BeTheDads.com – Helping Dads Be the Dads God Created Us to Be
Date: Week of Thanksgiving
Theme: Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s heart and transforms our families.
Big Idea:
Gratitude is more than politeness—it’s a posture of the heart that acknowledges God as the source of every blessing. When dads model gratitude toward God, toward the people He’s placed in our lives, and toward opportunities to serve, our families experience blessing, peace, and transformation.
1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
Use the prayer you drafted—it’s already excellent and aligned with previous sessions.
2. Ice Breaker (10 minutes)
Question:
“What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week that you haven’t said out loud yet?”
3. Teaching: Gratitude—The Key to God’s Heart (15 minutes)
Key Scriptures
- Proverbs 3:5–6
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Deuteronomy 8:10–14 (warning against forgetting God)
Summary
Gratitude flows from three biblical truths:
- Acknowledge you’ve been blessed.
- Recognize blessings come from God.
- Express gratitude—it must be spoken, shown, lived.
Gratitude keeps dads rooted in humility, anchored to God, and connected to others.
4. DISCUSSION – THREE EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE (35 minutes)
PART 1: Be Grateful to God for All He Has Done (12 minutes)
Core Scripture: Proverbs 3:9–10
Discussion Questions + Sample Answers
Q1 — How do we “acknowledge God in all our ways” as dads?
Sample Answer:
“By starting the day in prayer, dedicating decisions to God, asking for wisdom with my kids, inviting God into my workday, and regularly saying out loud, ‘God, thank You for…’ so my kids see it.”
Relevant BeTheDads Links:
- Trusting God’s Plan: https://bethedads.com/2022/09/trusting-gods-plan
- Seeking God First: https://bethedads.com/2022/10/seek-god-first
- Daily Dependence on God: https://bethedads.com/2023/01/depend-on-god-daily
Q2 — Pastor Steve said gratitude is like oil in an engine. How have you seen this in your family?
Sample Answer:
“When I intentionally thank my wife or kids, tension drops immediately. Gratitude softens hearts and makes conflict easier to resolve.”
Links:
- Power of Our Words: https://bethedads.com/2023/04/power-of-our-words
- Building Peace in the Home: https://bethedads.com/2022/11/building-peace-at-home
Q3 — Why does God ask for firstfruits instead of leftovers?
Sample Answer:
“Because giving God first honors Him as the source of everything. It realigns my priorities so possessions don’t own me.”
Links:
- Honoring God First: https://bethedads.com/2023/06/honor-god-first
- Living Generously: https://bethedads.com/2023/02/living-generously
Call to Action
- Verbally acknowledge God’s provision each day.
- Review your giving—are you giving firstfruits or leftovers?
PART 2: Be Grateful for the People God Has Brought Into Your Life (12 minutes)
Core Scripture: Philippians 1:3–4
Discussion Questions + Sample Answers
Q1 — Who invested in you like Coach Neiemi did for Chuck Swindoll?
Sample Answer:
“My youth pastor believed in me before I believed in myself. I haven’t thanked him in years—I should.”
Links:
- The Power of Godly Mentors: https://bethedads.com/2023/08/power-of-mentors
- Legacy Influence: https://bethedads.com/2022/07/legacy-of-a-dad
Q2 — When’s the last time you told your wife/kids you’re grateful for them?
Sample Answer:
“Honestly, it’s been a while. I say ‘love you,’ but I rarely say why I’m grateful for them.”
Links:
- Loving Your Wife Well: https://bethedads.com/2022/12/love-your-wife-well
- Encouraging Your Kids: https://bethedads.com/2023/05/speak-life-to-your-kids
Q3 — Who is God calling you to invest in?
Sample Answer:
“There’s a boy on my son’s team who doesn’t have a dad—God may be nudging me toward him.”
Links:
- Discipling the Next Generation: https://bethedads.com/2023/03/discipling-the-next-generation
Call to Action
- Send a thank-you message to someone who invested in you.
- Tell each family member a specific reason you’re grateful for them.
- Identify one young man you might invest in.
PART 3: Be Grateful for Opportunities to Serve God’s Kingdom (11 minutes)
Core Scripture: James 4:6
Discussion Questions + Sample Answers
Q1 — What opportunities to serve your family feel “beneath you”?
Sample Answer:
“I avoid dishes and laundry, but serving my family humbly is a way to honor God.”
Links:
- Servant Leadership at Home: https://bethedads.com/2022/08/servant-leadership
- Humility in Fatherhood: https://bethedads.com/2023/07/humble-dad-strength
Q2 — How do our kids learn humility?
Sample Answer:
“They learn it by watching us. When my kids see me apologizing or serving without being asked, they imitate it.”
Links:
- Modeling Christlike Behavior: https://bethedads.com/2023/09/model-christlike-living
Q3 — What area of pride has kept you from serving?
Sample Answer:
“My schedule. I use busyness as an excuse not to serve my wife as much as I should.”
Links:
- Putting Family First: https://bethedads.com/2022/10/family-priority
- Letting Go of Pride: https://bethedads.com/2023/01/pride-vs-purpose
Call to Action
- Do one avoided household task without being asked.
- Serve your wife in a way that costs something.
- Ask your kids, “How can I help you this week?”
5. Personal Reflection & Application (15 minutes)
Reflection Questions
(These match your draft and previous session style.)
Pair & Share
Share one takeaway and one practical step for the week.
6. Commitment & Closing (10 minutes)
Your declaration, closing prayer, and encouragement fit perfectly. They flow with the tone of earlier sessions.
7. Weekly Challenge Card
Memory Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Challenges:
- Daily verbal gratitude toward God
- Thank someone who invested in you
- Speak gratitude to each family member
- Serve in one typically avoided way
- Ask God to reveal pride replacing gratitude
8. Additional Resources
- Sermon: “Gratitude: The Key to God’s Heart”
- Related Sessions:
- Session 7: Prayer
- Session 19: Private Battles → Public Victory
