Lesson 13 – August 29 – An Eternal Hope
Scripture is clear that God made us for a purpose—His purpose—and we are called to fulfill that purpose in every stage of our lives. Growing older may change our purpose, but we are still working for the Lord and fulfilling His purpose as long as we are here.
Whatever our age or stage in life, it is imperative that we discover our gifts and cover the earth with those gifts. We can be a blessing to those around us and even impact the whole world.
Week of August 23 through August29
Something to think about this week: What do you think is your (God-given) purpose-for being here on earth?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Corinthians 15:16-23 – From Death to Life in Christ.
Tues. – Ephesians 3:14-21 – Strengthening the Inner Being.
Wed. – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 – Every Deed, Good or Evil, Judges.
Thurs. – Romans 2:4b-11 – God’s Judgment of Human Behavior Impartial.
Fri. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 – Paul, Confident in the Ministry.
Sat. – 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 – Entering the Presence of Jesus.
Sun. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 – Live the Faith with Confidence.
Lesson 12 – August 22 – A Conquering Faith
According to 1 Corinthians 13, God’s love is the greatest gift of all to us. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than it does for itself. Love is not prideful and always looks for the best in others. The apostle Paul explained that God’s love is the motive for everything we do, or what we do really amounts to nothing in His eyes. If you give all your belongings to the poor and it’s not driven by love, your giving is unprofitable. Finally, if you suffer until death for a worthy cause, but not for the sake of love, your great sacrifice is useless.
Here is an interesting quote from C.S. Lewis’s book Mere Christianity: “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. . . . If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less.”
Week of August 16 through August 22
Something to think about this week: What does it mean to love like Jesus?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 13:1-4 – Testing Our Love for God.
Tues. – John 14:15-24 – Love God by Keeping His Commandments.
Wed. – 1 John 4:1, 4-6 – Discerning the Spirit of Truth and Error.
Thurs. – 1 John 4:7-12 – Knowing God, We Can Love Others.
Fri. – 1 John 5:1-3 – Faith Is the Victory.
Sat. – 1 John 5:6-12 – Believers in Jesus Have Life.
Sun. – 1 John 4:2-3, 13-17; 5:4-5 – Faith that Loves Overcomes Obstacles.
Lesson 11 – August 15 – A Persevering Faith
When we face temptation, it is important to stay in contact with one or more trusted Christian friends. We can ask for specific prayer and receive encouragement to stand strong in our struggles. We can strengthen our faith when we seek to do God’s will and walk closely with Him through Bible reading and prayer.
Week of August 9 through August 15
Something to think about this week: What circumstances might shake your faith?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Mark 8:31-37—Save Your Life by Losing It.
Tues. – 1 Peter 3:9-19 – Respond to Abusers with Blessings.
Wed. – Revelation 2:8-11 – Be Faithful Until Death.
Thurs. – Hebrews 10:1-10 – Sanctified by Christ’s Sacrifice.
Fri. – Hebrews 10:11-18 – The Inner Life of New Believers.
Sat. – Hebrews 10:19-22 – Approach God with a Pure Heart.
Sun. – Hebrews 10:23-36 – Act in Ways That Preserve the Faith.
Lesson 10 – August 8 – A Necessary Faith
Our faith looks forward when we base our hope for the future on our experience and knowledge of God. That is, we look at what we have seen—His fulfillment of promises in His Word and what He has done for us and those we know—and this strengthens our faith in what we do not yet see. We look forward to God’s better place for us in the heavenly city because of the many references in His Word.
Milestones…
A group of guys were all turning 30, so they decided to go somewhere and celebrate. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because the prices were good and it stayed open late.
-Ten years later, they were all turning 40, and they thought it might be fun to meet up somewhere again. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because the waitresses were attractive and there was an excellent beer selection.
-Another decade passed, and they were all turning 50. To mark this milestone, they wanted to get together again somewhere. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because the food was delicious and the service was fast and friendly.
-Ten more years rolled by. Now they were all turning 60, and they wanted to continue their tradition of meeting up up somewhere for the occasion. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because there was a great senior discount and plenty of parking.
-After another ten years, they were all turning 70, and once again they began planning a reunion. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because it was wheelchair-accessible and the restrooms were conveniently located.
-Yet another decade flew swiftly past. They were all turning 80, and wanted to go someplace particularly special to commemorate the event. After some discussion, they finally settled on TJ’s Tavern over in Summersville, because they’d never been there before.
Week of August 2 through August 8
Something to think about this week: Think about any milestones you can identify in your life such as a graduation or getting married.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Timothy. 6:6-10 – Love of Money, Root of Evil.
Tues. – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 – Control Your Own Body.
Wed. – Acts 7:2-7 – Abraham, Father of the Faithful.
Thurs. – Hebrews 11:4-7, 17-27 – Worthy Examples of the Faithful.
