Hardships Proverbs 31:1-9 Ed Hatch, Pastor Palermo Christian Church May 8, 2016
|
|
- Willa Hutchinson
- 7 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Hardships Proverbs 31:1-9 Ed Hatch, Pastor Palermo Christian Church May 8, 2016 Proverbs 31 (ESV) 1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Hardships If there ever was a mother who understood the hardships of combining marriage and motherhood, it was Bathsheba. Let me list some of the difficulties she faced. First, she had an affair with the king. Scripture doesn t indicate that the desire was equal on both sides of that relationship which makes it more than an affair. Second, that one-night-stand resulted in pregnancy. In that day it was awkward to say the least. Third, the pregnancy became a secret that she kept from her husband. He was probably clueless about the elephant in the room when he saw her.
2 Fourth, her husband died. He died in a military battle as a man of honor and integrity. Fifth, she remarried. The man she remarried was the king who got her pregnant and killed her husband. Imagine living with your husband s killer. Her child died soon after birth. Scripture records how difficult his son s death was for David, but her grief must have been even greater coming on the heels of her husband s death. Who knows if that death brought them closer together? The death of a child either brings a family together or tears them apart. They soon had a second son, Solomon. Solomon is the author of many of the Proverbs and became the king after his father, David, died. We have insight into Solomon s view of his parent s relationship. Proverbs 4:3 4 (ESV) 3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Solomon was a favorite of his mother. We can understand that. But he also was respectful of his father. Whatever hurt she had suffered at David s hands was not passed on to her child. That does not mean that she didn t try to direct her son s life. She constantly passed on life s lessons that came out of her own experiences. Every mother has them. Some of your mothers went through very trying times. Life was hard. They could identify in some way with Bathsheba.
3 Some of your mothers had a pretty good life. They feel for Bathsheba, but they have not had anywhere near as hard a life as Bathsheba or some other mothers. They have never lost a child, had an affair, been a single parent, been pregnant outside of marriage or anything like that. What both sets of mothers will do, however, is pass on life lessons to their children. On one hand they will want to teach them in such a way as to protect them from going through the same pain they went through. On the other hand, they will try to pass on those qualities that made their own home life so good. Children, listen to your mothers. I hear people say, We all have to experience life for ourselves. We all go through times of rebellion. That s a lie! The ones who go through hard times are the ones who won t listen and won t learn. The children who end up doing things they regret are often the ones who had to find out for themselves if a hot stove would really burn them. Children, listen to your mothers. They would not be trying so hard to keep you from doing what they did if it wasn t for the fact that what they did hurt them deeply. It s hard to imagine, but imagine you must! Your parents were your age, thought what you thought, got into trouble and want to keep you from trouble. They love you. They at the very least deserve a listen! Children listen to your mothers. Their lives were good. There is a reason why their lives were good. Some of it was outside of their control. But they had good parents, grandparents, mothers and fathers who did things right. Don t dismiss their talk. Why do you have to go on a different path if the path they are leading you is a good one?
4 Many of us remember the lessons our mother s taught us. Wear clean underwear. You never know when you are going to be in an accident. Eat your vegetables. Wait until marriage before you become sexually active. Choose friends who have a future. When we see how hard life was for Bathsheba, what do you think were the life lessons she passed on to Solomon? Proverbs 31:1 speak of a king Lemuel. We don t know anything about him. History doesn t record him as king of any place. Some translations say Massa but that place has never been clearly identified. The early rabbi s thought that King Lemuel was actually King Solomon. We don t know for sure if it was, but I am making that assumption this morning for the following purposes. First, it preaches well. Second, with the high respect that Solomon had for both David and Bathsheba, what King Lemuel says would reminded everyone of David and Bathsheba s darkest hours. He may have changed the names to protect the guilty. Third, Lemuel means, Dedicated to God. Solomon was dedicated to God. The vows mentioned in verse 2 would reinforce this.
