Day 5, January 13, 2022

RESILIENCE: Real Bounce-back-ability!

Business Resilience | McKinsey & Company

Transforming Truth from God’s Word

Resilience is defined as one’s ability to rebound or come back from challenges or difficulties in life. Some people refer to it as bounce-back-ability. However, these definitions of resilience make the assumption that we possess the ability to be resilient in our own strength. Not so! We are not sufficient in and of ourselves. Only through receiving and living in God’s power and His process can a person move from surviving life’s struggles to thriving in the abundant life that Jesus has promised us.

In Romans 5, Apostle Paul writes that believers should rejoice and count it an honor (for Christ’s sake) when we are dealing with difficulties, pain and suffering. This is because we are at peace with (or reconciled to) God through Jesus Christ or Lord. Jesus provides access to God’s abundant and sufficient grace that enables us to stand, endure and even thrive in times of adversity. And in these seasons, He matures us spiritually by using our sufferings (tribulation) to produce perseverance, character and hope. Now Hope does not disappoint because God literally pours out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Wow! That’s Real Bounce-back-Ability!!!

 

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

A Psalm for Today

Psalm 27:13-14

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

God’s Promises for Today

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Your Points of Prayer

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Day 4, January 12, 2022

RENEWING Your Strength!

 

Isaiah 40:29-31 – Linda's Bible StudyTransforming Truth from God’s Word

By many accounts, we are living through the most unprecedented times in history. For most people, life has been completely disrupted, dizzying and turned upside down during this season of pandemic, natural disasters, loss of life, racial divisiveness, social revolution, political rancor and economic uncertainty. One common characteristic of these unprecedented times is that no person or family has been able to escape at full strength. Dealing with the challenges of each day can drain a large amount of energy and strength just to survive. The central question that each of us must answer is: what is the source of my strength and how can I renew my strength. In Isaiah 40, the Prophet Isaiah declares that God is the source of strength for His people. To each person who trusts in Him, He provides power to a person who is weak; and He gives strength to a person who is powerless — even young people are not immune to this. But Isaiah declares that the key to regaining lost strength is to “wait on the Lord.” Wait with patient expectation…wait I say on the Lord! Know that HE alone will renew your strength! Wait on Him, He is on the way!

As the glorious song of praise and worship by Richard Smallwood says: “YOU are the source of my strength, YOU are the strength of my life, I lift my hands in total praise to YOU!” Later, Christian artist Fred Hammond sang: “They that Wait.”

 

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

A Psalm for Today

Psalm 18:1-2

I will love You, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

God’s Promises for Today

Psalm 18:32

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.

Your Points of Prayer

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Day 3, January 11, 2022

REPOSITIONED for Victory!
 

 

 July 27 - 365 Day BibleTransforming Truth from God’s Word

When enemy nations came together to make war against Judah. The Spirit of the LORD spoke through His prophet Jahaziel to assure King Jehoshaphat that HE was with them and would protect His people, Judah. The LORD GOD had and unconventional plan for defeating the enemies of His people. HE essentially instructed Jehoshaphat to re-position the people of Judah, stand still and witness the Lord defeat their enemies before their very eyes.  He further instructed them not to be afraid or distressed and to go out and face their enemies the next day and that HE would be with them. The LORD assured His people of victory over their formidable enemies without drawing a weapon.

Just as with King Jehoshaphat and His people of Judah,  God desires you and I to draw faith, assurance and courage to trust Him and His Word in every circumstance of life, in every battle, we must know that the spiritual battle is far greater that the physical. When faced with impossible odds, we must know that God will fight each battle for us and He will always give us Victory though our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2 Chronicles 20:17

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”

A Psalm for Today

Psalm 20:1-2, 4-5  

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

God’s Promises for Today

1 Corinthians 15:55-58

“O Death, where is your sting O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Your Points of Prayer

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Day 2, January 10, 2022

REPURPOSED for His Purpose

 

Transforming Truth from God’s Word

God had a plan and purpose in mind for each of us when we were conceived in our mother’s womb. Throughout our lives, we will experience many thing including disappointments, hardships, trials, and tribulations. But through them, our God is at work in us, through us, and for us to fulfill HIS purpose. He uses every experience good, bad, or ugly for HIS glory and for our good. He repurposes you through it all in advance of HIS use of you.

