The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Job

  • Paul’s Opportunity

    “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

    Acts 26:28

    The following tells of one time when Paul gave his personal testimony of when Jesus called upon him, and Paul answered that call, trusting in Christ. Recognize a simple pattern.

    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was,
    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him,
    • He told of his personal response,
    • Then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life.

    This is a good basis for anyone to use who will give a personal testimony. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in witnessing to someone else.

    When given the opportunity, Paul gave his personal testimony before the rulers:

    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was:

    “4. My manner of life from my youth, … that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7. … For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:4-11). Paul acknowledged that he was a sinner. He even worked against the spread of the Gospel message.

    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him:

    “12. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said,I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:12-18). While Paul was yet in sin, Jesus called upon him to be saved (“sanctified by faith that is in me”).

    • He told of his personal response:

    “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Paul was obedient to the call. He was saved.

    • And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life:

    “20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. … 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:20-23). Even though many wanted to kill Paul for obeying God’s command to go and tell the Gentiles about Jesus, Paul never quit.

    We then read the response of Festus. “24. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24-25). Art beside thyself means “to be mad; to rave; a person who speaks and acts in such a way that they appear to others as being out of their mind.” Mad means “to rave as a maniac; madness; insanity.” Festus just thought Paul was out of his mind – crazy. Or did he? Festus did not treat Paul as a prisoner who was crazy. It is very possible that Festus felt the conviction of this Truth Paul declared, and he did not want to admit this Truth.

    • And then Paul invited Agrippa to respond to the Gospel message:

    “26. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:26-28). What was Agrippa’s response? “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (see Acts 26:28). Instead, he rose up and went aside, agreeing that Paul had done nothing worthy of death – or even bonds (means “without freedom”).

    Jesus called Paul, he believed and was saved, and then God sent him to preach Jesus – primarily to the Gentiles. He even spoke to rulers. His testimony of believing in Jesus allowed him to be a witness for Jesus so they could know how to be saved. His example is a good formula for anyone to use who will give their personal testimony of the time they trusted in Jesus. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in becoming a witness for Jesus.

    Have you ever shared your personal salvation experience with anyone else?

    How To Be Saved

  • Trust in the Lord

    “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”

    Isaiah 50:10

    What can we do when nothing seems to make sense?

    If you belong to Jesus and you feel as if you are walking in the dark, there is an important thing to be understood. Sometimes, Christians recognize that they are living a life pleasing to God, obeying His Word, yet one may still feel as if they are walking in darkness. See what Isaiah teaches us. “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10). This verse teaches that we can be serving and obeying God and still experience times of darkness where we do not understand what God is doing in our lives. It is then we are to understand that the Christian life will be difficult and often times very lonely.

    It is in these times, as you hold fast to your profession of faith, you must remember the importance of trusting God. However, one will not always be able to understand what is happening. Remember what you should have learned in Proverbs. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are to trust God. Just because something does not make sense to us now does not mean it will not make sense later. However, some things may never make sense to us on this side of heaven. “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Who am I to think I understand things better than God does? These words in Isaiah are a reminder that God knows all, and even when we do not understand, He knows.

    Remember Job. He stood alone in his trying times. Neither his wife nor his friends understood or truly encouraged him during his difficult days (see Job 1:9 to remember his wife’s words).

    When John the Baptist was in prison, he needed encouragement from Jesus (see Matthew 11:2-6).

    Genesis chapter thirty-nine tells the story of a godly young man named Joseph. Joseph had not sinned against God. He had done nothing wrong; he was doing what was right. He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned. He was completely innocent… this did not make sense! Nevertheless, throughout these trying times when Joseph did not understand, Joseph trusted God. He remained faithful to God. Moreover, the men around Joseph recognized God’s hand working in Joseph’s life.

    Joseph did not fully understand what God was doing until Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison to interpret his dreams. It was at this time that Joseph began to understand God’s plan. God had placed Joseph in Egypt at that pivotal time in history. Joseph never forgot the dreams God had given him in his youth where the world’s resources and rulers would be at his feet (see Genesis 37:5-11). God never forgot them, either. Joseph’s dreams came to fruition in God’s perfect timing (see Genesis 41:38-44). Remember how Joseph explained these things to his brothers, years after they had sold him into slavery. “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph understood.

