Lesson 13 – Nov 28 – Good News for All
Peter could not allow his traditions and old values to stand in the way of a work that God obviously wanted to do. The apostle acknowledged a new understanding of the way God works. He admitted that God is interested in Gentiles as well as Jews, that He does not show favoritism, and that He accepts people from every nation who honor Him as God.
Galatians 3:28 tells us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (KJV). This Scripture sums up how God sees us. Once we see how God sees the world, we see people through His excellent vision and dismiss all forms of racism, sexism, and classism. God sees us as equal because this is how He designed us. The “playing floor” is even.
Week of November 22 through November 28
Something to think about this week: What news you have had lately that you were excited to share?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Genesis 20:1-7, 14-16 – God Speaks to a Pagan King.
Tues. – Acts 10:1-8 – An Angel Speaks to Cornelius.
Wed. – Acts 10:9-22 – A Vision of Inclusion.
Thurs. – 1 Kings 10:1-9 – The Queen of Sheba Blesses God.
Fri. – Luke 7:1-10 – A Centurion Comes to Jesus.
Sat. – Acts 10:23-33 – Peter Enters Cornelius’s House.
Sun. – Acts 10:34-47 – God Shows No Partiality.
Lesson 12 – November 21 – Rejoicing in Heaven
Christ does love His bride, so much that He gave His life for her, taking all her sin on Him as He paid that dreadful price of redemption. We, the Church—His Bride—need to make ourselves ready for His return, remembering we are forgiven only by the precious blood of the Lamb. We need to obey Him, serve Him by bringing more into His kingdom, and earn crowns to lay at His feet. We need to be praising Him who is worthy of all our praise.
Week of November 15 through November 21
Something to think about this week: Marriage ceremonies you have been to and if they were all happy celebrations.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 6:1-8 – A Vision of Praise.
Tues. – 1 Chronicles 16:23-34 – Let the Heavens Be Glad.
Wed. – Hebrews 1:5-14 – Let All Gods Angels Worship Him.
Thurs. – Revelation 19:9-16 – King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
Fri. – Revelation 19:17-21 – God Judges the Wicked.
Sat. – Zephaniah 3:14-20 – The Lord Rejoices over You.
Sun. – Revelation 19:1-8 – The Lord Almighty Reigns.
Lesson 11 – Nov 14 – Praise for God’s Eternal Reign
Remember that our God is the King of kings and Lord of lords, forever and ever. No one can usurp control from Him. We try to control our own little lives, and we think we have more control over the world than we do, but thankfully He is the One who is ultimately in control. That truth is worthy of praise.
Our lesson passage provides a glimpse forward in time when God’s eternal reign with His people will be proclaimed. John was allowed a glimpse into God’s temple in heaven—imagine the splendor of the scene! The elders’ words reveal God’s power and the eternal nature of God’s covenant.
Revelation is just what John saw coming in the future.
Week of November 8 through November 14
Something to think about this week: What does the phrase “Jesus reigns forever” mean?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 47 – Clap Your Hands, All Ye Peoples.
Tues. – Daniel 4:34-37 – An Everlasting Kingdom.
Wed. – Jude 20-25 – Glory to God Now and Forever.
Thurs. – Psalm 10:12-18 – The Lord Is King Forever.
Fri. – Revelation 11:3-10 – God’s Faithful Witnesses.
Sat. – Psalm 93 – The Lord Is Robed in Majesty.
Sun. – Revelation 11:11-19 – A Crescendo of Praise.
Lesson 10 – November 7 – All People Praise God
Worship God Together
John described a multitude of believers gathering together before God’s throne to worship Him. As redeemed believers, we will be there at that celebration. We celebrate and worship God because He is in control, He brings justice in the end, and He brings those who love Him to Himself. We will stand in that huge audience praising God. However, we don’t have to wait until heaven to celebrate and worship God.
There was a church where the preacher and the minister of music were not getting along. As time went by, this spirit began to spill over into the worship service.
