Lesson 13 – February 29 – Results of the Call
Today’s lesson is mostly about the “C” in the ABC’s of salvation. To learn more about the ABC’s, check out the link at the top of this page on this topic.
God loves His people so much that He gave His only Son to them. He gave us Jesus to show us how to please Him and live a victorious life before Him. Jesus is the foundation that was stretched out and laid out for us.
WWJD
When we are trying to live a life with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone, we look at life’s situations and wonder, “What would Jesus do if He were here?” In the 1990s, a youth group leader from Holland, Michigan, helped her teenagers understand what He would do by asking that question: “What would Jesus do?” The acronym WWJD caught on and became a worldwide movement.
Jesus represents all that God is. He is loving, kind, and solid. He is precious to God and loyal. Jesus is committed to doing that which is good in the eyes of His Father. He prayed and forgave His enemies. He respected people others called hopeless sinners, and He loved everyone with God’s love, even children. We need to imitate and model our lives on Him.
Question 1 reminds us that in building any structure, we need a good foundation. A structure without a solid foundation eventually collapses, even if it seems sturdy for a time.
2. On what shaky or solid foundations do people build their lives?
For Question 2, many people build their lives on shaky foundations: money, work, entertainment, pleasure, etc. Jesus called those foundations of sand (Matt. 7:26-27). Hopefully, we will also say that Jesus is the solid foundation to build upon (vss. 24-25). There is no other worthy foundation. He is the solid, firm, and worthy foundation for our lives.
3. Why should we be careful in laying our life’s foundation?
Question 3 reiterates that a strong foundation will last; anything else is shaky and will fall. People who build on “sand” are not thinking about the long-term consequences. Money, work, entertainment, and pleasure can all collapse on us as foundations. If we’re not careful, we might try to “combine” foundations, thinking that we can make both Jesus and money our foundations (see Math 6:24).
Week of February 20 through February 26
Something to think about this week: What kind of house you would build if you had five million dollars?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Colossians 1:9-22 – Rescued from Darkness.
Tues. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16 – A Charge to a Young Leader.
Wed. – Isaiah 42:8-17 – God Turns Darkness into Light.
Thurs. – Psalm 119:121-136 – God’s Word Gives Light.
Fri. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 – You Are Children of Light.
Sat. – 1 Peter 2:1-12 – You Are Chosen.
Sun. – 1 Peter 2:13-25 – The Light Brings Freedom.
Lesson 12 – February 19 – Responsibility of Those Called
The Homeless Visitor
Your neighbor is anyone and everyone. It’s the person next door. It’s the person down the street. It’s the person in another state. It’s the person in another country. Your neighbor is everywhere. Your neighbor is a rich man. Your neighbor is a poor man. Your neighbor is a healthy man. Your neighbor is a sick man. We are our brother’s keeper. As we love God and ourselves, we should love others. First John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
One Sunday morning, Pastor Derek Rigby, who did not shave for three days, disguised himself as a homeless person and sat on the steps of his church, Trinity Methodist Church in Prestatyn, Wales. He was surrounded by empty lager cans and syringes. Only one person in the congregation knew of the pastor’s plan so he could keep parishioners from calling the police to “remove” the homeless man. As the members of the congregation went into the church, they either ignored the pastor or told him to leave—they were worried about him breaking into their cars parked in front of the church.
When the pastor later walked to the front of the church and identified himself, he said of the congregation, “Some were very embarrassed. Nobody was angry with me but they were shocked they had ignored me in the way they had.”
Pastor Rigby, a former police officer, said he had done the same thing with two other congregations. Those people had given him food, a blanket, and some money before he revealed his identity, but his new congregation did not. It was a visual reminder of what Jesus said: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40, KJV).
God values us through the eyes of love. God is not moved by material things or outward appearances like most are. He looks at the heart and treats everyone the same. God loves everyone, and everyone means everyone—”God so loved the world….”
My husband and I are blessed to live in a beautiful campground community each summer—in a nice trailer, not a tent, I might add. The recreational committee plans many activities, designed for preschoolers all the way up to senior citizens. There’s always something fun to do, no matter your age.
My middle-aged, athletic friend decided to sign up for tennis, even though she hadn’t played for years. When she arrived at the courts at the designated time, no one was there. Then an elderly man drove up in his golf cart.
“Are you here for tennis?” he asked her.