Will you trust Him to repurpose you for HIS use in this season?

 

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

A Psalm for Today

Psalm 138:8  

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

God’s Promises for Today

Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

Your Points of Prayer

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Day 1, January 9, 2022

REASSEMBLING: The Potter Wants to Put You Back Together Again!

 

Transforming Truth from God’s Word

God is reassembling His people in this season. He desires to heal you and make you whole. He will then develop and use you to help restore others. Will you place yourself in the hands of the Potter today and be made whole?

 

Jeremiah 18: 1-3

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.

A Psalm for Today

 

Psalm 34: 17-20 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!

God’s Promises for Today

 

Isaiah 57:18-19 “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”

Isaiah 38:16-17 “You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”


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Sunday School Lessons: January – March 2022

The Lord’s House Community Church

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS:  January – March 2022

 

January 2, 2022 – JUSTICE, VENGEANCE, AND MERCY

Bible Background –Genesis 4

Printed Text – Genesis 4: 1-16 / Devotional Reading – Hebrews 2: 14-18

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE God’s justice in the face of human sinfulness; REFLECT on the dangers of allowing sin to control us; and REPENT of thoughts and actions that could harm others and ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

January 9, 2022 – HAGAR AND ISHMAEL NOT FORGOTTEN

 

Bible Background – Genesis 21: 8-21

Printed Text – Genesis 21: 8-20 / Devotional Reading – Luke 2: 52

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will DISCOVER how God was with Hagar and Ishmael; BELIEVE that God is at work, even in the midst of hopeless situations; and TRUST in God’s presence and provision, even when experiencing injustice.

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January 16, 2022 – THE LAWS OF JUSTICE AND MERCY

 

Bible Background – Exodus 23

Printed Text – Exodus 23: 1-12 / Devotional Reading – 2 John 1: 4-6

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will REMEMBER that God expects believers to care for others, ASPIRE to be impartial in showing justice and mercy, and PRATICE helping those who are in need.

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January 23, 2022 – JUSTICE, JUDGES, AND PRIESTS

 

Bible Background – Deuteronomy 16: 18-20; 17: 8-13; 19: 15-21

Printed Text – Deuteronomy 16: 18-20; 17: 8-13 / Devotional Reading – Proverbs 15: 25-26

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will DISCOVER why God established the roles of judges, officials, and priests and what those roles entailed; VALUE people who make decisions based on God’s justice; and PRACTICE justice in our roles as leaders.

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January 30, 2022 – JUSTICE AND THE MARGINALIZED

 

Bible Background – Deuteronomy 24: 10-21

Printed Text – Deuteronomy 24: 10-21 / Devotional Reading – 3 John 1: 2-8

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE God’s standards for justice, APPRECIATE how God loves those who are poor and marginalized, and SHARE love with those who are rejected by others.

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February 6, 2022 – NATHAN CONDEMS DAVID

 

Bible Background – 2 Samuel 12

Printed Text – 2 Samuel 12: 1-9, 13-15 / Devotional Reading – John 7: 40-47

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE how sins’ consequence extend beyond the individual and bring hurt to God and others; ADDRESS sin and the injustices that occur as a result; and ADMIT our sins, ask God’s forgiveness, and make godly choices.

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February 13, 2022 – EZRA SEEKS GOD’S LAW

 

Bible Background – Ezra 7: 1-26

Printed Text – Ezra 7: 1-10; 23-26 / Devotional Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14-17

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND the historical and spiritual significance of Ezra’s return to Jerusalem, VALUE how God works through various types of people to bring His plan to fruition, and THANK local leaders and teachers of God’s Word.

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February 20, 2022 – BILDAD MISUNDERSTANDS GOD’S JUSTICE

 

Bible Background – Job 8

Printed Text – Job 8: 1-10, 20-22 / Devotional Reading – Job 37: 5-7

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND Bildad’s response to Job’s suffering, DISCERN carefully when others misinterpret God’s ways, and GROW closer to God and live faithfully in God’s just ways.

