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What army went against Israel? How many in the army of Israel were slain? Where did the children of Israel go to fetch the Ark of the Covenant? LESSON: The children of Israel at times were faithful. At other times they were rebellious. No matter what, however, God was always faithful. He is with us in the good and in the battle. PRAYER: Lord, You are with me in good or bad, help me to always follow You. Amen. 
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Name the Priest in Shiloh? Name the husband of Hannah? What did Hannah request from the Lord? LESSON: If there is one thing we learn from Hannah, the mother of Samuel, it is that God honors persistent prayer. She did not give up even when it looked hopeless. Hang in there. PRAYER: Father, teach me to pray and to be not faint; I know You will hear me. Amen.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Who took Ruth to wife? What was the name given to Ruth's son? What relation was Ruth to King David? LESSON: Ruth was always faithful and God used her in His overall pl;an. she was a relative to King David whom years later the Christ child would be born of that family. We never know what God has in store for us. PRAYER: Lord, I want to be all that I can for You. Help me to be a witness for You. Amen.  REFLECTIONS What is our reaction when someone pulls out the old family photo album and begins to turn the pages of history, your history?: Does something happen within when you hear, "Did you really look like that"? A look in the mirror confirms those changes over the years. Are you really the person in the album or the image in the mirror? Let's be thankful that God sees us differently. When God looks at us, His eye penetrates right to our hearts and sees what no camera will ever see. He looks beyond the facial expressions and the outward actions. God sees us as we are, does He see frustrated, complaining, irritable and sinful people? Or, does He see people with hearts of love and concern, busy about our various duties but accepting them as part of the ministry that God has entrusted to our care? We are far more than what is seen in a photo or mirror. We are His workmanship, created in His likeness. but because a sinful world cannot see us as God sees us, it is of utmost important that our outward living reflect our relationship to Christ. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,
I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. I Corinthians 13:11-12 What was the name of Elimelech's wife? What was the name of the daughter-in-law who refused to leave Naomi? Who was the kinsman who sought to help Ruth? LESSON: The story of Ruth is a beautiful story of love and commitment. We do not see this much today. Marriage is no longer sacred. May the story of Ruth help us to see that marriage is sacred. PRAYER: Father, help me to keep my vows sacred, even if all those around me fail to. Amen.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall
cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24 How many men of war from the children of Benjamin were left handed? The children of Benjamin went to war against the children of __________________________? How many men of the children of Israel were slain on the second day of battle? LESSON: Someone has said that life is a battle. Everyday there are decision to make and battles to fight. Life is not easy. No one said it would be. Let us be found faithful even in battle. PRAYER: Father, give me strength for the battles ahead and strength for today. Amen.  LIFE'S BATTLES Through life, we experience many trials and battles. As we work through our daily lives, let us remember that nothing "just happens" to the Christian. Everything is always worked out for God's glory (Romans 8:28). Jonah went through his trying experience because of sin in his life. He agreed to serve God, but it was to be in his way and where he wanted to serve. Jonah refused to listen to God. It was necessary for the Lord to open the mouth of a whale and put His servant through an unusual experience because Jonah was trying to run from God. Daniel, on the other hand, was not disobedient to the Lord. In his time, Daniel was on of the few that was faithful and prayed to God daily. When he was thrown into the lion's den, god closed the mouths of the lions so they would not harm Daniel. The Lord has promised to take care of us through every situation. He NEVER said we would not go through trying times, but He has promised to be with us.