“Yes!” she said, as she quickly surmised the situation. It seemed like this guy had trouble walking. He was frail, and his hands were shaking as he talked. “How could he possibly play tennis?” she wondered to herself.
Soon several other golf carts arrived, also full of seniors. My friend was having second thoughts. She wasn’t sure if this was the group for her.
But she stayed. They took their places on the courts, and my friend found herself in a rousing game of competitive tennis. These old folks could play—even “Mr. Frail!”
Oh, how we judge—without knowing the facts. We filter everything through our own frame of reference, and we’re often wrong. Can you identify?
God wants us to love people, regardless of who they are, where they’re from, or what they look like. He wants us to love and accept people, as He does, and show no favoritism. Rom. 2:11 makes it clear: “For God does not show favoritism.”
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). “One another” means everyone. None are left out.
Week of February 13 through February 19
Something to think about this week: How many of your neighbors would say you love?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – James 1:19-27 – Pure and Undefiled Religion.
Tues. – Amos 5:7-15 – Defender of the Oppressed.
Wed. – Psalm 68:1-13 – Father of Orphans, Protector of Widows.
Thurs. – Proverbs 31:1-9 – Defend the Poor and Needy.
Fri. – Luke 4:16-30 – Good News for the Poor.
Sat. – James 5:1-11 – Coming Miseries upon the Rich.
Sun. – James 2:1-12 – God Has Chosen the Poor.
Lesson 11 – February 12 – Reminder of the Call
“Money is the root of all evil.” – How often have you heard people say that? Whenever I hear it, I correct the quote. I can’t help myself. Money is not the root of all evil. “For the love of money is the root of all evil” is what Scripture states (1 Tim. 6:10a, KJV).
It’s so easy for people to take a phrase from Scripture and twist it into something they want to use to prove their point.
This week’s lesson Scripture comes from Paul in prison. He realized he was not going to be released, and he wanted to encourage Timothy with important foundational truths to remember when he was no longer around. He told Timothy to be faithful, and guard the sound teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We need to do the same thing today, when people and sometimes, churches, start twisting Scripture, especially the Gospel, to say what they want it to say. Paul warned the Galatians: “Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Gal. 1:7b-9).
The simple, beautiful, life-changing, amazing Gospel is not about what we’ve done—it’s about what He’s done: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
False Prosperity “Gospel”
The apostles John and Peter warned the early Christians that even in the first century, false teachers were promoting different “gospels” than the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Peter said of these false teachers, “They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Pet. 2:1-3). John warned, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
Peter and John could have been describing those today who promote what’s called the prosperity gospel. Several televangelists have promoted the idea that financial blessings come with great faith and grand tithing—especially when they are collecting the tithing. In short, the prosperity gospel reveals that materialistic things are the main goal when preaching their gospel. God wants to bless you with abundant material things. You just have to pray enough and give enough money.
The nephew of one prominent televangelist told Christianity Today that at least for him, the prosperity gospel gave him a life of luxury. He and his uncle traveled on a private jet doing “gospel” ministry. “Our lifestyle was lavish, our loyalty was enforced, and our version of the gospel was big business.”
Paul in his prison cell writing to Timothy was hardly living in “prosperity,” and he told Timothy that people “will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:4). But like Timothy, we must guard the true Gospel and share it, no matter the cost.
Michael is taking an exam at his school. All questions are True or False questions. He hasn’t studied so he decides to answer all his questions by flipping a coin.
Once the time is up, The teacher collects everyone’s exams but notices that Michael is still working. The teacher asks why he’s still flipping the coin. Michael replies by saying I was just checking my answers.
When the Winds Blow
Many winds of false doctrines can carry us away from sound teaching. It’s important to be mature, solid, and strong in sound Gospel teaching.
Week of February 6 through February 12
Something to think about this week: How you would tell the “true” Gospel from a false one.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Galatians 4:1-7 – God’s Children and Heirs.
Tues. – Exodus 19:1-8 – A Holy Nation.
Wed. – John 15:1-14 – Abide in Christ.
Thurs. – John 15:15-27 – Chosen by Christ.
Fri. – Leviticus 19:2-4, 9-18 – Be Holy.
Sat. – Leviticus 20:22-26 – Keep God’s Statutes.
Sun. – 2 Timothy 1:3-14 – Kindle God’s Gift.
Lesson 10 – January 5 – Resume of Those Called
Is Education Worthless?
