Lesson 13 – August 28 – Come and Enjoy
Truth cannot be changed because it is the truth. The truth is that Jesus will return, and that one day every life will be held accountable. Those of us who are Christians look forward to that day, whether He comes for all of us at once or individually, so we echo the words of the early Christians: “Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”
Living each day as if Christ is coming soon is a liberating experience. You are determined daily to keep your spiritual house clean from anything that will hinder your heavenly flight with Jesus. All weights of sins should be daily examined and done away with. Christ’s final return is about each individual, and it can come at any time. We should long for His physical return sooner rather than later, but the truth is, He is coming whether we are ready for Him to come or not. He is coming for each one of us one day or another.
Week of August 22 through August 28
Something to think about this week: How would you feel if Jesus returned to the Earth this week?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 14:16-24 – Invited to the Heavenly Banquet.
Tue. – Exodus 19:9-15 – Preparing for God to Appear.
Wed. – Revelation 1:3-8 – The Alpha and Omega.
Thu. – Isaiah 46:8-13 – The Ending Declared from the Beginning.
Fri. – Isaiah 54:1-5 – God Is Your Husband.
Sat. – Lamentations 3:21-31 – God’s Steadfast Love Never Ceases.
Sun. – Revelation 22:10-21 – Come, Lord Jesus!
Lesson 12 – August 21 – The River of Life
The world was groaning when the apostle Paul wrote Romans, and it continues to groan today. There are wars, shootings, protests, and hate crimes in the news daily. How marvelous it will be when God’s new kingdom arrives, when there will be no night, no darkness, no sin! God’s glory alone will provide light forevermore.
The everlasting light of Jesus shines in believers right now. When we shine His light in the world, it brings joy and hope like the River of Life that also flows in heaven.
One day, we will be in God’s new kingdom to worship and serve Almighty God, and reign with Him forevermore. We will be home.
“What are the three most important things you should bring with you in case you get lost in the desert?” the Scout master asked. Several hands went up, and many important things were suggested such as food, matches, etc. Then one little boy in the back eagerly raised his hand.
“Yes, Davey, what are the three most important things you would bring with you?” asked the scout master.
Davey replied, “A compass, a canteen of water, and a deck of cards.”
“Why is that, Davey?” asked the scout master.
“Well,” answered Davey, “the compass is to find the right direction, and the water is to prevent dehydration.”
“And what about the deck of cards?” asked the scout master impatiently.
Davey replied, “Well, sir, as soon as you start playing solitaire, someone is bound to come up behind you and say, ’Put that red nine on top of that black ten.’”
Week of August 15 through August 21
Something to think about this week: Basic things needed for life to exist.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 63 – My Soul Thirsts for You.
Tue. – Zechariah 14:6-11 – Living Waters Shall Flow from Jerusalem.
Wed. – John 4:4-14 – Jesus Promises Living Water.
Thu. – John 4:15-26 – Worship God in Spirit and Truth.
Fri. – John 7:37-40 – Rivers of Living Water.
Sat. – Isaiah 44:1-8 – Water on the Thirsty Land.
Sun. – Revelation 22:1-9 – For the Healing of the Nations.
Lesson 11 – August 14 – A New City
Greener Pastures or Golden Streets
Jeremy spent his life searching for one greener pasture after another. First, he earned as many degrees as possible, believing more knowledge meant more happiness. Then, Jeremy found the most beautiful woman and began a family. He believed a lovely family would lead to love and peace. He started his own business, because he thought being his own boss would be better than working for someone. Year after year, he looked for greener pastures, but often discovered the pasture wasn’t greener on the other side—it was just different.
Dan lived his life in the present. He knew this life wasn’t his final destiny. As a youth, he discovered the importance of seeking God’s direction in every step he took. No matter how small the situation, Dan prayed about it When it was time to further his education, he sought God for which school to attend. Dan didn’t rush to marry soon after graduation. He waited on God to bring him the person to be his wife.
One day, as Dan spent time with God reading His Word, the Holy Spirit led him to take a step of faith and begin his own business. Dan, his wife, and children prayed daily for the right timing for him to resign and become an entrepreneur. His decision-making was grounded in his eternal destiny—not accumulating earthly possessions. Dan knew that loving and serving God on Earth determined whether or not he would hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Both Jeremy and Dan furthered their education, married, and started their own businesses. But their motivations differed. Jeremy was driven by his desire to find greener pastures. Dan was motivated by his desire to walk the “golden streets” with his Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity.