These are two well-known Bible stories that are for our good. sometimes are are called upon to go through experiences for our own good, as Jonah did. And sometimes, we go through trials for the good of others as Daniel did. If God should call upon you for a task, would you be as faithful as Daniel? What was the name of the man who restored eleven hundred shekels? Because there was no king, every man did that which was right in his own _______________ The city of Laish was renamed the City of what? LESSON: The Bible says because there was no king, every man did as he pleased, or that which was right in his own eye. In today's society, we see man doing what he wants. Let us seek God. PRAYER: Father, open my eyes that I may clearly see Your way for me. Amen.  Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
In what animal was the swarm of bees? How many Philistines did Samson slay in Lehi? What kind of a bone did he use as a weapon? LESSON: Samson was a man that had everything going for him. However, he was a person who wanted to hold on to God with one hand and hold on to the world with the other. it does not work that way. PRAYER: Lord, help me to follow only You and not the world and the things therein. Amen.  STRADDLING THE FENCE Some people claim that they are all right morally and don't need the salvation provided by the Lord Jesus on the cross., Some Christians claim that they are saved and believe they can continue to live as they did. You cannot keep one leg on this side of the fence and the other leg on the other side of the fence. Revelation 3:16 says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." A Christian lady took some pictures of her husband while he was dead drunk. A few days later, she laid them next to her husband's plate at breakfast. Seeing them was a revelation to the husband. He could not deny the humiliating spectacle that he had made of himself. So, it is like any of us who say one thing and do another. As a Christian, there will be a tremendous conviction in our heart. There may be a "Don't Do What I Do, Do as I Say" issue in our lives; however, as a professed Christian, it is impossible to sin and not feel God's conviction in our heart. We are either completely abandoned to Jesus Christ or we rationalize God's Word to fit OUR desires. When it comes to God, He wants our hearts completely. We must live in this world but we are not to be "of this world." For Christians it doesn't matter what everyone else is doing, what matters is doing what God wants us to do.
Who judged Israel when they went to war against Ammon? Jephthah made a foolish vow before he went to war. True or False? What was the name of the Judge after Jephthah? LESSON: Jephthah made a very foolish vow. He did not pray about it first; he did not seek God's will in the matter and he was selfish. All this got him in trouble. Seek God's will as you live and have your being. PRAYER: Lord, as I make plans, help me to seek Your will for my life. Amen  Who arose to defend Israel after the death of Abimelech? How many years did he judge Israel? The Judge after Tola was_______________________________ LESSON: When one Judge died, God gave another one. Sometimes we feel all alone, but God always comes through. No matter what task is before you, remember that God is with you, if you let Him. Will you? PRAYER: Father, You always provide and for this I am grateful. Thank You for Your blessings. Amen.  NEVER ALONE We, who know Christ as our personal Savior, have the comforting assurance that He will never leave us alone. The story is told of a small band of Christians who were forced to worship in secret because of the threat of persecution. One evening, their meeting was interrupted by the secret police. the officer in charge ordered one of his men to count those in attendance. He counted 30. The leader of the Christian group responded, "Sir, I believe you missed one." those attending the service were counted again. As before, the number was 30. The officer was angry and cursed the leader of the group saying, "There are only 30 miserable Christians and no more!" The faithful old christian answered, "Yes, but there is one more here, one you missed. His name is Jesus Christ." This story reminds us of the three Hebrew children that were placed in Nebuchadnezzar's blazing furnace. God's presence took on a visible form and four were seen walking around in the fire. Wherever we go, whatever we do, however heavy the burdens may be, we know that our Savior is with us. When we are hurting, He is beside us to sustain us. When we are facing trials, He is near to give us strength. Always remember, the Lord will never leave us alone. We find safety, not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of the Lord.
