Sleeping With The Enemy
~Samson~
Eli
Christ Pleases God
Scripture: Judges 16:4
Afterward it happened that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.
Lesson Objective: To understand that there is a reason that we must not be unequally yoked.
Some people misunderstand the reason for not being unequally yoked. They think of it relative to marriage but while that does apply, it is more than just marriage. We must be careful of all of our relationships. We must be careful of whom we call a friend. Also we must recognize that our friends may change as our situations change. An example is that when one gets married, they most often cease “hanging” with single friends. Married couples find other married couples with whom to socialize. This is especially true for new born Christians who have to learn that they cannot continue to socialize with non Christians if they really want a change in their lives. It does not mean that they are better than the others, but they recognize that the places and things that they used to do often are not consistent with the Christian lifestyle.
Thought for today: Friendships never work in the long run if there are different values.
Never To Young
~Samuel~
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2: 11
Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God uses the young and the old to deliver his message.
The old adage that children should be seen and not heard is just that an old adage. It is the responsibility of adults to provide youth the opportunity to express their God-given gifts. The best place for this to occur is at Church where youth can read the Biblical scriptures, sing songs, and memorize verses and poems in a non threatening environment. Youth can begin to develop their gifts, whether they are singing, public speaking, or dancing for the Lord. Youth are the Church of tomorrow and we must teach them how to become leaders in the community and Church and this cannot be done without allowing them the opportunities at an early age.
Thought for today:
Be careful not to quench the exuberance of youth by trying to make them an adult.
Scripture: Genesis 18: 14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Lesson Objective: To understand that there is nothing to hard for God if we fully trust and believe.
One of my favorite stories is one where the life of Nat King Cole was being documented. The story was detailing the early life of Nat King Cole as a child and the son of a preacher. One Sunday during Church, his father preached a sermon on the fact that God could do anything. After Church, Nat King Cole asked if God could really do anything. His father responded definitely yes. Not quite convinced, the young Nat proceeded to ask “Can he sit on a red hot radiator butt naked”. In the honesty of a child, he was trying to understand how God could do anything. While we may not really understand, we must just accept the fact that there is nothing that we are going thru that God cannot handle for truly God is able.
Thought for today:
If you really believe that nothing is too hard for God, then we should never question how God will make it happen. Just know that he is able.