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Lesson Highlight: "wholly followed" – Joshua 14:8
"Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God." (Joshua 14:8)
In "Biblical Perspective" for this week's lesson, Dr. Gordon Snider notes:
Three times in this short passage the words wholly followed the LORD are used of Caleb (vs. 8, 9, and 14). The word suggests fullness, abundance, and completeness. They are also a repetition of what God himself had said of Caleb in Numbers 14:24 and Deuteronomy 1:36.
Discussion: What does it mean to "wholly follow" the Lord?
Source: Biblical Family Values, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 23.
The Hope of Confidence
Read Philippians 1:3-8
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (v. 6).
Perhaps, like myself, you have a cache of unfinished projects. These are projects I have laid aside to complete at a later time because something else required my attention, I ran out of supplies, or I was bored and needed a change. When I look through my stash of unfinished projects, I remind myself God always finishes what He starts!
Today it may seem God has forgotten you. You may feel like God is never going to finish the work He began in you. Perhaps despair is stalking you with the thought your case is too hard for God. Don’t ever think for one moment God is unable or unwilling to complete the work He started in your life. Your situation is not too hard for God! Don’t quit before God has a chance to finish His work in you. God always completes what He starts. He is faithful to bring His work in your life and mine to perfection if only we will cooperate. God does not have “unfinished business” or “unfinished projects.” (Lee Ann Davison)
“Then I’ll dread not the future, and fear not the foe.
I am safe in His keeping wherever I go;
For no soul that has trusted Him will He forget,
For He never has failed me yet.” — W. J. Henry
God will continue to work until all is perfectly complete.
This devotional is the Friday, September 25, 2015, entry from Opening the Word.
Being Filled with Confidence in God
Lesson 4 - September 27
Focus Text: Joshua 14:6-14
Central Truth: The Christian family views life as full of God-given opportunities.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain several reasons why the Christian should view life with supreme confidence.
Lesson Outline:
- Confidence in God's Past Promises (Joshua 14:6-9)
- Confidence in God's Current Enabling (Joshua 14:10-11)
- Confidence in God's Future Blessing (Joshua 14:12-14)
Biblical Family Values, The Way, Truth and Life Series
Lesson Highlight: "how can I … sin against God?"
In the "Biblical Perspective" for this week, Dr. Gordon Snider writes:
Not only was this action forbidden by the master, it was wrong in the sight of God. A clear sense of right and wrong is one of the best defenses against temptation. Joseph did not have to think about it. He knew what was wrong, and he was not going to violate his conscience.
Discussion: Why is it helpful for us to see all sin as a sin against God, rather than just the breaking of the rules or a sin against someone else?
Source: Biblical Family Values, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 18.
Lesson Highlight: "the Lord made all … to prosper"
In "Biblical Perspective" Dr. Gordon Snider makes these comments...
His master saw that the LORD was with him. How did this heathen officer recognize the presence of the Lord? It seems likely that Joseph’s success was so remarkable that Potiphar asked for an explanation, and Joseph was quick to point to his God. From the beginning there was no bitterness toward God in Joseph for his circumstances. Bitter people seldom, if ever, make successful people. The LORD made all . . . to prosper. Joseph was not a “flash in the pan.” His success was an ongoing thing because God was constantly with him. Joseph turned out to be a better witness to his owner than he had been to his brothers. Such, sometimes, is the result of adversity.
Discussion: Are we careful to point to God as the reason for our success in life?
Source: Biblical Family Values, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 17.
Supported in Integrity
Read Psalm 41:10-13
“And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face forever” (v. 12).
At one time the State of Illinois was going through a great financial depression. Pennsylvania had previously faced a similar situation; their solution was called “repudiating the debt.” This simply meant the disowning or disregarding of all their debts, leaving their creditors holding the sack. It solved their problem — but not their creditor’s.
Since Pennsylvania, a larger and richer state, took this action, there was pressure on Illinois, a smaller and poorer state, to do the same. This plan was initiated in their state capitol, but a representative named Stephen Douglas was greatly against such a move. Although he was elderly and very ill, his aids carried him into the Senate chamber on a stretcher. He powerfully argued against such action, and instead moved “that Illinois be honest.” His argument and his motion touched the hearts of all members and soon passed. Eventually Illinois became one of the wealthiest of the States.
The psalmist declared that God upheld him in his integrity and even gave him a fixed place before the face of God. It will be of lasting value if we give integrity a high place of honor in our lives and business practices. It should also have a prominent place in our personal and church dealings; dealings that are honest, upright, and ethical will have the favor of God. (Ray Crooks)
“My life shall be a challenge, not a compromise” (Charles Cowman).
This devotional is the Monday, September 14, 2015, entry of Opening the Word.