The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Personal Books

  • 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

  • Understanding the Old Testament

    “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein …”
    Joshua 1:8

    It is important to know that all of God’s Word is essential. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:15). Not only is it important to know what it says, but it is even more important to understand what it says.

    An easy way to begin understanding the Bible is to become familiar with it. The history in the Old Testament is very important to further one’s understanding of the Bible as a whole. In Joshua 1:8 we can read that not only is the book of the law to not depart out of one’s mouth, but it is important to meditate upon it day and night. Meditate means “to dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind.” This is an important thing to understand as one learns to read the Bible. Reading the Bible involves much more than just reading a few verses or chapters and then continuing on with one’s day. Reading God’s Word involves meditating on it – to dwell on it in one’s thoughts, contemplating what it says. Although we can understand that this verse in Joshua is initially referring to the first five books in the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the importance of knowing God’s Word does not end there. Remember that all of God’s Word is important!

    If one would just recognize that the Bible is very organized it would make it much easier to understand. For instance, the Old Testament has thirty-nine books easily broken into five groups. The first five books are called the “Law” where we can find the first 2,500 years of history and witness God actively involved in the lives of mankind. The second group consists of the next twelve books, often called “History”, where we pick up the history of the Israelites at the brink of the Promised Land, prepared to enter. The first nine books of History record the years in which the Jewish people occupy the land of Israel. This not only includes the times of the judges (when the people forgot God), the times of the kings (when the people rejected God as their king), but also the captivity of God’s people. The last three books of History reveal the remnant of Israelites that were allowed to return to the Promised Land, also known as Israel.

    There are five books in the middle that can be considered “Personal Books”, for they deal with individual’s experiences with God and are very personal. These books deal with individuals’ heart issues as they seek to know and better understand God. These are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The “Major Prophets” are the next five books, and the “Minor Prophets” are the final twelve books. Understanding the timeframe these Personal Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets take place are imperative in the understanding of the Old Testament as a whole.

    The New Testament is organized as well for the ease of understanding.

    Reading, learning, and understanding the Bible is the most important thing a Christian can do. Although many people are taught a lot of Bible “stories” as a child, understanding that these were real people and that God worked in these individuals’ lives will make these events invaluable! Remember some words with which Paul encouraged Timothy. “14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

    Have you taken time to become familiar with God’s Word?

    Do you meditate (dwell on in thought, contemplate, and study) upon a portion of the Bible every day?

    Originally Posted at Lighthouse.pub: https://lighthouse.pub/blog/understanding-the-old-testament-/?src=n

  • Lesson 12 (Lesson 51): Song of Solomon: The Perfect Love

    Key Verse

    “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”  Jeremiah 31:3

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  One thing almost every child learns from a very young age is that God loves them.  What they may not understand is that God’s love is an everlasting love to those who belong to Him.  In the world today, love is a much overused word.  We “love” hamburgers, fries, candy bars, football; the list is endless.  Today we want to help our students understand “perfect” love – a love that is everlasting.  The best example of a perfect love is the love God has for the world in sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (Romans 5:8).  Help your students understand the love God has for His people.  As we begin our lesson today, help them understand that this is the depth of the love God intended between a man and a woman.  Man is not complete, nor is a woman, without the other:  Genesis 2:18:  “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”  Today we will look at Solomon’s description of this kind of love.

    Summary:  Today we finish the Personal Books, concluding with the Song of Solomon.  Song of Solomon is a collective love song written by King Solomon as to a young maiden.  Within we find the beauty of a perfect love.  We will study the Song of Solomon from the basics of a man who loved a woman, and a woman who loved him.  Since we are teaching children, we will remind them that just as God loved us and sent His Son, Jesus, we are to love Him with all of our hearts.  If our students can learn to love Jesus with all of their hearts, then their hearts will be prepared to one day love a man or a woman.  Remember, Christians are the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”).  Keep this thought in mind as we study the Song of Solomon, for the Song of Solomon is a picture of the love of Christ for his church, and the love the church should have for Christ, under the guise of a bride and groom.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:   To understand “true love” we must turn to God’s Word.  Just as Jesus loved us (his bride) so much He gave His life for them, we, too, are to love Him with all of our “heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30).  In loving Jesus, our hearts will be prepared to love one another (John 13:34).

