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Nov. 23, 2022: There Is a Way!
"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press,
they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay" (v. 4).
A labyrinth of cardboard boxes zigged and zagged through the fellowship hall of the church. There was one way in and one way out. Dark passages with bewildering dead ends and unexpected surprises awaited the excited youth group poised at the entrance. They strained forward, waiting for their youth pastor to sound the signal.
Some ran into the maze entrance, darting this way and that in excitement. Some were more cautious. They studiously considered the options. They were excited but wanted to be the first to find the only way to the exit. Then there were the timid ones. It was as if they were afraid even to enter the maze. What if they got lost in there? How would they get out? What if there was no exit?
For many, this is a picture of life. Some are ambitious, skeptical, and timid, but all want to make it safely through life. We all need someone who knows the answers to the puzzle of our lives. We need One who has made the journey successfully and can lead us safely through to the end. At times, it may seem that there is no way, but once you have met the Waymaker, the One who IS the Way, the apprehension and uncertainty about the journey are dispelled. (LGW)
The One who is the Way can lead us safely through the maze of life.
Thanksgiving Meditation
Motivations of a Thankful Heart
Psalm 147:1
Thankful people can be found in every walk of life; in every economic level. Thankful people can be found on almost any job, and in almost any set of circumstances. The difference between a thankful person and an unthankful person is not so much what life has done to them, as what they have done with life.
Unfortunately, human nature, left to its own devices, finds its way to the lowest and easiest ground. And it is certainly much easier to find fault and complain than it is to compliment and give thanks. But the Bible repeatedly urges the Christian to a higher plane of living. Christians are people who are marked by a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.
In Psalm 147:1 the psalmist supplies three motivations for this spirit of praise.
MOTIVATION #1 Praise is GOOD.
- Because it is the fulfillment of our duty.
- Because it transforms our spirit, granting us an opportunity to practice doing the work of angels.
- Because it is a means of paying our debt to God.
- Because it is a means of keeping an open line of communication between ourselves and God.
MOTIVATION #2 Praise brings PLEASURE.
- Because praise springs from the heart.
- Because praise gives us an opportunity to do what we were created to do.
- Because by so doing we please the One who loves us most.
- Because praise has a way of calming pain.
MOTIVATION #3 Praise is beautifying.
- Nothing tarnishes beauty like a bitter, haughty, ungrateful spirit.
- On the other hand, a spirit of thankfulness adds charm and grace to any character.
- It gradually replaces the lines of worry.
- It relaxes the mind to concentrate upon other, more worthwhile, pursuits.
- Jesus taught us to pray, “Lord, forgive the debt my neighbor owes me, just as you forgive the debt I owe you.”
- That prayer flows from a spirit of thankfulness and praise. It surely helps to create a more beautiful person.
CONCLUSION
There are many ways to express praise and thanksgiving. But however it is expressed, thankfulness and praise is a choice.People know you by the light and cheer you radiate, or by the gloom and despair you spread. Thanksgiving is the time of year when we assess which kind of person we are.
Praise is good, pleasant, and beautifying. I urge you to choose it as the trademark of your life.
Winter 2022-23: The Miracles of Jesus
Studying the miracles of Jesus should be an interesting and thrilling study this quarter. Miracles covering a wide spectrum of problems and miraculous solutions are considered, and it is quite likely every teacher and student will identify with some special need, since we still have this treasure in an "earthen vessel." Several benefits can arise from this study.
One advantage is that our own faith will be encouraged as we read of those receiving miracles who had come to Christ with just a little faith. Perhaps the Lord can use these studies to challenge the increase of our faith to the point of seeing new and thrilling miracles around our own churches and homes. Another benefit is that we can recognize that with God nothing is impossible. Some of the cases He dealt with seemed so totally beyond human help -- and indeed were -- but did not exceed the divine power. May we realize afresh that we, as children of God, have access to our Heavenly Father's divine power for the needs that face us in these momentous days.
Important, also, is the recognition that the miracles performed by Christ had a tremendous effect on the outside world. Many became His followers as a result of these demonstrations of His power and authority. Those of us who have seen unusual miracles also know that they have had great effect, both within and without the church. Our young people need to see these divine manifestations; so does the Church; so does the world.
May we this quarter learn anew to pray simple, believing, powerful prayers that move mountains in providing mighty miracles.
Nov. 27, 2022: Cultivating a Positive Attitude
FOCUS TEXT: Philippians 4:4-13
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 41:8-10; Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 5:19, 20; Hebrews 10:32 – 11:2
DEVOTIONAL READING: 1 Timothy 6:6-8
KEY VERSE: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . honest . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The Christian family should be marked by its positivity.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Expression of Positivity (Philippians 4:4-7)
II. The Encouragement of Positivity (Philippians 4:8, 9)
III. The Example of Positivity (Philippians 4:10-13)
Nov. 13, 2022: Demonstrating Fairness
FOCUS TEXT: Leviticus 19:9-15; Exodus 23:1-9
KEY VERSE: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment (Proverbs 24:23).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The Christian family treats everyone fairly in light of God's justice.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several principles that should guide their interactions with others.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Fairness With the Poor (Leviticus 19:9, 10)
II. Fairness With Neighbors (Leviticus 19:11-14)
III. Fairness in Judgment (Leviticus 19:15)
IV. Fairness in the Community (Exodus 23:1-9)
October 30, 2022: Practicing Careful Stewardship
FOCUS TEXT: 2 Kings 4:1-17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Timothy 6:11-21
CENTRAL TRUTH: The Christian family views life as a stewardship entrusted by God.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several ways they can be better stewards of the resources with which God has entrusted them.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Confidence in Trusting God's Heart (2 Kings 4:1-7)
II. Concern for Enabling God's Ministry (2 Kings 4:8-10)
III. Contentedness in Receiving God's Blessing ( 2 Kings 4:11-17)