How many men did Gideon choose for battle? Gideon divided his army of men into how many groups or companies? What country did Gideon and his army defeat? LESSON: We learn several things from the story of Gideon. We learn that God has a plan for our life; with God we have a majority; With God there is always victory. Go with God. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You that You have a plan and a goal for my life. Help me stay in Your will. Amen.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth, was a ___________________________ Which Judge said "I have seen an angel face to face? What was the name of the alter Gideon build? LESSON: Even when God led the Children of Israel into the Promised Land, there was still work to be done. We ahve a job to be done. Let us do it as unto the Lord...our best. PRAYER: Father, help me to do a good job in whatever job I hold and in service to you. Amen  EYE-HAND COORDINATION Airline pilot Alan Cochrell needed a ride home from the airport one night, and a crew member offered to take him. The sooner the crew finished cleaning the interior of the 737, the sooner they could go home. So Alan rolled up his sleeves and began wiping down tray tables, cleaning overhead bins, and folding seat belts. That night Alan gained a great appreciation for the work that other members of the airline crew had to do. There is a lesson here for the Christian! The Bible describes our relationship to other believers as being dependent upon each other as "one body in Christ." The Lord has built the church as an essential "eye-hand coordination." The eye can't say to the hand, "I have no need of you;" nor can the hand say to the feet, "I have no need of you." Each believer is necessary and appreciated by the others because God has set each member in the body just as He pleased. Let us take note of the other members of our church body and tell them how much we appreciate their efforts. At the same time, whatever you are doing to serve the Lord, do it without grumbling and with a joyful heart!
Which tribe fought for the City of Jerusalem? What was the name of Caleb's younger brother? The children did evil in the sight of the Lord and served the pagan gods ____________ and ________________ LESSON: Notice that it did not take much for the Children of Israel to leave God and worship other gods. We need to be on guard lest we turn to other gods such as the god of money, work, self, television, computer, etc. PRAYER: Dear God, help me to keep my eyes and heart focused on You and on no other. Amen.  Is God always first in your life?
Where did Joshua gather the tribes of Israel for his farewell address? How hold was Joshua when he died? In what mount was he buried? LESSON: Joshua was faithful all of his life. God was there with him at the end. He died with peace. Let us live faithfully and at the end God will be there, faithful in our work and faithful to the Lord. PRAYER: Lord, I want to be faithful in all of my duties and responsibilities. Amen.  ARE YOU READY? In Matthew 24:44 we find the promise, "Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." A school teacher told his class that he would be going into the hospital and recovering from surgery for several weeks. He offered to give a prize to the student whose desk he found in the best order when he came back. But he didn't know what day he would return. The prize was so nice, so nice that each child was determined to win it, including a little girl whose desk was always messy. Her classmates laughed, "Mary, you'll never win. Your desk is never neat." The little girl said that she planned to clean her desk on Monday of every week. bud somebody said, "But suppose he comes back at the end of the week?" Mary said, "Well, I'll clean it every morning." then another student reminded Mary that the teacher might return at the end of the day. for a moment the child was silent in thought. then she said, "I know what I'll do. I'll just keep it clean all the time!" If we want to receive the Lord's approval at His return, we must be ready all the time. We are to live in a constant state of spiritual preparedness, as well as "working 'til Jesus comes." Are you ready? Are you anticipating the moment when Christ will appear? Jesus could come at any time, so be ready all the time!
