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Have you forgotten the goodness of God?
Have you forgotten the goodness of God?

Have you forgotten the goodness of God?

In "God's Word for Today" David Woods writes:

In some phases of our lives, we may be tempted to forget or doubt God's goodness. During seasons of prosperity and blessing, we may begin to think our good life is due to our own ingenuity and hard work. During great trouble, we may think God has forgotten us. But it would be shameful if we were only grateful during those seasons in which God delivers us out of trouble. Instead, we should remember how God has worked in the past, and praise Him for His goodness at all times. At least three of the stanzas in Psalm 107 speak directly to the Israelites' history. The first stanza reminds us of the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The second stanza seems to speak of the Babylonian exile. The third stanza could speak of various experiences in which the people suffered because of their sin, but if this Psalm were written after the exile, it could especially mirror the distress the returned exiles felt.
Discussion: What are three or four specific instances in our church's history, our personal lives, etc. in which God's goodness was demonstrated?

Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 67.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-10T08:00:00+00:00November 10th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Doubt|0 Comments

Help for the Seamen
Help for the Seamen

Help for the Seamen

Read Psalm 107:23-32

“He maketh the storm a calm so that the waves thereof are still” (v. 29).

English poet Francis Thompson became addicted to opium early in his life, and soon found himself living on the streets of London around Charing Cross Station. He recalled the moment when God came to him there and described Jacob’s Ladder reaching down from heaven to Charing Cross and Christ walking on the water of the Thames River instead of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus has complete control over the waves and the storm. Remember that Jesus was so calm in the midst of the storm that he was able to sleep in the disciple’s fishing boat. The storms on the Sea of Galilee can produce massive waves which must have shaken the boat in all directions, yet it did not bother Jesus. This is not because He did not care about what happened to the disciples, but because He knew that nothing could happen to them while they were with Him.
Later, the disciples went ahead of Jesus in their boat but could make little headway against the winds which roared down the lake. Jesus came walking on the water and was about to pass them by when they called to Him, and He came to their rescue.
Hopefully, none of us are facing drug addiction like Francis Thompson, but whether we are in a total storm or the wind is against us, Jesus is still in control. (Randy Bland)

But (when so sad thou canst not sadder)
Cry- and upon thy so sore loss
Shall shine the traffic of Jacob's ladder
Pitched betwixt Heaven and Charing Cross.

Yea, in the night, my Soul, my daughter,
Cry- clinging to Heaven by the hems;
And lo, Christ walking on the water,
Not of Genesareth, but Thames!
--Francis Thompson

Will we trust Jesus to be the calm in our storm?

This devotional is the Wednesday, November 9, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-09T09:00:00+00:00November 9th, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Jesus|0 Comments

The Barrier of Sin

This week we will discuss a barrier, that unlike the rest mentioned in these Tips, should be seen as natural, even necessary: sin. The unbeliever who attends our Sunday school and church services is someone by definition who is "dead in trespasses and sins." If we are truly speaking and acting like Christ, and teaching holiness, it will be only a matter of time before the unbeliever experiences conviction of sin. This conviction then presents a choice to the unbeliever: will they confess and repent, or turn away from God?
This barrier of sin is natural, but some churches have created unnecessary barriers around it: such as preaching rules that are not biblical or by attempting to create conviction, condemning various behaviors and attitudes.
When the unbeliever attends your class are they presented with the grace of God that can remove their guilt of sin and forever change their lives for good, or are they given a list of rules they are expected to abide by through their own power?

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-08T09:00:00+00:00November 8th, 2016|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: sin|0 Comments

The Goodness of God

Lesson 11 - November 13, 2016
Focus Text: Psalm 107:1-15, 32-35
Central Truth: God has consistently proved Himself to be good.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to praise God for specific acts of goodness.
Lesson Outline:

God's Mercy (Psalm 107:1-7)
God's Justice (Psalm 107:8-19)
God's Providence (Psalm 107:20-43)

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-07T09:00:00+00:00November 7th, 2016|Categories: Weekly Lesson Summaries|Tags: Goodness|0 Comments

Prayer – Lesson 10, Help in Time of Trouble

Heavenly Father, we recognize that too often our first response in times of trouble is NOT to turn to You in faith. Teach us today a new way - the way of faith instead of fear, the response of worship instead of worry, the activity of trust instead of trembling. In Jesus' name we pray this. Amen.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-06T08:00:00+00:00November 6th, 2016|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: trouble|0 Comments

