Month of July
Scripture: Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.
Lesson Objective: To understand and appreciate the vastness of God and his creation.
In formal writings, it is expected that the first sentence should serve as an introduction to the remaining sentences that comprise the paragraph. The first sentence sets the tone for the rest of the storyline. If this is true, then Moses was well aware of how this simple verse sets the table for the rest of the Bible. Simply speaking, there was nothing before God created the world. God did not use manmade objectives but instead created all of the earth and heavens out of nothing. While many may consider the “big boom” theory, it is only that a theory. One can only marvel at the beauty of the world and how God has given man dominion over the world. No big boom can shape the world so that the seasons come and go like clockwork and birds travel hundreds of miles yearly to return to the same place.
Thought for today: There is nothing on earth that is owned by man. We must recognize that we are here on this earth to be stewards of the creation of God. Are you being a good steward?
Scripture: Exodus 40:38
For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys."
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must have direction in our lives, if we are to escape the bondage of sin.
We often hear the quote that if you don’t know where you are going, any road will lead you there. This is so true. We would never go on a trip without directions. We will consult the computer for directions or get a map. It should be the same for our lives. We should never attempt to go out on our daily travels without a sense of direction. This direction is the Word of God. In John 14:6, Christ says that he is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, if we want to have eternal life with God we must follow Christ.
Thought for today: Make Christ your needle in your compass. If you follow him, you will never get lost.
Scripture: Leviticus 1:3
“If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect”.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God demands the best.
The Book of Leviticus identifies the specifics relative to the sacrifices that the Israelites were to offer to God. The one constant whether the sacrifice was an animal, fruit or grain was that the item was to be without blemish. The grain was without yeast and the lamb without blemish. This was the same for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who was without sin, but died for our sins. It is the same for us today. We are to give our best to God. It is not enough for us to do just enough to get by. God expects the first fruits of our labors. He demands our best. We must strive for perfection. While we know that we are not perfect for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God it is still our goal to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which means making the best of our talents to honor God.
Thought for today: Whatever you do today, do it as if you were doing it for God.
Scripture: Numbers 3: 3-4
…Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work in the Tent of Meeting. "This is the work of the Kohathites in the Tent of Meeting: the care of the most holy things.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God has an important task for all members of his family.
Often times in life we are placed into situations where we must stand up and be counted. God has a purpose in life for each of us as members of his family. God wants us to be a part of his family, but the question is, are we ready to be counted in the number. We must be willing to demonstrate whom we stand for daily as we interact with our co-workers, friends and family members. By standing for God we may become unpopular and lose so called friends because we make choices that are consistent with the scripture and counter the thoughts of the world.
Thought for today: Are you willing to stand tall for Christ and be counted in the family of God.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1: 31-32
…”There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God."
Lesson Objective: To understand that we will suffer when we choose not to trust and obey God.
You would think that the Israelites would have had an undying trust of God since he had delivered them out of bondage, separated the Red Sea, fed them manna, and caused water to come out of the rock. However, each time they met a challenge they complained rather than trust God. We today are still learning this lesson. God has provided so many blessings to us to demonstrate his love for us; however, whenever we get to a point in our lives where we should depend on him we choose to make our own decisions and ignore God. Often this results in unnecessary pain and suffering.
Thought for today: God is ready and willing to lead us through our darkest hours, but we must be willing to pull the switch for his light to our path.
Scripture: Joshua 1: 9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Lesson Objective: To know that God has already made a promise land for each of us.
We all have had or will have a River Jordan in our life. It is that time in our life when we must choose to go forward and follow the commands of God or become timid and choose not to go forward. We may not know what the future holds; but we must understand that God has been very clear as he was with Joshua that we are to be strong and of good courage. We must believe the words of the song that God has not brought me this for to leave me now. God has more blessings for us than we can imagine however we can only receive those blessings if we are willing to follow his directions in our lives. We must not be timid but be brave for God will never leave us or forsake us.
Thought for today: We must be willing to step out on faith. Do not hesitate but step out boldly for God today in all that you do.
Scripture: Judges 2:2
…”And you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars. Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?”
Lesson Objective: To understand there is a reason why we should be careful with whom we call a friend.
Our parents have always told us to be careful with whom we associate. The old saying is “birds of a feather flock together”. Simply speaking, we must be careful to surround ourselves with individuals that know the importance of a true relationship with God. This does not mean that we are better than anyone else but does mean that when we need counsel and advice, that we can make sure that we get this from one who has a spiritual basis for the discussion. Otherwise, we will get instructions that are inconsistent with the scripture that will lead us in making inappropriate decisions.
Scripture: Ruth 1:20-21
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me."
Lesson Objective: To understand that God has a plan for our lives.
Often times we allow circumstances to dictate how we may feel. We must understand that God has a master plan for our lives and that we only need to allow him to use us for His purposes. The character of Naomi is one of ultimate despair in that she has lost her husband and two sons. She comes back home with only her daughter-in-law, Ruth. However, little does she know, that this same Ruth would be- come a link in the lineage of Christ. We never know what God has in store for us, but we must never fear and we must continually trust in God and allow him to use us for his will,
Thought for today: When you feel like you can no longer hold on to the rope, just tie a knot in it and yet keep holding on.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:2
And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we do not always know what is best and we should listen to God.