Today’s Scripture could lead some readers to think that non-Christian thinkers and culture have nothing of value to offer. It is true that in the matter of salvation, no other religion, philosophy, or good idea, no matter how well-intentioned, can equal God’s wise plan. Yet, most of us would appreciate it if our medical care were provided by the best qualified trained professional, regardless of his or her religious beliefs. Similarly, we want bridges that don’t collapse, healthy food products, and military leaders who are trained and skilled in defending our country. In many subject areas, non-Christians have greatly advanced human knowledge and technology.
It is possible to learn in these areas from non-believers. In his sermon in Athens in Acts 17, Paul demonstrated the evangelistic value of such knowledge by quoting from Greek philosophers in an environment where people were obsessed with acquiring new knowledge.
A thorough education in both the Bible and secular culture can open similar doors for us to speak credibly to non-Christians who value education. It also helps us guide family and friends who are struggling to know how to apply a Christian worldview to some of the latest ideas and trends. Like Paul, we may find some truthful, well-expressed ideas in the culture that we can use as a bridge to guide others toward God’s wisdom in the Bible.
At the same time, we do need to heed biblical warnings that the world’s wisdom will come to nothing, and so, our mastery of it is nothing to boast about. Instead, we spread the news of what God has done through Christ to save the world—a wise plan that no human being could have devised or carried out.
Week of January 30 through February 5
Something to think about this week: The best and worst advice they’ve ever been given.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 20:1, 6-16 – The Last Will Be First.
Tues. – Psalm 25:1-15 – God, Teach and Guide Me.
Wed. – Psalm 8 – Majestic Is God’s Name!
Thurs. – 2 Samuel 7:1, 4-17 – God Will Build a House.
Fri. – 2 Samuel 7:18-29 – Who Am I?
Sat. – 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 – God Confounds the Wise.
Sun. – 1 Corinthians 1:25-31 – God Chooses the Lowly.
Lesson 09 – January 29 – God Promises His Presence
Joel was relaying a message to the Israelites as an encouragement that God had not forgotten them, despite how desperate their situation appears. God was going to restore His people and everything they lost because of their repentance. If our world is falling apart, we know we can turn to the Lord and trust that He’ll bring about peace and restoration. Scripture promises that He works all things “for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). If you aren’t currently seeking Him first when a problem arises, do so instead of trying to resolve it in your own power.
The Master of Restoration
Author and pastor Chuck Swindoll has said, “Our God is a master at turning devastation into restoration.” Christians today are painfully aware, perhaps now more than ever, of the broken, fallen world we live in. There is corruption and disaster all around us, and it can feel overwhelming. With 24-hour news cycles and the instant updates on our smart phones, it feels like we’re constantly bombarded with the next worst thing that has happened—war, hunger, death, illness, pandemics, massive layoffs. When the evil is closing in on us, we wonder where is God and why isn’t He fixing this mess? Perhaps one of the greatest struggles for Christians is trusting that even when we can’t see how God is working, He is. We are not privy to all of the knowledge He has; He sees the full puzzle while we see three or four pieces. It’s our job to trust that He is God and we aren’t, so we don’t need all the answers. Instead, we can look to our Bibles and one another’s testimonies for countless examples of God’s faithfulness, miracles, and restoration. We know that He is still in the business of miracles, despite what the media would have us believe.
Furthermore, his progress was very poor, and he knew it. So, one day he stops seeing the psychoanalyst and decides to try something different.
A few weeks later, Joe’s former psychoanalyst meets his old client in the supermarket, and is surprised to find him looking well-rested, energetic, and cheerful. “Doc! ” Joe says, “It’s amazing! I’m cured! “That’s great news! ” the psychoanalyst says. “you seem to be doing much better. How? “I went to see another doctor,” Joe says enthusiastically, “and he cured me in just ONE session! “One?! ” the psychoanalyst asks incredulously. “Yeah,” continues Joe, “my new doctor is a behaviorist. “A behaviorist? ” the psychoanalyst asks. “How did he cure you in one session? “Oh, easy,” says Joe. “He told me to cut the legs off of my bed. “
Week of January 23 through January 29
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Something to think about this week: How the Lord quiets our fears.
Mon. – 1 John 4:1-8 – God Is Love.
Tues. – 1 John 4:9-21 – God’s Love Revealed.
Wed. – 1 John 5:10-21 – Testimony to God’s Love.
Thurs. – Exodus 33:12-23 – God Will Go with You.
