God’s Love
Second Quarter
The Second Quarter (April, May, June) topics are all interrelated in that they discuss the theme of God’s Love for Mankind.
The relationship between God and man is not based upon fear, superiority or any other negative stimulus but on a genuine love that God has for man.
This love was first demonstrated in that God created man in his own image. God gave man dominion over all of creation and placed him in the Garden of Eden. However man failed to obey the instructions of God and sinned, which cause man to be denied continued access to Eden.
Because of the Love that God has for man he gives us an opportunity for redemption. He sent his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins but more importantly Christ rose from the grave. As a result we all have the hope for eternal life.
The Two Great Commandments are based on love. Love the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The “daily” lessons in this quarter address the love that God has for us and what actions are necessary to accept this love of God.
Scripture: Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Lesson Objective: To understand why God loves us so much.
A “labor of love” is the term used by many to describe the feelings that they have as they complete a great painting or a sculpture or the great novel. It is not an act of drudgery or misgivings but one of personal pride and elation. The artist is so proud of their work that they sign the finished product. God made man in his own image that is the ultimate labor of love. God put his signature on each of us by breathing into us the breath of life. Unlike inanimate objects, we have the opportunity to give back that ultimate love.
Thought for today: How do we reflect the Love of God in our lives daily? Are we inanimate objects or do we actively thank God for the love he shared with us?
Scripture: Genesis 2: 16-17
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Lesson Objective: To understand that we are often not satisfied with the love of God.
God loves us by giving us our needs and many of our wants but we are never satisfied. We are constantly envious of what someone else may have or what we think is better than what we may possess. We must be careful to understand the true secret of happiness and contentment is to really appreciate all of the blessings that God has given us. The thing that we are most desirous of may be the one thing that separates us from God because we begin to treat it as our God. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all and only asked that they not eat of the one tree. However they overlooked all that they had to eat of the forbidden tree.
Thought for today: The grass may seem greener on the other side but take some fertilizer with you.
Scripture: Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God wants to be with us daily.
God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and it was Adam and Eve that hid from God after eating of the forbidden fruit. The Bible gives many examples of God walking and talking with his chosen ones. The opportunity to talk and walk with God was based entirely upon whether the individual wanted to have a relationship with God. We are challenged daily to not allow sin to separate us from God for when we sin we put up barriers to that walk; however, because God loves us so much he breaks through the barriers to reach out to us. It is up to us to reach back and take his hand and seek to walk with God.
Thought for today: We are as close to God as we choose to be for God does not leave us but we separate ourselves from God.
Scripture: Genesis 12: 1-2
…Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God loves those who are faithful.
Someone once said that being faithful is willing to jump off of a cliff and believing that one of two things will happen. Either God will catch you or you will learn to fly. True faith is somewhat similar to jumping off the cliff with no safety net other than God. God loves us and desires so much for us; however, we limit our blessings by being unwilling to step out of our comfort zone and be willing to risk it all for God. Life should not be a gamble for a gamble means that you are banking on luck. Life is a sure thing with God in your corner.
Thought for today: Is there a still quite voice that is telling you to step out on faith and follow the directions of God? What is holding you back?
Scripture: Genesis 18: 32b
Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten."
Lesson Objective: To understand that God is just and merciful to those who trust him.
Often times in the courtroom we may see a defendant plead guilty and ask the judge for mercy. The judge may take in consideration this request but is not obligated to do such. Often times, the statues dictate the sentence and while the judge may want to grant a lesser sentence the law does not allow for such. How great it is to know that we can go to God when we make mistakes and ask for his forgiveness and mercy and know that God can and does grant us mercy each day. Only the Grace of God gives mercy. This is not because of our past actions or our position in life but because he loves us. While God is just, his mercy prevails.
Thought for today: Do you demonstrate the same mercy that God grants to you?
Scripture: Genesis 19:26
But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt
Lesson Objective: To know that God’s love does not allow us to look back.
Satchel Paige was once asked why does he not look back and he stated that something might be catching up to him. When we accept the love of God in our lives we are to look forward and leave all of the other things behind us. God swipes the slate clean as if it never happened. Sometimes we are so busy looking back that we fail to see all of the good things that God has in store for us. We allow past bad relationships and hurts to keep us from developing real friendships that can be a blessing. While we can never change the past and we should learn from the past, we should keep our eyes focus on God and never yearn for the past. Keep you eye on the prize of eternal life with Christ.
Thought for today: We sometimes use the term the good old days. Were the good old days really that good that you would like to go back?
Scripture: Genesis 32:26
And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God is worth holding on for dear life.
Some times we are traveling and think that we are going the wrong way. We begin to doubt and then stop and turn back. We then find out that if we had gone one more block or one more light that we would have been to our destination. No matter what trials or challenges that we are going through we must never give up but hold on to God’s hand for he will continually bless us if we hold tight. We can not allow doubts, peers or other forces to effect our relationship with God. As the song says “I am going to run on to see what the end gonna be”. Jacob held on and never gave up until God blessed him and as a result we now have the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob was not perfect but he understood the power of God.
