolish eventually face the same fate – they both have to say goodbye to life.

So, instead of hating life, let’s focus on the little things that bring joy – playing with friends, learning new things, or helping others. Life might sometimes feel like a puzzle, but each piece adds up to create a beautiful picture. Remember, you’re important, and the small things you do can make a big difference. When things seem confusing, take a moment to appreciate the simple joys around you. That way, you won’t feel like you’re just chasing the wind. God has given us this life, and each day is a gift to be cherished. When you acknowledge that everything you have is a gift from God, it makes life more meaningful. Be a superhero of kindness and spread joy to those around you.

Thought for Reflection
Being thankful to God for all the cool things we have is like giving Him a high-five. It’s important to share our toys, time, and talents with others. That’s when life becomes really awesome! Think about a time when you felt grateful for something special. Consider how important it is to remember that all the good things in our lives come from God. Think about a time when you felt joy in a simple moment, like playing with friends or enjoying a beautiful day. Reflect on how those moments, though small, hold significance in your life. Reflect on the joy of sharing and being thankful.

Song
Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things hath done,
in whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mothers’ arms
hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, We come before you with thankful hearts for all the wonderful things you’ve given us. Help us remember that everything comes from you. Help us find meaning in every moment, appreciating the simple joys of life. Guide us to share our blessings with others and be superheroes of kindness making you proud. May our lives reflect gratitude and love, bringing joy to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.