The first week the preacher preached on commitment and how we should all dedicate ourselves to God. The music director led the song, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
The second week the preacher preached on tithing and how we all should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The director led the song, “Jesus Paid It All.”
The third week the preacher preached on gossiping and how we should all watch our tongues. The music director led, “I Love to Tell the Story”
With all this going on, the preacher became totally disgusted over the situation and the following Sunday told the congregation that he was considering resigning. The music director led, “Oh, Why Not Tonight.”
As it came to pass, the preacher did resign. The next week he informed the church that it was Jesus who led him there and it was Jesus who was taking him away. The music leader led the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Week of November 1 through November 7
Something to think about this week: Your favorite hymn lyrics.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 67 – May God’s Ways Be Known.
Tues. – Isaiah 2:1-5 – The Nations Flock to Mount Zion.
Wed. – Matthew 28:16-20 – Make Disciples of All Nations.
Thurs. – Zechariah 8:18-23 – Gentiles Seek the Lord.
Fri. – Psalm 86:1-11 – All the Nations Will Glorify God.
Sat. – Revelation 7:1-8 – God’s Servants Sealed.
Sun. – Revelation 7:9-17 – Multitudes Praise God.
Lesson 09 – October 31 – Praise God with Music
Our appreciation for God can be expressed in corporate settings as we gather to pray and or to study His Word; it can be done verbally as well as with music; it can be expressed personally, by noting in our journals what we appreciate about Him or by telling Him so with our voices; it can be done alone, in our quiet times, or at night when we reflect on what He’s done for us during the day.
There is never a lack of reasons to praise the Lord. What is often lacking is a sense of how critical it is for us to take time to do so. Sometimes we get so caught up in the “now” that we forget Who makes “now” possible. That’s not a good thing, as we never want to forget the One who causes things to be.
We have a great and wonderful God. He is good all the time. And because this is so, we ought to take some time each day to tell Him so.
Week of October 25 through October 31
Something to think about this week: Psalm 149:1-5, Psalm 150:1-6 and what you find praiseworthy about God and some ways you can or should express this.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 147:1-7 – A Song of Praise Is Fitting
Tues. – 1 Samuel 16:14-23 – David s Music Soothes Saul
Wed. – Acts 16:23-26 – Paul and Silas Sing in Prison
Thurs. – Psalm 148 – Praise the Name of the Lord.
Fri. – Colossians 3:12-17 – Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.
Sat. – Psalm 149 – Making Melody to God.
Sun. – Psalm 150 – Praise God with Musical Instruments.
Lesson 08 – October 24 – The Joy of Worship
The writer of Psalm 84 longed to be in the presence of God. But he knew that he had to rely on God if what he yearned for was to be realized. He was confident, however, that once he completed his journey, he would be blessed.
Many of us long for the blessings that come from being in God’s presence or from having a healthy relationship with Him. But though we must do our part in order for this to be realized and sometimes are compelled to accept help from others, ultimately, we have to rely on God for the provisions needed to make our journeys with Him or to Him fruitful.
Week of October 18 through October 24
Something to think about this week: Read Psalm 84. Think about a time you lost a valuable object and how you responded.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 126 – God Has Done Great Things.
Tues. – John 15:9-17 – Joy Fulfilled in Love.
Wed. – Nehemiah 8:9-12 – God’s Joy Is Your Strength.
Thurs. – Philippians 2:1-11 – Joy Fulfilled in Christ’s Sacrifice.
Fri. – Philippians 4:4-9 – Rejoice in the Lord Always.
Sat. – Psalm 16 – Fullness of Joy.
Sun. – Psalm 84 – How Lovely Is God’s Dwelling Place.
Lesson 07 – October 17 – Give Thanks for Deliverance
In Psalm 107, the psalmist is exceedingly grateful for what the Lord God has done for His people, the ancient Jews. Today, you can be thankful for what the Lord Jesus has done for you. In the same way God delivered the Jews from their enemies and restored them to their homeland, Christ has redeemed us and repaired our relationship with Almighty God. Indeed, each one of us has a story to be told and a reason to be grateful.
