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Was anyone allowed to enter the kings gate in sackcloth? Esther promised to ____________________________ for her people. Who was hung on Haman’s gallows? LESSON: It is interesting to read the Bible and see God at work in the lives of individuals. You can see him working throughout history and you can see him at work today in the lives of people and events. Prayer: Father, I know that you are at work in the lives of people, and you are at work in my life. Amen. 
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Did the king love Esther above all others? Yes or No? Vashti refused to obey the _________________________ Did Mordecai save the king’s life? Yes or No? LESSON: We too often think of God in terms of do’s and don’ts. But God is a God of love. We see this as he works in the lives of people. He loves each of us and he desires to bless us. Do we love him? Prayer: Lord, I feel the love you have for me and I rejoice in that love. Lord, I love you, too. Amen.  JESUS! WHATA FRIEND FOR SINNERS
Jesus! What a friend for sinners! Jesus! lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior makes me whole. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end. Jesus! What a strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him; Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He, my strength, my vic’try wins. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end. Jesus! What a help in sorrow! While the billows o’er me roll, Even when my heart is breaking, He, my comfort, helps my soul. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end. Jesus! What a guide and keeper! While the tempest still is high, Storms about me, night o’er takes me, He, my pilot, hears my cry. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end. Jesus! I do now receive Him, more than all in Him I find, He hath granted me forgiveness, lam His, and He is mine. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end How many sons of Perez dwelt in Jerusalem? What did Nehemiah do when he found out Eliashib had built a room for Tobiah in the temple? What did Nehemiah do to prevent the transport and sale of goods on the Sabbath? LESSON: God expected his people to work hard. He expected them to be faithful in worship. He expected them to be their best. And you know what? God has not changed. So, how is it with you? Prayer: God, help me not to be lazy, but to work hard and serve you faithfully. Amen.   How long did they read the Book of the Law (Ch. 9)?
God led the children of Israel by the ________________in the night.(9-12) The children of Israel were commanded to bring the first fruits into the House of the Lord. T/F LESSON: Note that God always gave the best to his people. In return they were to give their best. As the song writer wrote, “Give of your best to the Master.” Are you giving God your best? Prayer: Lord God, thank you for always blessing me. Help me to love and serve you. Amen. MISSED BLESSINGS Have you heard the story about Mr. Jones, who dies and goes to heaven? When he arrives, St Peter is waiting at the Pearly Gates and takes Mr. Jones on a tour of heaved. Mr. Jones is awestruck. The streets are paved with gold, beautiful mansions glisten in the sunshine, choirs of angels sing the most beautiful songs. Part way through his tour of heaven, Mr. Jones’ eye is drawn to an odd looking building, an enormous warehouse with no windows and just one door. What an odd structure for heaven! “You don’t really want to see what’s in there” says St Peter. “But I do, I do” says Mr. Jones. He races across the lawn and pushes open the door to discover rows and rows of shelves, floor to ceiling. Stacked on the shelves are thousands of white boxes. The boxes all have names on them. “Is there one with my name on it?” asks Mr. Jones as he rushes to the “J” aisle. He finds the box with his name on it and opens it up. His mouth drops, his pulse quickens, and finally he says to Peter, “What are all these wonderful things inside my box? Are they the good things in store for me now I’ve reached heaven?” “No,” replies St Peter. “They’re all the blessings God wanted to give you while you were alive on earth, but which you never received.” A sad look came over Mr Jones. He looked into the box, to St Peter and then back to the box. “Why?” he asked St Peter. “Why did I miss out on all these blessings?” Well, that’s a long story..." replied St Peter. Story adapted from Bruce Wilkerson, The Prayer of Jabez Nehemiah found Jerusalem was somewhat hard to defend because the people within it were ______________________and the city was large. Where did the law say they should live during the Feast of the Seventh Month? How long was the feast? LESSON: It is interesting to note that even when they were very busy rebuilding the wall, they still needed time to worship. We are busy today but we need to take time to worship. Prayer: My Father, help me to not get so busy that I do not have time for you. Amen.   What did the people who weren’t working do to give protection?
