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Hannah Praises God
“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God” (v. 2).
Some years ago, there were a number of people who were stricken with polio. One of these was a young mother of two by the name of Mar- lene. Some who contracted this disease were devastated and lived under a shadow of gloom throughout their lives. Marlene did not do so. She determined that she was going to continue to live her life for God, her family, and others. In time, she had seven more children and, with the help of a godly, loving husband, she pushed herself to live a productive life. There were times when she would sit on the floor and, dragging her body across the floor, scrub her floors to polished perfection. At an advanced age, she continues to be one of the most joyful Christian ladies you would ever meet.
Some years ago, there were a number of people who were stricken with polio. One of these was a young mother of two by the name of Mar- lene. Some who contracted this disease were devastated and lived under a shadow of gloom throughout their lives. Marlene did not do so. She determined that she was going to continue to live her life for God, her family, and others. In time, she had seven more children and, with the help of a godly, loving husband, she pushed herself to live a productive life. There were times when she would sit on the floor and, dragging her body across the floor, scrub her floors to polished perfection. At an advanced age, she continues to be one of the most joyful Christian ladies you would ever meet.
Hannah certainly was such a woman who understood the priority of praise. God had turned her sorrow into singing and her tears into tri- umph. There are at least three significant things that happen when a man or woman praises God: Praise exalts God, it elevates our own spirit, and it provides an example to three worlds that our God is praise-worthy! Peo- ple who praise are truly a blessing to everyone around them. (Michael R. Williams)
Are you a member of the “Praise Committee”?
Hannah: A Consecrated Mother
Focus Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-17, 24-28
Central Truth: The surrendered life will realize God's blessing.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list some ways to demonstrate that all they have is consecrated to God.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Prayer of Desperation (1 Sam. 1:9-13)
II. A Devout Spirit (1 Sam. 1:14-17)
III. A Vow Kept (1 Sam. 1:24-28)
Ruth's Commitment
Today's character is Ruth. Create a word picture to show her characteristics.
Ruth was a quiet woman who showed commitment.
Ruth was a quiet woman who showed commitment.
What was Ruth’s temperament? Did it affect her commitment? How was she different from Orpah? How was she influenced by Naomi?
Do a study on what it takes to be committed to God. How can Christians show they are committed? Can a person change his commitment?
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).
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day. — Fanny Crosby
A secret kindness is His presence, giving us strength for each day!
Ruth: A Woman of Commitment
Focus Text: Ruth 1:8-18; 4:13-17
Central Truth: God honors those who honor Him.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify areas in their lives in which they can be more committed to God.
Lesson Outline:
I. An Important Choice (Ruth 1:8-14)
II. A Heroic Commitment (Ruth 1:15-18)
III. An Abundant Reward (Ruth 4:13-17)
What Is Valor?
Have the class work together to prepare a word picture of Gideon for the character notebook.
Gideon was an active man who fought evil.
Was Gideon a man of valor? Define valor. What were some other characteristics of Gideon that may have contributed to his success? Maybe there were some characteristics that were a hindrance to him. How did he overcome those hindrances?