We must be truthful concerning the difficulty of remembering to fix our eyes on eternity in the midst of our daily struggles and when we make decisions. What we see in front of us is what captures and keeps our attention. God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit can help redirect our attention to what is really important—following Christ.
https://www.gotquestions.org/heavenly-minded-earthly-good.html
Week of August 8 through August 14
Something to think about this week: What this saying means: “Too heavenly minded, no earthly good.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 66:6-14 – You Shall Be Comforted in Jerusalem.
Tue. – Isaiah 66:18-22 – God’s Glory Revealed in Jerusalem.
Wed. – Hebrews 12:18-29 – City of the Living God.
Thu. – Psalm 48 – Jerusalem, Joy of All the Earth.
Fri. – Zechariah 8:1-8 – The Faithful City, the Holy Mountain.
Sat. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16 – God, Who Dwells in Unapproachable Light.
Sun. – Revelation 21:10-21 – The Holy City.
Lesson 10 – August 7 – A New Home
A Whole New World
The world is a messed-up place. It has been since the Adam and Eve’s sin, and it will be until Jesus returns. Jesus Himself told His disciples that we will see “wars and rumors of wars,” earthquakes, famines, and an “increase of wickedness” in the last days of this planet (see Matthew 24).
So how amazing does “a new heaven and a new earth” sound? We’re told in Revelation 21:4, “[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What a wonderful promise for believers!
It’s coming. Yet we need to hold on a bit longer, reminding ourselves that this world is not our home. We must endure to the end, serving our God, as Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hold on, folks. Better things are in our future.
Week of August 1 through August 7
Something to think about this week: Things the Lord is always making new.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 90:1-12 – The Lord, Our Dwelling Place.
Tue. – 1 John 2:12-17 – To Love God Is to Know God.
Wed. – 1 John 5:1-5 – Faith Is the Victory.
Thu. – Isaiah 43:14-21 – God Will Do a New Thing.
Fri. – Isaiah 55:1-5 – Come, You Who Thirst.
Sat. – Romans 8:31-39 – Than Conquerors.
Sun. – Revelation 21:1-9 – God Will Dwell with His People.
Lesson 09 – July 31 – The Word Gives Peace
Following the Spirit
During the Last Supper, Jesus promised the apostles that He would ask His heavenly Father to send the Spirit of truth to be with them after His departure from this world. God’s Spirit would not only be an Advocate on their behalf but also a Comforter during times of hardship. And so, too, the Holy Spirit is with us as He was with them.
To neglect the Holy Spirit when we make life decisions or while we behave in any situation is to place ourselves in spiritual peril. Who better than God’s Spirit to guide and shield us as we experience hardships, indecisions, adversaries, or even momentary happiness? We are not alone! Because of Jesus’ love for us, the Holy Spirit is truly here for us.
Just as the lion goes to attack, the priest makes the sign of the cross and says, “Lord, if you can hear me, please instill the Holy Spirit in this beast’s heart.”
The lion stops in his tracks as a bright light begins to glow around him. He looks to the sky, folds his paws in prayer, and says, “Thank you, Lord, for this meal which I am about to receive.”
Week of July 25 through July 31
Something to think about this week: Times you feel the Holy Spirit in your life.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 34:4-14 – Seek Peace and Pursue It.
Tue. – Matthew 11:25-30 – Rest for the Weary.
Wed. – John 16:23-27, 32-33 – Jesus Has Conquered the World.
Thu. – Psalm 119:161-176 – Peace for the Upright.
Fri. – Isaiah 54:6-10 – God’s Unmovable Covenant of Peace.
Sat. – John 14:1-14 – Don’t Let Your Hearts Be Troubled.
Sun. – John 14:15-29 – Peace to the Disciples.
Lesson 08 – July 24 – The Word Resurrects the Dead
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, He asked Martha whether she believed in Him enough to trust that He had power over life and death. He then raised her brother, Lazarus, from his tomb, thus demonstrating not only His divine qualities but also the glory of God. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and we see His glory as He shows us the mercy, grace, and love He showed to Mary and Martha.