Nehemiah served as governor for ___________________without pay. How long did it take to rebuild the wall? LESSON: Notice that when the people worked to rebuild in a difficult time, they cooperated together. Everyone had a job to do and they did it. Likewise, we need to labor together to do our part and help others when we can. Prayer: Dear God, I will do my part, and I will seek to work with others when possible. Amen. THE ROSETTO EFFECT In the early 1960’s, a doctor told the Head of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma that heart disease seemed much less prevalent in the town of Rosetto than in its neighbor, Bangor. This set in motion some remarkable research. Rosetto was a town of 1,600 Italian-Americans. Every home in the town had three generations living in it and the sense of community was very tight. Teams of medical researchers spent time in Rosetto trying to determine why the rate of heart attack was so much lower than nearby Bangor. There were many different comparisons made--diet, genes, physical environment. In the end, health officials tracked the secret to good health in Rosetto to a close sense of community, very strong bonds of family and friendship. The head of the research team wrote in his report: “In terms of preventing heart disease, it’s just possible that morale is more important than jogging or not eating butter.” Interestingly, the initial research team predicted that the health benefits would diminish as successive generations ‘Americanized’ and lost their tight knit sense of community. A fifty-year study found their prediction to be accurate. Source: research reported in “The Roseto Effect: A 50-Year Comparison of Mortality Rates” American Journal of Public Health, 1992 What did Nehemiah do when he heard of the problems of the remnant in Jerusalem? What did Nehemiah begin rebuilding first? LESSON: This was a difficult time to begin rebuilding of the walls. God wanted it done regardless. There are many situations in life that we may find difficult. The question we need to ask is, “Does God want us to do it?” Prayer: Help me, Lord, to in the good times as well as in the serve you bad times. Amen.  How will you serve?
 The people caused Ezra to tear his clothes and pluck his hair because they wouldn’t separate themselves from the people of the lands. T/F
The priests rid themselves of their guilt by putting away alI their _____________ that were of the people of the land. Did Ezra mourn because of the transgressions of the people? Yes! No LESSON: Ezra looked at the sins of the people and he was disturbed about it. As we watch the news, we see the degradation of the world, but have we looked at our outlook on life. Are our lives adding to a better society? Prayer: Father, as I see the sin about me, help me to look at the sin in my own life, and be responsible for my own life. Amen HIDING IN THE ROCK OF AGES In Proverbs 30:26, we are told about an animal called a CONIE. This small animal is described as being the size of a large guinea pig and looks like a rabbit. Some say that it is a badger, while others identify it as being an animal called the hyrax that lives in Syria. Whatever kind of animal it is, the, Lord is calling our attention to it for a particular reason. Apparently, the CONIE is extremely vulnerable to attack by predators such as snakes, eagles, buzzards, lions and other wild beasts. Yet, the little CONIE is always able to survive and escape its enemies. He is able to do so because he lives in the clefts in the rocks of steep cliffs. The Bible tells us, “The conies are a feeble folk, yet make their houses in the rocks.” God’s children are very similar to the conies. We are susceptible to many dangers--disease, depression, temptation, wars, accidents, and threats--which surround us constantly. If only we could find a way to survive like the little conie. Well, we can! We, too, have a Rock in which to hide--the Lord Jesus Christ. Trusting Him doesn’t exempt us from life’s troubles, but it does give us protection, peace and strength. If the burdens of life are heavy upon you, look to Jesus Christ, our Rock of Ages.  How long was the Feast of Unleavened Bread kept?
