Month of February
Scripture: Job 1:5
Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of the relationship between parents and children.
Parents have the responsibility of interceding on behalf of their children in their relationship with God. The most important desire for any parent is that their child gains a true relationship with God. Job demonstrated that love by offering a sacrifice for his children just in case they had sinned. There are numerous songs concerning parents praying for their children. If a parent really loves their child they will rear them to fear God and keep his commandments. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”.
Thought for today: Are you making sure that you are able to be a good example for children in which you come in contact daily?
Scripture: Genesis 12: 4-5
So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran
Lesson Objective: To understand the love and fellowship that should be between Christian family members
There are many sermons that discuss Abraham and how faithful he was to God; however, we seldom recognize the love that Abraham showed for Lot his nephew. This love was first reflected in that Abraham allowed Lot to choose first which portion of the land that Lot wanted for his cattle. Second Abraham rescued Lot when Lot was taken captive and third Abraham negotiated with God to save the place where Lot lived even though he knew that most of the people there were not believers in God. Abraham never once forgot his love and commitment to the well being of Lot
Thought for today: The needs of family members must come first before our own if there is truly love
Scripture: Genesis 44:34
For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?"
Lesson Objective: To understand that love can change our behaviors and correct past wrongs
While Judah has been a part of the selling of his brother Joseph, he had also been witness to the sadness that the lost of Joseph brought to his father. Judah was then given another chance by God to act in a similar circumstance. In this instance, Judah attempted to rectify the possible loss of Benjamin his youngest brother. Similarly, there will be multiple times in our lives when we will be given the opportunity to make decisions that affect others that we love. It is important that we make these decisions based upon our love in our hearts and as such we will be following the example of Christ who gave his life for us.
Thought for today: Have you had an opportunity to make a difficult choice after learning the true meaning of love?
Scripture: Daniel 1:19
Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of friendship and the power that comes when friends stick together.
Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were taken captive and their first challenge was whether to eat and drink the food offered to them even though it was not consistent with their beliefs. They asked and were granted the opportunity to eat and drink only what they knew was the wishes of God. They all stuck together and triumphed as they were found to be healthier than the others who ate the food given to them by the King. This demonstrates the power of positive peer pressure when friends depend on the support of each other to meet daily challenges. .
Thought for today: Who are your friends with whom you can depend on when serving God?
Scripture: Mark 2:4
And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying
Lesson Objective: To understand the steps that friends will take to care for a friend whom they love.
This is an interesting story in that these friends recognized the power of healing from Christ and wanted to have their friend touched by Christ. When faced with the dilemma of not being able to reach Christ, they improvised and cut a hole in the roof and lowered the friend to Jesus. The story goes on to show that Christ not only healed the man but also forgave him of his sins that was even more important than the physical healing. This would not have occurred if the friends had not gone the extra mile.
Thought for today: What are you willing to do for a friend to make sure that they have an opportunity to reach Christ?
Scripture: Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips
Lesson Objective: To understand that our words are usually indicative of our true feelings and we should be careful of what is in our heart.
There are times in our life when we may say something out of anger or dismay that we are sorry for after the fact. We apologize to the individual but it is not something that we can take back. Often times it is not what we said but how we said it. Our words most often reflect our true feelings in our heart. That is why it is so important that we make our heart a place for Christ to reside so that our words will reflect the love of Christ to all that we engage. Like the song says “ I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. joy down in my heart which means that any words that comes out of mouths reflect the joy of Christ in our lives.
Thought for today: Take the time daily to examine your heart for any feelings that you know are not Christlike so that your words reflect your heart.
Scripture: 1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of actions in demonstrating our love for each other.
Matthew 25:35-42 states that when we feed the hungry or clothe the naked that is as if we are feeding Christ. It is not enough to just say that I love you but we must demonstrate that love daily by our actions. True friends seek out the opportunity to be a blessing to their friends. Also true friends trust each other to humble themselves and seek help when it is needed, It is easy to be a friend when nothing is required but true friendship and love comes to the forefront when a need is met through sacrifice. Only when I am willing to give my last for a friend will I ever know the true meaning of love.