5 Proverbs 31:1 9 (ESV) 1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Before we look at the life lessons, let s look at what Bathsheba, King Lemuel or Solomon s mother, was most concerned about. Verse 3 shows that she is concerned about his kingship. She does not want him to be destroyed as king. Verse 5 shows that she is concerned about his kingship. She doesn t want him to pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Verse 8-9 shows that she is concerned about his kingship. She wants him to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the destitute, for the poor and needy. In other words, she wants her son to be all that God called him to be. Solomon was chosen by God and given great wisdom. He had tremendous potential to really impact a lot of people. His mother knew this. She wanted him to excel in his God-given task. When we think of all that went wrong, we have to understand that Bathsheba was also the object of grace. God spared her life, gave her a good home, and gifted her with a wise and loving son.
6 God wants to give you a gift. That gift is the gift of forgiveness, the gift of strength, the gift of eternal life. The gift is Jesus. He forgives, he gives us strength in this life and secures our position in the next. Bathsheba gives Solomon some life lessons that are good for us as well. The first lesson we learn is that we can be destroyed if we have a wrong focus. 3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. The trap a king can fall into is to use his power, his position, and his strength to get women. But if that is what he wants, if that is his focus, then that focus will destroy him. Bathsheba knew. What was the one black mark on David s life: His affair with Bathsheba and the killing of Uriah her husband. Why did this happen? During the time of year that kings were off to war, David was at home admiring the view from the rooftop. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up doing the wrong thing. Bathsheba knew the power that a woman can have on a man. There are many Christian men or women who have dated and married someone who was not a Christian. What was the result? They may have had a happy marriage, but it was rare that that couple lived a life built on the Lord Jesus Christ. If you focus is on Jesus, don t let someone of the opposite sex take that focus away.
7 Solomon was different from his father in that he didn t kill men to take their wives. But Solomon was known for the number of wives and concubines he had. What does the Bible say was the problem? These women turned his heart away from God. When his heart moved away from God, it destroyed his ability to reign as king. He could still fight wars and make decisions. But when a man s heart turns away from God he loses the eternal perspective. He loses the love for God and love for others that mean so much to God. He stops thinking about love and justice. He is more interested in pleasing the flesh. He is willing to compromise his morals to do so. The second lesson that we learn from King Lemuel s instruction from his mother is that drugs destroy the ability to make good decisions. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Alcohol abuse affects decision-making. A king who takes strong drink will forget what has been decreed and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted. We do not know the role alcohol played in this whole scenario with David and Bathsheba. David did not have a reputation as a drunken king. Read the book of Esther to find Ahazaraus who had continual drunken feasts that lasted for days. But it is not hard to picture that alcohol may have played a role in that whole episode. King Lemuel s mother warns him that drugs affect one s ability to think clearly and make good decisions. The decisions that the king makes affect all of his subjects. You cannot help others if you are not thinking straight.
8 Under the influence of alcohol, people s ability to process information is diminished. Young people read the newspapers. How many accidents happen when someone is drinking and driving? How many men are in court for fighting or beating up their girlfriends while under the influence of alcohol? How many times are people the victims of rape or abuse where drugs are involved? I dare you to pick up a paper and record the number that show up in one week! Let me put it this way. Some of you are going to play the fool and say, I will go out, get drunk, and have someone else drive. You will experience the buzz, the good feeling, and an artificial high. Others will say, I want to live for God. I want to be under the Spirit s control. I want a clear head at all times so that I can do what God wants and be what God wants. I want to bring every thought captive to Christ, not captive to some stupid drug. She goes on to tell him an appropriate place to help someone. If people are dying, don t make it hard. 6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. If someone is going to a temporary crisis, drug relief is available if they are in bitter distress. One of the life lessons from my mother was not to drink. When I was a child, she dedicated me according to the dedication of the Nazarite vow, which included no drinking. She cried when she heard I had communion wine at Camp Berea in New Hampshire.
