Who Is Influencing You?
~Jezebel~
Scripture: 1 King 21:25
But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we cannot allow others to cause us to do wrong.
Many people are in jail for a crime that they may never have committed if they had not been urged to do such by someone else. Many times we do not have the courage to do it on our own, but when encouraged by others, we choose to make bad decisions. We know that peer pressure has a strong impact on the lives of individuals who are teens and adults. We also know that many deeds have been done supposedly in the name of love for a wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend. We must be careful that we do not allow this need for peers to put us in a position of going against the will of God just to satisfy others.
Thought for today: A friend will never let a friend sin. Who is your friend?
Why Do We Serve God?
~Job~
God Has An Eraser
Scripture: Job 1:11
But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
Lesson Objective: To understand the real reason why we serve God.
It is somewhat easy to understand why one serves God by listening to their prayers. It is not the length of the prayer or how loud one prays that gives us the answer but the actual words of the prayer. For many, especially new Christians we continually ask God for blessings such as healing, financial success, safe travel, etc., which may lead one to serve God because of what he can give us. When we fail to get what we ask, then we begin to question whether God heard our prayers or even worst; we question if there is a God. For others it is the reverse in that they constantly thank God for all of their blessings as if God is paying them for good deeds. I would suggest that we be like Job and just worship and serve God for who he is – our Creator- our Lord – our ALL.
Thought for today: How do you respond when asked why do you serve God?
Faithful Mother
~Jochebed~
God is Forgiving
Scripture: Hebrews 11:23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God expects parents to be faithful.
The role of a parent can never be over appreciated. This is why we say that there is a difference between a mother and one who merely gives birth. It is also said that the pain suffered during delivery can never be compared to the pain that mothers suffer as they struggle to rear their children in a world full of traps and snares. Parents must not be afraid to rear their children consistently with the Bible and to always be on guard for those things that attack the family unit daily. We may think that our children do not listen but a child does remember the words of a faithful parent even if it is to say “they told me so”.
Thought for today: There is something to be said when a parent says just wait until you have your own children.
A Pillar of the Church
~John~
Scripture: Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Lesson Objective: To understand that we must be the foundation of the Church today.
We are all well aware of the saying that the Church is not a building but the people who comprise the Church. The Church is like the bride for Christ and Christ is not coming back for the largest building or the building that has the prettiest stain glass windows or the building that sits in the nicest area of town. Christ is coming back for a people who obey his commandments, feed the hungry and clothe the naked. He is seeking a Church that worships him and no other god and stands for what is right regardless of whether it is a popular stand. He is not looking for a lukewarm church but a Church that is on fire for him.
Thought for today: Are you the pillow of the Church or do you sit on the back pew?
How Far Would You Go?
~John The Baptist~
Scripture: Matthew 14:8
So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter."
Lesson Objective: To understand that we may never know what the price will be for following the commands of others instead of God.
It is very easy to follow God on Sunday morning or even on Wednesday evening; however, the real test may be Monday-Friday at work. Have you ever been asked to do something at work that may not be consistent with Biblical teachings? Have you been at the water cooler and heard others gossiping and your either joined in the conversation or just stood around and listened and said nothing? We sometimes choose to say nothing because we are concerned how others will treat us if we stand up for what is right. We somehow think that by saying nothing, we are okay when in fact we are wrong for not standing fast and using the opportunity to witness for God.
Thought for today: Are you the same on Sunday morning as you are at work on Monday?