Week of October 11 through October 17
Something to think about this week: Psalm 107:1-9, 39-43. How did the Lord save you through Jesus?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 107:1-9 – Delivered from Hunger and Thirst.
Tues. – Psalm 107:10-22 – Delivered from Darkness and Gloom.
Wed. – Psalm 107:23-32 – Delivered from Storms.
Thurs. – Ephesians 1:3-14 – Delivered through Jesus Christ.
Fri. – Ephesians 2:1-10 – Delivered from Sin.
Sat. – Ephesians 2:11-22 – Delivered and Reconciled.
Sun. – Psalm 107:33-43 – Delivered by God’s Steadfast Love.
Lesson 06 – October 10 – Praise God for Justice and Righteousness
Life seems exceedingly unfair, particularly when we see so much injustice and disasters in the world, hardships and tragedies among our friends and family, and setbacks and anguish in our own lives. At times, it seems as though God is nowhere to be found and justice lacks any practical meaning. It is especially in these times that we must have faith in God’s righteousness and in His love for us.
We can trust Him in every aspect of life, but we must first know His name. In other words, we need to know who God truly is. It is our responsibility to get to know our Lord, and we do it by spending time with Him in prayer, in personal Bible study, and in church with other believers in order to worship together and to hear the preaching and teaching of His Word, etc. There is indeed refuge and protection for those who know His name.
Week of October 4 through October 10
Something to think about this week: How does God display His justice in the world and in our lives?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 – Where Is Justice?
Tues. – Psalm 7:8-17 – A Prayer for Justice.
Wed. – Amos 5:21-25 – Let Justice Roll, Down.
Thurs. – Matthew 12:14-21 – God’s Servant Proclaims Justice.
Fri. – Psalm 9:13-20 – God Has Executed Judgment.
Sat. – Luke 4:14-21 – Jesus Pronounces Release and Recovery.
Sun. – Psalm 9:1-12 – God Judges with Righteousness.
Lesson 05 – October 3 – Make a Joyful Noise
A shepherd has the dual tasks of tending and rearing sheep, and those tasks are what our Lord Jesus does with and for us. Not only does the Lord actively take care of us, but He also is raising us to become spiritually mature adults, who express our gratitude with praise before God and before the world.
https://www.psychmc.com/articles/difference-between-gratitude-and-thankfulness
Week of September 27 through October 3
Something to think about this week: Read Psalm 100. Why we should be grateful to God.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 95 – Praise the Rock of Our Salvation.
Tues. – Luke 19:28, 36-40 – Stones Shout Out!
Wed. – 1 Peter 1:3-9 – Indescribable and Glorious Joy.
Thurs. – Psalm 98 – Sing to God a New Song.
Fri – Hebrews 13:12-16 – A Continuous Sacrifice of Praise
Sat. – Psalm 66:1-7 – Rejoice in God’s Mighty Rule
Sun. – Psalm 100 – Enter God’s Courts with Praise.
Lesson 04 – September 26 – God’s People Offer Praise
When the people heard Peter’s affirmation that Jesus, whose crucifixion they had supported, was the Christ, they were cut to the heart. When they asked Peter what they needed to do, he told them to repent and be baptized, and they would receive the Holy Spirit.
Repentance is more than just saying “I’m sorry for what I’ve done.” It involves a life change, a new, heart and a new outlook on life that includes serving Christ.
As a result of their genuine repentance, the new believers in Acts 2 formed, a community that worshiped together, served together, and shared with one another. Once they had owned up to their specific sins, they were free to forgive themselves, and one another, and move forward together for the good of God’s kingdom.
for Cumberland Presbyterians
Week of September 20 through September 26
Something to think about this week: Expectations your church puts on those who join.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Exodus 19:1-8 – A Priestly Kingdom, a Holy Nation.