    Sometimes God allows things to happen (we feel as if we are living in darkness) for a purpose that we may not understand at the time. Often times when trials come, things we do not understand, we are tempted to quit God. However, remember the following: “5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:5-9). God will bring us out in His time. Be willing to wait upon the Lord. God knows where you are. God has His schedule. Do not hurry God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6) Wait upon the Lord, and He will exalt you in His time.

    In the darkness, Joseph held onto what God had promised him. Keep in mind that some of the greatest saints in the Bible walked in darkness for parts of their lives, not fully understanding what God was doing. Darkness did not mean that sin had prevailed. These people simply trusted God and remained faithful. God was with Joseph.

    As you serve Jesus, remember that there is coming a day when God will make everything right. Just because it does not make sense to you now does not mean it will not make sense one day. Trust Him.

    Do you trust the Lord, remaining faithful, waiting for Him to make all things right?

  • The Cry of the Righteous

    “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

    Psalm 34:15

    There are three men that are mentioned as righteous in the Bible: Noah, Daniel, and Job. “Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 14:14). I would like you to consider Daniel, a man about whom we find nothing bad written.

    Do you remember when the men in King Darius’ court were searching to find “occasion against Daniel” but could not (see Daniel 6:4)? The only area in which they thought they could find something was between Daniel and the Law of his God (see Daniel 6:5). In other words, they were grasping at straws to find anything to use against him. They ended up deceiving the king to make a law (a royal statute) that would implicate Daniel. If you remember, God saved Daniel’s life by sending an angel to close the mouths of the lions (see Daniel 6:6-24).

    This same Daniel understood by the reading of “the books” (specifically of Jeremiah), that God would allow His people to return to the land of Israel after seventy years of captivity in the land of Babylon ended (see Daniel 9:2). Daniel believed God’s Word. Consider also, that by the reading of “the books”, he may have read the book of Isaiah that declared the leader who would allow the Israelites to return to their land. “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid” (Isaiah 44:28). This Cyrus was mentioned, by name, many years before he was even born.

    What would you do if you recognized that God had done exactly what He said He was going to do (allowed the Israelites to be taken captive into Babylon for seventy years)? What would you do if you read more of God’s Word, understanding what God still planned to do? Read what we are to understand: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

    Daniel began to pray (with fasting) to the Lord. He began by acknowledging who God is (see Daniel 9:4). Read some of his prayer. “5. We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: 6. Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land” (Daniel 9:5-6). One should recognize that he first admitted, “We have sinned”. He acknowledged that God’s people had not listened to the prophets who had warned them of this coming judgment from God. Daniel prayed on behalf of himself and all of the Israelites.

    Daniel acknowledged something very important. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee” (Daniel 9:7). Righteousness belongs to God, for only He is truly righteous. Daniel’s prayer is recorded in Daniel 9:5-19. Daniel understood that he was a sinner, just like every other person. He recognized that he, too, needed to repent before God. It would be good for all Christians to acknowledge this as well.

    Have you considered the importance of Daniel praying? After reading God’s Word (“the books”), he understood God had fulfilled the promise of the captivity of His people. In this prayer, Daniel is revealing his faith that God will fulfill His promise of allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland. However, by this prayer we can understand that Daniel acknowledged the sin of the people was the reasoning for the discipline of the captivity in Babylon. And Daniel was asking God to forgive them, in case the people had not adequately asked God for forgiveness. 

    An amazing thing happened while Daniel was praying. Gabriel, an angel from God, went to Daniel and gave him some of the most specific and amazing prophecy for all to know. Some has been fulfilled, and some will be fulfilled in the near future (see Daniel 9:20-27).