Fri. – Exodus 34:5-17 – The Lord, Merciful and Gracious.
Sat. – Joel 1:1-4, 14-20 – God Is Near Despite Adversity.
Sun. – Joel 2:18-31 – God Will Pour Out the Spirit.
Lesson 08 – January 22 – God Promises Light
Almighty God is always grieved when someone is unfairly treated, and He voices His displeasure both through His Holy Word and His Spirit. How we respond indicates how faithfully we are following the steps of our Lord. With the same measure of grace that He has rescued us from the claws of evil, let us devote ourselves to rescuing others from the clutches of oppression.
The more we pray about it, the better the Holy Spirit may help us see the oppressed people around us, especially those whom God has brought into our lives, and how we might help them. The prophets called on individuals and the leaders of society to affect change, and we can do that as well. You, your Sunday school class, or your church can help those who need it with food, clothes, encouragement, education, and intervention in oppressive situations. The prophets never advocated violence. They all advocated turning to the Lord and following Him as the answer to such problems.
Lesson prayer: Thank you Lord for blessing us with your grace and your compassion. And just as you have shown mercy to us, we ask for the courage and the wisdom to express your justice in situations when others are under the yoke of oppression.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” declared Martin Luther King, Jr. That is the pervasiveness and toxicity of injustice when it is left unchallenged. Therefore, even when injustice casts a pale and slight shadow about us, evil lurks to create greater damage to human souls.
We are not necessarily called to full attention and lifetime work to opposing oppression, though God does call some of us to do just that. For most followers of Christ Jesus, however, our battlefield is in our daily lives and in the moments when we witness a wrong committed to the less fortunate in the world in which we live.
When you hear a racial slur directed at a minority, speak up! When you see someone being bullied, stand in his or her defense! When a senior is mistreated because of her or his vulnerability, address that abuse. You don’t have to join a movement to resist injustice to be a light that reflects God’s justice. Opportunities to express Christ’s love in such situations emerge unexpectedly and yet periodically.
Sometimes injustice creeps into our own behavior. We may be aware or unaware of its intrusion into our lives, but in either case we desperately need God’s help in comprehending the magnitude of how our actions are hurting others as well as our own faith in Christ. Therefore, God’s call to confront injustice must be both inward and outward.
How we walk with the Lord matters much to Him, and that’s why Scripture is clear about our obligation to be a just people. Indeed, God’s Holy Word tells us: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Week of January 16 through January 22
Something to think about this week: What God calls justice and what injustices you see around you.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 John 3:14-24 – Passing from Death to Life.
Tues. – Ephesians 5:1-10 – You Are Light in the Lord.
Wed. – Ephesians 5:11-20 – Christ Will Shine upon You.
Thurs. – Psalm 119:97-112 – God’s Word Lights My Path.
Fri. – Isaiah 60:1-8 – Your Light Has Come.
Sat. – John 8:12-20 – Jesus, the Light of the World.
Sun. – Isaiah 58:1-14 – Obeying God Brings Justice.
Lesson 07 – January 15 – God Promises to Guide
As a dedicated servant of the God of Israel, Isaiah was one of the Lord’s most reliable spokespersons. The Israelites who were faithful to God could trust in Isaiah’s word and God’s promise and hope of liberation. Though we likely will not be be restored to our homeland like the Hebrews, Isaiah’s words show that God’s intervention in the lives of His children is both personal and reliable.
No Christian would dispute the idea that God has a far superior understanding of what is best for them than their own idea of what they perceive is right for them. Nevertheless, Christians still struggle with following God’s directions particularly when His directions conflict with their desires or when they are absorbed in their own pursuits. That, of course, is when we are most in need of His spiritual guidance. Pray for the humility and faithfulness to trust Christ in every situation, no matter how daunting or seemingly distant you are from the Lord.
Numerous GPS apps are available for the smartphone, and they’re constantly updated. With a push of a button, they can be set to show an old-style map format or to show a continuous photograph of the terrain being driven through—complete with identifiable buildings, fields, and trees. Most give a choice of multiple routes that can be taken, indicating the distance in both miles and how long it will take to drive. It’s up to the driver to choose which route to take and whether or not to follow the directions.
God leaves it up to us to choose the route we’ll take, all the while providing us with directions. But He leaves it up to us whether or not to follow them. He knows what’s up ahead. And He knows better than us what really needs to be done in the immediate situation.