9 What I didn t know was that my father was a wonderful man when he was drinking. He would give people the shirt of his back, the money in his pocket. But when he returned home and the guilt of the neglect of his family, the poverty and pressure of the bills, the disapproval of my mother, all exploded on her. My mother never put my father down even though he abused her and abandoned her when I was about three. Like Bathsheba, she had experienced real pain in her life. Like Bathsheba, she passed on a major life lesson to me. I don t drink because I am a Christian. I don t drink out of respect for my mother and the awareness that alcoholism is passed on from one generation to the next. Some things my father did, I admire. But this is one area in which I don t want to be like him. I am more susceptible to the negative influences of alcohol because of what my father did. And neither did my mother. That is why she passed on this life lesson to me. Justice was perverted when David concocted the scheme to cover up his sin. How could Bathsheba refuse to come when the king of the nation demanded her presence? Who was the destitute, the poor and needy, the one the king should have protected? What was Uriah to do when the king calls him home from the war and then sends him back with his own death warrant in his hand? The very subjects that should have been protected by the king, he manipulated and used for his own purposes. God is blessed when Christian children grow up to be men and women of integrity, who treat others right and who are willing to stand up for the poor and oppressed. It is the very nature of Jesus to identify with those that others ignored. For those with the spirit of God in their hearts will go to the sinner, the sick, the broken, the poor, the one that no one else pays any attention to with grace and truth.
10 Children, listen to your mothers. They may not feel free to tell you why they do what they do or say what they say. But be smart and listen. You don t know the hidden hurt or the great joy that lies behind their words. You don t know what they have seen or gone through. They may not even know how to tell you. But honor them by listening. Many of you who are here today do not have children. But we have all had mothers. No matter our age, most of us hear their voices ringing in our ears. God has used them in our lives. It was God that designed the family to have a father and mother to raise children. Whether your home is intact, broken, or yet to be, listen and learn. I don t know if King Lemuel s oracle from his mother stops at verse 9 or verse 10. But from what I read, his mother fit the bill in spite of her hardships. 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. I also know that Solomon loved his mother. So take a moment today to let your mother know you love her. If she is no longer alive, take a moment to think about the life lessons she taught you and thank God for her.
11 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Duties of a Husband. Lesson
Lesson 6 Duties of a Husband A happy young man hurried home to his parents to share with them the good news that his girl friend had promised to marry him. But the father, rather than responding as his
More informationLESSON TITLE: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha THEME: Jesus wants us to spend time with \ Him. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42
Devotion NT249 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha THEME: Jesus wants us to spend time with \ Him. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time
More informationTHEME: We should take every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.
Devotion NT307 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Paul Goes Before Agrippa THEME: We should take every opportunity to tell others about Jesus. SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:13 26:32 Dear Parents
More informationTHEME: Jesus knows all about us and He loves us.
Devotion NT224 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Woman at the Well THEME: Jesus knows all about us and He loves us. SCRIPTURE: John 4:1-42 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!
More informationDevotion NT273 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Garden of Gethsemane. THEME: We always need to pray! SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:39-53
Devotion NT273 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Garden of Gethsemane THEME: We always need to pray! SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:39-53 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible Time
More informationWILL WE BE MARRIED IN THE LIFE AFTER DEATH?
Explanatory Notes: WILL WE BE MARRIED IN THE LIFE AFTER DEATH? Series title: Topic: Marriage in heaven / heaven as a marriage Table of Contents: Message 1: What is the Life after Death Like? p. 1 Message
More informationLESSON TITLE: Taming the Tongue. THEME: God wants us to watch what we say. SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:
Devotion NT349 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Taming the Tongue THEME: God wants us to watch what we say. SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! Bible
More informationCATECHISM (adopted 2008) FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH
(from 2008 preliminary minutes page 183) CATECHISM (adopted 2008) FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH 1. Who is God? God is the one living, active Creator of all that is, seen and unseen. 2.
More informationMarriage 1. Marriage was instituted and designed by God. Gen. 2:18 25.
Marriage 1. Marriage was instituted and designed by God. Gen. 2:18 25. 2. At the heart of marriage is companionship and intimacy, which both husband and wife must promote. Gen. 2:18, 24. And the Lord God
More informationLESSON TITLE: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
Devotion NT257 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus THEME: Jesus always has time for us! SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:46-52 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!
More informationTHEME: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us.
Devotion NT285 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Day of Pentecost THEME: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. Dear Parents SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-41 Dear Parents, Welcome
More informationOVERCOMING THE FEAR OF REJECTION Series: Freedom From Your Fears - Part 7 of 10
Series: Freedom From Your Fears - Part 7 of 10 Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety. (Living Bible) INTRODUCTION Today we're looking at the Fear of Rejection.
More informationWELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY
WELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband
More informationLesson 6: Solomon Writes Many Proverbs
Lesson 6: Solomon Writes Many Proverbs Bible Point: Wisdom means following God s word. 1 Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1:1-7 Key Verse: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy
More informationMain Point: God gives each of us gifts and abilities. We should use them to glorify Him.
The Ten Talents Matthew 18:21-35 PPT Title The Ten Talents Main Point: God gives each of us gifts and abilities. We should use them to glorify Him. Key Verse: God s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each
More informationThe Fruit of the Spirit is Love
The Fruit of the Spirit is Love Pre-Session Warm Up (Galatians 5:22-23) Today we are going to learn more about the fruit of the Spirit called, Love. What do you think of when you hear the word love? A
More informationLESSON TITLE: The Last Supper. Maidens. THEME: Jesus is the Passover lamb. SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-10 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:
Devotion NT269 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Maidens LESSON TITLE: The Last Supper THEME: Jesus is the Passover lamb. SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-10 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible
More informationMARY PONDERS, DO WE?
MARY PONDERS, DO WE? The Word of God on this Christmas Day is Luke 2:19 which reads: And Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. So far the text. The glory of God has been revealed,
More informationDevotion NT347 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Hall of Faith. THEME: God wants us to trust Him. SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1-40
Devotion NT347 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Hall of Faith THEME: God wants us to trust Him. SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1-40 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! This is a
More informationLESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone. THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Dear Parents
Devotion NT328 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! This
More informationOur Lady Invites Us To Wake Up From Our Spiritual Coma - Medjugorje.com
Medjugorje visionary, Ivan, speaking to several thousand pilgrims today, August 18, 2010. Ivan was given special instructions from Our Lady concerning the youth and family. Being married to an American
More informationLESSON TITLE: The House Built on the Rock
Devotion NT227 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The House Built on the Rock THEME: We must hear and do the Word of God. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:24-29 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time
More informationDevotion NT267 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Second Coming. THEME: Jesus is coming again. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:27-31
Devotion NT267 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Second Coming THEME: Jesus is coming again. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:27-31 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible Time for
More informationTHEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love!
Devotion NT320 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Gift of Love THEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time
More informationLESSON TITLE: The Great Commandment. THEME: Love is the fulfillment of the Law. SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-34 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:
Devotion NT264 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Great Commandment THEME: Love is the fulfillment of the Law. SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-34 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids.
More informationThrough the Bible Series: Esslesiastes
t Through the Bible Series: Esslesiastes Book of Esslesiastes Items Needed! Bible with marked scripture! Crayons/Pencils/Markers! Copies of Word Trace! Copies of Coloring Sheet! Copies of Take Home Overview
More informationPRAYING FOR OTHER PEOPLE
PRAYING FOR OTHER PEOPLE SESSION ONE HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHER PEOPLE When friends get together, they talk about their problems. Sometimes your friends will share with you about their own personal difficulties
More informationCalifornia Treasures High-Frequency Words Scope and Sequence K-3
California Treasures High-Frequency Words Scope and Sequence K-3 Words were selected using the following established frequency lists: (1) Dolch 220 (2) Fry 100 (3) American Heritage Top 150 Words in English
More informationLESSON TITLE: Spiritual Gifts. THEME: God gives us all different gifts to serve Him and to serve others! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40
Devotion NT319 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Spiritual Gifts THEME: God gives us all different gifts to serve Him and to serve others! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40 Dear
More informationKing Solomon. ~ Philip Graham Ryken Crossway, 2011 254 pages
King Solomon The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power ~ Philip Graham Ryken Crossway, 2011 254 pages Take-Aways Neither a successful beginning nor a strong mid-life can insulate you from failure later
More informationTHEME: Jesus wants us to show love and mercy towards others.