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 51 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 51 – 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:  For today’s lesson you could have your students cut out a very large heart from a red piece of construction paper.  They could either use markers to write or draw ways that we can show Jesus that we love Him.  (Ideas:  read and memorize verses from our Bibles, faithfully go to church, be kind to others, obey Mom and Dad, treat our brothers or sisters kindly, do something nice for someone else, help others, etc.)

     

    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 11 (Lesson 50): Ecclesiastes 9-12: The Conclusion of the Matter

    Key Verse

    “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask:  How can we be “crucified with Christ”? (By dying to our own selfish desires and living a life pleasing to God.)  Ask your students if they understand what it means when it says “nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Once a person is saved, they are to no longer do what they want, because they are a sinful creature, but they are to do what Jesus wants them to do.)  In living a life “in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God”, means that even though we live here on the earth, in the flesh, we live a life of faith because we believe Jesus died on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, so that we can live forever with him in heaven for eternity.  Encourage your students to keep this in mind as we continue our study of Solomon’s conclusions as we complete the book of Ecclesiastes.

    Summary:  Today we continue with the fourth of the Personal books, Ecclesiastes.  In our second week of studying the book, we remember that it was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure.  Remember he found that all of life is “vanity and vexation.” (vanity:  any thing that is futile, or worthless.  vexation:  something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously.)  Because Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires he found they were the cause of all of his “vanity and vexation.”

    Last week we found King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God.  Even with all of his wisdom, Solomon did not have all of the answers of life.  We continue our study this week discovering other truths Solomon learned.  Solomon learned there are only two kinds of people; wicked or righteous.  God takes care of the righteous, but all people will one day die.  Only the righteous have hope (of eternity in heaven with Jesus).  After trying to make sense of life apart from God, Solomon found he couldn’t.  Solomon concluded, late in life, that it really is important what you do with your life.  He finally understood the importance of remembering the Creator in the days of your youth (while one is young in life) before evil takes root in ones life.  Once Solomon learned these very basic principles, he recorded them for all generations to come.  He found it so important to warn everyone that he ended the book of Ecclesiastes with these words:   Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:  “13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Man’s duty is to fear God and to keep His commandments.  Only in this will we please Him.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 50 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 50 – 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 found a coloring sheet with a cross with the words “How do I Follow Jesus”.  It had pictures such as going to church, reading the Bible and loving Him.  As we colored the picture, we discussed ways we can follow Jesus (i.e. obeying parents, choosing to do right, being kind one to another, etc.).  We also colored the verse from today’s lesson (the Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet).

     

    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 10 (Lesson 49): Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man

    Key Verse: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  Mark 8:36

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever desired the things of this world (everybody does – that’s part of our nature).  Is it OK to want stuff, here on this world? (Of course.)  The important thing is to not desire things more than pleasing God, and to do what is right according to God’s Word.  Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? (No.)  Should you want what “everybody” else has? (Not if it doesn’t please God.)  Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live.  But, we have to be content with the things God gives us, and not make “things” as our primary focus.  Ask your students if they remember what is to be our “focus” (what we have our eyes set upon – Jesus).  We must be careful to not allow the desire for “the whole world” (see memory verse) to keep us from serving and pleasing God.  See as King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes today.

    Summary:  Today we begin the fourth of the Personal books, Ecclesiastes.  We will take two weeks to study the book.  The word, Ecclesiastes, means “the Preacher.”  Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure.  Yet with all of that, he found that all of life is “vanity and vexation.” (vanity:  any thing that is futile, or worthless.  vexation:  something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously.)  He repeats that phrase 7 times in Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes 1:14:  “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity (emptiness, something unsatisfactory) and vexation of spirit.”  Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires and that was the cause of all of his “vanity and vexation.”