We must always remember that the source of God’s glory is God Himself. Therefore, our praise and gratitude must always be given to God, and our belief in Jesus must always be anchored on who He is as God’s beloved Son. With such belief, the glory of God will be visible and His majesty will be known.
Week of July 18 through July 24
Something to think about this week: Something that gets glorified – for example, a radiant sunset or a fabulous artwork.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 26:12-19 – Awake, O Dead, and Sing!
Tue. – 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 – The Dead Shall Be Raised.
Wed. – 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 – In Christ All Are Made Alive.
Thu. – Daniel 12:1-4 – Wake Up!
Fri. – John 5:25-29 – The Dead Will Hear Christ’s Voice.
Sat. – John 11:1, 3-16 – Jesus Travels to Lazarus.
Sun. – John 11:20-27, 38-44 – The Raising of Lazarus.
Lesson 07 – July 17 – The Word Saves
The Jews’ expected that the long-awaited Messiah would be kingly and reestablish the sovereignty of the nation of Israel, and what startled most Jews is that Jesus, this lowly carpenter from Nazareth, announced the arrival of God’s kingdom in a spiritual sense and in Himself. The Gospel message has had centuries of attacks against it, and there currently are more diverse worldly distractions.
It is certainly true that there will be times in which our faith will waver or entertain doubts, but our trust in His words will always be a bedrock to our faith in Him who will surely light our way through the darkness. And the first step in this journey with Jesus is complete submission to His Lordship. It is then that Christ becomes our Redeemer and our Savior.
Indeed, even the devil believes, but he is still an enemy of God.
Bending our will to God’s will is not an easy task, but when we do, God is truly pleased with us.
Week of July 11 through July 17
Something to think about this week: Things from which we need Jesus to save us—for example, sin and death.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 3:1-8 – You Must Be Born from Above.
Tue. – John 3:9-17 – Jesus Brings Eternal Life.
Wed. – 2 Samuel 22:2-7 – My Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer.
Thu. – Psalm 62 – Salvation Comes from God.
Fri. – Hebrews 2:1-9 – Don’t Neglect God’s Message of Salvation.
Sat. – John 12:27-36 – Father, Glorify Your Name!
Sun. – John 12:44-50 – Jesus, the Light of the World.
Lesson 06 – July 10 – The Word Heals
Everything seemed to change for the royal official when Jesus said, “Go… your son will live” (John 4:50). He stopped insisting that Jesus accompany him to his son’s bedside. We can imagine the looks these two men exchanged before the official turned to go home with a faith-filled certainty that what Jesus said was true. Soon his whole household would believe in Jesus.
Such exchanges can occur between God and ourselves in moments of praying, reading Scripture, listening to teaching, or even taking a walk. The words of Jesus come to us, and we go forward in certainty that we have been spoken to and these words are true.
John’s purpose in writing the fourth Gospel was to elicit his readers’ trust in the risen Lord (20:30-31). To achieve this outcome, John selected several distinctly different individuals to testify to Jesus as the Messiah: John the Baptist (chap. 1), Nicodemus (chap. 3), and a woman from Samaria, whom Jesus met at Jacob’s well (4:1-42). That encounter, which precedes the episode recounted in this week’s lesson, would have raised eyebrows in Jesus’ time because no respectable rabbi ever conversed with a woman in public. Also, no Jewish religious leader would ever have allowed himself to associate with a Samaritan. Moreover, no self-respecting Jewish male would have permitted himself to be anywhere near a woman of questionable morals.
But Jesus deliberately chose to reveal to a “disreputable” person that He was the promised Messiah. Jesus used the metaphor of water to assure the woman that, through faith in the Messiah, she could have her eternal thirst quenched. The woman responded by rushing back to the village and inviting everyone she could find to meet Jesus, who alone could satisfy their deepest spiritual needs.
Those are things to think about when hard times come.
The Good News: God doesn’t ask for much in order to protect and bless His children. He only asks for your trust and faith.
Week of July 4 through July 10
Something to think about this week: How Jesus shows us His glory when we believe in Him.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – John 2:1-11 – Jesus Reveals His Glory.
Tue. – Psalm 6 – 0 Lord, Heal Me!
Wed. – Matthew 8:5-13 – Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant.