How to Overcome Trouble
How to Overcome Trouble

How to Overcome Trouble

In "Doctrinal Discussion" William Sillings writes:

Trouble comes to all Christians — sometimes through lack of foresight, sometimes through lack of perfect control over circumstances, and sometimes through the providence of God who allows Satan to test us. None are exempt from it, but neither do any have to fall prey to it. Trouble can be conquered — through better planning and exercising greater care, through trust in God, through changing one's mindset to perceive God in life rather than always perceiving trouble. Basically, trouble can be transformed into opportunity if we fully acknowledge that we do not have the power to control everything, but that God does.

Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 62.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-05T09:00:00+00:00November 5th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: trouble|0 Comments

Who is God?
Who is God?

Who is God?

In "God's Word for Today" David Woods writes:

Four different terms to describe God are used in verses 1 and 2. … Psalms: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition states: “God is described using four different names: most High, Almighty, Lord, and my God. The first and second portray His power, the third His covenant relationship with Israel, the last His intimacy. Four terms are used to describe the place of safety: shelter, shadow, refuge, and fortress. The first suggests a place of secrecy; the second, shade; the third, shelter; and the fourth, a fortress or stronghold of God's power.” (p. 281)

Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 59.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-04T09:00:00+00:00November 4th, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: God|0 Comments

Can we trust God to take care of us?
Can we trust God to take care of us?

Can we trust God to take care of us?

In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:

Two contrasting images are used here to describe the care of God. He shall cover thee with his feathers suggests the tenderness of His care — the gentleness of His dealings with us. The imagery is that of a parent bird. (Do not miss the connection with the danger to birds in the previous verse.) But gentleness should not be confused with weakness, for He is also thy shield and buckler. Here the imagery is of the hardened warrior in battle. Both items were used to protect the soldier from spears and arrows. The shield was larger and used in stationary situations, while the buckler was smaller and used in mobile, “hit-and-run” type situations. God protects us in battle, whether it be an open assault of the enemy, or guerrilla warfare. He is prepared for either!

Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 59.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-03T09:00:00+00:00November 3rd, 2016|Categories: Lesson Highlights|Tags: Care|0 Comments

Trusting God for Help
Trusting God for Help

Trusting God for Help

Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

*“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward”* (v. 4).

The last hot water bottle had just burst. In Central Africa, there was no place to get another one. Keeping a new-born, premature infant alive was no easy task. An orphaned one was even harder. “Your job is to keep the baby warm,” Dr. Helen Roseveare informed the midwife.
The next day, Helen told the orphan children about the burst hot water bottle, the baby, and of its sad two-year-old sister. One of the orphans declared they must pray – and then did. Ruth insisted God must send a hot water bottle that afternoon! She also requested a doll to cheer up the baby’s sister. Helen was appalled at the bold request.
That afternoon, an unexpected package arrived. Surrounded by orphans, Dr. Roseveare nervously opened it. Sure enough, among other things, there was a hot water bottle. Ruth was so excited she dove into the box looking for the doll. Just as she expected, it was there.
Knowing the package had been en route for months, Helen was reminded that our needs do not take God by surprise. He can be trusted to give us the help we need - precisely when we need it. (Cyretha Horton)

“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!”
-Louisa M. R. Stead (Public Domain)

This devotional is the Wednesday, November 2, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-02T09:00:00+00:00November 2nd, 2016|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Trust|0 Comments

The Barrier of Dress

In years past, people dressed in their "Sunday best" to attend church. There is a healthy principle behind this tradition, desiring to honor God by "dressing up" to worship Him. In recent years, many churches have emphasized casual attire in order not to make the unchurched person who attends feel uncomfortable, having no understanding of the church's traditional expectations. This has happened in a broader culture shift towards dressing casually.
Whether your church observes the tradition of dressing up or worships casually, you should be aware of the potential barrier to visitors. Arriving dressed up more formally than the regulars can be just as embarrassing as dressing too casually.
Truly, your church should welcome the visitor in, overlooking how they look, focusing on the person in need. This may be accomplished by avoiding any comments about dress, and by personally befriending the visitor for the duration of both the Sunday class and worship hour.

Herald & Banner Press2016-11-01T09:00:00+00:00November 1st, 2016|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: Dress|0 Comments

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