    Watch as King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God.  See as Solomon set about to prove he could be happy in this world, but ended up proving the worth of the wisdom from God. He also learned to be careful in his worship of God.  Finally, today, we see that man cannot understand God, we just have to fear him.  In doing this, we can know him.

    Even with all of his wisdom, Solomon did not have all of the answers of life.  He wrote this book from a worldly man’s point of view.  He tried to make sense of life apart from God, yet couldn’t.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Man cannot be satisfied with the things of the world.  He must seek God, and wisdom from God.  We cannot understand God, but “fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 49 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 49 – 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 found copy of a treasure box online that we could color, cut out and glue together.  We discussed the idea that even with all of the treasures and resources that King Solomon had, he was not happy.  He found that he had to seek God first in order to be satisfied.  Remind them that gaining a lot of stuff (treasures to us) is not as important as seeking God and pleasing Him.  King Solomon learned this the hard way!

     

    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 9 (Lesson 48): Proverbs 25-31: Wisdom Revealed

    Key Verse

    “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever made plans to start something tomorrow (i.e.: start a new book, work on homework later in the weekend – instead of Friday, quit eating too much candy and eat better, be nice to someone – later, read their Bible, tell someone about Jesus, etc.).  It is very easy to put something off until tomorrow.  We have no idea what tomorrow may hold.  Usually, it is nothing like we had planned for it to be.  Read today’s memory verse together.  Remind them of the important words of wisdom we have been learning.  How many have actually begun to put into practice some of the things we have learned?  Remember the old saying, “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”  Help them understand this is kind of what today’s memory verse is saying.  How can we plan tomorrow when we don’t know what tomorrow may bring?  We will see wisdom revealed in our lesson today as some, who implemented these truths, found they were very real – and important.

    Summary:  Today we will finish the third Personal book, Proverbs.  We have been learning that it is not only important to know the words of wisdom recorded in this book, but we must learn to live a life applying that wisdom.  Then we will be able to live a life that pleases God.  We learned it is important to live that way early in life.  Last week we saw a listing comparing wisdom to foolishness, wise to unwise, right and wrong, and even good and evil. Remember that these words were written to help us live our daily lives wisely.

    We have read many wise things.  This week we will see what happens when these words of wisdom are revealed when applied to lives.  It affects our relationship with other people.  These words cause us to recognize we are a sinful people who need God, and His forgiveness.  The conclusion of this book shows the importance of a virtuous woman.  It helps us understand the pivotal role a woman plays in each home.

    Continue to encourage your students to not only memorize these words of wisdom, but to apply these truths to their lives.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  To learn the words of wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs.  Recognize they are words that define a person’s nature – either one who seeks wisdom; or a fool.  Make them personal words of encouragement from wise men, Solomon and others, who wanted others to learn just what wisdom is – and how to get it.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 48 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 48 – 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 we made a scroll using paper and dowel rods.  Some students wrote a few verses from Proverbs we talked about in the lesson in their scrolls.  I also had some verses available to glue into the scroll for those who couldn’t write as well or as quickly as others.  Encourage them to begin memorizing some of these verses!

     

    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 (Lesson 46): Proverbs 1-9: Wisdom is to be Found Early

    Key Verse

    “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have a time when they read their Bible each day.  When do they do it? (i.e.: morning, afternoon, evening, etc.).  For those who have a quiet time other than the morning, ask if things have ever come up to keep them from having that quiet time with the Lord (i.e.: homework, chores, ran out of time, TV, etc.).  Encourage them to make it a priority to seek God not only early in the day, but early in life.  He must become important to us – now.

    Summary:  We have been learning the importance of God’s Word.  We found it is good to praise God, and we have seen God does bestow blessings upon those who belong to Him.  Now we must learn the importance of practicing the practical portions of the right way to live a life pleasing to God – and that we must begin to live that way early in life.