    What can we learn from Daniel in this instance? As we recognize God fulfilling promises found in His Word, we also understand there are things that God has not fulfilled – as of yet. Christians should pray. It is important for a Christian to remember: God is righteous, and even Christians are sinners. We are to acknowledge when we “have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy (God’s) judgments”. We then repent and return to God, forsaking the sin, and make sure we are living a life that is pleasing to God. It is then we will be able to recognize as God working in the world as He fulfills His Word in these days.

    Do you read God’s Word wanting to understand the plan He has in these days?

  • Pieces of a Puzzle

    “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets”
    Hebrews 1:1

    There were men, called prophets, whom God called for a special purpose. Through these men, he revealed Himself to His people through the ages in different ways at different times. “God, who at sundry times” [refers to the incremental and progressive manner in which God disclosed Himself, up until the appearance of the Son. It was fragmentary, piece by piece, like pieces of a puzzle] “and in divers manners” [this word is used to qualify the manner in which divine revelation during the Old Testament time frame was given. It shows the diverse ways through which God disclosed His Word, such as dreams, visions, and angelic visitation] “spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” God called the prophets for a special purpose. One of the most famous disobeyed God. Remember Jonah?

    There are twelve Minor Prophets. They can be divided into two groups. The first nine were sent to the people before the people were expelled from the land of Israel. Interestingly, we know very little about these prophets. Some were sent to Judah (the Southern Kingdom), some to Israel (the Northern Kingdom), and some were sent to Gentile nations. They were just ordinary men that God chose to use. See a little bit about the first nine minor prophets as they were sent to God’s people before they were carried captive.

    • Joel was a prophet to Judah who told of a plague of locusts.
    • Micah is known as a prophet to both Israel and Judah calling for the people to “hear.”   
    • Habakkuk is remembered as the prophet who asked God why – and God answered him! He learned that he must have faith in God. “… but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4b).
    • Zephaniah wrote of God’s judgment and mercy. His preaching had great influence upon King Josiah, who “… did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left” (2 Chronicles 34:2).
    • Hosea reveled the love of God, in spite of spiritual adultery. He called for the people to “Come, and let us return unto the LORD …” (Hosea 6:1b).
    • Amos is known as a prophet from the country. He asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
    • Obadiah was written as a warning to those who persecute Israelites. He wrote, “The pride of thine heart had deceived thee …” (Obadiah 1:3a).
    • Jonah is known as an unwilling or reluctant prophet. He will be forever known as the prophet who ran from God and was swallowed by a great fish (a whale).
    • Nahum is known as one who prophesied the destruction of Nineveh. He wrote, “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked …” (Nahum 1:3a).

    The prophets came from all walks of life. God used them where they were or sent them where He needed them. Each of these prophets recognized the sovereignty of God in all areas of life. God had an extra-special job for the prophets. He has an extra-special job for his people today as well – if we will only obey! Make your time on earth count for God; live for Him daily. Allow God to use you. Respond when God calls. It may be a minor thing in your eyes that God asks of you, but very important to the kingdom of God.

    Have you allowed God to use you lately?

    From The Biblical Path of Life Year One Quarter One Lesson 10

  • Seeing God

    “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil”
    1 Peter 3:12

    Job is known as a patient man (see James 5:11). When Satan presented himself before God, take note of what God said about Job: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8). So we understand what kind of a man Job was – a righteous man. In addition, God knew Satan had set his heart to try to destroy Job. When God allowed Satan to put his hand against Job, note that it was with God’s permission, for God knew Job could handle it. Job was faithful through the first set of trials: “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (Job 1:22).

    Nevertheless, Satan wanted to do more. Once again, God allowed Satan to put his hand against Job in his health, but he could not take Job’s life. Note what we read: “…In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:10b).

    Notice that the book of Job opens with this behind-the-scenes event that Job never knew about. But we can learn so much. Satan is accountable to God, and he cannot do anything to God’s people without permission. It is also very clear that Satan’s thoughts are an open book to God – for God knew what Satan was thinking before he even mentioned Job. We also read that Satan had been “… going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7b). Satan is not omnipresent, nor is he omniscient! He does not know everything like God does. Satan is limited – God is not limited! We can also understand that God’s eyes are always on His children. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him …” (2 Chronicles 16:9a). Job endured this trial very well. At the end we can read, he understood that he thought that he knew God well before these trials. But in this trial, he really got to know God. “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6). This man that we understood was perfect and upright man, recognized that he was just another sinful man once he really understood who God is.