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February 27, 2022 – SERVING A JUST GOD

 

Bible Background – Job 42

Printed Text – Job 42: 1-6, 10-17 / Devotional Reading – Job 37: 14-24

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND the necessity of being humble before God, APPRECIATE how God listens to our thoughts and responds with justice, and HELP others see the justice of God in difficult situations.

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March 6, 2022 – BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY ENDS

 

Bible Background –Ezra 1; 2: 64-70

Printed Text – Ezra 1: 1-8, 11; 2: 64-70 / Devotional Reading – Amos 5: 14-15

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXAMINE the rebuilding plan for the Temple in Jerusalem that God gave to King Cyrus, BELIEVE and TRUST that God provides resources for the tasks God asks us to do, and SHARE situations in which believers will trust God’s provision and act in faith.

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March 13, 2022 – FREEDOM TO WORSHIP

 

Bible Background – Ezra 5, 6: 1-12; 10: 1-5

Printed Text – Ezra 6: 1-12 / Devotional Reading – 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will REVIEW the pivotal role of Darius in getting the new Temple built in Jerusalem; PONDER excuses we offer for failing to act in accord with God’s will; and CONFESS our failings before God, receive the joy of forgiveness, and get on with the task at hand.

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March 20, 2022 – CELEBRATE PASSOVER LIBERATION

 

Bible Background – Ezra 6: 13-22; Leviticus 23: 4-8

Printed Text – Ezra 6: 13-22 / Devotional Reading – Exodus 2: 23-25

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE the celebration prompted by the completion of the new Temple, IDENTIFY reasons to celebrate God’s goodness, and JOIN TOGETHER as believers in celebrating and sharing the Good News of God’s love.

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March 27, 2022 – LEST WE FORGET

 

Bible Background – Deuteronomy 8

Printed Text – Deuteronomy 8: 1-11 / Devotional Reading – 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND what humility is in the light of God’s commandments, APPRECIATE God’s blessings and our need for humility before the Lord, and PRACTICE living a life of humility.

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Sunday School Lessons: Sep – Dec 2021

The Lord’s House Community Church

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS

 

September 19, 2021 – GLORIFYING GOD

 

Bible Background – Mark 10: 46-52; Luke 18: 35-43

Printed Text – Mark 10: 46-52 / Devotional Reading – James 5: 13-18

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will COMPARE and contrast spiritual and physical blindness, APPRECIATE how God is attentive and responds to our needs, and PRACTICE reaching out to those who are marginalized by society.

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September 26, 2021 – BELIEVERS PRAISE GOD

 

Bible Background – Acts 2: 32-33, 37-47

Printed Text – Acts 2: 32-33, 37-47 / Devotional Reading – Psalm 134

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND the role of Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives, DISCERN how the Holy Spirit inspires believers to share a life of worship, and PLAN opportunities for people to begin a relationship with Jesus through our ministries.

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October 3, 2021 – MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE

 

Bible Background – Psalm 100

Printed Text – Psalm 100 / Devotional Reading – Psalm 66: 1-7

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND why and how God is to be worshiped, as found in Psalm 100, APPRECIATE that God is worthy to be praised, and CREATE a psalm of praise for the Lord.
 

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October 10, 2021 – PRAISE GOD FOR JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

Bible Background – Psalm 9; Ecclesiastes 3: 16-22

Printed Text – Psalm 9: 1-12 / Devotional Reading – Deuteronomy 10: 17-21

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will CONTRAST God’s justice with humanity’s injustices, VALUE how God listens and responds to our needs, and PRACTICE God’s justice in difficult situations.

 
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October 17, 2021 – GIVE THANKS FOR DELIVERANCE

 

Bible Background – Psalm 107

Printed Text – Psalm 107: 1-9, 39-43 / Devotional Reading – Psalm 68: 1-6

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE the importance of having a relationship with God, the Deliverer, PLACE value on the role of giving thanks to God, and PRAY for those who need God’s deliverance.

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October 24, 2021 – THE JOY OF WORSHIP

 

Bible Background – Psalm 84

Printed Text – Psalm 84 / Devotional Reading – 2 Chronicles 29: 25-30

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will DISCOVER why the psalmist expressed joy in worship, FEEL the joy of worship, and PROCLAIM the living presence of God throughout creation.