Fri. – Hebrews 13:1-9, 17-19 – Actions of Faith in Daily Life.
Sat. – Hebrews 13:10-16 – Like Jesus, Offer Sacrifices to God.
Sun. – Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 – The Living Actions of Faith.
Lesson 09 – August 1 – Salvation Available for All
God never tires of loving or caring for us He is constantly reaching out to us, even during those times when we are obstinate or disobedient, hoping we’ll draw closer to Him or that we’ll come into a saving relationship with Him if we haven’t already done so. And He promises that if we faithfully try to hear what He is telling us and believe in what He’s saying that we will be redeemed, that we will be rescued from the worst in ourselves, and that we will have a place with Him in eternity.
Week of July 26 through August 1
Something to think about this week: Read Romans 10:5-17. “How is God speaking to me today? What does He want me to do? How does He want me to respond?”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 30:6-14 – Obey God with Heart and Voice.
Tues. – Isaiah 52:1-10 – God’s Salvation Announced.
Wed. – Joel 2:28-32 – Call on the Name of the Lord.
Thurs. – Galatians 3:6-14 – Gentiles Believe by Faith.
Fri. – Romans 10:1-4 – For the Salvation of the Gentiles.
Sat. – Romans 10:18-21 – Regret for Not Hearing Christ’s Word.
Sun. – Romans 10:5-17 – Salvation Is for All People.
Lesson 08 – July 25 – Peace with God
We can’t escape the difficulties this life often presents. And sometimes they will result in harboring doubts about God’s love for us and the benefit of continuing to trust in Him. But placing our hope in God in all circumstances, no matter how difficult they are, can result in peace knowing that the outcome of trusting in Him will always be better than placing our faith in ourselves or our circumstances.
Week of July 19 through July 25
Something to think about this week: What do you feel when you hear the word “hope.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 5:9-12 – Blessed Are Persecuted Believers.
Tues. – Philippians 1:12-20 – Jesus, Not Suffering, Matters.
Wed. – 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30 – Suffering for Christ and the Church.
Thurs. – Romans 8:18-25 – In Hope Our Salvation Is Secure.
Fri. – Romans 5:12-17 – Free Gift of Jesus Brings Justification.
Sat. – Romans 5:18-21 – Grace Leads to Eternal Life.
Sun. – Romans 5:1-11 – Justified through Faith in Jesus Christ.
Lesson 07 – July 18 – Faith of Abraham
Faith is developed by the continual hearing of God’s Word and trust is developed by recognizing His continual presence and promises. Abraham spoke with God often, through prayer, praise, petition. It doesn’t mean that Abraham never feared or sinned, but his faith in God made him righteous in the sight of God.
Week of July 12 through July 18
Something to think about this week: Think about what it means to “stand” for something.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Genesis 15:1-8 – God’s Covenant with Abraham.
Tues. – Genesis 12:1-9 – All World’s Families Blessed through Abraham.
Wed. – Romans 4:13-15 – Promise Realized by Faith Not Law.
Thurs. – Romans 4:16-18 – For All Who Share Abraham’s Faith.
Fri. – Romans 4:19-21 – Abraham Believed Despite Impossible Odds.
Sat. – Romans 4:22-25 – In Christ, Believers Share Abraham’s Faith.
Sun. – Romans 4:1-12 – Abraham, Father of the Faithful.
Lesson 06 – July 11 – Power of the Gospel
–Forget about the shame of your past and embrace the position and authority of an heir of God and joint heir with Christ.
–The heart is where we store our treasures. When the Word of God is written upon the tablets of our heart, then what we speak will edify others; it lifts the heavy heart, it speaks salvation to the lost, and it is filled with a psalm of praise unto our God.
Week of July 5 through July 11
Something to think about this week: Read Romans 1:8-17. Think about a time you felt ashamed of something you did.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon.- 1 Corinthians 3:1-11 – Apollos and Paul, Builders.
Tues. – Galatians 2:1-10 – Entrusted to Take Gospel to Gentiles
Wed. – Romans 1:1-7 – Grace and Peace to All.
Thurs. – Romans 1:18-23 – God’s Righteous Wrath.
Fri. – Romans 1:24-32 – God’s Actions Are Fair and Just.
Sat. – 2 Peter 2:4-9 – God’s Righteous Actions for Saints Sinners
Sun. – Romans 1:8-17 – The Gospel Changes Jews and Gentiles.
Lesson 05 – July 4 – Attitude of Gratitude
Many are blessed, few are grateful. Just as the 10 lepers who were healed but only one praised God for his healing, God blesses the world with His grace but only a few are truly grateful. Yet, in a way, that’s also true with us. God pours a multitude of blessings into our lives, but how often do we sincerely thank Him? Indeed, expressing our gratitude to God should be the hallmark of our living faith in Christ.
In the lesson this week one in ten people expressed gratitude.