    Job is a great example to be where God has placed you, doing what God would have you to be doing, and understanding that nothing can or will happen to you that God doesn’t already know you can handle.  Remember: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).

    Are you where God wants you to be doing what you are to be doing?

    Do you see God for who He is and what He is doing in your life?

  • Have you seen God?

    “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”
    Job 42:5

    God created all things. We can understand that He created all things, including us, for his pleasure. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). But have you ever taken time to hear about God? How about trying to see Him?

    What does it really mean when people say they have “seen” God? Can anyone really “see” God? Some things you see without physical eyes. This “seeing” is referring to the movement of God in one’s own personal life. A few books in the Old Testament reveal men wanting to know God better – in a personal way. Job, King David (in the book of Psalms), and King Solomon (in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) were such men. We also see God move in the hearts and lives of these men. There is a great picture of this in the life of Job.

    Job opens with a behind-the-scenes event that Job never knew about (a very important fact for us to consider!). Satan presents himself before the throne of God. Remember; God knows all, see: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts …” (1 Chronicles 28:9b). Yet we find that He asks Satan if he has set his heart upon Job. Read how Job is described: “… a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (turns away from) evil” (Job 1:8). Satan wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). This fact is vividly portrayed in the book of Job. Job lost all of his wealth, his ten children, and eventually even his health. Yet through all of the adversity that Job endured, he never cursed God. He sought his own heart, and he acknowledged God and who He is. When he did not understand what it was that was happening to him, he appealed to God.

    And God answered him.

    Although Job never fully understood what happened, or why, we can read about it for ourselves in the book of Job. Job’s faith and trust in things of which he did not know is rather amazing. Yet through it all, Job’s faith and trust in God grew. Even knowing how God described Job at the beginning of the book, read what Job recognized about his own condition in the presence of God. “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6).

    These events give us much insight, if only we will receive it. Although Job never knew that God allowed Satan to cause these events in his life, we find that he trusted God. There is an important thing that we should remember – God knew Job. He knew that Job could endure all of those things and even grow in his faith and trust in Him. When we are faced with things, we should understand that God won’t allow anything to happen to us that He doesn’t already know we can handle. If we just will! “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation here means “putting to proof (by experiment [of good], or experience [of evil]; to try.” And the words to be tempted here mean “to test.” But my favorite part: the words God is faithful. The word faithful here means “trustworthy; faithful; true.” I can trust God because He is faithful through it all! Job understood this before it was even written.

    Have you trusted God to be faithful during your trying times?

    Posted also at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon

  • Lesson 1 (Lesson 40): Job: The Test

    Key Verse

    “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”  I Peter 1:7

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Explain that gold is purified with fire.  When it is hot enough to become liquid, the impurities can be skimmed off.  When we have trials (a time of testing), it is to purify us – making us better Christians.  Even though we don’t like trying times, they are to help us become better Christians as we wait for Jesus’ return.

    Summary:  Today we begin studying the first of the five Personal Books, Job.  We will continue with Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon in the following weeks of this quarter.  They are all books written as poems.  They each deal with individuals’ very personal experiences with God.  We will see how they specifically deal with the individual’s heart issues as they seek to know and understand God better.

    The book of Job opens with a behind the scenes event that Job never knew about (a very important fact for us to consider!)  Satan presented himself before God’s throne after walking to and fro over the face of the earth.  God (knowing all) asked if he had set his heart upon God’s servant, Job.  God then gave Satan permission to afflict Job.  The rest of the book records the events that transpired.  Today in our lesson we will see both sides, heavenly and earthly, of the afflictions of this upright man Job.  A most important thing to note:  through the events that take place in this book, a man God described as a “perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (turns away from) evil” (Job 1:8), Job still grew in his knowledge of God – Job 42:5-6:  “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

    Many believe the book of Job takes place about the same time as Abraham, but most all agree that this is the oldest book written.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Even though we may have been in Sunday School or church for most of our lives, and think we know “enough”, we can still grow in our knowledge of God’s Word.  We should never lose that desire to learn more about God.  Job didn’t!