How many times have we thought that we wanted something and got it only to wish that we had never received it? Our lives are filled with our eyes desiring and then finding out that most often it was never as good as we thought. I like to say that if you think the grass is greener, take some fertilizer with you. We must understand that God always knows what is best. We should look no further than to God to see what he desires for us. The Israelites rejected God for something that looked good. We must be careful of what our eyes desire. Just like our eyes are often times bigger than our stomachs, our wishes may not be consistent with the will of God and thus gets us into unnecessary trouble.
Thought for today: Things are usually never as good as you think they are but thank God they are also never as bad. .
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:19
So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?" And the Lord said to David, "Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will fight our battles.
Often times we are faced with individuals or circumstances that may appear to be insurmountable. Many times this is exactly when we are trying to follow the word of God and it seems that those against us are prospering. However, we must understand like David that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. We should never doubt that God will make us victorious. It is not for anything that we do but what God has already deemed for us. We should be careful not to lash out in anger and feel like we have all of the answers. We must listen to the counsel of God and follow his commands. For David learned as a lad the importance of having faith in Christ as he protected the sheep. We must have the same faith in God to fight our battles.
Thought for today: The Lord has already gone forward and paved the way for our victory.
Scripture: 1 King 2: 2-3
"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must instill the love of God in our children.
In these verses, David is giving instructions to Solomon who was to become King of Israel following the death of David. Parents must be like David and teach their children to fear God and to seek God for wisdom. It is important to note that we can not live in the flesh forever; however, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth that will have a lasting impact on the world for generations to come. The Bible is very clear that it is the duty of the parent to teach the child so that when he is old he will not depart from the Lord.
Thought for today: Will you take the time today to help a young person understand the importance of the Lord in their lives.
Scripture: 2 Kings 2:2
Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God wants us to follow his followers.
This is an interesting day and age where everyone is looking for a hero. For many the hero is a sports figure who can shoot a basketball or throw a football. However, often times we find that off the field the athlete makes headlines doing something that is inappropriate such as drinking and driving or worse. The same is for the movie star or television personality who appears to be one way when playing a character, but is much different in real life. We must be careful of whom we choose to be role models. We must seek to follow those who live a life that is scriptural and is consistent with the teachings of Christ. This is why Elijah did not have any problem following Elisha to the point that he would not leave his side
Thought for today: Whom do you follow and more importantly, are you living the life that someone should follow you?
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
Lesson Objective: To understand that the consequences of not seeking God may lead to death.
Everyday we have an opportunity and need to seek the Lord’s will in our lives and for direction. Instead of seeking counsel from our spiritual brothers and sisters, we look to those of the world who will give us the answers that we desire rather than the answers that are consistent with the Word of God. While this may appear harmless, it in fact can and often times does lead to dire consequences even unto death. We must be careful from whom we seek advice, God should be the only one that we ask and it should be done daily.
Thought for today: Surround yourself with those who recognize the voice of God and listen and obey.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
And God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life--but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king--wisdom and knowledge are granted to you.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must build our life’s foundation on serving God first.
As adults we many times serve an injustice to our youth. They come to us seeking advice on career options and the first thing that we do is talk with them about choosing a career that makes them money. This sets up a mindset that the primary reason for choosing a career is how much money one can make. This is very inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. We must assure that our youth understand the importance of seeking to aid others first and seeking the direction of God and allowing that thought pattern to be the foundation of their lives.
Thought for today: First seek the Kingdom of God and all other things will be given unto you.
Scripture: Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God has a purpose for each of us and it is our responsibility to seek and carry out that purpose.
Many times I have wondered what my purpose is in life and if I am fulfilling that purpose. I have learned that my primary purpose and perhaps only, purpose in life is to seek to understand the Word of God and to more importantly do the Word of God. In order to do such, I must prepare my heart with the proper foundation and rebuild my thoughts and deeds to be in conjunction with the Word of God. As the Children of Israel had challenges in rebuilding the temple, so do we have challenges to rebuild our lives for God. There will be those who will try and confuse us and even try to stop us but the Will of God will prevail in our lives if we choose to obey him and keep his commandments
Thought for today: The best means of preparation for the heart is prayer.
Scripture: Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God can use us no matter what our status is in life.
We continually misunderstand the fact that God has a role for each of us in the building of the Kingdom. No one role is more important than another. Nehemiah was only the cup barrier for the King but used that position to gain the favor of the King to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah prepared himself for the task by fasting and praying so that when the opportunity came, he was ready. So should we be ever ready to carry out the mandates and witness for God. We will each have an opportunity to witness and must be ready to seize the chance as it occurs.
Thought for today: Be attentive today and look for the opportunity to witness for God.
Scripture: Ether 4:13
And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews”.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must take a stand for what is right or we will also perish.
