The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Trust

  • Jeremiah’s Help in a Time of Need

    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

    Hebrews 6:10

    Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the kings and the people, warning them of the coming destruction and captivity, if they did not repent and return to God. When the people failed to repent, God allowed the Babylonians to besiege Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the captivity of Judah by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name. Even through all of this, Jeremiah continually shared the Word of the Lord with the people. We should recognize that at times he suffered and was rejected. This helps us understand why Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. Often, his life was in danger. However, we never read that Jeremiah quit God.

    Remember a few of the times Jeremiah was unjustly imprisoned, and God’s protection, allowing him to continue delivering God’s Words to the people and the kings.

    • Jeremiah was put in the stocks: (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
    • Jeremiah was shut up in the court of the prison in the king’s house: (Jeremiah 32:2-3).
    • Jeremiah was falsely accused, they smote him, and put him in prison: (Jeremiah 37:13-15).
    • He was in prison when Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    Probably the most familiar time we remember is when Jeremiah was lowered into a dungeon (probably an old cistern) where he sunk in the mire. Read some of when Jeremiah was in the dungeon: “1. Then Shephatiah … heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, 2. Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live … 4. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death … 5. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand … 6. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon … that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire” (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Jeremiah was put into a “dungeon” (probably an empty cistern) where there was no water.

    “7. Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon… 8. Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, 9. My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city” (Jeremiah 38:7-9). This man, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, had compassion for Jeremiah. He wanted to spare Jeremiah’s life.

    “10. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. 11. So Ebedmelech took the men with him… and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 12. And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison” (Jeremiah 38:10-13). Although Jeremiah was still in prison, his life was no longer under threat of death and starvation. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    What makes this event so interesting?

    Babylon besieged Jerusalem for about eighteen months before they took they city. Many died before and during this taking of Jerusalem (to remember the tragic invasion, read Jeremiah 52 and Lamentations). So with the fear of death and destruction, God gave Jeremiah a special word of encouragement to give to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, the man who had saved Jeremiah’s life. “15. Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. 17. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. 18. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 39:15-18). God understood that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian was afraid during the days that Babylon besieged the city. To help this man understand that Jeremiah was a true prophet of God, God promised that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian would be spared. This was because he took care of Jeremiah, God’s man, and Ebedmelech the Ethiopian had put his trust in God.

    Read a couple of verses that should help us understand the importance of this act. Jesus said the following to his disciples when he sent them out to preach to the people: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Ebedmelech the Ethiopian received his life in Jeremiah’s day for helping Jeremiah.

    The writer of Hebrews encourages us with the following: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Even today, we are to minister to other Christian’s in Jesus’ name.

    These verses help us understand that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian did a good thing by helping the prophet Jeremiah. And God let him know by sparing his life during that terrible time, “because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD”.

    Have you put your trust in the Lord and remembered to minister to other Christians in Jesus’ name?

  • 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?

  • Stand and Learn to Trust

    “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
    Proverbs 29:25

    Esther is an amazing book in the Bible. One cannot read the name of God in the book (except in hidden places). Yet, God moves in unobvious ways in the affairs of men to bring about the salvation of His people. As you read the events, one can recognize a few noticeable things.

    Mordecai is the cousin of the young woman who became the Persian King Ahasuerus’s queen. Her name was Esther. Mordecai had raised her after her parents died. Mordecai had not revealed that he was a Jew in Shushan, and had told Esther not to reveal that she was a Jew. However, there was a day when Mordecai was told he must bow to Haman, the enemy of the Jews (see Esther 3:10). “Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew” (Esther 3:4). It was then that Mordecai chose to stand. He would not bow to Haman, the enemy of God’s people.

    Shortly after this, Haman lied to the king about the Jewish people and convinced him to make a law to kill all of the Jewish people. When Mordecai heard, he cried and fasted. When Queen Esther heard of Mordecai’s condition, she sent clothes asking why he was crying and fasting. He sent a copy of the law to Queen Esther. He told her she needed to go to the king and ask for the lives of her people, the Jews. Esther understood the Persian law – if she went to the king without first being called, he could have her put to death. Mordecai encouraged her that she could not keep her peace at this time saying, “… and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b). What was Esther’s reply to Mordecai? “… And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16b). Esther then fasted for three days (most likely asking for God’s wisdom and mercy).  

    For those who have read the events, you know that Esther went to the king and he did not kill her. Esther risked her life, willing to die, and was able to save her people from death. Reading the timing of the events that took place, one cannot help but recognize God moving in the events of these people at this time and place in history, bringing about the salvation of his people from certain death.

