Month of June
Scripture: Matthew 6:14
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God knows that we will sin but he expects forgiveness.
When we ask our children to complete a task we know that it may not be done either completely or correctly. However this does not stop us from giving the child the opportunity to learn how to complete the task. It is the same with our Heavenly Father. He knows that we will make mistakes but he still gives us the opportunity to make life choices. While he knows that we will make mistakes, he requires one thing of us. That is for us to seek forgiveness when we do wrong. We must sincerely repent for our mistakes. As just as God is ready to forgive us, we must also be willing to forgive those who may err against us. God forgives us because he loves us and we forgive because we love in according with the law of God.
Thought for today:
Be as quick to forgive others as you want God to forgive you. Also forgive others as many times as you want God to forgive you.
Scripture: Matthew 8:26
But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm
Lesson Objective:
To understand that we can have peace and calm in the middle of the storm if we have Christ with us,
There are times in our life when everything seems to be going wrong. And there are times when it seems worst and we use the term “ when it rains it pours”. Others may wonder how we can handle all of the adversity in our lives. However we keep a smile on our face and a surety in our heart that we can have peace in the middle of the storm. For we know that Christ is in charge and with him in charge nothing can disturb our peace. We know that the water will not always be calm and that the boat may rock but we will have peace in the middle of the storm with Christ as the captain of our ship..
Thought for today: The grass may seem greener on the other side but take some fertilizer with you.
Scripture: Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour..
Lesson Objective: To understand that faith is a necessary ingredient for blessings.
I remember traveling to Uganda in East Africa and wanting to go and see animals. I followed my host into the grassy knoll on the back of a bicycle, not knowing where I was going. With much concern, I followed him until we reach an encampment where we spent the night and I had an opportunity to see zebras, hippos, and monkeys who came up to the breakfast table to take food. If I had not had faith in the wisdom of the host, I would not have received such a thrilling adventure. It is even more so with God. He has so many blessings in store for us if we just stop trying to make things logical and trying to figure out everything. We can never think like God for his love supersedes all that we can imagine. .
Thought for today: Remember if you follow God’s directions and jump off the cliff, God will catch you or you will learn to fly.
Scripture: Matthew 9:6
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.".
Lesson Objective: To understand that our spiritual needs are greater than our physical needs.
I have had many opportunities to discuss this passage. I always remind people that while Christ healed the paralytic, he forgave him of his sins first before he healed him. I believe that Christ was trying to make a point. There had been several instances in the Old Testament where individuals were healed but to demonstrate his ultimate power he first outwardly forgave the man of his sins before healing him. This shows that while physical healing is important, it is not as important as the spiritual healing that we all need which is forgiveness of our sins.
Thought for today: There are many doctors who may be able to give us pills for our physical needs, but only God can heal our spiritual sickness.
Scripture: Matthew 9:10
Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples."
Lesson Objective: To understand that God’s love is not restricted to any special group or people.
We as human beings tend to judge others to determine if they are worthy of the blessings that God offers each of us. Many times we see the wrong that others do while ignoring our own faults. We often times see our faults as small wrongs that can be overlooked while seeing the fault of others as major faults that will keep them from heaven. We can be self righteous and pompous. We must be careful to know that Christ came to save all and that he took as much pride or even more for the one lost sheep then the ninety-nine that were safe. As Christ said, he came not for the healthy but for the sick. .
Thought for today: We should all live our lives as we are the one that is still lost trying to make it to the master rather then the ninety-nine that think that they are safe
Scripture: Matthew 9:16
No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse
Lesson Objective: To know that God’s love is designed to make us anew beings.
Christ came so that we could have an opportunity to have our sins washed away and be as white as snow. It was not enough to patch our sins or to put Band-Aids on our wounds. He came to make us a new being as he told Nicodemus, that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven. This renewing means that we make a complete change.. Not a 360-degree change but a 180-degree change where we go the opposite direction of our earlier sinful nature. The problem is that often times we do not want to make a complete change, we just want to make moderate changes. We want to patch our weaknesses. This is not good enough for God. We must work to become anew washed in the Blood of the Lamb. .
Thought for today: If you were going to an important dinner, would you rather try to mend a multitude of holes in the shirt or purchase a brand new shirt?
Scripture: Matthew 9:37
Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God is worth sharing with others.
God has given us an excellent opportunity to serve him and to share his love with others who may not believe. In John 31: 15-19 one of the last conversations that Christ had while on earth was with Peter when he asked Peter three times “Do you love me”? On each of occasion, Peter said yes. Christ response each time to Peter was if you love me then tend to my sheep or feed my sheep. This instruction was not only to Peter but to each of us who say that we love God. We are to go forward and seek the lost and bring them to know the love of God thereby following the Great Commissions which is to go forward and spread the Gospel; throughout all the world and baptize men in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If we fail to do this then we are not following the teachings of Christ and not demonstrating our love for him.
Thought for today: A Shepard is intentional in going out to find lost sheep. What will you intentionally do today to witness for God..
Scripture: Matthew 10: 19-20
But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you
Lesson Objective:
To understand that God will always make a way for us when we are witnessing for him.