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October 31, 2021 – PRAISE GOD WITH MUSIC

 

Bible Background – Psalms 147, 148, 149, and 150

Printed Text – Psalms 149: 1-5; 150: 1-6 / Devotional Reading – Ephesians 5:15-20

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will COMPARE the reason for and the expressions of praising God in two psalms, GAIN spiritual inspiration by various types of praise music and hymns, and PRAISE God using the psalms.

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November 7, 2021 – ALL PEOPLE PRAISE GOD

 

Bible Background – Revelation 7: 9-17

Printed Text – Revelation 7: 9-17 / Devotional Reading – Revelation 1: 1-8

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND how God’s salvation and justice for all people inspires praise and worship; EMBRACE the significance of praising God in unity; and RESPOND to God’s love, goodness, and grace with joy and exaltation.

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November 14, 2021 – PRAISE FOR GOD’S ETERNAL REIGN

 

Bible Background – Revelation 11

Printed Text – Revelation 11: 15-19 / Devotional Reading – Revelation 1: 9-17

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will DEFINE the nature of God’s reign for eternity, REFLECT on how God’s eternal reign affects our faith; and ENGAGE in activities that reflect the sovereignty of God in healthy, powerful, and transforming way.

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November 21, 2021 – REJOICING IN HEAVEN

 

Bible Background – Revelation 19

Printed Text – Revelation 19: 1-8 / Devotional Reading – Revelation 5:1-14

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will DISCUSS believer’s understanding of the implications of God’s judgment, BELIEVE that God’s judgment is inclusive of God’s justice and mercy, and ENJOY the love of Christ for all.

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November 28, 2021 – GOOD NEWS FOR ALL

 

Bible Background – Acts 10: 34-47

Printed Text – Acts 10: 34-47 / Devotional Reading – Acts 15: 6-18

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, VALUE the leadership of Peter in the early church and his relationship with Christ, and SPREAD the Good News that Christ is for all who want to know Him.

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December 5, 2021 – JUSTICE AND OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW

 

Bible Background – Deuteronomy 5; 10; 27; 28: 1-2

Printed Text – Deuteronomy 5:1-3; 10:12-13; 27:1-10/Devotional Reading – Matthew 22:36-40

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND the importance of justice and explore God’s commandments, APPRECIATE the blessing God promises as a benefit of obedience, and PRAY for wisdom to know what is right and perseverance to carry it through.

 

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December 12, 2021 – DAVID ADMINISTERS JUSTICE AND KINDNESS

 

Bible Background – 2 Samuel 9

Printed Text – 2 Samuel 9: 1-12 / Devotional Reading – Proverbs 18: 24

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE David’s kindness toward Mephibosheth as an act of justice and equity, REFLECT on the value of keeping our word, and SHOW radical kindness to someone in need.

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December 19, 2021 – JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS REIGN

 

Bible Background – Isaiah 9: 1-7

Printed Text – Isaiah 9: 2-7 / Devotional Reading – Micah 6: 1-8

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will ANALYZE the importance of this prophecy for the people of God in Isaiah’s time and today, CELEBRATE the justice, righteousness, and peace that Jesus brings to God’s people; and SHARE with others the hope of eternal peace and justice found in Jesus’ reign.

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December 26, 2021 – A JUST KING IS BORN

 

Bible Background – Matthew 2

Printed Text – Matthew 2: 1-12 / Devotional Reading – Exodus 34: 1-10

 

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLAIN how the wise men point to the inclusion of the marginalized, GRIEVE for those who suffer innocently due to the world’s brokenness and sin, and IDENTIFY with the wise men’s decision to perform an act of civil disobedience.


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Sunday School Lessons: March – June 2021

The Lord’s House Community Church

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
 
 

April 4, 2021 – SALVATION IS SEALED

Bible Background – Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Luke 24:1-35

Printed Text – Luke 24:13-16, 22-35 / Devotional Reading – Philippians 2:1-11

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will IDENTIFY the connections between the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and the resurrected Christ in Luke 24, AFFIRM the joy of knowing the Suffering Servant is the resurrected Jesus Christ, and SHARE the story of the Suffering Servant, who is the resurrected Jesus Christ.