Thu. – John 5:1-9 – Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man.
Fri. – John 9:1-7 – Jesus Heals a Blind Man.
Sat. – Psalm 41 – God Heals Their infirmities.
Sun. – John 4:46-54 – Jesus Heals a Royal Official’s Son.
Lesson 05 – July 3 – The Creating Word Becomes Flesh
———————————Bearing Witness Here and Now———————————
Courtroom dramas are full of the word, “Objection!” Sometimes the attorney is being objected to, but often it is the witness and their testimony to which the other side is objecting. A witness has only one function: he or she simply tells what they have seen and heard. Such observations can change minds. They can determine the course of the defendant’s life.
Just as John the Baptist came “to bear witness of that Light” (vs. 8, KJV), people telling their story about their experience with Christ is a powerful witness to the light of Christ. They say what they have read, seen, heard, and experienced in Christ. They don’t try to coerce or convince or “win” in any way. In such simplicity and innocence, we are much like the once-blind man who unwittingly thwarted the religious leaders because his testimony was so uncomplicated: He insisted he didn’t know anything about their politics or their theology. “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25).
Bearing witness of the light, then, is a version of storytelling which can be very influential in listeners’ lives. In a way, John was called to tell the story of Jesus.
Bearing witness can also occur when people demonstrate in their lives what they have seen and heard in Jesus. That may be by their generosity or inexplicable peacefulness in the midst of chaos or their willingness to speak the truth with love and gentleness instead of disdain and harshness. In other words, they reflect the light of grace and truth.
Any of this, of course, is led and empowered by Jesus who is the light of the world Himself.
———————————————————————————————————
Week of June 27 through July 3
Something to think about this week: The brightest light you have ever seen.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Proverbs 8:22-31 – God Created the World through Wisdom.
Tue. – Colossians 1:13-17 – In Christ All Things Hold Together.
Wed. – Colossians 1:18-22 – Christ, the Head of All Things.
Thu. – Psalm 104:1-15 – God’s Well-Ordered Creation.
Fri. – Psalm 104:24-35 – Praise God for Creation.
Sat. – Hebrews 1:1-4 – The Son Reflects God’s Glory.
Sun. – John 1:1-14 – The Word Became Flesh.
Lesson 04 – June 26 – God Offers Deliverance
Some are convinced that God is never silent and that He is always speaking to us in one way or another. If this is true, then God is saying something to you right now. And what He is trying to tell you is important.
It is crucial that we open our minds and hearts so that we can hear what God has to say to us. For who knows what blessing may come our way simply by listening to the Lord and trusting in His righteousness and His promise of deliverance.
Sometimes all it takes to hear what God has to say are open ears and a willing heart. But sometimes it takes a bit more. Sometimes it requires spending more time in His Word, in listening intently to others, or in setting aside a significant time of quiet so we can hear His voice. Perhaps more important, it requires having a strong commitment to respond affirmatively to what we are hearing from Him.
Ignoring what God is telling us often leads to undesirable results. Listening to Him will always prove to be beneficial however. It is therefore best to pay attention to Him and what He has to say. For God is trustworthy, and He will deliver.
The husband asked his wife to rate his listening skills and she said, “You’re an 8 on a scale of 10.”
He still does not get why she wanted him to urinate on a skeleton.
Week of June 20 through June 26
Something to think about this week: What contributes to a person being a poor listener?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 50:4-9 – God Will Vindicate God’s Servant.
Tue. – Isaiah 51:9-16 – Remember God’s Mighty Deeds.
Wed. – Isaiah 51:17-23 – God Defends Israel’s Cause.
Thu. – 2 Corinthians 1:7-14 – God Rescues Us from Peril.
Fri. – 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 – Jesus Rescues Us from Wrath.
Sat. – Psalm 3 – Deliverance Belongs to the Lord.
Sun. – Isaiah 51:1-8 – God’s Deliverance Is Comma.
Lesson 03 – June 19 – God’s Restored People Shall Prosper
The phrase “Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees” describes how we sometimes respond to disappointing circumstances. Sometimes we get so caught up in the details of the difficulties we are facing that we don’t see the bigger picture. The bigger picture includes what God is doing behind the scenes to accomplish something good in the midst of unexpected or challenging situations.