Thought for today: When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and yet hold on.
Scripture: Genesis 41:38
And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?.
Lesson Objective: To understand that no matter how hopeless the situation may seem that God is with us.
There are often times in our life when we are in situations where we may feel hopelessness or have despair. We may feel that no one understands or that no one loves us or can help us. We must understand that God is always with us and he is making a way for us in all that we do. Joseph was in a foreign land with no friends or relatives and a slave having been sold into slavery by his brothers; but, he kept the faith and continued to believe in God and his actions reflected such that even those who were unbelievers could see God within him. Others around us look to see how we react when things are not going well. We must be a witness to those who are watching so that we may bring them to understand the love of God in our lives.
Thought for today: The darkest time of night is just before the dawn. Keep looking for the light of God. It is there if you only seek it.
Scripture: Exodus 2: 6
And when she had opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children."
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God always has its protective arms around us.
I like to say that God watches over fools and babies and I am no baby. I look back over my life and look at many of the bad decisions that I have made and how God has protected me from harm and dangers. While I have suffered consequences as a result of these actions, things could have been much worst. I think God for protecting me from myself. I am often my worst enemy. We must understand that God helps those who are helpless. We are sometimes like a drowning man who fights the one who is trying to save him from certain death. We must understand that we are powerless and must rely totally on Christ just as a baby relies on his/her parents for nourishments.
Thought for today: When will you stop fighting the love of God and accept his saving Grace?
Scripture: Exodus 4:11
So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will never put us in a situation unprepared.
Have you ever been put in a position where you wondered how you were going to handle the situation? It may have been a school play or a ball game or just repeating something for your parents or grandparents. We get all sweaty and dry mouthed with butterflies in our stomach. Then after it was over, we breathed a sigh of relieve and say that was not so bad. The anticipation was worst than the event itself. Sometimes we may feel that our coach or parents put us in a bad situation when we were not ready. However, the confidence they had in us helped us. God made us and know our every strength and weakness and he has prepared us even before we were born. Never be afraid to step out for God, for his love has your back.
Thought for today: Know that there is nothing that is going to happen today that you and God together cannot handle.
Scripture: Exodus 12: 13
Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we can be protected when God brings wrath on others.
The book of Exodus shares the story of the plagues in Egypt and the first Passover Feast. The Israelites were safe from the consequences of Pharaoh by following God’s instructions. We must understand that we are in the world but not of the world and that we should follow God’s instructions to us if we are to remain under the protective arms of God. God loves us and will never bring harm to us as long as we follow his commandments even when that means standing out from the world in our service to God.
Thought for today: While we do not have signs on our door, can your neighbor say by your actions and deeds that you are one of God’s chosen?
Scripture: Numbers 14:13
But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God expects us to trust him; and he will reward us according to our trust.
We live in a land of democracy where the majority rules when making governmental decisions. While this sounds good, sometimes the majority is not right and often times the minority do not voice any concerns even though they know that the path being followed will lead to destruction. Because of the silent minority, prayer is no longer allowed in schools. We must be like Joshua and Caleb and voice our objections when the majority is going against the will of God. This country was supposedly built on the words “in God we trust”.
Thought for today: When faced with decisions that are not consistent with your faith do you stay still or do you voice your concern?
Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:12
Then it shall come to pass, because you listen to these judgments, and keep and do them, that the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers.
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God requires obedience.
God has made a covenant with each of us that he will always love us, care for us and be with us as long as we desire him to do such. Our desire is reflected in our ability to keep his commandments for we show our love by being obedient. The beauty of it all is that while God asks for obedience, he is still willing to forgive us when we are disobedient. God has more in store for us than we can imagine if we just continue to obey him and accept his love.
Thought for today: Are you willing to accept the love of God by being obedient to God?
Scripture: Joshua 1:5
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
Lesson Objective: To understand that the same God that was with Moses is with us today.
While our relationship with God is personal, it is often enhanced by how we see others interact with God. Joshua had traveled with Moses and knew that God had never left Moses. Upon the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader and God understood that Joshua needed his reassurance that he would be with him as he had been with Moses. We should be reassured as well that the same God that was with Moses and Joshua is with us today and his covenant that he will never leave us or forsake us is as true today as it was then and will be true forever.
Thought for today: The next time that you feel despondent or wonder if you are alone in this world; just turn to your side and say hello God- Thank You for being with me.
Scripture: Joshua 6:20
So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God has already conquered our adversaries.
The battle of Jericho was one of the most interesting battles discussed in the Bible. While many of the battles were led by men of valor and they had to fight the enemy with arms, the battle of Jericho was won by the people of Israel following the directions of God and only marching around the city. We must understand that there will be challenges in our life; that we can not use conventional means, but must totally rely on the Lord for his intervention and power. No power can be victorious against the will of God.
Thought for today: Never fight the enemy without first having God on your side.
Scripture: Judges 7:2
And the Lord said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.”
Lesson Objective: To understand that we can do nothing of our own but must depend on God and his love.