Devotion NT248 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Good Samaritan THEME: Jesus wants us to show love and mercy towards others. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:25-37 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible
More informationFirst Holy Communion Prep Game
ST. JOAN OF ARC ACADEMY S First Holy Communion Prep Game Learning the CatechismThrough Play directions Game pieces needed to play: 1 game board 1 set of questions 1 dice (1-4) game pieces (button, dime,
More informationSection # 5: THERE IS STILL HOPE
14 Section # 5: THERE IS STILL HOPE Discussion Guide Read to the Group: Adam and Eve made themselves a covering of fig leaves in order to make themselves presentable to, but refused to accept that clothing.
More informationTHE FORGIVING FATHER
BOOK 1, PART 3, LESSON 4 THE FORGIVING FATHER THE BIBLE: Luke 15:11-32 THEME: We can discover what Jesus wants us to do and be by hearing the parables Jesus told. PREPARING FOR THE LESSON MAIN IDEA: Jesus
More informationTHEME: God has a calling on the lives of every one of His children!
Devotion NT298 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Paul s First Missionary Journey THEME: God has a calling on the lives of every one of His children! SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:25 13:52 Dear Parents
More informationKNOWING GOD PERSONALLY
KNOWING GOD PERSONALLY These four points explain how you can enter into a personal relationship with God and experience the life for which you were created... GOD LOVES YOU AND CREATED YOU TO KNOW 1HIM
More informationHow to Simplify Your Life
Life Reference: Matthew 6:24-34 Focus Verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Stuff! Wonderful stuff everywhere!
More informationThe Holy See PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER. B. Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Saturday, 26 September 2015
The Holy See APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO CUBA, TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND VISIT TO THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS (19-28 SEPTEMBER 2015) PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE FESTIVAL OF
More informationWhat is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Prov. 25:25 I t e m s N e e d e d Bible with marked scripture Pencils/Crayons/Markers Copies of coloring sheet Copies of tracing page Copies of take home overview What
More informationTHEME: Jesus wants us to grow in Him and be holy.
Devotion NT350 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Be Holy THEME: Jesus wants us to grow in Him and be holy. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:13-2:12 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! This
More informationThe Role of the Church in Today s Society
CHURCH What is the Role of the Church in Today s Society? 1 The Role of the Church in Today s Society Ephesians 3:10 INTRODUCTION: A. Familiar sayings in threes... 1. Ready... Set... Go 2. Hop... Skip...
More informationJesus and the Counsellor in John s Gospel
Jesus and the Counsellor in John s Gospel In Jesus farewell speech, recorded in John s Gospel (chapters 13-17) Jesus introduces the disciples to one he calls the Counsellor. This Counsellor (the name itself
More informationLESSON TITLE: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Devotion NT255 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard THEME: God is more concerned with our heart s attitude than our service. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:1-16
More informationSelf-imposed Curses Psalm 34:13 - Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Power of Your Spoken Words - Sins of the Tongue Introduction: the tongue is powerful and we can use it for good or for evil. (God s word tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue) We know
More informationThe Example of Godly Women
The Example of Godly Women Proverbs 31:30 Thesis: To discuss the important roles and influence Godly women have in our lives. 1. Mother s Day is a very unique holiday. It is the one day in America we stop
More informationLESSON TITLE: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Devotion NT271 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life THEME: We can always trust Jesus. SCRIPTURE: John 14:1-6 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time
More informationLESSON TITLE: A Story about Investing. THEME: We should share the love of Jesus! SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:11-27 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:
Devotion NT258 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: A Story about Investing THEME: We should share the love of Jesus! SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:11-27 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!
More informationTHEME: God tells us how we can be leaders in His church.
Devotion NT338 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: So You Want to Be a Leader? THEME: God tells us how we can be leaders in His church. SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Dear Parents Welcome
More informationFamily Responsibilities
Family Responsibilities Chapter 37 Responsibilities of the Parents What responsibilities do husbands and wives share in raising their children? Each person has an important place in his or her family.
More informationBible Study 87. God Wants Your Love
We human beings are the only ones, of all God s creations, that He created in His own image, (Gen. 1:27), because He wants our love. We are the only ones who can respond to His love and return it. He gave
More informationHearing the Voice of God
Life Reference: John 10:1-5 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). I looked in the mirror this morning. Did I see a sweet young thing looking back at me? No I saw my
More informationDid you know that more than 50% of the folks who call themselves Catholic choose not to believe what is really the heart of our faith?