What was the name of the king of Persia who gave Ezra a letter of commission? What was the name of the river where Ezra proclaimed a fast? Lesson: No matter what the situation, God still demanded that they worship and serve. The same is true today. In the good and in the bad we have a job to do and we have a God to serve. Prayer: Dear Father, help me to worship you in spirit and in truth. You are worthy. Amen A STORM IS COMING Several years ago, the sky darkened and howling winds drove the rain in sheets across the churning bay waters. A hurricane was approaching! All day long, radio and television stations broadcast instructions on how to guard against the destructive winds and surging tides of the storm. As people were frantically preparing for the storm, the thought occurred, “Why do folks take the warnings issued by the Weather Bureau so seriously, yet stubbornly refuse to hear God’s warnings in the Bible?” In His Word, the Lord has told us that a much greater disaster will come upon the earth. We are told that “the Day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” Yes, that day is coming. But there is a sure way of escaping God’s judgment. It’s found in Christ. Those who have placed their faith in him will have His peace here on earth, and we are assured of spending eternity with Him in heaven. Are you prepared? If not, ADMIT that you are a sinner; BELIEVE in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and ask Him to come into your heart; CONFESS your sins to Him. Jesus Christ can become YOUR Lord and Savior today--it’s that easy! In what month did the people gather themselves together as one man? Where did they get the cedar trees to build the temple? What was the name of the father of the Prophet Zechariah? Lesson: It took a long time finish the job. Sometimes we are given responsibilities that take a long time. This is when we need to stay committed and to build the Temple. Do your best today. Prayer: Lord God, regardless of the task or the situation, help me to keep on keeping on. Amen   Who was king of Persia? What was the name of the king of Babylon that had taken the children of Israel into captivity? How many from the children of Adin returned from captivity? Lesson: God finally said enough is enough. He gave the children of Israel the opportunity to turn to him. They refused and so God allowed them to go into captivity. Prayer: Lord, when I am wrong show me and may I have the wisdom to turn to you. Amen A DIVIDED HEART Many Christians enjoy sitting on the fence and flitting from one worldly pleasure to another. A divided heart only multiplies the problems of life. In the days of Hosea, the Israelites were trying to worship both pagan idols and our Heavenly Father. God had Hosea to condemn the people by telling them that their hearts were divided. Three colorful illustrations were used by the prophet as he spoke to the nation. First, Hosea said that they were like half-baked bread--compromising and favorable neither to God nor the idols. Secondly, they were like a proud man who was unaware of the depths of his spiritual decline. Third, they were like a wandering dove that was flying from one place to another in quest for food and never satisfied. Today as Christians, we are often afflicted with the same divided heart syndrome--we believe in Jesus, but we are reluctant to commit every area of our lives to Him. We go to church but don’t want to follow the Word each day if it deprives us of worldly pleasure or success. We must remember that a divided heart has serious consequences: (1) It prevents us from pleasing the Lord; (2) It keeps us from drawing others to trust in Jesus; (3) It destroys our testimony as Christians; and (4) It causes us to live unfulfilled lives. A close walk with Jesus daily will bring peace to your heart and divine blessings into your life. How old was Josiah when he began his reign? What did he attempt to do during his 18th year of his reign? How was Josiah killed? Lesson: We may not be kings but each of us have responsibilities. As such we should seek to do our best. In our profession we should seek to be the best and never lower our standards. Prayer: Dear Father, whatever you give me to do, help me to always do my best. Amen   What did the people destroy after the Passover?
What was the name of the king of Assyria who invaded Judah? How old was Manasseh when he began his reign? Lesson: An interesting study is to go through the Old Testament History and study the lives of the kings-the good and the evil ones. Then compare how God used the good rather the evil ones. Prayer: Father I thank you for good leaders and I will pray for the evil ones to turn to you. Amen ONE SOLITARY LIFE He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty, when public opinion turned against him. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never went to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things usually associated with greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He was only thirty-three. His friends ran away; one of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today, Jesus is the central figure of the human race, and the leader of mankind’s progress. All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever sailed, all the parliaments that have ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of mankind on earth as powerfully as that one solitary life. What did Hezekiah do the first year of his reign? In Chapter 30 what feast did they plan to celebrate? How many sheep did Hezekiah give for the sanctification of the Priest? Lesson: Hezekiah was a good king. He sought God in his decision. This is a lesson we need to learn and that is to seek God in all the decision we make. It would keep us out of a lot of trouble would it not? Prayer: Lord God, give us leaders who will be Godly and seek your leadership in their decisions. Amen  Who was the father of Uzziah? How old was Uzziah when he began to reign? How long did Jotham reign? Lesson: After a while history becomes boring to a lot of people, especially Old Testament history. However, there are many things to learn from history, especially Biblical history. Prayer: Father, create within me a desire to want to know more about your word. Amen  THE BIBLE
Old Brother Higgins built a shelf for the family bible to rest itself lest a sticky finger or grimy thumb might injure the delicate pages some. He cautioned his children to touch it not and it rested there with never a blot though the Higgins tribe were a troublesome lot. His neighbor, Miggins, built a shelf “Come children,” he said, “and help yourself.” His book is old and ragged and worn, with some of the choicest pages torn, where children have fingered and thumbed and read. But of the Miggins tribe I’ve heard it said, each carries a bible in his head. -unknown Who led the revolt against Athaliah? How old was Joash when he began to reign? How many years did Amaziah reign? Lesson: We do not see a big difference between the various kings. Occasionally one would rule good but most were evil. God is looking for someone today who will have the courage to stand for what is right. Prayer: Lord God, even if I stand alone, help me to stand for good and be opposed to evil. Amen   In Chapter 20 what did Jehoshaphat do when he heard that an army was coming to attack?
