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August 20, 2025: Following Christ
Read Luke 5:27-32.
“And he left all, rose up, and followed him” (v. 28).
Continuing the theme on the call to ministry, my mind returns to scenarios in which I observed my father- pastor fulfill his commitment to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I distinctly recall anticipating the surprises that awaited my parents as a pastoral team. In my youthfulness, I watched Dad prayerfully contemplate a situation in which the denomination’s conference president had asked him to consider relocating to lead a troubled congregation. He framed it this way: “Rev. Kuhn, I believe you have the skillset and wisdom to mitigate tension and confusion.” Whoa! No pressure, right?!
You probably can guess the rest of the story. Dad and Mom packed up and chased the moving van down the road, anxiously anticipating the surprises that awaited them. It did not take long for the reality of their assignment to reveal its intensity. But I’m here to report that nearly a decade of effective ministry ensued. Not only was their daily ministry wonderful, but the lasting effects of having forged friendships while leading many to follow Christ will only be revealed in eternity. The opportunity to lead others to reformation, repentance, and restoration resulted in meaningful experiences that surround being a Christ- follower.
When Jesus calls to follow Him, though the plan may be obscure,
We can trust Him fully for we know His way is sure. (R. B. Kuhn)
Follow Christ, even as He followed His Father.
August 24, 2025: Paul: Saved to Serve
FOCUS TEXT: Acts 9:1-16
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Acts 22:1-21; Philippians 3:4-14; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
DEVOTIONAL READING: Acts 26:12-20
KEY VERSE: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ calls us from self-centered righteousness to selfless service.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify some areas of service in which they need to be involved.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Confronted by Christ (Acts 9:1-5)
II. Submission to Christ (Acts 9:6-9)
III. Sent by Christ (Acts 9:10-16)
August 17, 2025: Peter: A Man of Action
FOCUS TEXT: Matthew 14:25-31; Acts 3:1-7
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:13-28; Mark 9:1-10; John 13:1-11; Acts 2:1 -- 5:42
DEVOTIONAL READING: Acts 4:13-22
KEY VERSE: Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Faith in God requires action.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify ways we can put our faith into action.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Faith in Action (Matthew 14:25-31)
II. Healing the Sick (Acts 3:1-7)
August 10, 2025: Martha and Mary: Women of Devoted Service
FOCUS TEXT: Luke 10:38-42; John 11:21-29; 12:1-3
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: John 11:1-46; 12:1-8
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 11:33-45
KEY VERSE: Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised (Proverbs 31:30).
CENTRAL TRUTH: God uses the loving service of dedicated Christians to bless others.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify various ways of serving God, the church, and others today.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Displayed Hospitality (Luke 10:38-42)
II. Believed in Jesus (John 11:21-29)
III. Honored the Lord (John 12:1-3)
August 3, 2025: Jeremiah: A God-Called Man
FOCUS TEXT: Jeremiah 1:4-19
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Jeremiah 1:1-19; 2 Kings 22:1 -- 25:30; 2 Chronicles 34:1 -- 36:23
DEVOTIONAL READING: Jeremiah 7:1-7
KEY VERSE: Before I formed thee . . . I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
YOUTH KEY VERSE: Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live (Jeremiah 38:20).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The faithful Christian can be confident of God's deliverance.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain our confidence in God's deliverance even when suffering for Him.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Call Jeremiah 1:4-10)
II. The Confirmation (Jeremiah 1:11, 12)
III. The Consequences (Jeremiah 1:13-16)
IV. The Commission (Jeremiah 1:17-19)
June 25, 2025: A Secret Kindness
Read Ruth 2:14-20.
A Secret Kindness
“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not” (v. 16).
I remember the first time someone prayed this prayer for me: “And dear Lord, please drop some handfuls of purpose into her life today.” At first, I didn’t quite know what the phrase “handfuls of purpose” (also “handfuls on purpose”) meant. After a bit of research, I quickly fell in love with the concept. My friend had prayed that God would sprinkle some small extra blessings into my day— unexpected signs that He sees, cares, provides, and loves me.
If I’m not careful, I lose sight of how often God does this and miss it entirely. I barely give these “handfuls of purpose” cursory side glances in the hurried rush of life's busyness and to-do lists. What comfort I could gain if I were more alert to these moments!
Friend, are you catching the “handfuls of purpose” God is dropping into your everyday life? Did you witness last night’s fabulous sunset or this morning’s blush-pink sky?
Did you hear that birdsong just outside your window or wonder at the iridescence on a soap bubble? Did your friend’s encouraging text seem random or impromptu? Did that pay raise come at just the right time? I don’t know what God might do for you today, but stay alert. Boaz isn’t the only one who showers people with quiet kindness. He learned from the One who does it best. (SW)
Multitudes of precious blessings Every moment round me spread;
Blessings from my heav’nly Father Showered down upon my head.
--- H. H. Green