Sometimes we are placed in situations where we know that something is wrong but we are afraid to stand up and speak up for what we perceive may be our consequences. We may think that our position in life may protect us from the same outcomes suffered by others. However we must learn that if it can occur to others it can most certainly occur to us. We are mandated to stand up for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. The Bible teaches that we are to treat others as we would want to be treated. Therefore it is imperative that we seek aid for those who are being mistreated no matter what the consequences will be here on earth. As Esther, we must have faith in God and know that he will be with us always,
Thought for today: When is the last time that you spoke up for someone who was being wronged or did you sit by saying that it was none of your business?
Scripture: Job: 1:20-21
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Lesson Objective: To understand that when times appear bad that is the time to see God.
I remember a time when I would be going through what I thought were tough times. I made the error of running away from the Church and trying to find the answer to my troubles. When one is in trouble is the time when we most need God. It is the time that we must seek the safety of our Church family and begin to worship and praise God even more. In times of trouble one must seek to have a closer relationship with God. We must be careful not to run from God but to run towards God.
Thought for today:
Whenever you feel despondent and feel like all is going awry, call on the Lord even more.
Scripture: Psalms 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Lesson Objective: To understand that the same God that remained with David will be with us.
David was able to witness that God had never forsaken him in all of his trials and tribulations. David had protected his sheep from dangerous animals with only a staff. David had conquered Goliath with only a slingshot. David had been pursued by Saul and David had to even fight his son. Through all of this David recognized that he needed to depend on God and thus he placed his total trust on God in all of his battles. This trust in God was well rewarded as the Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart. So should it be with us that we trust God totally and without any reservations.
Thought for today: How much are you willing to trust God today?
Scripture: Psalm 13:1
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
Lesson Objective: To understand that God never hides from us but we try and hide from him.
I have made certain decisions in my life that were not consistent with the Word of God. These decisions presented certain challenges for which I had to pay a price, Almost always, I tried to rationalize that God was not with me. I have since learned that God was always with me and kept things from being worse. I called myself doing things without God knowing when in reality God was right by my side, I now know that God will appear to hide his face if I am not following his footsteps, but he is also there to pick me up whenever I am ready to reach out to him. Therefore it is entirely up to me.
Thought for today: It is our actions and decisions that can separate us from God but he will never leave us or hide from us.
Scripture: Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Lesson Objective: To understand that everything we do must be pleasing to God.
I was watching the movie “Facing The Giants” in which there was one scene where the question was asked whether God cared about football. The answer was that God cares about us wherever we go. It is not the game but our attitudes and actions for which God cares. It is important to know that we should worship God in all of our words and thoughts for we should do everything to the Glory of God. If we truly practice this, then we would not be as prone to make bad decisions or say things that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. Our actions and words would always be acceptable to God.
Thought for today: Try today to do your entire task(s) to the Glory of God in words and deeds.
Scripture: Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright
Lesson Objective: To understand that our trust cannot be in material things but in God.
We as Christians are constantly faced with really and truly trusting in God and knowing that he is our provider. This is so opposite of the thoughts of the world. We are taught that we must make as much money as we can for a “rainy” day. We must have the biggest house or the most expensive clothes so that we can position ourselves to meet whatever needs arise. Often times we do this while overlooking the needs of others in the community. We must have as much money in our pension plan as we can; not knowing if God will even allow us to live to see the day of our retirement.
Scripture: Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God will lead us safely if we only are willing to follow him.
We have several trainings on being a good leader and the traits necessary to lead a group successfully. I would suggest that we need to have trainings on how to be good followers. The leader can be the greatest leader ever, but if no one is willing to follow, then all will be lost. It is like that with us. God is our shepherd and he wants to protect us but we continually stray from his care. We do not want his protection and think that we know a better path. This path will lead to death and destruction but we go down the path anyway, We are like little children in that we fail to listen to those who love us much. We must be careful to listen to the calling of our shepherd and to follow him wherever he may lead us.
Thought for today: Are you a good follower or are you intent on being the leader?
Scripture: Psalm 25:7
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O Lord.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God is merciful and thus so should we show mercy.
There are times in our lives when someone has done us wrong. We can hold that grudge for so long that we actually cannot remember why we still have the grudge. The person may or may not ever come to us and seek forgiveness. However, it is important to note that whether the person does or does not seek forgiveness we must show mercy as God shows us his infinite mercy. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God but the death of Christ gives us another chance. We all have a chance to seek redemption and a chance to live with God in eternity. David asked God to remember him but to forget his sins. We must demonstrate the same mercy and never forget our fellowman but do forget any wrong doings.
Thought for today: Blessed are the merciful.
Scripture: Psalm 21:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Lesson Objective: To understand that we should never question the task for which we are to complete for God.
Fear can be the greatest motivator and it can be the greatest deterrent in ones life. Simply speaking many do not follow the commands of God because of fear. This can be fear of failure, fear of disappointment, fear of loosing friends or sometimes fear of success. We must recognize that God is on our side when we do as he instructs. One should be afraid if they are doing their own thing but if one is serving God and following his commandments, then one will have nothing to fear. God will brighten our path as we follow his footsteps. We will never encounter any task or foe for which we should be afraid.
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