The Body and Blood of Christ? Really! Did you know that more than 50% of the folks who call themselves Catholic choose not to believe what is really the heart of our faith? You may have forgotten why we
More informationGod Gives Moses the Ten Commandments
Gospel Story Curriculum (OT) PRESCHOOL Lesson 34 God Gives Moses the Ten Commandments Exodus 20:1 24 24 Bible Truth God demands perfect obedience l e s s o n snapshot 1. Opening Activity and Introduction....
More informationWhat Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue?
TONGUE What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue? 1 What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue? 2 Timothy 1:13 INTRODUCTION: A. Lesson Texts: 1. 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which
More informationTable of Contents. 1) Purpose of the Doctrine Survey. 2) Gospel Review. 3) Obedience. 4) Scripture. 5) Holy Spirit. 6) Prayer. 7) Christian Community
Doctrine Survey Table of Contents 1) Purpose of the Doctrine Survey 2) Gospel Review 3) Obedience 4) Scripture 5) Holy Spirit 6) Prayer 7) Christian Community 8) Evangelism 9) Eternal Perspective 10) Accountability
More informationWHY WIVES FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS Sylvester Onyemalechi
WHY WIVES FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS Sylvester Onyemalechi It is common knowledge that Men head their homes and their wives are supposed to submit to their headship of the homes. The
More informationLove the Lord your God... with all your mind. Mathew 22:37
This game has been played in various settings in different countries. You are guaranteed to find treasure because you will be looking in the right place the hearts of Christians. TREASURE HUNT Treasure
More informationOrdinary Moments of Grace
Ordinary Moments of Grace To everything there is a time and a season for every purpose under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to sow and a time to reap. A time to laugh and a time to
More informationLIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of. Luke. Lesson 13 Journey to the Cross: Jesus is Arrested/ Peter Denies Jesus
LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of Luke Lesson 13 Journey to the Cross: Jesus is Arrested/ Peter Denies Jesus Luke 22:31-34;47 34;47-71 71 Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex Curriculum/Life of Christ/Gospel
More informationRole of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5
Role of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5 Summary The aim of this study is to help us think about relationships between men and women. It is meant to get us thinking about how we should behave in intimate
More informationYour Strength Comes from God
Your Strength Comes from God Through God s Word, we are allowed the opportunity to see several Bible characters go through difficult times in their lives. Even Jesus, Himself, experienced challenging times
More information9 Days of Revolutionary Prayer for Your Girl
9 Days of Revolutionary Prayer for Your Girl Day 1: He Wants Her Welcome to 9 Days of Revolutionary Prayer for Your Girl your daughter, or the girl you are seeking to mentor. Each day of prayer coincides
More informationDivorce For Multiple Causes?
Divorce For Multiple Causes? Introduction. Of all of the different ideas on divorce and remarriage, one has become more prominent in just the last few years. Several brethren are advocating that a man
More informationBible Verses About Love:
Bible Verses About Love: The Bible is full of great verses and passages about the topic of love. God s love for us is a perfect example and starting place to study on love. There are also great verses
More informationKidSlot #15 Forgiving Others
KidSlot #15 Forgiving Others Lessons are available at http://www.yorkalliance.org/resources/kidslot for you to print copies of the necessary materials for each child in your group. Materials Needed Skit
More informationJesus Parables in Chronological Order. Parable #46 ~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~ The Sheep and the Goats ~ Scripture
Jesus Parables in Chronological Order Parable #46 ~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~ The Sheep and the Goats ~ Scripture 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he 32 will sit on his
More informationSolomon is a Wise King
1 Kings 3 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." 6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant,
More informationHow To Develop Devotional Plan For Your Life
How To Develop Devotional Plan For Your Life Daily devotions is a phrase used to describe the discipline of Bible reading and prayer with which Christians start or end their day. Bible reading can take
More informationParable of The Prodigal Son
Parable of The Prodigal Son Teacher Pep Talk: Children need to know that they are loved unconditionally. In fact, we all need to know it! In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus assures us that God will
More informationOld Testament Reading #1. A reading from the book of Job (19:23-27)
Old Testament Reading #1 A reading from the book of Job (19:23-27) Job answered and said: Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with iron chisel and
More informationPearls Proverbs. from V ALERIE WILSON. REGULAR BAPTIST PRESS 1300 North Meacham Road Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4806
Pearls Proverbs from V ALERIE WILSON REGULAR BAPTIST PRESS 1300 North Meacham Road Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4806 PEARLS FROM PROVERBS 2000 Regular Baptist Press Schaumburg, Illinois 1-800-727-4440 All
More informationLINA AND HER NURSE. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNI0 N, 200 MULBERRY-STREET, N. Y.