    Proverbs, the third Personal book, is known as a great source of wisdom. We will take 3 lessons to overview the book of Proverbs.  The wisest man, Solomon (whose wisdom was a gift from God – I Kings 3:12), wrote many of these words.  We will see that Solomon often addressed his son personally.  The key to Proverbs can be found in Proverbs 1:7-8:  “7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  8. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”  Many of the words of wisdom found in Proverbs were written from a loving father as a warning to his only son.  In this light, we can count these words as being very important.

    These words of wisdom were recorded to help us live our daily lives wisely, too.  Often it compares the “wise” with the “fool.”  The precepts within are very practical.  Much good will come to those who not only memorize these pearls of wisdom, but for those who apply these truths to their lives.  For Christians, these words are more than practical, they are essential.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Encourage your students to receive instruction from their parents as they teach them the importance of God’s Word.  Help them see the significance of making God’s Word more important than anything this world offers allowing it to guide our life.  Remind them that God wants us to seek Him early in the day – as well as early in life.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 46 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 46 – 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 found a picture of a lock that was a heart.  It had a second heart with a keyhole that glued as a flap to the front of the heart lock.  I put the verse Proverbs 4:23 inside of the lock.  We then colored it.  Help them understand the verse.

     

    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 5 (Lesson 44): Psalms 90-106: Book 4

    Key Verse

    “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”  Romans 15:4

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever learned anything (i.e.:  how to ride a bike (drive), how to read, etc.).  Did it take time?  Were you very patient?  Did the knowledge of what you would be able to do once you learned encourage you?  Knowing how to live a Christian life, pleasing God, takes time and patience.  But we are comforted (encouraged), knowing it is an important thing to do, and with the hope (confidence) we will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus.  That is why the Bible was written. So we could learn these things.

    Summary:  Today we continue with the second of the Personal books, Psalms.  Remember that the Psalms is broken up into 5 books.  We will look at book four of the Psalms (chapters 90-106) today, comparing them to the book of Numbers.  If you remember, the main theme of Numbers was wandering in the wilderness when they were disciplined for disobeying God.  They learned to completely rely upon God – for food, water and protection.

    If you remember, the name Numbers came from a numbering of the people at the beginning of the book and then again at the end.  These were two different groups of people, the old generation and then a new generation.  When the 12 spies were sent into the land (the land promised to Abraham), only Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report claiming God would allow them to conquer the land.  When the Israelites disobeyed God’s command to cross over into the Promised Land, they were disciplined.  The old generation would die and not enter into the Promised Land because they refused to obey God’s command.  Joshua and Caleb were the only ones to escape God’s discipline (wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.)

    During the book of Numbers, we saw God guiding, providing for, and protecting His people until they reached the Promised Land.  As we compare Numbers to the 4th book of the Psalms, see how God has always been there for His people, providing and protecting.  He wants to be the ruler (king) of their lives.  Man will not live forever.  For those who choose to put their trust in God, He becomes a personal God.  A relationship is established.  He becomes their refuge – just as God was for the Israelites in the wilderness.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Once we have placed our trust in God (Jesus), we must dwell in Him (live a life pleasing to Him).

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 44 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 44 – 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 small shield craft with a small clothespin that glued to the back.  We glued a magnet to the back of the clothespin so it could hang on a metal surface (like a refrigerator).  We then took a small piece of paper and wrote the verse Psalm 91:4-5.  After they wrote the verse, we clipped it into the clothespin.  This is a good verse to remember that God will take care of those that belong to Him.

     

    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 4 (Lesson 43): Psalms 73-89: Book 3

    Key Verse

    “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?”    Psalm 77:13

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they like to go to church.  According to our memory verse, attending church is important to God.  That is how we know the way to live a life pleasing to God.  Help them understand the word sanctuary:  a sacred place dedicated to the things of God.  The church today is a place where we gather to focus upon the things of God and to learn of the things of God.  There is no one (or any thing) greater to place our focus and attention upon than God, our God.

    Summary Today we continue with the second of the Personal Books, Psalms.  Remember that the Psalms is broken up into 5 books.  We will look at book three of the Psalms (chapters 73-89) today, comparing them to the book of Leviticus.  If you remember, the main theme of Leviticus was the tabernacle.  That was the tent set up to hold the things of God and where man was to go to meet God.

