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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Help in Time of Trouble
Lesson 10 - November 6, 2016
Focus Text: Psalm 91:1-16
Central Truth: The Lord protects those who trust in Him.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain how to reconcile God's promise of help with the occurrence of difficulties in life.
Lesson Outline:
- The Lord Is Our Helper (Psalm 91:1-4)
- The Deliverance From Fear (Psalm 91:5-8)
- The Protection From Evil (Psalm 91:9-16)