LINA AND HER NURSE. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNI0 N, 200 MULBERRY-STREET, N. Y. LINA AND HER NURSE. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION, 200 MULBERRY-STREET, NEW YORK. LINA AND HER NURSE. L INA lived away in that land of the East
More informationThe Gift That Keeps On Giving December 24, 2013
Luke 2:1-20 The Gift That Keeps On Giving December 24, 2013 This is one of the most wonderful times of the year it s Christmas Eve and many are waiting with anticipation to see what gifts we get. Many
More informationJesus at the Temple (at age 12)
Jesus at the Temple (at age 12) Teacher Pep Talk: Twelve sounds so grown up, especially when you are a Little Guy! But to us adults, 12 seems really young to be doing some of the things Jesus was doing
More informationHow to. in the LORD. by Jeff Doles. David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30.6 KJV)
How to Encourage Yourself in the LORD by Jeff Doles David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30.6 KJV) DAVID AND HIS BAND OF SOLDIERS HAD JUST RETURNED HOME TO ZIKLAG, only to find that
More informationFollowing the Wise Men What s Your Star? Matthew 2:1-12
1 Natalie W. Bell January 4, 2015 Epiphany Sunday Following the Wise Men What s Your Star? Matthew 2:1-12 Has anything grabbed your attention lately? What was it? And could it be God could God be using
More informationThe Gospel Plan of Salvation
The Gospel Plan of Salvation GOD S PART 1. The great love of God for man (John 3:16) 2. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Saviour (Luke 19:10) 3. Sent the Holy Spirit as a guide (John 16:13) 4. Gave
More informationThe Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of Jesus Teacher Pep Talk: Teaching about the Baptism of Jesus is really important and can be a lot of fun. There is so much to learn about it! Be sure to adjust the lesson to relate to the
More informationLIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of
LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of Mark Lesson 40 The greatest commandment Mark 12:28-34 Created for use with young, unchurched learners Adaptable for all ages including adults Mission Arlington/Mission
More informationGod s Mission for My Life: Rick Warren: Principal #5
God s Mission for My Life: Rick Warren: Principal #5 Jesus: In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. John 17:18 (The Message) The most important thing
More informationHome Is Where The Heart Is
Home Is Where The Heart Is Where is your heart? Is it where you are, or is it out searching for a relationship to fulfill you? Is your heart into making a home for yourself and your children, or is it
More informationPrecious Pilgrim, Have you ever had a statement that stuck to you? Such has
Come Holy Spirit May You be glorified through these words, Lord Jesus Precious Pilgrim, Have you ever had a statement that stuck to you? Such has been the case for these words: It is what it i s. Thi s
More informationWhereas I was Blind, Now I See. John 9: 1-11; 25
Whereas I was Blind, Now I See John 9: 1-11; 25 We all know that great hymn well: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now I m found; was blind, but now
More informationUnited Church of God An International Association. Level 2 Unit 4 Week 4 EIGHTH COMMANDMENT AND TENTH COMMANDMENT
United Church of God An International Association SABBATH S CHOOL Preteen Sabbath Instruction Program Teacher s Outline Level 2 Unit 4 Week 4 EIGHTH COMMANDMENT AND TENTH COMMANDMENT OBJECTIVE: To show
More informationOpening Prayers Opening Prayer Opening Prayer Opening Prayer
s Lord, let us not dwell in the past, nor worry about the future. We cannot undo what is done. We cannot foresee what will come. Let us instead dwell in your peace, love and be loved, heal and be healed.