There are many books today that states that the first step in success is to become self confident in your own skills and abilities. While we must exude confidence, the confidence is not in ourselves but in God. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We should never boast of our own abilities in that God gives us each gifts to uphold the kingdom of God. It is up to each of us to understand the gift and be thankful to God.
Thought for today: In celebrating any success, remember to give thanks to God first for his blessings.
Scripture: Ruth 1:16
But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God is the God of all people.
We have an interesting dilemma here in America. While we talk about a “melting pot” Sunday continues to be the most segregated time in America at Churches. We tend to only witness to those individuals who talk like us, look like us, and live near us. It is important to understand that God is the God of all people and the only requirement is that one chooses to accept God in their life. Ruth was not of the Jewish faith but accepted God as her Savior and thus was rewarded by being part of the lineage of Christ in that her son is the grandfather of David.
Thought for today:
So you actively reach out to those that may be of a different ethnic group?
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:39
Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!"
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will never let us down in any situation.
There are times in our lives when we may be unsure of the outcome. While we may think that our team is going to win, we have a small or sometimes larger doubt that they will actually win. However with God, we can always be sure that he will never let us down and he will never fail. Elijah was able to brag on God in the passage above because he trusted totally in God and knew that God would prevail. We should never brag based upon our own abilities; but we should never hesitate to brag on God and what he has done, continues to do, and will do in our lives. God is Good all the time and all the time God is Good.
Thought for today:
When is the last time that you stated unequivocally that God is able to prevail over whatever the challenge is in your life?
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Lesson Objective:
To understand that God’s love is with us always.
Many people use the word love very nonchalantly. They love today and hate tomorrow. We fall in love and we fall out of love. The love is based upon how the other may feel about us or based upon what we can get out of the situation. It is refreshing to know that God’s love is everlasting and that he will never leave us. God wants to draw us to him into his loving arms. The Bible teaches us that no matter how far we have gone, that we never are too far from God. David was a murderer, committed adultery, and committed other sins but he repented and the Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart.
Thought for today:
God loved you before you were even born and will continue to love you all the days of your life and beyond.
Scripture: Job 7:17
What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention?
Lesson Objective:
To understand that God knows everything about man and all is important to God.
The scripture above is taken from the book of Job. Job is complaining about his afflictions and asking God why he is inflicting such pain on him. Job is asking God to not pay so much attention to him with the hope that God will cease to bring on misery to him. At this time, Job was missing the point. God was actually watching over Job and assuring that he lived throughout all of his misfortunes. In the midst of complete darkness and despair, we must realize that God is watching over us and that we are in his hands. We must never blame God for our trials, but be thankful to God that he is with us as we go through the rough times.
Thought for today:
Know that God is with you always through the good, the bad and the ugly. You are important to God which is why he created you.
Scripture: Hosea 11: 4
I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love; and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God reaches out in love, but it is up to us to accept that love.
This chapter of Hosea talks about the fact that God was with the children of Israel while they were in Egypt and he delivered them but they rebelled against him and therefore they were going to go back into bondage. He acted out of love and gentleness, but they continually strayed against the teachings of the prophets. We must realize that we have a choice to follow the love of God or continually rebel and suffer the consequences of our actions. God will never force us to love him for then it is not love.
Thought for today:
You can not force anyone to love you, but you can show your love for them in your actions and deeds.
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing..
Lesson Objective: To understand that you cannot have true peace in your life without God in your life.
There is a saying that I see often on t-shirts that say “No God No Peace--- Know God Know Peace”. It is one of the few slogans with which I totally agree. Without God in our lives we can never be at true peace. If money could buy peace, then why is it that many who are “rich” commit suicide or become drug addicts? Is it because they are still searching for that inner peace? This scripture says it clearly, that God will quiet us with his love. Is it not wonderful to know that just like Christ stilled the storm he can say peace be still to any storm in our lives.
Thought for today:
Know that you can have peace in the middle of a storm if you have God in your life.
Scripture: Isaiah 49: 15-16
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will never ever forget us.
There is a song that says God has the whole world in his hand. I like to personalize it and say God has ME in his hand. A mother’s love is said to be the strongest love in the world. However in the scripture above, God says that his love is even greater. While we can never understand why a mother may desert her child, God says that he will never forget us for we are in his hands. Not only is he holding us in his hands; but, we are inscribed in his hands, that means that we are with him always as we are a part of God.
Thought for today:
You are in good hands with (not Allstate) but with God.
Scripture: Isaiah 43: 3
For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God is our Savior and gave us Christ as our Kinsman Redeemer.
The dictionary defines Savior as one who rescues, sets free, helps in distress or delivers. All of these define God. God has rescued us from eternal damnation because of our sinful nature. He has set us free from depending on the law to bringing us closer to him. Through his Grace and Mercy we have an opportunity for eternal life with him and to become as Adam and Eve and walk with him among all of his creations. God has adopted each of us into his family but we must agree to be adopted by our actions.
Thought for today:
In order to be delivered we must want to be saved. The Scripture says ask, seek and knock.
Scripture: Malachi 1: 2-3
"I have loved you," says the Lord. "Yet you say, ”In what wa