Who brought the message that Judah would be spared in the battle? Was king Jehoram buried in the City of David? Lesson: Once again we see God working in history. God was going to spare the life of Judah. Judah was the tribe and family that the Messiah was to come from. God works all things out. Prayer: Lord, I am grateful that you are working all things together for my good. Amen TRAGEDY OR BLESSING Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream. Clark and his wife worked and saved, making plans for their nine children and themselves to travel to the United States. It had taken years, but they had finally saved enoudh money and had gotten passports and reservations for the whole family on a new liner to the United States. The entire family was filled with anticipation and excitement about their new life. However, seven days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor sewed up the boy but hung a yellow sheet on the Clarks’ front door. Because of the possibility of rabies, they were being quarantined for fourteen days. The family’s dreams were dashed. They would not be able to make the trip to America as they had planned. The father, filled with disappointment and anger, stomped to the dock to watch the ship leave — without the Clark family. The father shed tears of disappointment and cursed both his son and God for their misfortune. Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland — the mighty Titanic had sunk. The unsinkable ship had sunk, taking hundreds of lives with it. The Clark family was to have been on that ship, but because the son had been bitten by a dog, they were left behind in Scotland. When Mr. Clark heard the news, he hugged his son and thanked him for saving the family. He thanked God for saving their lives and turning what he had felt was a tragedy into a blessing. Author Unknown Who became king after Asa? What was the name of the mother of the king Asa? Why was she removed as Queen? Lesson: It seemed like the people would learn after a while. The nations sinned-God judged. Over and over this happened. We need to learn from our mistakes as well as our sin. Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to learn from my mistakes. Help me grow in grace. Amen   How many soldiers of war did Rehoboam gather? Who was king of Egypt during this time? Where was king Abijah buried? Lesson: Even as today we see that there was greed and selfishness on the part of the various kings. They did not care for the people. If we were given that responsibility, how would we serve? Prayer: Father, whatever responsibility you give me, help me to serve with integrity. Amen THE NEED NEXT DOOR Paul Myers walked the church aisle one Sunday and responded to the call to be a missionary. But as the years passed, the doors never opened for him to serve the Lord in that manner and he was deeply distressed. But one night as Paul read his Bible, the HoIy Spirit spoke to his heart. The message he received from the Lord went something like this: He said, “Yes, Lord, I’ll go where you want me to go, and I’ll do H what you want me to do.” But how could I know as I knelt there that God would ask me to stay right where I was? I thought surely He would call me to China or to Africa’s far away shores. I was willing to sall over the ocean or to fly to the ends of the earth, but the Lord whispered, “I need you next door.” It’s the far away task that seems brightest and, of course, the grass always seems greener on the other side. But, how can God use any of us if we fail those we meet every day? It's so easy to look past our neighbor who has spiritual needs. Suddenly I realized that the Lord wanted me to fulfill the task of going next door and telling my neighbor about Jesus. It may be the only way they will ever be invited to come to Christ. So, I prayed, “Lord, forgive me for being like the Levites of old and pass by lost and suffering souls.” The Lord has given many Christians the same mission. Have you responded to His call? How many shields of gold did Solomon make? How long did Solomon reign? Where was Solomon buried? Lesson: By God’s help Solomon was able to complete the building of the Temple. No matter what task God has given us he will help us to complete it. In every area of our life let us seek him. Prayer: Lord help me to be the best reflection of You that I can and should be. Amen  AM I TRULY A REFLECTION OF JESUS CHRIST?
