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Who fell through a lattice? What river did Elisha/Elijah divide? How did Elijah go into heaven? LESSON: Elijah and Elisha were great men of God. There will always be the artificial, but there will also be the genuine. The Bible says by their fruit you shall know them. PRAYER: God, please number me among the good guys. Help me to be genuine. Amen. 
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Who was King of Syria? Who's vineyard did Ahab and Jezebel want? How old was Jehoshaphat? LESSON: Ahab and Jezebel are classic examples of how selfish and cruel some people can be in their desire to have more. God said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." PRAYER: Lord, I am satisfied with what You have given me. Help me not to want what belongs to others. Amen.  SEEK YE FIRST... We work so hard to have stuff. We think all the stuff that we just have to have will make us happy and content. Sometimes, the more we have the more we want. It's a never-ending cycle. There is the story of a man who makes $80,000 + annually and absolutely despises those who make more than he does. He is never happy with what he has and always wants more. He has a wife, two children, and a granddaughter - a wonder family, yet he is dissatisfied with what God has blessed him. He is critical of and hurtful to others who have what he does not. When we focus on "Seeking first the Kingdom of God," we will receive blessings beyond measure, AND we find that our hearts turn once again to the spiritual things that matter. There is nothing wrong with having stuff. Thank God for what you have been blessed. It is only when we are discontented with what we have or we begin coveting what other people have that we run into trouble. Are you content with your circumstances? Are you content with your life? Take stock of your spiritual inventory. Seek what is right and pleasing to God and be grateful for the everyday blessings.
Who was fed by the ravens? Who raised the widows son? Who sent a message and threatened Elijah? LESSON: We are again reminded that in the midst of trouble, God always provides help. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is faithful. As you labor today, think on these things. PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for your promise to never leave nor forsake me. Amen.  How old was Rehoboam when he began his reign? Who was Rehoboam's father? Did Nadab do good or evil in the sight of the Lord? LESSON: As we read these Old Testament Scriptures, we see over and over the struggle between good and evil. It is a never-ending battle. To give up is to accept defeat. Fight the good fight. PRAYER: Lord God, help me in the battle between good and evil. Help me to be victorious. Amen.  TROUBLESOME TIMES We are living in troublesome times! We have seen many changes in our country since 2001, and particularly since 2004. Our nation is facing tremendous political trials, moral standards that were once wrong are now considered right, Christians in this country are beginning to face persecution as never before, and there are heartaches and temptations such as we have not witnessed in our lifetime. For those who do not know the Lord, they are perplexed and see no hope for the future. When the heavy weight of having to do battle comes upon you, remember the words of the Lord in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Faith in God brings peace for the battle and for the unknown. We receive comfort for the burdens that can weigh us down. As we prepare for each new day, begin with prayer to Almighty God. He will give you strength for the day. Read your Bible daily for the word that God has just for you. For a mid-week lift, fellowship with your church family and be encouraged with a Bible study and prayer time. The apostle Paul said, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together." All of these things help to give us strength for the journey of daily living and for the battles that assail us.