Waiting for God to work requires patience, as what God is accomplishing behind the scenes often takes time to be clearly seen. It requires endurance, as sometimes we may have to put up with something undesirable as we wait for God’s plans to unfold.
It requires faith that trusting in God is better than giving into feelings of discouragement or giving up hope, and it requires not giving into the temptation to circumvent what God is doing by taking matters into our own hands.
I ended up getting 15 million matches.
Week of June 13 through June 19
Something to think about this week: Finish the phrase, “When in doubt….”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 75 – God Puts Down and Lifts Up.
Tue. – Leviticus 26:3-13 – God Protects a Restored, Holy People.
Wed. – Luke 6:20-26 – Blessings upon God’s People.
Thu. – Psalm 30 – God Has Turned Mourning into Dancing.
Fri. – James 1:13-18 – God Gives Good Gifts.
Sat. – Deuteronomy 28:9-14 – Blessings for Obedience.
Sun. – Isaiah 49:18-23 – Wait for the Lord.
Lesson 02 – June 12 – God Foretells of Redemption
Jesus willingly fulfilled God’s purpose in His life, to be a Light that shows all people who God is and the way back to God. This light that shines in the darkness is the truth that God loves Jews and Gentiles alike and wants to redeem them and restore them to Himself. Jesus offers love and compassion to those in spiritual darkness, along with His sacrificial gift of salvation and reconciliation to God. God’s Word acts as a light by showing us what God is like and the path He wants us to walk. When we share His Word with others, we give them a gift of God’s light to dispel the darkness of the world.
… Little Connor was born. The paramedic lifted him by his feet and spanked him on his bottom And he began to cry. The paramedic then asked the wide-eyed 3-yr old what she thought about what she had just witnessed. She quickly responded ‘He shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place, spank him again!
Week of June 6 through June 12
Something to think about this week: How many kinds of lights are there (i.e. flashlight, headlight, moonlight etc.)?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – God’s Redemption Defies Human Wisdom.
Tue. – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.
Wed. – Psalm 111 – God Sent Redemption to God’s People.
Thu. – Hebrews 9:11-14 – Christ Brings Eternal Redemption.
Fri. – Psalm 25:1-11 – Pardon My Guilt, 0 Lord.
Sat. – Psalm 25:12-22 – Redeem Israel, 0 God.
Sun. – Isaiah 49:1-17 – The Lord Will Have Compassion.
Lesson 01 – June 5 – God Foretells Destruction
This lesson challenges us to closely examine who or what we trust most deeply. The Babylonians trusted in their own wickedness and the false promises of the powers of darkness for their future. Yet Babylon’s eventual fall highlights the truth that only God is worthy of our trust for salvation.
People often place trust in other people, positions, or possessions for security and hope for the future. When we trust in anything or anyone other than God, we shift our attention away from Him and no longer acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. Things of this world offer only futile, empty promises. Whether or not we choose to trust Him, God remains the One True God who is omnipotent and sovereign over all.
Consider who or what you have been trusting other than Jesus, then write a prayer to Him, expressing your confidence in His ability to keep His promises.
Life often doesn’t go as planned. We need to be wise about who or what we trust. People are not trustworthy. Careers nor wealth are trustworthy. Only God is trustworthy. His Word tells us, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. (Matt. 6:20-21) Our hearts need to fully trust in God alone.
Luke 10:27a says, “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” God needs to be who we trust most deeply, more than family, career, possessions, or our own wisdom. He has proven His trustworthiness again and again.
Earthly joys and possessions are temporary. God is eternal. Let’s put all of our trust in God. Let’s trust Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Week of May 30 through June 5
Next week we will begin a study of the books of Isaiah, John, and Revelation as we look at how God creates.
Something to think about this week: What we mean when we say we have “trust issues” in our life.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Jeremiah 29:8-14 – Babylon’s Days Are Numbered.
Tue. – Psalm 79 – Let Your Compassion Come Speedily.
Wed. – Mark 13:1-13 – Persecution Foretold.
Thu. – Mark 13:28-37 – Keep Awake!
Fri. – Psalm 74:10-23 – Rise Up, 0 God!
Sat. – Isaiah 47:1-9 – The Humiliation of Babylon.
Sun. – Isaiah 47:10-15 – No Security in Wickedness.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 