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 40 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 40 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I had a list of some people in our church who were sick (or some of our shut-ins that no longer are able to physically attend church).  We made and colored cards to send to them.  It is important to minister to others when they are sick or afflicted.  We may not understand what is going on in their lives (much like Job’s friends had no idea what was really going on in his life), but it is a blessing to be kind to them.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

  • Lesson 7: Five Personal Books: Job – Song of Solomon

    Key Verse

    “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” Job 42:5

    Has anyone ever “heard” of God?  Has anyone seen God?  (Moses saw the back of God as He passed by – that’s all we know of.)  What does it really mean when someone says they’ve “seen” God?  (Explain that the person has seen God move in their life through events.)

    In this lesson, we are going to begin looking at some men in the Bible who wanted to know God better.  These men wanted to communicate with God, and wanted to know Him better.  Their words collectively are the five Personal books, each book written as poems and some as songs.  The five Personal books are called such because they deal very personally with man.  Each book deals with different individual’s experiences with God:  Job, the men who wrote the Psalms (David, Moses, Asaph – who led the music, and others), King Solomon – as he recorded wise words in the Proverbs, when he wrote about the vanity of life apart from God in Ecclesiastes, and as he wrote of the beauty of a perfect love in marriage in Song of Solomon.  They mainly deal with the individual’s heart issues as they seek to know and understand God better.  We often set some these poems to music and sing them.  We will emphasize and mention all five books.

    In this lesson it is important to recognize that “seeing” God is when someone sees God move in their life through events.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 7 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 7 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the Personal books in order for today’s lesson.

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from the Lesson 4 Blog). Review the five Personal Books (showing them on the poster).  You may have them write or draw a picture of their favorite event from the Personal books.

    It would be good to have a special time set aside each week for prayer. Encourage your students to discuss any prayer requests they may have.  Help them understand the importance of prayer.  If they do not know how to pray, help them learn and become comfortable praying aloud.  You may want to begin by learning The Lord’s Prayer together.  This is an example of prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples.  Not only will they learn the basics of praying, but they will become more comfortable speaking prayers aloud.

    “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.”            Matthew 6:9-13

    If you close with the Lord’s Prayer each session, it will implant it in their hearts for a lifetime!

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  For this week, have them each add the picture, news article, poem they have written, picture they may have drawn, etc. of something they believe is relevant to the lessons we have been studying.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Today, ask them to open their Bibles to Proverbs.  Ask:  Have any of your parents sent you to your room to read Proverbs, or have they quoted you verses from the book of Proverbs?  Have them read their favorite verse from Proverbs.  If they don’t have one, assign one (or more) of the following (or another one of your favorites) for them to look up (choose your favorites before class):

    Proverbs 3:1-2       Proverbs 3:5-6       Proverbs 3:7          Proverbs 3:12        Proverbs 3:27        Proverbs 3:30        Proverbs 4:23   Proverbs 6:20       Proverbs 7:2          Proverbs 13:3        Proverbs 13:20      Proverbs 14:12       Proverbs 15:3        Proverbs 15:5        Proverbs 16:3        Proverbs 16:7       Proverbs 16:18        Proverbs 16:25      Proverbs 17:13      Proverbs 17:17      Proverbs 17:28      Proverbs 18:24      Proverbs 20:11      Proverbs 23:7a          Proverbs 23:17      Proverbs 26:22      Proverbs 30:5

    Have them decorate a piece (or pieces) of cardstock or construction paper with the verse.  (Only one verse per sheet.)  Then have the students add them to your mural.  Encourage them to “hide these words in their hearts” (Psalm 119:11.)

    Personal Books Picture