How many cities were given to the Levites? Which tribe settled on both sides of Jordan? Which three tribes build an alter? LESSON: Even in the midst of their busy schedule God provided a means of worship. Worship is important in our relationship to God. No matter how busy we are, we should take the time to worship. PRAYER: Dear God, lead me to worship You in spirit and in truth. Amen.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24 Where was the tabernacle assembled? Which three tribes settled east of Jordan? Which tribe received the third lot? LESSON: Notice that God divided the land in an orderly manner. The quality of life is better when there is order. Just think, we are instruments in the hands of God's order and plan. PRAYER: Father, I thank you that I have a part in Your plan for mankind. Amen  THAT OTHERS MIGHT SEE Is there a light in Your window,
Shining clear and bright? Does it give some hope to strangers Traveling in the night? Does it light the path for others Looking for the way? Making others' lives the better, Shedding warmth with every ray? Let not our homes be busy inns, That have no room for Him. Give unto weary and troubled hearts Let not the light grow dim. I must light the lamp for others, For it means so much to me To keep it trimmed and shining For the passer-by to see. Just by giving love and courage, I can keep the lighting a glowing.. Oftentimes it reaches travelers Without our ever knowing. Mildred Harper Bell Because the Tribe of Judah could not drive the ______________________ out of Jerusalem, they had to dwell with them. Who was the father of Caleb? Did the children of Joseph receive an inheritance? LESSON: We often blame God for things that happen. Note that the children of Israel had to dwell with unfriendly people. Note also that this was their own doing. We reap what we sow. PRAYER: Father, help me to walk the straight and narrow way that I may be in the center of Your will. Amen!  How old was Caleb when Moses sent him to spy out the land? How old was he when he received his blessing for his faithfulness? What was his blessing or inheritance? LESSON: Caleb received a rich reward for his faith and faithfulness. The same God that blessed Caleb exists today. God is in the Blessing business. Let us live the laws of God. PRAYER: Father, I thank You for men like Caleb who stood alone for what was right. Amen.  WAY TO GO! Some years ago a dear Christian lady named Effie Foss was turned down by her Mission Board to serve as a missionary on foreign fields. this rejection did not faze Effie. she began traveling from town to town across the country helping people and sharing the love of Christ wherever people would receive her. Effie lived by faith and depended upon the gifts and offerings of the Lord's people. although she had no steady income, she was never in want.
Once, when she believed it was time to move to a new field of service, her funds were very low. She prayed and sought strength, boarded a Greyhound bus, handing the driver her limited cash. The bus finally stopped in a small town. The driver opened the door saying, "This is it, lady. Your money runs out here." The name of the town was NEWAYGO. Confident that God had led her to this village, she said, "This is my new way to go! Her faith was rewarded, and she began a mission work that provided soup to homeless people, clothes for the poor, groceries for the hungry, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone she met. god supplied her every need. Just as Caleb trusted God, so did Effie. We can't all live like Effie, but God does expect us to have that same child-like faith. Trust God, He will never lead you astray! How dong did the sun stand still? Where did the five enemy kinds hide? What happened to the five kings? LESSON: We see that God had power over the laws of nature. If God created all that there is in the world then surely He can control everything in it. The question is, does He control you? PRAYER: Lord, not only are you my creator, but my Lord and my Redeemer. Amen  Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
How many men and women did the army of Israel destroy in the City of Ai? How was the King of Ai killed? What did they do with the king's body after they hung him? LESSON: God had promised the Children of Israel that He would bless them. However, before the blessing there had to be a battle. Even today, before the blessing, there must be a battle. Let's fight the good fight. PRAYER: Father, remind me that the battle is yours. All I need to be is a faithful soldier. Amen.  CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS FIGHT BEST ON THEIR KNEES A church sign carried this message, "WHEN YOUR KNEES GET TO KNOCKING, KNEEL ON THEM." That's good advice! Bringing our concerns to God in prayer will calm our fears and renew our courage. A prominent physician recently said the following:
"The best medicine I've discovered is prayer. As one whose whole life has been concerned with the suffering of the mind and body, I would state that of all hygienic measures to counteract disturbed sleep, depression of spirit, and a distressed mind, I would undoubtedly give first place to the simple habit of prayer. It does more to quiet the spirit and strengthen the soul than any other therapeutic agency known to man." While prayer can be a good prescription for mental and physical health, it has another benefit that is even more beneficial: it is a mighty weapon for spiritual victory. Prayer is a vital part of our strategy to resist temptation and remain true to God when attacked by Satan. In Ephesians 6, after Paul named the various parts of the Christian's armor, he added that we should "PRAY ALWAYS." Have you asked the Lord today for His help and protection against your battles with the enemy of our soul? Never underestimate the power of prayer. What miracle caused the Amorite and Canaanite kings to fear Israel? How long did the children of Israel wander in the wilderness? How many priests marched around the walls of Jericho? LESSON: When it came time for battle, God had a plan. We fight many battles on a daily basis and God has a plan if we will follow His direction. Let Him fight the battle for you. PRAYER: Father, help me to follow the plan You have set before me. Help me in the battle. Amen.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Who was the father of Joshua? How many men were sent out to spy on Jericho? Who aided the spies that Joshua sent? LESSON: God blessed Moses in many ways and used him as a leader. The time came when he raised up a new leader. God promised that He would be with Joshua just as He was with Moses. He will be with us also. PRAYER: Father, help me in the position you have placed me and help the one who follows. Amen.  UNGUIDED FEET A small boy in Sunday School rebelled against his teacher. Finally, after failing to gain his interest, the teacher took him to the superintendent and said, "Either this boy goes or I go! Make your choice!" The Sunday School Superintendent escorted the boy to the door and said, "There's the street. Go! And don't come back to this Sunday School." The boy went out into the world and led a life of crime, leaving a trail of blood behind him wherever he went. Rewards were offered for his capture, either dead or alive. At last, one night he came out of a Chicago theater and a hail of bullets riddled his body. The following day a picture of this criminal's feet appeared in the Chicago newspaper. In bold letters the caption read, "These are the feet of John Dillinger." Who knows where these feet might have gone if someone had guided them right. Scripture warns us "To train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Pray that we would always endeavor to guide young feet in the path of righteousness. Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.
May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey. Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful. Find us Faithful by Steve Green Where did the Lord tell Moses to go just before his death? God did not allow Moses to enter the land because of disobedience, but he did allow him to _______________ Where was Moses buried? LESSON: Moses was a great leader, but because he disobeyed God and set a bad example, he lost a blessing. though we are in this world, let us walk faithfully with you, Lord. PRAYER: Father, as you use me, help me to listen to your instructions. Help me to walk faithfully. Amen.  Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.
Proverbs 19:20 What two things did not wear out during the 40 years in the wilderness? How old was Moses when he died? Who took over after Moses? LESSON: The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years because their faith was weak. Are you wandering in the wilderness, spiritually speaking? God is only a prayer away. PRAYER: Help me dear God to stay focused on You. Increase my faith as I follow you. Amen  Winding Roads Have you ever driven up the side of a mountain and then stopped to look back? Sometimes fog can be thick and the driving treacherous. Once you have made it to the top, you can look over the side. There, winding below is the stretch of road over which you have just traveled. The view can be a little terrifying, but at the same time, breathtaking! Sometimes we Christians need to stop along life's road and look back. Although it might have been winding and steep, we can see how God directed us by His faithfulness. When we face difficulties, we sometimes forget God's past faithfulness. We see only the detours and the dangerous path. But look back, and you will also see the joy of victory, the challenge of the climb, and the presence of the Savior, who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. As we look back at the past, we can see failures and victories in our lives. Let us take courage! The One who brought us this far will continue to direct our Christian walk. Praise the Lord that He has been with us in times of trials as much as in times of joy. Thanks God for His undying love. If you are in the wilderness, spiritually speaking, stop to reflect over your life and rededicate your life to Jesus Christ. Remember, He will never leave you nor forsake you!
On which Mount was Moses instructed to build an alter? What would cause Israel to be above all other nations on earth? What would happen to their sons and daughters if they did not obey God's commands? LESSON: On various occasions Moses and the children of Israel were to build Alters. This was for the purpose of worship. God placed a lot of emphasis on worship. Think about it!! PRAYER: Father, bless me daily and help me to pause on a regular basis to worship You. Amen!  Abram used to build an alter to God everywhere he lived in. Genesis 12:8
What was the maximum number of strikes that could be given if the punishment was beating? If a husband died, who was to marry his wife? Why were the people to leave gleanings in the field? LESSON: As we read the Old Testament, it may seem odd with the various laws God gave the children of Israel. However, if we consider the time in which they lived, we can see that God was doing what was best for them. PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for your daily watchful care over me. Guide me this day. Amen.  |