Week of June 28 through July
Something to think about this week: Read Leviticus 13:45- 46 and Luke 17:11-19. Think about how we express our gratitude to God for the many blessings He pours into our lives.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 56:1-8 – God Welcomes Foreigners.
Tues. – Ruth 4:3-6, 13-15 – Naomi’s Sorrow Turns to Joy.
Wed. – Leviticus 13:1-8 – Symptoms and Treatment of Leprosy.
Thurs. – 2 Kings 7:3-11 – Lepers Share Their Good News.
Fri. – John 4:39-42 – Many Samaritans Believe in the Savior.
Sat. – Luke 17:1-10 – Doing What Needs to Be Done.
Sun. – Leviticus 13:45-46; Luke 17:11-19 – Cultivate Grate
Lesson 04 – June 27 – Rescued from Doubt
At times, fixing our gaze on Jesus can be extremely difficult. Those are times when sin, fears, and even preoccupation with daily issues can sway our vision. Those are times when we need to be particularly vigilant against anything that would draw our attention away from our Lord. Those are times when keeping our eyes on Jesus will increase and deepen our faith in God. Most importantly, as with Peter, the Lord will lift us up whenever we cry out to Him for help.
Week of June 21 through June 27
Something to think about this week: Read Matthew 14:22-33 and think about what we focus our eyes on throughout each day of our lives.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 38:16-20 – Let’s Sing of the Lord’s Faithfulness.
Tues. – Matthew 14:1-12 – The Baptist Dies for the Faith.
Wed. – Leviticus 13:1-8 – Symptoms and Treatments of Leprosy.
Thurs. – 2 Kings 7:3-11 – Lepers Share Their Good News.
Fri. – John 4:39-42 – Many Samaritans Believe in the Savior.
Sat. – Luke 17:1-10 – Doing What Needs to Be Done.
Sun. – Leviticus 13:45-56; Luke 17:11-19 – Cultivate Gratefulness for Act of Healing.
Lesson 03 – June 20 – Healed by Faith
Reaching out to Jesus for His help doesn’t guarantee that He will provide what we want in the way we want and when we want, but it does indicate that we have placed our lives in His hands because we have our utmost faith in Him as our divine Shepherd. Moreover, such dependence allows Him to transform our lives into a far richer and more purposeful life.
Free Dad jokes all day long!!
Week of June 14 through June 20
Something to think about this week: Think about this sentence: “I need to have this kind of heart when I seek Christ.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Numbers 15:37-41 – An Aid to Remember God’s Commandments.
Tues. – Luke 8:40-42a, 49-56 – Disciples and Family Witness Girl’s Healing.
Wed. – Luke 8:42b-48 – Woman Testifies to Jesus’ Healing Touch.
Thurs. – Matthew 9:27-31 – Jesus Opens Eyes of the Blind.
Fri. – Matthew 9:32-34 – Jesus Restores Speech to Mute Man.
Sat. – Matthew 9:35-10:1 – Join the Lord’s Harvest Today.
Sun. – Matthew 9:18-26 – Faith in God Heals Many Ills.
Lesson 02 – June 23 – Delivered from Fear
The disciples panicked even though Jesus was in the boat with them. They even questioned if Jesus cared about their safety. As Christians, we often panic and wonder if Jesus cares for us when storms enter our lives. Just as Jesus was able to calm the storm with the disciples, He can calm all storms in our, lives. As Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter, of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Week of June 7 through June 13
Something to think about this week: Things or situations that, lead people to panic—for example, global viruses, death in the family, cancer, etc.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Mark 4:35-41 – Do Not Fear the Storm.
Tues. – Matthew 24:9-14 – Do Not Fear Persecution.
Wed. – Romans 8:31-39 – No Separation from God’s Love.
Thurs. – John 16:25-33 – I Have Overcome the World.
Fri. – Matthew 8:18-22 – Choose to Follow Me Now!
Sat. – Matthew 8:28-34 – Jesus Delivers the Demon-Possessed.
Sun. – Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus Stills the Stormy Sea.
Lesson 01 – June 6 – Freed from Worry
Our God knows us so well. He knows that we worry and fear the future. He promises again and again in Scripture that we need to trust Him, and know He will provide for us.
Take it one day at a time. And more importantly, trust God!
Week of May 31 through June 6
Something to think about this week: Read Matthew 6:25-34. What things we worry about most of the time and why we do that worrying?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Samuel 9:5-10 – Worried? Seek God’s Counsel.
Tues. – Ezekiel 34:11-16 – God Cares for His People.
Wed. – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Rich? Set Your Hope on God.
Thurs. – Matthew 17:14-20 – Enlarge Your Faith Practices.
Fri. – Luke 12:22-34 – Overcome Worry through Faith.
Sat. – Matthew 6:19-24 – Serve God with Your Whole Heart.
Sun. – Matthew 6:25-34 – Live Worry Free Every Day.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 