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April 11, 2021 – EZRA: FAITH AND ACTION PREACHER

Bible Background – Ezra 9-10

Printed Text – Ezra 10:1-12 / Devotional Reading – Ezekiel 18:25-32

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will CONTRAST the people’s need for repentance with their joyful response to God’s word, BELIEVE that God’s truth is eternal, and GROW in determination to serve God in our community and beyond.

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April 18, 2021 – NEHEMIAH: THE CAPTIVE CUPBEARER REBUILDS A NATION

Bible Background – Nehemiah 2:11-20; 13:1-22

Printed Text – Nehemiah 2:11-20 / Devotional Reading – Daniel 9:4-6, 15-19

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXAMINE why Nehemiah decided to restore the wall of Jerusalem and reform/revive the Sabbath law, APPRECIATE Nehemiah’s feelings and behavior in restoring the wall and reforming Jewish worship, and IDENTIFY ways to restore worn parts of the faith community and revive traditions that honor God.

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April 25, 2021 – A PLEA FOR RESTORATION

Bible Background – Lamentations 5

Printed Text – Lamentations 5 / Devotional Reading – Lamentations 3:22-33

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND why the writer of Lamentations pleaded with God for the restoration of Israel, SENSE the writer’s feelings over the oppression of his nation, and PRAY for and engage in the restoration of broken relationships with God.

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May 2, 2021 – MICAIAH: SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Bible Background – 1 Kings 22:1-40 | Printed Text – 1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28

Devotional Reading – 1 John 3:23-4:3; Deuteronomy 18:19-22

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will IDENTIFY with Micaiah’s boldness in declaring the word of the Lord, ASPIRE to be like Micaiah when speaking the word of the Lord, and COMMIT to tell those in power what the Lord has said.

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May 9, 2021 – ISAIAH: OFFERING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Bible Background – Isaiah 29

Printed Text – Isaiah 29:13-24 / Devotional Reading – Jeremiah 29:10-14

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will CONSIDER how God’s promise of mercy will triumph over God’s judgment, BELIEVE that an essential characteristic of God’s nature is forgiveness, and REJOICE in the manifestation of God’s love in our own lives.

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May 16, 2021 – JEREMIAH: THE SUFFERING PREACHER

Bible Background – Jeremiah 37-38

Printed Text – Jeremiah 38:14-23 / Devotional Reading – Jeremiah 38:7-13; 39:15-18

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will IDENTIFY Jeremiah’s hesitation to give controversial advice to Zedekiah, SENSE Jeremiah’s apprehension when talking to Zedekiah, and COMMIT to giving challenging godly advice.

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May 23, 2021 – EZEKIEL: STREET PREACHER TO THE EXILES

Bible Background – Ezekiel 18

Printed Text – Ezekiel 18:1-9, 30-32 / Devotional Reading – Psalm 147

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXAMINE behavior in which we blame others as the cause, COMMIT to be responsible for our own behavior, and ENGAGE in responsible behavior that finds favor with God.

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May 30, 2021 – JONAH: DO THE RIGHT THING

Bible Background – Jonah 3

Printed Text – Jonah 3 / Devotional Reading – Jonah 2

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will SURVEY Nineveh’s response to Jonah’s message, SENSE how the people of Nineveh felt after hearing Jonah’s message, and ENGAGE in repentance and right behavior after hearing God’s warning.

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June 6, 2021 – WHY DO YOU WORRY?

Bible Background – Matthew 6:19-34

Printed Text – Matthew 6:25-34 / Devotional Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-16

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will CONTRAST Jesus’ teachings about worry with our own anxieties, APPRECIATE God’s care for everything in nature, and EMBRACE the opportunity to trust God in everyday life.

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June 13, 2021 – WHY ARE YOU AFRAID?

Bible Background – Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

Printed Text – Matthew 8:23-27 / Devotional Reading – Psalm 107:23-32

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will CONSIDER the feelings of the disciples when a storm overtook their boat while Jesus was asleep, IDENTIFY the crises that cause adults to worry about themselves and their families, and RESPOND to the promised presence of Jesus in bad times as well as good times.