    When the tabernacle was completed, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead of Mount Sinai.  Once the people were free from the land of bondage, they needed to know how to live.  There was great emphasis placed on the importance of being a sanctified people – set apart from the world and the things of the world.  The people were to learn how to live as a people wholly given to God, in every aspect of their lives.  Leviticus showed the ability to have fellowship with God when man came to Him as a sanctified people.  (Because He is a Holy God and we are a sinful people.)

    The first eleven Psalms of the third book of the Psalms were written by Asaph (he was one of the Levites David appointed to minister before the Ark of the Covenant with songs in I Chronicles 16:4-5.)  We see him at one point as he struggled with jealousy over the prosperous wicked, until he went to the “sanctuary of God” – then he understood.

    We also reemphasize the importance of learning from history (again), and what happens to those who forsake God.  Through this book of the Psalms, we will learn the importance of God’s house, and the importance of serving Him.  It ends with a praise encouraging us to make God’s faithfulness known to “all generations.”

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  We are to learn the importance of not desiring the things of this world, but placing our focus (our heart’s desires) upon the things of God.  The one place we can go to achieve this purpose, is the church (the sanctuary – that place dedicated to the things of God).

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 43 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 43 – 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 took a coloring of a church building.  I cut out the windows and doors.  The students were able to glue different colored pieces of small tissue paper to the back to make the windows look stained glass or just colorful.  They then took time to color the church building.  We are to encourage them to understand that the church building is a special place because it is the place God’s people go to meet together to place our attention on God and the things of God.

     

    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 3 (Lesson 42): Psalms 42-72: Book 2

    Key Verse

    “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”  Psalm 55:22

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever had a problem.  Do you remember the Israelites when they were slaves in Egypt?  Did they have a problem?  What did they do? (They cried out to God.)  What did God do for them? (He sent Moses to deliver them from bondage in Egypt.)  Did God take care of them?  Read the memory verse for today.

    burden:  your problem

    sustain:  hold you, guide you, and provide for you

    suffer:  cause or allow

    righteous:  lawful, or honest; one who obeys God’s laws

    moved:  be removed; cast away; or off course

    God will provide and take care of His people who obey His laws and live for Him.  We will read words David and others wrote as they remembered God’s provision for His people through the years.

    Summary Today we continue with the second of the Personal books, Psalms.  Remember that the Psalms is broken up into 5 books.  We will look at book two of the Psalms (chapters 42-72) today, revealing man and God’s dealings with man as compared to the book of Exodus.  We find the main theme was Israel and their cry for deliverance, their redemption from Egypt, learning that the law reveals sin, and learning to trust God.

    After Moses led the people out of Egypt, God spoke to them from the top of Mount Sinai, and it was there the law was given (beginning with the Ten Commandments – Exodus 19-20.)  This law showed mankind their sin.  They were to obey God’s Law.  The Israelites were taught that obedience to God is necessary, and that they could not be a redeemed, set apart people, unless they obeyed God’s commands.

    During the book of Exodus, God’s people learned to trust Him for everything.  God provided for their every need in the wilderness – a cloud of covering during the heat of the day, a pillar of fire by night, food (manna), and even water (from the flint rock.)  They learned to trust in Him – completely.

    Much of the second book of the Psalms was written by David.  If you remember, he spent many years fleeing King Saul in fear for his life.  During that time, he learned to trust in God.  He cried out many times for God to provide for him, and even to deliver him from enemies.  During this time, he learned to praise God for His wonderful provisions and answer to prayers.  David also learned that sin separated him from God, until he repented of his sin.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Encourage them to learn to trust God for everything they need in life.  Help them recognize that sin separates us from God until we come to him in true repentance.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 42 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 42 – 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 we colored the verse Psalm 46:10a.  After we finished that, we glued the verse to a piece of construction paper.  The important thing was to understand the verse – to be still and know God!

    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.