Thought for today: Try saying this prayer daily. Lord let me be a blessing to someone today. Let me actively seek out this opportunity so that I can share your love with someone else today.
Scripture: Colossians 4:2
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
Lesson Objective: To understand that it is important to have a prayer partner and friends do pray for each other.
Often times we may meet someone who will ask us to pray for them. How many times do we forget to do just that? It is not intentional but we forget and maybe days later remember. Do we just say we will pray for them or do we take the time to understand the specific prayer request so that we can be as specific as possible in the prayer? I would suggest that we begin to pray with rather than just pray for our friends. The Bible gives us many examples of the need for group or corporate prayer but none is more pointed then when Christ asked the disciples to accompany him when he prayed. In Mark 14 and the disciples were unable to stay awake and fell asleep three times.
Thought for today: Do you have a prayer partner with whom you pray with weekly?
Scripture: Esther 4: 16
"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"
Lesson Objective: To learn the importance of supporting each other in times of need.
The story of Esther shows the importance of corporate prayer, fasting and support. When faced with a seemingly daunting task, Esther asked for the support of others. Often times we try to do things on our own due to our lack of humility or desire to be self reliant; however, that is directly opposite of what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that we are to act as one in unity for we are members of the body of Christ. Matthew 18:20 states that where two or three or gathered, Christ will be in the midst.
Thought for today: Do you have a group of supporters who you can call on to carry out the purpose that God has for you?
Scripture: Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself
Lesson Objective: To understand that being humble is a condition of true love.
Being humble is strength not a weakness. Society often teaches that one must be assertive to be successful. Some even call for leaders to be aggressive. This is inconsistent with the teaching of Christ. As an author once said, being humble does not mean that you think less of yourself but you think of yourself less. 1 Peter 3:4 states that humility is very precious in the site of God. Also Matthew 5:5 says “blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth”. Christ served as an example of one with humility as he said he came not to be served but to serve.
Thought for today: Be careful not to have a false sense of self-pride. Remember that what ever you accomplish in life is due entirely to the mercy and grace of God.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Lesson Objective: To understand that the ultimate gift of love is directing one to Christ.
Many Christians are concerned when they are challenged to evangelize and to talk to a non- believer about being baptized and becoming a member of the family of Christ. We must understand that if we love our neighbor, then we are mandated to tell others about Christ and eternal life. Christ last instructions to the disciples were to go out and make other disciples and to baptize them. This cannot be accomplished without Christians reaching out sharing the love of Christ.
Thought for today: How would you feel if a friend or a family member failed to make it into heaven because you chose not to share the Gospel with them?
Scripture: Genesis 25:28
Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob
Lesson Objective: To understand that true love does not have degrees of love.
There are many who believe that one can have degrees of love. This is not consistent with the Bible. Whenever favoritism rises it’s ugly head, the result is evil. Jacob never learned this lesson throughout his life. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah that resulted in him choosing to love Joseph more than his other brothers that caused the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery. Not having learned his lesson, he transferred that love to Benjamin and then upon being reunited with Joseph, upon his death he gave Joseph twice the blessings of his brothers by blessing two of Joseph’s sons. Even today families are destroyed when parents show more love for one sibling over the others.
Thought for today: While we may show our love differently, there should never be any question as to the amount of love that we have for all.
Scripture: Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of looking for good in others rather than looking for the worst.
True love overlooks the faults of others and instead focuses on the strength of those that we love. In today’s society, the news usually focuses on things such as murder, thefts and other sensational type happenings. We are told that this is what sells newspapers. However, if we are going to follow the example of Christ we must cease looking at the faults of those around us and instead look for the good that Christ has instilled in all of us. Like the story of the Women at the well, we all have faults. Let us not be like those who wanted to throw stones but be like Christ who reached out to a lost soul.
Thought for today: Separation is easily accomplished by looking at the differences. Unity is accomplished by looking at the similarities. There are usually many more similarities than differences.
Scripture: Romans 12:5
so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another
Lesson Objective: To understand that love means that you are interdependent with others in the family of God.