Tues. – Exodus 20:1-6 – Worship God Alone.
Wed. – Psalms 133; 134 – When Kindred Live in Unity.
Thurs. – Revelation 4 – Praise in the Heavenly Community.
Fri. – Acts 2:1-12 – The Day of Pentecost.
Sat. – Acts 2:22-36 – Jesus Is Lord and Messiah.
Sun. – Acts 2:37-47 – A Community Praise.
Lesson 03 – September 19 – Glorifying God
In today’s Bible story, a blind man named Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus, and believed Jesus could heal him. This persistent man shouted, and called for Jesus, even when everyone around him told him to be quiet. Jesus heard his plea for sight and simply said, “Go. Your faith has healed you” (Mark 10:52).
As with Bartimaeus, Jesus welcomes our cries. He desires for us to come to Him with all of our needs. As David writes in Psalm 18:3, “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.” Cry out to Jesus with everything in you. Then praise Him for His goodness to you!
Week of September 13 through September 19
Something to think about this week: Read Mark 10:46-52, Think of some “impossible” requests you made to Jesus.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 35:1-6 – Blind Eyes Shall Be Opened.
Tues. – Psalm 96 – Declare God’s Glory Among the Nations.
Wed. – Psalm 115:1-3 Psalm 115:9-18 – Glory to God’s Name Alone.
Thurs. – Mark 10:17-22 – Only God Is Good.
Fri. – Mark 10:42-45 – Greatness through Servanthood.
Sat. – Psalm 146 – Praise the Lord, 0 My Soul!
Sun. – Mark 10:46-52 – Praise God for Healing!
Lesson 02 – September 12 – David Dances before the Ark
Worshiping God involves refocusing our thoughts on and adoring God for who He is and what He has done for us. Often we are afraid to worship God in a different way than we are used to. For example, if you are used to singing your praises to God, are you willing to try writing poetry to express your praises? If you are used to standing up to worship God, are you willing to kneel down or even prostrate yourself on the floor to worship Him? Have you ever worshiped God in complete silence? Or maybe you have never worshiped God alone or on days other than Sundays. There are endless ways to worship our Creator.
Week of September 6-through September 12
Something to think about this week: Read 2 Samuel 6:15, 14-19. In what ways is the Lord “worth” worshiping?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 2 Samuel 6:1-5 – David Prepares to Transport the Ark.
Tues. – Hebrews 9:1-7 – The Holiness of the Sanctuary.
Wed. – 2 Samuel 6:6-11 – Uzzah Disregards the Ark’s Holiness.
Thurs. – Psalm 122 – The House of the Lord!
Fri. – Psalm 132:1-12 – Go to God’s Dwelling Place.
Sat. – Revelation 11:15-19 – The Ark in the Heavenly Temple.
Sun. – 2 Samuel 6:12-19 – David Dances Before the Ark.
Lesson 01 – September 5 – Moses and Miriam Praise God
Moses, Miriam, and the Israelites chose to thank God through singing praise together. Likewise today the church celebrates important events where God overcame enemies of His followers. Here is an example of a calendar of events: Liturgical Year
But we do not have to wait until Sunday or a special event to thank God. We can and should thank God any time for the blessings we receive.
Week of August 30 through September 5
Something to think about this week: What kinds of celebrations have you attended over the years?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS.
Mon. – Exodus 14:1-9 – God Hardens Pharaoh’s Heart.
Tues. – Exodus 14:10-20 – Don’t Just Do Something; Stand There!
Wed. – Exodus 14:21-31 – Victory by the Sea.
Thurs. – Luke 1:67-75 – Blessed Be God Our Savior.
Fri. – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 – Victory in Jesus.
Sat. – Exodus 15:1-10 – Moses Sings of God’s Triumph.
Sun. – Exodus 15:11-21 – Moses and Miriam Praise God.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 