Many people do not use their gifts to witness for God because they are afraid that they will not be able to do or say the right thing at the right time so rather than risk failure, they do nothing. That is not what the Bible teaches. Moses attempted to use this same excuse when God called him to go before Pharaoh. Just as God formed the words of Moses to speak and to utilize Aaron, God has provided the Holy Spirit for each of us today to lift us up. In Acts chapter 4, the Bible speaks of some who were amazed that Peter and John spoke so eloquently even though they we unlearned.
Thought for today: Do not depend on your own words and thoughts but know that the Holy Spirit can and will be speaking thru you..
Scripture: Matthew 11:3
and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God was manifested in the coming of Christ.
It is said that we see what we want to see and we get what we want to get. The Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah and that he would come out of the lineage of David. However, many did not accept Christ, because he did not represent what they thought the Messiah should look like or act like. Many were looking for a warrior riding on a great White horse to overthrow the Roman Empire. However, Christ demonstrated humility and love and a complete allegiance to God his father in his actions. We often times today, miss out on recognizing the love of God and his blessings because we are looking for something big and outlandish when his blessings come to us in small and sometimes strange means. We must learn how to see with our heart and listen with our heart and see all of the blessings.
Thought for today: On a sheet of paper try listing 10 blessings that you received on yesterday that you may have overlooked without careful and prayerful review..
Scripture: Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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 is 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: Matthew 15:3
He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
Lesson Objective: To understand that we cannot continue to do things just because of tradition.
Christmas and Easter are holidays that are full of tradition. There are traditions followed during each of these days that have nothing an all to do but are followed without any real thought. An example is that every manger scene has the wise men however it is certain that the wise men did not visit Christ while he was in the manger at birth. Another example is the Easter rabbit is a pagan symbol for fertility and again has absolutely nothing to do with the death and resurrection of Christ. To recognize the birth of Christ and his resurrection may be appropriate but to add traditions that are not consistent with the Bible is not appropriate.
Thought for today: The next time that you do something just because it is a tradition, think of why you do so and is it consistent with the teachings of Christ.
Scripture: Matthew 16: 18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it...
Lesson Objective: To understand that Christ is the bases of the Christian life.
In a world where we see changes occurring at sometimes faster then light speed, it is comforting to know that there are some things that do not change. While change is often good, it is also a need for some basic foundations on which we can depend. Christ provides that rock for us. While there are several things in the Bible for which one can debate, for the Christian the basics is that Christ is the Son of God and he came, he died and more importantly he rose with all power in his hand. Furthermore, he is coming back again. It is this truism on which we build our hope and faith knowing as it says in the Gospels that a wise man builds his house not on sand but on solid rock. Know that whenever times are rough that we have a solid foundation for which we know that nothing can conquer.
Thought for today: What are your basic beliefs that will not change no matter the circumstance?
Scripture: Matthew 18:35
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses
Lesson Objective: To understand that the love of God requires continuous forgiveness for others.
For many of us, we are faced daily with the dilemma of having someone hurt us by lying on us, stealing, gossiping or other acts that violate us. Often times this is not the first time and we begin to question how many times can we forgive them for their actions. The answer is very easy but the forgiveness on our part may be difficult. We are required to forgive the other as often as they ask for forgiveness. Plain and simply, we do not have a choice in the matter. Christ is very clear that if we are to ask God for forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive our fellowman for any transgressions. One cannot follow this example of Christ without having Christ in their heart. Then it becomes easier.
Thought for today:
Each time that you forgive someone, remember that God is forgiving you at the same time and likewise when you fail to forgive, God will not forgive you.
Scripture: Matthew 20:14
Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we are all the same in the eyes of the Lord and worthy of his love.
Some of us feel that since we have been members of the Church longer than most others that we have the right to make all of the decisions. Furthermore we feel that since we have been saved longer then others that we are more righteous and thus more deserving of the blessings of God. That is directly opposite of what Christ teaches. It does not matter how long one has been in the family of Christ, one is always deserving of the inheritance that God has set for each of us. The question is never how long you have been in the fold but whether are you in the fold.
Thought for today: Reach out to the new Christian and give them the love of God.
Scripture: Matthew 20: 28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God’s love requires us to serve others.
The True concept of serving is not just doing for others. It is doing things that you may not be comfortable doing for others. It is quite easy to cook for others if you enjoy cooking. However, Christ gave us an example of serving when he washed the feet of the disciples. I would imagine that washing feet was perhaps one of the most demeaning jobs for anyone during those times. I would compare it to a shoeshine stand these days. Who would be willing to shine the shoes of others in the name of serving? The Bible is very clear that we are to love our neighbors and the best way to show that love is through service. This service must be completely voluntary, not self-serving and done in the spirit of Christ when he washed the feet of the disciples.
Thought for today: True serving is getting out of our comfort zone and doing what is required to make the lives of others better.
Scripture: Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must be careful of judging for what we see as useless may in fact be required for the completion of the project.