    What does this have to do with a Christian who lives in the world today?

    There is a point in each Christian’s life that they must stand. They are to stand for the Lord and His people, against the enemy of God’s people. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Christians are to watch, stand fast in the faith, and be strong. How is a Christian to stand for Biblical principles? “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). It is then that we are to remember some amazing things.

    In each of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Jesus said some very important things that we should recognize and implement into our lives.

    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25).
    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35).
    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).
    • “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25).

    What is a Christian to do with this information? Recognize the following: “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). A Christian’s life is no longer their own, it belongs to Christ who died for that life.

    Christians are not to live in fear of man, but place their trust in the Lord. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Esther trusted God, and she was able to save her people.

    Have you learned to stand, not saving your own life, but losing your life for Jesus’ sake?

  • Trust God’s Word

    “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am”
    Psalm 39:4

    As Christians living in this world, we are to be prepared for the dangerous journey that is the Christian life. We are warned to not be beguiled by people who are not true Christians. Some of them may desire to lead you off the true path into darkness and despair. Be careful whose company you keep! (“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Corinthians 15:33).

    One cannot help but remember an event in 1 Kings 13. A man of God was told to deliver a message to King Jeroboam. After he delivered the message, he was to return home. When the king invited him to his house, offering him a reward, see what the prophet told him. “8. And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: 9. For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest” (1 Kings 13:8-9). This man of God knew what God told him to do, and he returned home another way.

    The Bible tells us there was an old prophet who heard all that the man of God had said and done to the king. The old prophet asked which way the man of God had gone, and he went after the man of God. Once he found him, he invited the man of God to come home with him and eat bread. Read the man of God’s reply. “16. And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: 17. For it was said to me by the word of the LORD, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest” (1 Kings 13:16-17). The man of God planned to do just what God told him to do. What was the old prophet’s response? “He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him” (1 Kings 13:18). 

    Stop a minute to remember something important. The most important thing a Christian should do is to find out if the person giving the counsel is a true Christian (in this case a true prophet of the Lord). We are warned to test everyone you come upon, and do not be beguiled by those who make a show of religion but do not belong to Jesus. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Remember: there are those who desire to lead you off the true Christian path. Be careful of the company you keep.

    The man of God should have known to question this old prophet – to find out if he was a true prophet of the Lord. Instead, read what the man of God does. “So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water” (1 Kings 13:19). The man of God knew the king was godless, but he did not even question the man who claimed to be a prophet. The man of God was told that because he disobeyed the Lord, went back and ate bread and drank water, he would die (see 1 Kings 13:21-22). Wow! All because he disobeyed the Word of God. What happened? “And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase” (1 Kings 13:24). Did you notice something strange? The lion killed him, yet he did not eat the man of God. The lion and the donkey stood by his body. Read what this man of God was then known as: “…  It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him” (1 Kings 13:26).

    Remember, we read that the man of God was told that he would die for disobeying the Word of God. Read a warning we find in 1 John 5:16 that there is a “sin unto death.” That sin is different for each individual. For this man of God, it was disobeying this Word from God that brought about his unusual death. This helps us understand the importance of knowing and doing what God’s Word tells us to do – no matter what anyone else tells us. “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am” (Psalm 39:4).

    Do you trust God and His Word, recognizing just how frail you are?

  • The Just Shall Live by Faith

    “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
    Romans 1:17

    Have you ever been afraid?

    One cannot help but remember back to an event that took place in the Bible. Jesus had been going about preaching and healing many. The disciples who were with Him, recognized that he was a great teacher. They had witnessed many people come to Jesus with sicknesses that He healed. Jesus even healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had been sick. They saw many possessed with devils that Jesus cast out. Yet when these fishermen (who were used to being on the water) were in a ship in the sea and a storm arose, they were afraid. Yet Jesus was asleep in the ship. “25. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:25-27). Even these men who had witnessed Jesus do many great things were afraid in the storm! They did not yet understand just who Jesus was, and that He would take care of them. They had “little faith.”

    We can learn many things about the faith that is to be found in a Christian life. Is it good when one relies upon his own ability? “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. When we hear of the faith by which Christians are to live, what are we to do? “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible. Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    Many Christians become afraid at some point. We do not see the preventions God has in place to hold the enemy (or things that cause us to fear) at bay; for these things can come so close and no further than God permits. God only allows some of these things to go so far in the affecting of our lives. He prevents many of these instances from reaching one who stays in the midst of the path God has for that Christian. Often times these occurrences are allowed to be there to test one’s faith (remember Job).

    Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “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” (1 Peter 1:7).

    Have you learned to trust God, not be afraid, and walk by faith?

  • A Confession and Prayer

    “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
    Proverbs 30:5

    “Agur wrote to his friends a confession. It soon turned into a prayer, one that recognized God. [Note: In brackets there are some definitions.]

    ‘1. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2. Surely I am more brutish [stupid; foolish] than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge [knowledge gained through the senses] of the holy. 4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? 5. Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8. Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.’ (Proverbs 30:1–9)

    “Notice that he first recognized himself as a sinner (verses 2–3). He recognized he needed a Savior (verses 3–4). He acknowledged that he could not understand. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” So he cried out, asking His name. Where did he go for his answers? (See verse 5 and remember Psalm 12:6.) But be careful to not add to or change what God’s Word says to fit your need (verse 6). He then continued with a prayer for forgiveness, and provision (remember the Lord’s Prayer we learned in Matthew 6:9–13, especially verses 11–13a). He wants God to forgive him from the sin he now recognized. He then wanted God to only give him what he needed, so he would recognize that it came from God. Too much, and he would claim the glory himself, and too little, he would break God’s commands by stealing. His heart sought God earnestly…

    “Be encouraged to see what others learned about the importance of wisdom in our lesson today. Remember that it is a personal choice – to seek wisdom or to become a fool. We must not only read, but memorize this wisdom found in God’s Word. Just as Agur (in Proverbs 30) realized he was a sinful man and recognized he needed God’s forgiveness, each person must come to that point in their own heart and life. A decision must be made. After choosing God’s forgiveness (becoming a Christian), we should do as Agur did. Agur chose “every word of God” for it is pure. What will you choose? We should choose the wisdom found in God’s Word – and live it out in our lives, thereby pleasing God.

    “God’s wisdom is important to those who belong to Him.”  

    (Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 9: Proverbs 25-31, Wisdom Revealed.)

    Have you chosen to receive every Word of God as pure?

    How to be Saved

  • 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

  • Those Who Love God

    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
    Romans 8:28

    Have you ever had something bad happen to you? According to Romans 8:28, if we are Christians (have Jesus in our hearts and lives), and are living according to God’s Word doing what God wants us to do with our lives, everything will work out for good – even if it seems like something bad at the time. There is a great picture of this lived out in the life of Elijah. Even when the king and queen wanted Elijah dead, God provided for him and took care of him.

    In Elijah’s day, the nation of Israel had already divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Israel never had a good king. The worst was King Ahab. God called Elijah to speak to wicked King Ahab. God sent Elijah to tell the king there would be no rain in the land; and there was a drought for over three years. God provided for Elijah during the drought. He sent Elijah to the brook Cherith where he had water. God sent ravens to bring him food. When the brook dried up, God sent him to Zarephath where a widow woman took care of him until the end of the drought. After over three years, God sent Elijah back to King Ahab with a great challenge. Elijah told him to have all of Israel to meet on top of Mount Carmel. He called for a decision from the people. Choose who the true God is. After Elijah’s great victory when fire fell from heaven and consumed his offering, the people declared, “The Lord, He is the God.” Because Elijah had all of the false prophets killed, Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s wicked wife, wanted him dead. Elijah ran for his life. We learn that God had not forgotten Elijah, for He showed Himself to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah thought he was the last one who loved and served God. But God told him that there seven thousand others that had not served the false gods. Therefore, Elijah was not alone. However, more than this reassurance, he gave Elijah a helper – Elisha. Through all of this, we can learn that even though the nation as a whole had forsaken God and turned to idol worship, there were still those who had not forsaken God. Elijah was a great example of God providing for one who was willing to give his life wholly to serve God, obeying His every command. We should remember the encouragement God gave to Elijah when he was greatly discouraged – and even fearful for his life (see 1 Kings 17-20). Remember Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Especially that all things will work together for good if one is living the life God would have them to live. It is important to trust that God will provide for our every need.

    During days where there are trying times and all seems to be going wrong, stop and look at your heart and life. Seek God to see if you are where you should be, doing what you should be doing. If you seek Him with all of your heart, you can find Him. “11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD …” (Jeremiah 29: 11-14a).  

    If we will obey God, God will provide for us and take care of us – no matter what.

    Are you living for God, trusting that He will work all things together for good?

  • 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 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.