In Romans Chapter 12, Paul discussed the importance of each member of the body. Our society often times stresses the importance of self-reliance but in fact all that we have and do today is dependant on others. How many of us farm our own food or make our own clothes, Even the farmer must purchase the seeds from someone else and the seamstress must purchase the cloth. All members of our society are equally important. While many may look down at the trash man, who does not get upset or concern when the trash is not picked up at the appointed time.
Thought for today: In looking around at others, what importance do you place on how their gifts affect you daily? Do you some times look at these as not so important?
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law
Lesson Objective: To understand the fruit of the Spirit is one and not a collage of different fruits.
Many have mistaken this passage to suggest that it is fruits plural when it is fruit singular. Paul suggests that one must have all nine to have the fruit of the Spirit. Just as a vine can only bring forth one fruit we must be like Christ for in John 15:5 Christ says that he is the vine and we are the branches and that we can do nothing without him. We must work to be equally balanced in all of the sections of the fruit. It is interesting that love is named first as the others cannot occur if one does not have love. Christ exhibited each of the characteristics listed above and we are to follow his example. All are required for the fruit to be of the vine of Christ
Thought for today: In which of the characteristics listed above are you most vulnerable and what are you doing daily to conquer this challenge?
Scripture: Proverbs 3:28
Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.
Lesson Objective: To understand that love and friendship require that we put aside our personal time clock for others.
Each day we are presented with opportunities to be a blessing to others and to demonstrate the true love of Christ. However, we often times miss this opportunity to minister because it does not fit our calendar or our clock. We are too busy taking care of our own business when we should be about the business of God. In Mark 2:49 at the age of 12, Christ recognized that he was to be about his fathers’ business. John 9:4 states we should work while it is still day for night come when no man can work. Friends understand the importance of helping each other in the time of need and not when it fits their schedule. “ A friend in need is a friend indeed”
Thought for today: Going out of your way to care for a friend is the definition of true friendship.
Scripture: Matthew 7:7
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of actions in our lives to take advantage of the blessings that God has in store for each of us.
The story of the Woman with the issue of blood as described in Matthew 9: 20-22 is a prime example of one who took action based upon her faith. She had waited for 12 years seeking a cure for her disease but when given the opportunity to seek Christ, she did not hesitate. She did not let the fact that she had not been successful those 12 past years in being cured stop her from reaching out to Christ. She recognized the power of Christ was so great that all she had to do was touch the hem of his garment. Friends push friends to reach out to seek the unobtainable. Friends who understand faith can share that faith with others when they may get weary.
Thought for today: When encouraging a friend to reach out for greater heights, remind them that “they can do all things through Christ who strengthen them”.
Scripture: Luke 12:31
But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you
Lesson Objective: To understand that friends should help us to stay focus on Christ.
We usually surround ourselves with a group of friends from whom we seek advice, especially when we are making important decisions. Job had such a group of friends who sought to give him advice when he lost all that he had in life. Each one gave their perspective as to why Job was suffering, The problem with all of their advice was that they did not first seek the counsel of God through prayer before seeking to counsel Job. Thus as Job said, their counsel was of no use to him. We must be careful to assure that we surround ourselves with friends who understand that the most important objective in life is to seek first the kingdom of God. Therefore any advice will be based first on if it is consistent with the Word of God
Thought for today: When making decisions today, stop and think if it is consistent with seeking the Kingdom of God
Scripture: Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God
Lesson Objective: To understand that one must have the right attitude when approaching God for our blessings.
It has been said that our attitude determines our altitude in life. We must recognize that there is no problem too great for God. Can you imagine the thoughts of the three Hebrew boys as they were being led into the fiery furnace? Their statement was that while they did not know if they would be saved, they knew that God could if he chose to do such. The story may have been different if either of the friends had chosen to have a different attitude. However they all chose to have a positive attitude and continued to worship and praise God. Any time that we seek the blessings of God it should be with thanksgiving knowing that it can be done if according to the will of God.
Thought for today: Make it a habit to thank God even before you see his handiwork.
Scripture: John 13:5
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded
Lesson Objective: To understand that friends gladly serve each other as Christ served.