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Jun 20, 2021 – HEALED BY FAITH

Bible Background – Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56

Printed Text – Matthew 9:18-26 / Devotional Reading – Proverbs 3:1-8

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will EXAMINE the nature of the faith involved in the healings of the woman and the girl in this passage, SENSE the power of God to bring life and healing to our loved ones, and REJOICE in the healing power of God as manifested in our own lives.

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June 27, 2021 – WHY DO YOU DOUBT?

Bible Background – Matthew 14:22-33

Printed Text – Matthew 14:22-33 / Devotional Reading – Isaiah 38:16-20

Aim for Change

By the end of this lesson, we will RECALL the amazing story of the storm at sea followed by Jesus’ appearance walking on the water, REPENT of failing to trust in God when caught up in a crisis, and DEVELOP habits of trust that enable us to overcome our doubt about God’s care.

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Day 21, January 30

 

What Has God Shown You?

 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NLT) But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.

 

Thought for Today:

On this 21st day of our season of prayer and fasting, let’s  pause to reflect on our journey with God. Prayerfully you have experienced a real and permanent spiritual transformation, through the power of spending focused time in prayer, fasting, worship and the Word of God. Hopefully, He has drawn you closer to Him and increased your desire to serve Jesus and live the Spirit-filled life.

 What has He shown you and what has the Holy Spirit revealed?

…about your walk with Jesus

….about keeping your eyes on Jesus

…about listening to His voice

…about having the mind of Christ

…about trusting God at all times

…about obeying Him

…about forgiving others and yourself

…about serving Him faithfully

…about your relationships

…about your spiritual gifts

…about the deeper things He has for you

 This passage of scripture really resonates. Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that “it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit.”

 God has shown you things by His Spirit during these last 21 days. How will you respond to the Spirit of God? He is waiting for your answer.

 It’s Time to Pray: Heavenly Father, what have you shown me in during my 21 days of prayer and fasting? Help me to respond to those things in obedience so that I may be used by You throughout 2021 and beyond…in Jesus’ name, Amen!


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Day 20, January 29

 

 

A View from the Top!
 

Scriptures:

 Matthew 5:1-3 

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

 

Thought for Today:

Have you ever seen the view from the top of a mountain? The summit of a mountain is a majestic place and offers a majestic view to those who have the rare opportunity make it to the top. It has been described as one of the most life-changing experiences that one can have. Maybe you have experienced this while looking down from an airplane or watching a movie with mountain views. However you might have experienced it, such spectacular views elevate your thoughts and change the way you see the world. The experience provides you with a view from some of the highest places on earth and enables you to see valleys, rivers and other terrain at great distances. You gain a far greater line of sight and broader vision.

 As He begins to preach the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples and the multitudes of people a “View from the Top” proclaiming The Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1 describes when Jesus saw a large gathering of people, He went up on a mountain and took a seat and His disciples gathered around Him. Jesus was intentional about everything He did. Therefore initiating His ministry from the mountain was symbolic of elevating their standard of thinking and living to the standard of the Kingdom of God.  Each Beatitude describes a kingdom character trait that Jesus desired His disciples to receive, understand and live by daily as citizens of the Kingdom of God. He knew that as they took in each Beatitude, their soul and mind would be elevated to be more like His. He gave them the highest view of what their life could become for the Kingdom if they followed Him and believed on His name. Each Beatitude begins with “blessed” (happy, supremely blessed, special joy granted to the person who receives salvation — Spirit Filled Life Bible).

 Today, just as He taught His disciples and the crowd that day, Jesus wants to give you a fresh “View from the Top” to increase your spiritual vision and understanding of His Kingdom. He wants to elevate your thinking to a Kingdom mindset. He wants to reveal His divine character and nature in you. There is a higher standard that you can attain as a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ if you seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness. Once you receive a “View from the Top” you will never be the same. He will place your feet on higher ground. You will praise, worship, pray, receive the Word and serve with greater Kingdom fervor and faithfulness.  Less of you, More of Him!

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

(Refrain from Higher Ground

 

It’s Time to Pray: 

Lord Jesus, I repent for living beneath Your standard. Pour into me a fresh vision for my role in your Kingdom. Elevate my thinking and living to the standard of the Beatitudes. Help me to gain your “View from the top.” Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. I decrease so that You may increase in me… Amen.

 
 

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