Did Solomon turn to other gods? Yes or no? What was God's response? Who became king after Solomon? LESSON: It is amazing how Solomon turned to other gods, even though God had blessed him so much. Often times we do the same, only a different god. There is the god of self, fortune, etc. Worship God only., PRAYER: Lord, You have blessed me abundantly and I will serve You faithfully. Amen.  Prior to dedicating the temple, what was brought to the temple? Who gave the dedication prayer? How long did it take to complete the Lord's House and the King's House? LESSON: It took a long time and a lot of effort to build the temple. This reminds us that anything worthwhile takes time and effort. Let us not be discouraged in well doing. Stay focused. PRAYER: Father, help me to focus on those things that are worthwhile and add to life. Amen.  THE BIBLE AND THE TV GUIDE On the table side by side:
The Bible and the TV Guide. One's well worn and cherished with pride (Not the Bible, but the TV Guide) One is used daily to help folk decide; No! It isn't the Bible; it's the TV Guide. As pages are turned, what shall they see? Oh, what does it matter? Turn on the TV. Confusion reigns, they all can't agree on what they shall watch on the old TV. So they open the book in which they confide (No! It's not the Bible; it's the TV Guide). The Word of God is seldom read Maybe a verse ere they fall into bed. Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be, Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV! So then back to the table, side by side, Are the Holy Bible and the TV Guile. no time for prayer, no time for the Word. The plan of salvation is seldom heard. Forgiveness of sin so full and free Is found in the Bible, NOT on TV. Who was King of Tyre? In what year of Solomon's reign did he begin building the Temple? How long did it take Solomon to build his person house? LESSON: It took a long time to build the temple. Nevertheless God considered it very important. Two things to note: Worship is important and if God says do it, then we should do it. PRAYER: Father, I know You want me to worship. Help me to be faithful in worship. Amen.  One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the
days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple. Psalm 27:4 Who did Solomon take as a wife? Did God give Solomon great wisdom, yes or no? How many Proverbs did Solomon speak? LESSON: Solomon had great wisdom and it was God who gave it to him. When you stop and think about it, without God, there is no wisdom. Seek God and His wisdom today. PRAYER: God, grant unto me a portion of the wisdom You gave Your servant Solomon. Amen.  A TIMELY REMINDER FROM LOT by Dr. Henderson Ward 3/08/2016 Christian Living Nearly everyone had heard of Lot. Not because of who Lot was, or anything he did, but because of the stupendous manner of the passing of his wife. As we know, she looked back on her way out of Sodom and she turned into a pillar of salt. The circumstances surrounding Lot are will known. Lot was given a choice and he chose the lush, fertile plains of Jordan. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom, and we know what happened to Sodom. So, the question arises, "How did this just and righteous man, Lot, come to trouble and loss?" Whatever some people may think, there was nothing wrong in Lot choosing prime grazing land for his cattle, or in seeking to locate his property away from the rugged hills and the attendant hazards and threats associated. In truth, this was a case of a man looking for the best for the present instead of looking to the future and weighing the pros and cons of what impact his choice would have on his family. His family paid for the unwise decisions that he made as the head of the family.
I wonder how many people will reflect on Lot's circumstances and still not see the larger picture before their eyes. "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness..." is still the most effective solution to stop us making poor, wretched choices. Enough said. Who sought to be king when David was near death? Who became king? How many years did David reign as king? LESSON: When David was about to die, there was a mad rush to be king. The trouble is they wanted to be king for the wrong reasons. We need to remember to serve God in our positions. We should do it for the right reasons. PRAYER: Father, may I serve You for the right reasons. Help me to be honest with You. Amen.  Who said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress"? In Chapter 24, which prophet spoke to David? How many choices was David given? LESSON: A good question we need to ask is, "Is God my rock and my fortress?" Is God our foundation? We must settle these questions before we can be stable in life. PRAYER: Lord, You are my rock. The One on whom I trust in all situations. Amen.  SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN A dear Christian saint enjoyed working a small garden outside her back door. One season she was pleased to have four rows of strawberries. But as she watched the robins, starlings, and brown thrashers made a picnic of her strawberries, she decided to build a scarecrow. She gathered up an old coat, a pair of trousers, and a white hat that she placed on several boards on a broomstick. Then she patiently waited to see what would happen. For several days her garden was free of birds. The starlings and thrashers would fly over, but avoid any contact with the strawberries. Then, to her surprise, one morning she saw a wise robin perched on top of the hat. He was singing at the top of his voice, and she thought his song might have been, "Come and get your free strawberries!" She saw two kinds of birds: wise and foolish. The foolish birds sat in the trees afraid of the scarecrow, while the wise birds enjoyed delicious berries and knew that the scarecrow was an "advertisement in disguise." The Lord blesses those who live by faith. Don't be stopped by the scarecrows of fear and doubt. After al, if God cares for the sparrow, how much more will He care for you?  Who is the son of Birchri? What happens to Sheba? What happened to seven of the sons of Saul? LESSON: If I was writing the Bible, I would have left all the bad stuff out and would have wrote only good things. To me, this proves the Bible is God's word. Man would have never written this way. Think about it. PRAYER: Father, you created me and you know my weaknesses. Help me in my weaknesses. Amen.  Who kills Absalom? What happened to Absalom just before he was killed? Did David grieve over the death of Absalom? LESSON: We note that David was a just and Godly person, but he also had troubles and heartaches. This is a part of life. We all have trouble. Therefore, be helpful to your fellow man. PRAYER: Father, I know that trouble is my lot in life, but I pray for your presence during those times. Amen
THE NARROW GATE I walked along the path of life Till I came upon two gates. One was narrow, the other wide, Just as the Scripture states. My arms were filled with self and sin so the narrow wouldn't do. But the wider gate had ample room To allow my baggage through. Yet through the narrow one I saw Jesus waiting on the other side. I longed to go and be with Him, To my yearning He replied. "To fit through the narrow gate, child, You must be willing to put down your load." So I left my sins by the narrow gate And passed through to the heavenly road. When you happen upon these gates yourself and, like me, you have to choose, Lay down your burden at the narrow one And with ease you, too, can pass through.  Did Absalom revolt against David? Who hangs himself? Who did Absalom appoint as Captain instead of Joab? LESSON: Even though Absalom was rebellious, he was still loved by David. The life of Absalom is a tragic story and the sad part is we see it over and over in the work we are doing. Stay focused on God. PRAYER: Father, give me a kind and caring spirit as you gave to your servant David. Amen.  Who was Absalom? Who was Tamar? How much did Absalom's hair weigh after he cut it? LESSON: We sometimes think that we have the only generation that was rebellious. Study the life of Absalom and you will see that he would fit right in today. Consider, however, the results. PRAYER: Lord, lead me in the pathway of righteousness and not to have a rebellious spirit. Amen.  IT'S ALWAYS FOR OUR GOOD Isaiah said, "Come now, and let us reason together..." (Isaiah 1:18). A local newspaper gave this report of an ironic turn of events that happened to a group of motorcyclists as they traveled to the state capital in Michigan to protest the motorcycle helmet law. The group was scheduled to meet at the capitol building to make some speeches and burn their helmets. But on the way to the protest, one of the bikers lost control of his machine and slammed into a construction warning sign. He suffered head injuries that would have been avoided if he had been wearing his helmet. Sometimes we are like those cyclists. We look at the ways of the Lord as unnecessary. While continuing to ask and expect His protection and blessing, we resist, rebel, and are disobedient to His loving guidelines. No one likes having his style cramped by laws. But when we read the first chapter of Isaiah and consider the alternative, we begin to realize that one principle stands behind every restriction our Lord gives us: IT'S ALWAYS FOR OUR GOOD!  ON THE LIGHTER SIDE An atheist scientist came to God and said, "We've figured out how to make a man without you." God said, "Okay, let me see you do it." So, the atheist bent down to the ground and scooped up a handful. God stopped him and said, "Oh, no you don't. Get your own dirt!"