While most Churches celebrate communion, few continue the tradition of foot washing. Christ gave us an example of the importance of serving each other by being willing to wash the feet of the other which was a very menial task during that time as individuals wore sandals, that meant that the feet were usually very dusty and needed washing. We must be willing to serve others in that same mindset. Knowing that there is no task that should be beneath us when asked to serve. Christ said that he came not to be served but to serve. If Christ humbled himself to such a task as foot washing, what should I do to serve others?
Thought for today: Are you one who gladly give money for the food bank but would never step in to actually feed the homeless or needy? When is the last time that you actually served?
Scripture: 1 John 3:23
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment
Lesson Objective: To understand that when one accepts Christ, he/she becomes a member of a special family.
It is impossible to say that you are a Christian and that you do not love a fellow Christian. The scripture is very clear that a condition of being a believer in Christ is that we love other members of the body of Christ. True friends understand that they are more than friends but brothers and sisters in the body of Christ and as such must love each other as Christ loves each of us. God has adopted us into his family and Christ serves as our Elder Brother. This family of God is more important than any other family by relationship.
Thought for today: When you are interacting with another member of the family of God, recognize that you must demonstrate the same love for those, as Christ loved us for this is the commandment of God.
Scripture: Luke 18:1
Then He spoke a parable to them,that men always ought to pray and not lose heart
Lesson Objective: To understand that friends support each other by encouraging us not to ever give up.
I have a friend who when asked how he is doing responds with “ I am yet holding on”. This is very consistent with Luke 18: 1 that states that we are to never lose heart. Simply stated, we should never give up for by faith we know that God will always answer our prayer. It may not be the answer that we are seeking but he will always answer our prayers. If our desires are consistent with the spirit of the Lord he will give us the desires of our heart. Friends understand this and will always bring encouragement when self doubt or despair creeps in the picture.
Thought for today: Surround yourself with friends who understand the importance of never losing faith in the Lord and keep on keeping on.
Scripture: Revelation 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Lesson Objective: To understand that friends must be able to listen to God and his directions.
There are some individuals who have witnessed the words of God directly to them. Some hear the words of God through friends. The Bible gives us many examples where God spoke through another such to Esther through Mordecai and to David through Nathan. Even Samuel had to be told by Eli to listen to the voice of God as he came to him at night. True friends fear God and seek his wisdom daily. True friends pray for each other and listen to God. How can you talk to someone about what you think God has said to you when that individual does not listen to God, They can never understand and can neither confirm nor disclaim what you think God is saying to you.
Thought for today: When is the last time that you had a conversation with a friend relative to what God is saying to you? God speaks to us daily, We just have to listen.
Scripture: Acts 2:46
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of one accord and how that can affect our daily life.
Does being on one accord mean that we agree on everything? No it does not… It does mean however that there are certain basic principles to which we adhere that demonstrate that we are on one accord. The basic tenet of Christian belief is a belief in Jesus Christ and that he came, died, rose from the dead and will be coming back again. An example of this is found in Acts Chapter 15, where the Council of Jerusalem heard the debate relative to circumcision for the Gentiles. They understood that circumcision should not keep Gentiles from accepting the Word of God and the Good News,
Thought for today: Please be careful that you do not allow differences of opinion on things that are not important separate you from the Body of Christ. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing- Jesus Christ
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Lesson Objective: To understand that we should never be fretful of carrying out the word of God.
It has been well documented that the major reason for people not doing a particular task is fear. Fear of learning something new; fear of failure; fear of ridicule; fear of not being accepted by their peers. When we act in accordance with the will of God, we should show no fear but act boldly. 1 Samuel 17:47 demonstrates David’s faith in God because he stated that the battle is the Lord’s and that he had no doubt that he would succeed in battle. Verse 48 states that David ran toward Goliath. Friends support each other and do not allow fear to stop them from carrying out the purpose of God. Friends do as David and run toward adversity knowing full well that God will never leave them nor forsake them.
Thought for today: Is there some fear in your life that is keeping you from witnessing for God?
Scripture: James 3:8
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
Lesson Objective: To understand the fact that the tongue is one of the most dangerous weapons against love.
We have heard many stories where lives have been lost and friendships broken by the use of a reckless tongue. There is a saying that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me. This soun