 Who gave the prayer of dedication for the temple? What was moved into the completed temple? List the four things required for forgiveness and blessings in II Chronicles? Lesson: God gives us a great promise: If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek his face and turn from our wicked ways then he would forgive... Prayer: Dear God remind me of your promise to forgive. Remind me of what I am to do. Amen SHOES ON THE MANTLEPIECE There was once a very poor orphan who wanted nothing more in the world than to belong to a family. Finally, his opportunity came. He was eight years old and a family wanted to adopt him! Introductions were made, papers were signed, and just 6 days after his eighth birthday he left for his new home. He took with him his hope and his possessions — the old worn and torn clothes he was wearing and a single soft toy. His new parents were excited to have him with them, and wanted him to feel like one of the family. A special celebration dinner was held, he was given his own room, and he was introduced to the other kids on the street. His new parents took those old clothes, threw them away and bought him beautiful new clothes. They bought him a bike and more toys, and pretty soon he began to feel just like all the other kids in the neighborhood, loved and part of a family. One thing, however, was curious. The young boy’s old shoes, the ones with the big holes in them, weren’t tossed out with the rest of his clothes. His new father placed them on the mantelpiece. It wasn’t long before the newly adopted son found out why. Every time that boy did something wrong his father would go and get those shoes and say “Look at all we’ve done for you. We took you in when you had nothing, but look at how you’ve behaved.” Unfortunately, we do the same thing all too often in our relationships. We dredge up the past and throw it back in someone’s face, never letting them forget how much they’re in our debt. Forgiveness means throwing out the shoes as well as the clothes, refusing to dredge up the past and make it a reason for action in the present. Who was king of Tyre during Solomon’s reign? On what mountain was the temple built? During what year of his reign did Solomon begin construction of the temple? Lesson: The building of the Temple was a tremendous undertaking. God had promised that He would be with them. But, he is also involved in the small activities. Even as you work today God is with you. Prayer: Father, I know that I can fulfill my responsibilities because you are there to help. Amen   Who did God choose to build the temple? Who became priest when Solomon became king? How many years did David reign? Lesson: Although David had sinned, he sought God with all his heart and God not only forgave him, but used him in a great and powerful way. Even as we labor in whatever season of life we are in, let us seek to be used of God. Prayer: Father, help me to seek you with a true heart, a whole heart and a sincere heart (and maybe with the heart of a child). Amen. THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THEOLOGY (as explained by children) The first book of the Bible is Guinessis, in which Adam & Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was called Joan of Ark. Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt by day and a ball of fire by night. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles. Unleavened bread is bread made without ingredients. Moses went to the top of Mt. Cyanide to get the 10 commandments. The 7th commandment is ‘Thou shalt not admit adultery.’ Joshua let the Hebrew in the battle of Geritol. David fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon had 300 wives and 700 porcupines. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption. The people who followed Jesus were called the 13 decibels. The Epistles were the wives of the Apostles. One of the opossums was St. Matthew. Paul preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage. A Godly person should have only one wife. This is called monotony. Who occupied the office of priest other than Ithamar? They used the spoils of war to maintain the House of the Lord T/F ____________________________ Who was given oversight over the treasures of the dedicated things? ____________________________ Lesson: It is amazing what the temple cost to build. Some may say that is a waste of money. However, it was an indication of their respect for God. They wanted His house to be the best. Prayer: Father you are worthy of the very best. Help me to give you first place. Amen.  HERE’S THE QUESTION:
Where is God in YOUR life?  Did God want David to number the people? How many choices were given to David? Who was given the responsibility to build the temple? Lesson: We need to note that when God needed something done he worked through people. He could have spoke the temple into existence, but he used people. Are we available to be used of God? Prayer: Dear God, let me be an instrument in thy hands. Use me, 0 God, in thy service. Amen. THE CRACKED POT A water bearer in India had two large pots hanging from either end of the pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the masters house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his masters house, Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your masters house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” The pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot and he said, “As we return to the masters house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pots side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.” We re all cracked pots, but if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Fathers table. God is the Potter, we are His clay. Let Him use you daily. |