More information"God's Wisdom Revealed to All (Ephesians 3:7-20)
"God's Wisdom Revealed to All (Ephesians 3:7-20) by Rev. Jackie Stoneman Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Ephesians that he is in fact a prisoner. Because he has been preaching to the Gospel especially
More informationStep 10: How to develop and use your testimony to explain the gospel?
Liberty University DigitalCommons@Liberty University Discipleship Materials Center for Global Ministries 2009 Step 10: How to develop and use your testimony to explain the gospel? Don Fanning Liberty University,
More informationWhat are you. worried about? Looking Deeper
What are you worried about? Looking Deeper Looking Deeper What are you worried about? Some of us lie awake at night worrying about family members, health, finances or a thousand other things. Worry can
More informationJob s Faith, Part 4 Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar
Job s Faith, Part 4 Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar We re going to look a little closer at Job s three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Remember, they had good intentions, but they misapplied or misused
More informationThe Story of the Titanic Called "Lost or Saved?"
The Story of the Titanic Called "Lost or Saved?" Introduction: Good afternoon everyone, my name is. Today I am here using this sketch board to share with you a great message. I would like to talk to you
More informationJesus is The Way. A copy of the activity sheet for each child A hole-punch Crayons, scissors, yarn, and double-sided tape Duct tape for one activity
Jesus is The Way Teacher Pep Talk: How do we get to heaven? It seems like such a simple question, and it deserves a straightforward answer. Jesus gave that answer to His disciples on the night before His
More informationThe Temptation of Jesus
The Temptation of Jesus Jesus gave us an example of how to use God s Word when we are tempted. (Matthew 4:1-11) After being baptized, Jesus was led immediately into the wilderness by the Spirit of God
More information13. Jesus is Anointed by Mary
13. Jesus is Anointed by Mary Studying God s Word Bible Reference John 12: 1-8 Memory Verse Psalm 116:12 How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? Bible Background In all four Gospels we find
More informationCover 2 Cover By Sharon Kay Chatwell
Cover 2 Cover By Sharon Kay Chatwell OVERVIEW: SKIT written for teens and college age students. 6 Actors minimum 3 Main Characters with multiple lines. Additional Characters with a few lines each. This
More informationOUR LIFE WITH JESUS. Faith and Life Series 3. Third Edition
OUR LIFE WITH JESUS Faith and Life Series 3 Third Edition Contents Note to Parents... 7 1. God Loves Us... 9 2. God Created the World... 13 3. Learning about God.... 17 4. The Promise of a Savior... 23
More informationGreetings, Blessings, Scott DeWitt Director of Spiritual Outreach Casas por Cristo
Team Devotional Greetings, Welcome to Casas por Cristo! If you are reading this, then more than likely you are embarking on a week-long adventure serving our Lord and Savior along the U.S. / México border
More informationC-14: God Created the World and People Spoiled It
Title: GOD CREATED THE WORLD AND PEOPLE SPOILED IT Theme / Bible Basis: Review of Genesis 1-11 Bible Reading: Psalm 148, NLT Introduction: In our recent messages, we have read together from several stories
More informationDealing with Divorce Matt 5:31-32, Matt 19:1-10, 1 Cor 7:10-16
Dealing with Divorce Matt 5:31-32, Matt 19:1-10, 1 Cor 7:10-16 Friends, there was a particular Sunday on which it is reported that Calvin Coolidge, the 30 th President of the United States was said to
More informationFOUNDER S DAY. Adult Lesson
African Methodist Episcopal Church FOUNDER S DAY Adult Lesson GOD CALLS: THE PEOPLE RESPOND By Shirley Richards, Assst. District Superintendent South Philadelphia District FOCUS: Following God s Leadership.
More informationJesus Came to Earth to Destroy the Works of the Devil JOHN PIPER Why Christmas Happened Jesus Incarnation and Our Regeneration The Great Love of God
Jesus Came to Earth to Destroy the Works of the Devil JOHN PIPER Why Christmas Happened Two times in 1 John 3:1-10 we are told why Christmas happened that is, why the eternal, divine Son of God came into
More information