God's Gifts
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Matt. 6:28-30; Gen. 1:1-31; Acts 14:15-17
“Samurai Squirrels”
Have you heard of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? Every year, judges vote on hundreds of photos of the silliest and most unexpected animal hijinks submitted by amateur and professional photographers worldwide. From laughing lions to samurai squirrels, snuggly seals to goofy grizzly bears — chances are you've never seen God's creation quite like this! But whether you’re laughing at pictures of silly animals, taking a quiet evening walk in the woods with a friend, or just enjoying a breathtaking sunrise alone, it's not hard to understand why God called this world "good" in those first few days of creation (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)! So, as we begin to explore some good things together, starting with God's incredible gifts, what happens when we sit in wonder at God's work in nature?
When we don't take in the natural world, we miss a window into the wonder of God's goodness and greatness.
THE BIG IDEA
It's undoubtedly important to immerse yourself in God's Word, learning more and more about him from the Bible. But don't rob yourself of the joy of glimpsing into his invisible attributes — his eternal power and divine nature — all around you (Rom. 1:19-20)! So take a walk, sit quietly in nature, and maybe watch for some wacky wildlife while you're at it. Let the time you spend enjoying God's creation reinforce how excellent and loving he is.
Looking around at the complexity of this world, it's clear that only God could have made "heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" (Acts 14:15). Only a being with unmatched power and wisdom could have made such a rich and magnificent place. And it's not just his power on display, but we're also struck by his goodness — to each one of us! Like Paul said, "He did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17).
How has God's creation impacted how you view him?
THE BIG QUESTION
Nature
Wonder at God's Work in Nature
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Samurai Squirrels” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen in nature?ACT I
JESUS SAID — Matthew 6:28-30
What’s the main point of this passage?What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
POETRY IN MOTION — Psalm 148
The last 5 psalms (146-150) all start and end with this word “Hallelujah,” and focus on God’s praise. This psalm — familiar from hymns like “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” — calls on all creation to declare his glory. Prepare to move through it quickly, drawing out an insight from each section. When studying in a group, consider having one person assigned to each section, and then having a brief group discussion for that section. (For example, one person shares their thoughts on verses 1-2, then the group discusses, followed by another person sharing their thoughts on verses 3-6, etc.)
Psalm 148:1-2
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 148:3-6
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 148:7-10
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 148:11-14
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: 
ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
When have you been particularly struck by God's creation, and how did it affect you?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Go on a nature walk and meditate on God's wondrous works.REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Creator of heaven and earth, help me see your power to speak into existence all that I see around me." (cf. Gen. 1:1-31)NEXT SESSION — Work
Prepare by reading John 6:27; Col. 3:23; Eccl. 5:18-20