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The Key to Right Choices
Read Proverbs 3:5-10
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (vs. 5, 6).
I have been watching the construction of a section of interstate highway to the north of our hometown. We live in an area bounteous in limestone, so the earthmoving machinery has had to move tons of material to clear the way for the leveling of the ground.
The basic promise in our text for today is that God will "clear the way" for
you - if you trust Him, if you renounce your own wisdom, if you acknowledge Him in everything. But that’s a tough program unless you have come to a place of total surrender to Him.
When we allow God to cleanse the rebellion from our wills, then the most
natural thing is for us to trust Him for wisdom to make right choices. (Leonard Sankey)
Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will, to do and to endure. - Edwin Hatch
God has given to humans the awesome power of choice; it is our responsibility to use it wisely.
This devotional is the Sunday, October 22, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Sabbath Rest
Observation: Sundays can be as eventful as other days. There are seasons in the church calendar which make the Lord’s Day just as hectic as any other. Check in with the class for input about this issue. Do they notice themselves being so industrious in “God’s work” that they fail to reserve intervals to restore their souls? Are they too harried to be sensitive to the needs around them? Do the class members take opportunities to sit down with their families for occasional meals and quality time? Inspire the group to plan sessions to refuel and restore their spirits before the Lord. When Sundays become crowded with church events, encourage them to seize additional moments on alternative days in the week to devote to time alone with God. Rest from one’s work is modeled by God. It is important that we discuss how to follow His model.
Making Right Choices
Lesson 8 - October 22, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 13:5-15; 14:14-16
Central Truth: We should ask God for wisdom for life’s decisions.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list some guidelines for making right choices.
Lesson Outline:
- Abram's Generosity (Genesis 13:1-9)
- Lot's Covetousness (Genesis 13:10-13)
- God's Covenant (Genesis 13:14-18)
- Lot's Deliverance (Genesis 14:1-16)
Missions Emphasis
Develop a hunger in the hearts of your adult students to have a passion and burden for missions. Pray for the persecuted church regularly, and share occasional updates about the victories or obstacles facing those who are suffering for the cause of Christ. Educate the members regarding the challenges that missionaries have in trying to evangelize unreached people groups. Pray specifically for our missionaries, and communicate with them through cards/letters or social media. Consider sending a care package to various missionaries from time to time. The class might be interested in committing to fill one or more Christmas packages for needy children. Make a concerted effort to give toward the annual World Missions offering at church. Perhaps the Sunday school class could take up a collection in addition to the gifts that individuals plan to donate on their own.
Living as a Foreigner
Read Genesis 12:9, 10; 14-20
"And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land" (v. 10).
When a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, Abram was forced to move his family to a foreign country, where they could survive. However, before long, Abram had gotten himself into a predicament with the Pharaoh, and soon Abram and company were sent packing out of Egypt, complete with an escort (v. 20).
It is not easy being a foreigner. It was my high privilege to dwell across the waters for a season of service in another country. I quickly discovered that in order to build relationships and establish a meaningful life as a foreigner, one must be willing to respect the culture, political system, cuisine, societal norms, language, and inhabitants of that land. Likewise, we should regard immigrants to our country with the respect with which we would wish to be treated, and dwell in harmony as much as is possible. After all, we, too, are really foreigners on this planet - passing through to our homeland, one that is fairer than day! (Faith Trussell)
O Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land,
As on thy highest mount, I stand,
I look away across the sea,
Where mansions are prepared for me,
And view the shining glory shore,
My heaven, my home forever more!
- Edgar Page Stites
While we are living as foreigners, may all whose paths we cross see Jesus in us!
This devotional is the Monday, October 9, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Fulfilling God’s Purpose
Lesson 7 - October 15, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 11:31-12:9
Central Truth: God’s divine purpose is fulfilled by man’s obedience to God’s will.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify blessings that result from obedience to God.
Lesson Outline:
- God's Call (Genesis 11:31-12:1)
- God's Covenant (Genesis 12:2-3)
- Abram's Obedience (Genesis 12:4-9)