Week of January 9 through January 15
Something to think about this week: What things keep us safe on the road?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd.
Tues. – Psalm 119:81-96 – Guided by God’s Word.
Wed. – Proverbs 3:1-15 – Trust in the Lord.
Thurs. – 1 Peter 1:3-12 – Tested Faith.
Fri. – 1 Peter 1:13-25 – Chosen for Holiness.
Sat. – Isaiah 48:1-11 – God Guides and Refines.
Sun. – Isaiah 48:12-22 – God Leads and Directs.
Lesson 06 – January 8 – God Promises to Restore
Among Christians, Isaiah’s prophecies are among the best-loved portions of the Old Testament. The primary reason for this is that Isaiah contains more prophecies about the Messiah, Jesus, than any other Old Testament book. Indeed, John 12:41 says that Isaiah “saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him” (NIV).
That Isaiah wrote the prophecy attributed to him is confirmed by the appearance of his name 16 times throughout the book. Isaiah was born and reared in Jerusalem in days of prosperity. It seems that Isaiah’s family was an affluent one and that he was well educated. Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah’s father, Amoz, was a brother of King Amaziah. If so, then Isaiah was a grandson of King Joash and a first cousin of King Uzziah. Certainly, Isaiah spent much time in the company of royalty. He even gave advice on foreign affairs to King Hezekiah.
According to 8:3, Isaiah was married to a “prophetess.” This word may mean that she carried on a prophetic ministry of her own, or it may simply mean that she was the wife of a prophet. She and Isaiah had two sons, whose names were symbolic (7:3; 8:3).
The statements of the Lord God conveyed through Isaiah to His people regarding His abiding and transformative love for them speaks just as powerfully to us today. As His children, God’s love for us restores and protects us as well as inspires us to share His love with those who are in need of His love, which is everyone whom He places into our lives.
Week of January 2 through January 8
Something to think about this week: How many people would you say truly love you?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 43:14-28 – God’s Blessing, Israel’s Unfaithfulness.
Tues. – Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Dry Bones Shall Live.
Wed. – Ezekiel 37:15-28 – Israel Will Be God’s People.
Thurs. – Hosea 11 – God’s Compassion.
Fri. – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-15 – Stand Firm in the Spirit.
Sat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 13-17 – The Lord Is a Faithful Protector.
Sun. – Isaiah 43:1-13 – God’s Chosen Witnesses.
Lesson 05 – January 1 – God Promises to Hear and Forgive
Today, we no longer need a temple to encounter God’s presence on earth. Instead, the Holy Spirit lives inside of each Christian. This means that our bodies are each a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). And just as the temple in Jerusalem was holy, we—through Jesus’ grace—must strive to be holy in everything we do, say, and think!
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Even in the week after New Year’s Day, Doris Gletcher’s daughter just couldn’t seem to muster up the resolution or willpower to lose her unwanted pounds. One day, watching a thin friend walking up their driveway, her daughter lamented, “Linda’s so skinny it makes me sick.” So Doris gently suggested, “If it bothers you, why don’t you do something about it?”
“Good idea, Mom,” the young woman replied. Opening the front door, she called out to her friend, “Hey, Linda, come on in and have a piece of chocolate cake with us.”
When we’re called on to make changes in our lives, we’d rather bring others down to our level than to pick ourselves up. We’d rather continue our unhealthy habits and routines than to do the hard work of humble repentance. For repentance isn’t just changing our minds or feeling sorry for something; it means turning around and going in another direction.
The psychiatrist Karl Menninger once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day. We have a deep need to know that we are forgiven, but it’s difficult to sense God’s forgiveness while going against His ways. It’s akin to telling someone you’re sorry but having no intention of changing the behavior that is harming that person.
Are we willing to do our part (to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our evil ways) so that the Lord may do His (to forgive our sin and heal our land)?
THE ORIGINAL TEXT MESSAGE:
Hi Bob, This is Alan next door. I’m sorry buddy, but I have a confession to make to you. I’ve been riddled with guilt these past few months and have been trying to pluck up the courage to tell you to your face, but I am at least now telling in text as I can’t live with myself a moment longer without you knowing. The truth is I have been sharing your wife, day and night when you’re not around. In fact, probably more than. you. I haven’t been getting it at home recently, but that’s no excuse, I know. The temptation was just too much. I can no longer live with the guilt and I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies and forgive me. I promise that it won’t happen again. Please come up with a fee for usage, and I’ll pay you.