I remember an older gentleman who had significant dollars and went to the car dealership to purchase a Cadillac. A new salesman looked at him and surmised that he was unable to purchase a car and ignored him. After waiting a few minutes the older gentleman than left. One of the other salesmen who knew the gentleman saw him as he left and called him at home to inquire as to which car in which he was interested. The older gentleman then worked with that salesman to complete the purchase. The new salesman missed out on a sizable commission because he judged incorrectly.
Thought for today: Look past those who you meet to look within them to see the true person and you will be surprise in what you may find.
Scripture: Matthew 26:75
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God there is a time when God will wipe away all tears.
We cry for different reasons. Most times it is because of something that occurred for which we may have limited or no direct control such as a love ones death or misfortune. Sometimes it is because we have done something for which we are not proud and bitterly weep because of the shame that we brought on ourselves and perhaps family members or others. We must recognize that we more often then not will be given a chance to redeem ourselves for our mistakes if we truly are sorry for our actions or inactions. It is not for us to continue to weep but to look to God for his saving Grace and work to not make the same mistakes. Peter was giving another chance to serve Christ and he did so with all of his heart, mind and soul.
Thought for today: What is important is not that you make a mistake but that you learn from the mistake.
Scripture: Matthew 27: 13-14
|
Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" |
|
But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly |
Lesson Objective: To understand that God’ s voice is heard not by what we say but how we live our lives.
Sometimes when we are in discussions with others, we begin to raise our voices thinking that the louder we speak the more that makes us right. However, it is really the opposite. When we speak softly, individuals usually listen more intently. Furthermore, the individual with whom we are conversing will stop raising their voice. Christ understood that he had done miracles such as turning water into wine and healing that he used to demonstrate his power on earth. It was not necessary to defend him verbally. His actions spoke louder than any words.
Thought for today:
Do people see Christ in you or do you have to proclaim it for all to know?
Scripture: Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen
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: Mark 1:8
“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Lesson Objective:
To understand that God is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit..
All Christians go through two baptisms. The first is the baptism by man and the other is the baptism by God of the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit is with us as a comforter and as a source of power in our lives. This Holy Spirit is not something that is learned but is given to us freely upon belief by God. The same Holy Spirit that was rained on the Early Church in Acts Chapter Two is still available to each of us today. It is imperative for each of us to accept this Holy Sprit in our lives. While baptism with water is an outward expression of our change in lifestyle, the baptism by the Holy Spirit works within and will be manifested in how we live our lives.
Thought for today:
The Holy Spirit talks to us daily. Are you listening to the still small voice within you?
Scripture: Mark 3:35
Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
Lesson Objective: To understand that God wants us to be a part of his family
Often times children who are adopted have a difficult time accepting and understanding that they are adopted. They may feel different from other children who may have biological families. I like to think that adoption is a form of true love in that the parents chose to adopt the child and accept them into their family. When a child reaches maturity, they have a choice to remain in the adopted family or not. However while God wants us to be in his family he gives us a choice. His only condition is that we choose to follow him and keep his commandment. If we choose to do such then we become the adopted brother of Christ with all of the benefits of being a part of the family of God.
Thought for today:
What is your choice? To be a part of the family of God or to reject God as your Father and Christ as your Elder Brother.
Scripture: Mark 4: 20
Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."
Lesson Objective: To understand that we are the soil and can be good soil or bad soil.
There is an old saying- You can lead a horse to the water but you can not make it drink it. That is so true of us as individuals. Throughout our life our parents, pastors and others may offer us valuable advice but it is completely up to us if we are to listen, accept and act on that advice. God does not force any of us to accept him in our lives. He seeds us and gives us much fertilizer to grow but ultimately it is up to each of us to decide if we are going to heed the words. More importantly it is not enough that we accept the word but we must go forward and be fruitful and bring other to God.
Thought for today:
Know that all soil needs fertilizer from time to time and our fertilizer is the word of God which we should keep deep down in our heart .
Scripture: Mark 5:28
because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.".
Lesson Objective: To understand that God ‘s love is so powerful that “just a little dab will do you”
While cooking is something that can be taught it is still an art that many cannot master. The recipes give you a precise measurement for the ingredients but the best cooks are those who cannot tell you exactly how much to use but they just know a pinch of this and a pinch of that. We may try and copy the taste but we are unable because we really do not know what is a pinch. There are some ingredients that you cannot over use because it will destroy the flavor of the food. Some spices are stronger than others and must be used in moderation. This lady recognized that the power of Christ was so strong that she did not need much. All she needed was a little pinch of his love to make her whole.
Thought for today:
God’s love permeates through anything that he touches including you.
Scripture: Mark 6: 42-43
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will meet all of our needs.
The story of Christ feeding the masses is one of the better-known stories of his miracles. I like the fact that he not only fed the masses until they were satisfied but also had some left over. What that tells me is that I can count on Christ not only to meet my needs but also many of my wishes as long as they are consistent with his will and for the right purposes. Christ never does just enough for the Bible says that we can have more than we can ever think if we just believe on him. We need to have the faith the size of a mustard sea and earnestly seek the blessings of the Lord.
Thought for today:
God provides more than we need so that we can share his blessings with others and witness the greatness of the Lord.
Scripture: Mark 6:50
for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
Lesson Ob