Who did David commit adultery with? Who rebukes David because of his sin? Did David repent? LESSON: This is a sad event in the life of David. Note, however, that he paid dearly for his sin and brought great reproach upon his family. Sin has a great price tag. We need to consider all our ways. PRAYER: Father, may my eyes be on You and my trust in You. Guide and strengthen me. Amen.  How many Syrians did David slay in battle? What was the servant's name from the House of Saul whom David showed kindness? Who was Joab? LESSON: Two things stand out in the life of David. The Bible says he was a man after God's own heart and it says he was kind. These two attributes go together. We can be both firm and kind. PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be kind to my fellow man, even as I carry out my responsibilities. Amen.  HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR ENEMIES Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Yet hidden away in its pages is a question that should concern all Christians: How should we treat our worst enemy when he experiences misfortune? God called Obadiah to minister to people of Jerusalem at the time when they were under attack by the Babylonians. As the citizens of Israel were being slaughtered and the city was under siege, the Edomites looked on from outside Jerusalem. Instead of fighting against the Babylonians, they rejoiced to see the death and destruction that was falling upon the Israelites. Although the Edomites were descendants of Jacob just as the Israelites, it did not stop them from actually dancing and cheering as the Babylonians destroyed the temple of the Holy City. Obadiah condemned the Edomites for their actions saying, "You shouldn't gaze on the day that your brother is taken into captivity; nor should you rejoice over the death of the children of Judah." It's not unusual for people to find pleasure in seeing their enemies hurt and experiencing misfortune. However, the Bible warns Christians against this practice. In Proverbs 24:17 we read, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles." Instead, we are to show compassion and forgiveness. The love that we have for God can be measured by the love that we show our enemies.
Why did Uzzah die? Who moved the ark from Obed-edom? Who spoke with David about building a house for the Lord? LESSON: The Ark of the Covenant represented God's relationship with mankind. It involved all of his promises and blessings. This is why they were to treat it with respect. As we work today, let us respect God. PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for all your promises. Continue to bless. Amen.  Who was Mephibosheth? Who was Solomon? Where was Solomon born? LESSON: At the very heart of the everyday life of the Children of Israel was that of worship. We see that the building of the Temple was important to them. Worship is important. Make time for God. PRAYER: Father, in the midst of my busy life, help me to pause and worship You. Amen.  OH, WORSHIP THE KING! Young people often ask the question, "I wonder what God is like?" When you read the Scriptures, you will quickly see that God has revealed His character to us in many ways down through the ages. There is no need to respond like the little boy who looked up at the sky and asked his mother, "Is God up there?" When Mom assured him that He was, the boy replied, "Wouldn't it be something if God would stick His head out so we could see Him?" What the boy didn't understand is that the Lord did let us see Him. By sending His Son Jesus to earth, our Heavenly Father fully revealed Himself to all mankind. In Colossians 1:15, we read that "Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." That statement alone makes you want to fall to your knees and worship our Most Holy and Almighty God! God has shown us what He is like in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ left His heavenly home to become our sacrificial Lamb, who was despised and rejected. Jesus reminds us in the Gospels, "He who has seen me has seen the Father." Praise the Lord! Jesus became a man so that we might become sons and daughters of God. this is truly cause to rejoice and worship our Lord and Savior. Take time during your day to stop and worship the One who came to this earth, the One who suffered, died and rose again for you and for me. O worship the Kind!
Was David disturbed when he heard of Saul's death? Who became king after Saul? Which side did Abner fight in the war between Saul's house and David's house? LESSON: Even though Saul sought to kill David, when word came that Saul was dead, David was moved with compassion. It is hard but the Bible teaches us to love our enemies. PRAYER: Lord, teach me to pray for my enemies, to do good unto others. Amen.   What happened to David's family at Ziklag? Did David pursue the captors? How did Saul die? LESSON: Saul's life teaches us that those who live by the sword die by the sword. He was God's anointed, but he did not do right. God in His own time took care of Saul. PRAYER: My Father, may I walk honestly before my fellow man and to seek Your will in my life. Amen  FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS After a woman sued a fast-food restaurant for being burned by hot coffee, companies began issuing more warning labels. Check out these instructions:
On a frozen dinner: DEFROST BEFORE EATING On an iron: DO NOT IRON CLOTHES ON BODY On a peanut butter jar: MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS On a milk bottle cap: KEEP UPRIGHT AFTER OPENING If people need these obvious instructions on household items, think how much more we need God's direction. Psalm 119 tells of the importance of following the Lord's manual, the Bible. The Psalmist instructs us as follows: "The entrance of God's words give light; His word gives understanding to the simple." Scripture is meant to give us protection, correction, guidance and God's perfect peace, regardless of our circumstances. Pray and seek the Lord to teach you His statutes and to direct your steps according to His word. Then read the Bible often and follow His instructions! Saul disguised himself to seek out a woman with a familiar spirit. True or False? Where did this woman live? Who told David to leave the Philistines? LESSON:The Bible has much to say about soothsayers, fortune tellers, etc. the Bible condemns these things. If you have the word of God, you do not need these things which are born in superstition. PRAYER: Dear God, lead me away from superstition. Guide me to know You are in control. Amen.  Does Saul ever acknowledge his sin? Who said "Who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed? What people did David live with to escape from Saul? LESSON: The word of God makes it clear that you should never touch God's anointed. This does ont mean just in a physical sense, but also in a general sense. Even King David realized this truth. PRAYER: Lord, help me to honor and respect Your anointed and to do them no harm. Amen.  WELLSPRING OF GODLINESS When we consistently thank God from our hearts, we become more godly. Being godly his having the mind of Christ and living spiritual lives daily. All believers in Christ are to endeavor to live in godliness, and in so doing, be examples of Jesus before a sinful world. But when we are critical of others, are we truly being a reflection of Jesus Christ? Or, for that matter, are we being an example to a lost and sinful world? An elderly pastor once looked back over his life and marveled at the goodness of the Lord to him. He had a congregation that love, honored and respected him as God's anointed. He had experienced a fruitful ministry into his eighties, a wonderful marriage of 60 years, a loving family, and a host of friends. As he gave thanks to God, he said, "I don't know if I am finishing well, but I am finishing thankful." Havnig a daily walk with the Lord and having a sincere heart of gratitude for what God has done is the wellspring of godliness. Be thankful for your pastor as he has been hand-picked by God for you. I DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH! A mother went to wake her son for church one Sunday morning. When she knocked on his door, he said, "I'm not going!" "Why not?" asked his mother. "I'll give you two good reasons," he said. "One, they don't like me. Two, I'm tired." His mother replied, "I'll give you two good reasons why YOU WILL go to church. One, you're 47 years old. Two, you're the pastor!"
Did David spare the life of Saul? Samuel the great leader of Israel died. Where was he buried? Who did David marry? LESSON: We see that David was just in his dealings. Whether we are serving God or enforcing the law of the land, we should be just in our dealings. PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be honorable and just with my fellow man. Amen  Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one
another as I have loved you. John 15:12 Who was king of Gath? What was the name of the cave where David hid? Who killed the priest of Nob? LESSON: Although David was a man of faith, this did not take away all of his problems. Likewise, we need to realize that life is filled with problems and difficult times. Let's keep going. Never give up. PRAYER: Lord, I understand that life consists of problems. Be with me in times of need. Amen.  THANKS FOR THE THORNS We don't often thank the Lord for our trials, heartaches or difficulties. We always praise Him for His goodness, but we fail to realize that even the difficulties that come into our lives are blessings in disguise. Scottish preacher George Matheson had that problem. He knew he was not ready to praise God when things went wrong as he was when they went right. However, he changed his thinking when he began to lose his eyesight. for many months he struggled with the terrible burden of going blind, until finally he broke down in tears crying out to God, "My Lord, I have never thanked You for my thorn. Father, teach me to value my thorn." when we count our blessings, we should include the weaknesses, the hardships, the burdens, and the trials we face. At such times when you come to the Lord in thanksgiving, you will discover that He has helped you to grow spiritually through the difficulty. Why is that? Because it's during those hard times that we discover the sufficiency of God's grace. As we depend on the Lord, we find that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Take a moment and think about the way God has let you. When you praise God for your blessings, do you remember to thank Him for the thorns? those who thanks God in their trials turn burdens into blessings.
Who told Jonathan to kill David? Did Jonathan obey? Were Jonathan and David friends? LESSON: David proved what a real friend is. A friend is faithful, trustworthy, dependable and one who accepts you as you are. Are you a real friend? PRAYER: Lord, help me to be a real friend. someone whose word is their bond. Amen.  |