Regards, Alan.
THE ACTIONS:
Bob, feeling insulted and betrayed, grabbed his gun, and shot his neighbor dead. He returned home where he poured himself a stiff drink and sat down on the sofa. He took out his phone where he saw he has a subsequent message from his neighbor.
THE SECOND MESSAGE:
Hi Bob, This is Alan next door again. Sorry about the slight typo on my last text. I expect you worked it out anyway, but as I’m sure you noticed that my Autocorrect changed ‘Wi-Fi’ To ‘Wife’. Technology hey?!? Hope you saw the funny side of that.
Regards, Alan.
Week of December 26 through January 1
Something to think about this week: How can you tell if an apology is sincere?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 30:1-10—God Will Bless the Faithful.
Tues. – Deuteronomy 30:11-20 – Choose Life.
Wed. – 1 John 1:1-10 -God Forgives the Penitent.
Thurs. – 1 John 2:1-11 – Christ the Atoning Sacrifice.
Fri. – 1 John 3:1-10 – We Are God’s Children.
Sat. – 2 Chronicles 7:1-11 – Dedicating the Temple.
Sun. – 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 – Walk Faithfully before God.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!
No services today, December 25, at Bethel CPC.
Lesson 04 – December 25 – Mary Rejoices
A Daily Decision
Every morning you wake up you have a decision to make—will you choose to rejoice in God our Savior or not? It’s easy to justify why you can’t rejoice that day. Maybe your body is aching from disease or advancing age, your loved one or close friend just died, or you have bills you don’t know how you’ll pay. The hard-to-rejoice list is endless. But what if your first thought each morning is that Jesus came at Christmas to save us, that He suffered, died, and was resurrected that we may know God through Him? The prophet Habakkuk rejoiced in spite of the terrible things happening in his country: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. 3:18).
People will try to dictate how we rejoice in the Lord but rejoicing in the Lord should come from within us. Everyone rejoices in who God is and what He has done for them differently. God is pleased when we rejoice in ways that are authentic to who God has made us to be. There is no politically correct way to rejoice in God our Savior as long as God receives the glory and not man.
Week of December 19 through December 25
Something to think about this week: Reasons we should be rejoicing at Christmas.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 1:18-25 – A Virgin Will Conceive.
Tues. – Micah 5:1-15 – The Ruler from Bethlehem.
Wed. – Isaiah 9:1-7 – A Son Is Given.
Thurs. – Isaiah 11:1-10 – The Root of Jesse.
Fri. – Luke 1:26-38 – The Lord Is with You.
Sat. – Luke 1:39-45 – Blessed among Women.
Sun. – Luke 1:46-55 – My Soul Rejoices in the Lord.
Lesson 03 – December 18 – John the Baptist Appears
John the Baptist was sent to proclaim Jesus’ first coming on earth and the need for people to repent and be saved. Repentance involves admitting our sins and turning away from them. However, just living a moral life on earth is commendable but doesn’t guarantee an eternity with God. It is impossible to be prepared for Jesus’ coming without knowing Him personally and living by faith. Our good works will never get us into heaven because we can never do enough good things to warrant acceptance by a perfect God. Only faith in Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through this life on earth will allow you to live eternally with Jesus.
See Bethel ABC’s of Salvation for more thoughts on this.
Untying Sandals Luke 3:15-16 ERV
15 Everyone was hoping for the Messiah to come, and they wondered about John. They thought, “Maybe he is the Messiah.”
16 John’s answer to this was, “I baptize you in water, but there is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who unties his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
The rabbis taught that a teacher might require anything from his disciples that a master would require of a slave except untie his sandals. That was asking too much. The humble John, however, said that he was not even worthy to do this for Jesus.
Week of December 12 through December 18
Something to think about this week: How would you prepare for your best friend’s return from the mission field or national service after being gone five years?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 1:1-14 – The Word Became Flesh.
Tues. – John 1:15-28 – John’s Testimony.
Wed. – John 1:29-42 – Here Is the Lamb of God!
Thurs. – John 1:43-51 – Come and See!
Fri. – Isaiah 40:1-11 – Prepare the Way of the Lord.
Sat. – Isaiah 40:21-31 – Know and Hear!
Sun. – Luke 3:2b-6, 15-18 – John’s Confession.
Lesson 02 – December 11 – Zechariah Speaks
People Learn by Example
There’s nothing like the crash of waves on a beach to help you forget the stresses of life. I was enjoying the beauty of God’s creation one day, when I heard a young family nearby. The preschooler was building a sand castle, and enjoying every minute, it seemed. Suddenly, his castle toppled down, and I was shocked when I heard him utter an expletive. The parents didn’t react, so I assumed this must have been part of his normal vocabulary. So sad!
Children learn by example. So do adults. We have many opportunities to use our actions and reactions to teach others.
In this week’s lesson, Zechariah and Elizabeth taught others as they used their situation to glorify God. Elizabeth joyfully praised God for her new baby, in front of their neighbors and family. Zechariah, still unable to speak, could have been resentful that he couldn’t talk for nine months because of his reaction to Gabriel’s announcement. But no—his first words, after his speech was restored, were used to praise God! All who had gathered heard him, and the story spread far and wide. Zechariah had used his “platform” to glorify God, and taught, by example, that God was worthy of all praise.
Scripture tells us, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:15-16). Our speech and behavior can teach others to glorify God.
Lord, help us to live Your way, and glorify You with our lives. Help us to teach others to do the same.
Week of December 5 through December 11
Something to think about this week: What does it mean to glorify God?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Malachi 3:1-6 – God’s Messenger Is Coming.
Tues. – Malachi 3:7-18 – God Calls His People to Return.
Wed. – Malachi 4:1-6 – God’s Prophet Is Coming.
Thurs. – 2 Peter 1:16-21 – God’s Spirit Moves His Prophets.
Fri. – Zechariah 12:1-10 – God Will Preserve David’s House.
Sat. – Luke 1:57-66 – God Opens Zechariah’s Mouth.
Sun. – Luke 1:67-80 – Blessed Be the God of Israel.
Lesson 01 – December 4 – Zechariah Hears from God
At the time the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, the priest was fulfilling his duty of burning incense in the temple, a symbol of the prayers of God’s people. It makes sense that Zechariah himself also prayed during this time. The people of God gathered outside the temple to offer their own prayers to God and so participate in the work of God’s kingdom. An angel may not personally bring us a message from God, but we can listen for God’s promises by spending time in prayer with Him. This helps us learn to hear His voice through His Word.
The angel reassured Zechariah with the news that God had heard his prayers. This promise is true for all who follow God, as we read in many Scriptures (2 Chron. 7:14, Ps. 17:6, 1 Pet. 3:12, 1 John 5:14-15, etc.). What God promised Zechariah seemed impossible, but God had a specific purpose in John’s miraculous birth. When God speaks to us through His Word, other people, or in the quietness of our hearts with the Holy Spirit, we would be wise to seek His purpose. John’s role was to prepare the people’s hearts to receive the Messiah.
God’s promises lead people to Him to worship Him and to see His glory. We can be sure He will keep His promises that result in leading more people to trust in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Like Zechariah, we may doubt we’ve heard from God or that He will really keep His promises, even those we read in Scripture. We strengthen our faith best when we focus on God, not the situation or seemingly impossible circumstances. God will reassure us in the truth of His promises when we humbly accept His working in our lives.
Zechariah is one of several biblical characters who doubted what they heard God say. Abraham laughed when God said He would give he and Sarah a child (Gen. 17:17). Gideon put out two fleeces for God to prove His promise that He would help Gideon defeat the Midianites (Judg. 6:36-40).
Today, God’s Word lists specific promises for believers such as the promise of eternal life with God for all who believe Jesus is God’s Son and that He has overcome the world (1 John 5:1, 11-13). We have this promise that we can read again and again to reassure us that God will keep His Word.
The challenge before us—as it was before—is to live out our faith and commitment to God in all we say and do.
Week of November 28 through December 4
Something to think about this week: A time when you saw something you couldn’t believe was true—like a surprise check coming in the mail from the government saying, “You gave us too much money.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 10:22-30 – My Sheep Hear My Voice.
Tue. – John 16:1-15 – Guided by the Spirit.
Wed. – Isaiah 30:18-26 – God Will Rise Up with Mercy.
Thu. – Psalm 103:1-12 – Recounting God’s Goodness.
Fri. – Psalm 103:13-22 – God’s Everlasting Love.
Sat. – Luke 1:5-17 – Zechariah’s Prayer Is Answered.
Sun. – Luke 1:18-25 – Hear and Believe.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 