January
💥 Sabbath, January 4th - Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery." - Shut De Door
💥 Sabbath, January 11th - Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal."
💥 Sabbath, January 18th - Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." - That's Not True!
💥 Sabbath, January 25th - Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." - What Do You Want?
February
🚗 Sabbath, February 1st - “. . .for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Giving Is Good
🚙 Sabbath, February 8th - Acts 17:28 - “For in him we live and move and have our being... We are his offspring. - The Golden Calf
🚗 Sabbath, February 15th - “Make this Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle is Built
🚙 Sabbath, February 22nd - “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 - The Most Holy Place
March
🕊️ Sabbath, March 1st - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10-11
🕊️ Sabbath, March 8th - “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - What Are You Eating?
🕊️ Sabbath, March 15th - church canceled; no power at the building
🕊️ Sabbath, March 22nd - “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan.” - Leviticus 25:10 - Jubilee!
🕊️ Sabbath, March 29th - “Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, 'Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.' Whenever it came to rest, he said, 'Return O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.’” - Numbers 10:35-36 - On To The Promised Land
April
🎢Sabbath, April 5th - “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” (James 4:1) - Expect to Respect
🎢Sabbath, April 12th - “The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month” (Leviticus 23:5 NIV). Passover
🎢Monday, April 14th - “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread . . .” Exodus 12:15 - Timing of Passover Events
🎢Sabbath, April 19th - “. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses” (Exodus 12:15) - Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
🎢Sunday, April 20th - “. . . for if anyone eats what is leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel” (Exodus 12:15 RSV). - Wave Sheaf Day
🎢Sabbath, April 26th - “. . .Only do not rebel against the LORD. . .” Numbers 14:9a - Only Do Not Rebel
May
📗 Sabbath, May 3rd - “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped” - Numbers 16:48 (NIV) - Stop the Plague!
📕 Sabbath, May 10th - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a (NIV) - Balaam's Curse
📘 Sabbath, May 17th - “He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. . .” Daniel 2:21 (NIV) - Put God First Always
📗 Sabbath, May 24th - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" - Ephesians 1:3 (NIV). - God Equips the Called
📕 Sabbath, May 31st - “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). - Faith in Action
June
🫐June 7 & 8th - Psalm 90:12 - “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Make It Count
🫐June 14th - Joshua 4:24 - “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.”
🫐June 21st - 2 John 6a - “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.
🫐June 28th - Proverbs 15:22 - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” - Lookin' For a Sign
July
🌽 Sabbath, July 5th - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. . .” (1 Peter 2:9a, NIV). - Chosen by God
🌽 Sabbath, July 12th - . . . ‘I am the light of the world’ . . . (John 8:12b) - Devoted
🌽 Sabbath, July 19th - “. . . God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Keep Your Word
🌽 Sabbath, July 26th - “ . . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1b) Come A-Runnin'
August
Sabbath, August 2nd - “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15b - Choose Your King
Sabbath, August 9th - “ . . . the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:9 - Ask God for Guidance
Sabbath, August 16th - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 - Know Who You Are
Sabbath, August 23rd - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Live Courageously
Sabbath, August 30th - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 - Be Secure
September
🐶Sabbath, September 6th - “ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2 - Be Content
🐶Sabbath, September 13th - “ . . . Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. . .” Psalm 37:7 - Wait On God
🐶Sabbath, September 20th - “In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’" Revelation 5:12 - Honor God
🐶Trumpets, September 24th - “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” Revelation 11:15 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords
🐶Sabbath, September 27th - “ . . . so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.” Psalm 123:2 - Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
October
💕 Friday, October 3rd and Sabbath, October 4th - “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2 - Reconciliation
💕 Sabbath, October 18th - “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” - Daniel 12:3 (NIV) - Feast Wrap-Up
💕 Sabbath, October 25th - “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV) - Light
November
⛺️ Sabbath, November 1st - "O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" Psalm 95:1 - Come, Christians, Join to Sing
⛺️ Sabbath, November 8th - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 - Gratitude Jars
⛺️ Sabbath, November 15th - "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” Philippians 2:14-15 - Shine As Lights
⛺️ Sabbath, November 22nd - "Give thanks in all circumstances…" 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Deflated or Filled
⛺️ Sabbath, November 29th - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 - Gratitude Gardens
December
🦅 Sabbath, December 6th - “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” - 2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of the Knowledge of Christ
🦅 Sabbath, December 13th - “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; . . .” - Isaiah 40:31 - Wait Upon the LORD
🦅 Sabbath, December 20th - “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13 - God Did It
🦅 Sabbath, December 27th - “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” - Isaiah 12:3 - Living Water
💥 Sabbath, January 4th - Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery." - Shut De Door
💥 Sabbath, January 11th - Exodus 20:15 "You shall not steal."
💥 Sabbath, January 18th - Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." - That's Not True!
💥 Sabbath, January 25th - Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." - What Do You Want?
February
🚗 Sabbath, February 1st - “. . .for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Giving Is Good
🚙 Sabbath, February 8th - Acts 17:28 - “For in him we live and move and have our being... We are his offspring. - The Golden Calf
🚗 Sabbath, February 15th - “Make this Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle is Built
🚙 Sabbath, February 22nd - “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 - The Most Holy Place
March
🕊️ Sabbath, March 1st - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10-11
🕊️ Sabbath, March 8th - “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - What Are You Eating?
🕊️ Sabbath, March 15th - church canceled; no power at the building
🕊️ Sabbath, March 22nd - “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan.” - Leviticus 25:10 - Jubilee!
🕊️ Sabbath, March 29th - “Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, 'Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.' Whenever it came to rest, he said, 'Return O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.’” - Numbers 10:35-36 - On To The Promised Land
April
🎢Sabbath, April 5th - “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” (James 4:1) - Expect to Respect
🎢Sabbath, April 12th - “The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month” (Leviticus 23:5 NIV). Passover
🎢Monday, April 14th - “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread . . .” Exodus 12:15 - Timing of Passover Events
🎢Sabbath, April 19th - “. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses” (Exodus 12:15) - Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
🎢Sunday, April 20th - “. . . for if anyone eats what is leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel” (Exodus 12:15 RSV). - Wave Sheaf Day
🎢Sabbath, April 26th - “. . .Only do not rebel against the LORD. . .” Numbers 14:9a - Only Do Not Rebel
May
📗 Sabbath, May 3rd - “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped” - Numbers 16:48 (NIV) - Stop the Plague!
📕 Sabbath, May 10th - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a (NIV) - Balaam's Curse
📘 Sabbath, May 17th - “He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. . .” Daniel 2:21 (NIV) - Put God First Always
📗 Sabbath, May 24th - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" - Ephesians 1:3 (NIV). - God Equips the Called
📕 Sabbath, May 31st - “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV). - Faith in Action
June
🫐June 7 & 8th - Psalm 90:12 - “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Make It Count
🫐June 14th - Joshua 4:24 - “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.”
🫐June 21st - 2 John 6a - “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.
🫐June 28th - Proverbs 15:22 - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” - Lookin' For a Sign
July
🌽 Sabbath, July 5th - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. . .” (1 Peter 2:9a, NIV). - Chosen by God
🌽 Sabbath, July 12th - . . . ‘I am the light of the world’ . . . (John 8:12b) - Devoted
🌽 Sabbath, July 19th - “. . . God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Keep Your Word
🌽 Sabbath, July 26th - “ . . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1b) Come A-Runnin'
August
Sabbath, August 2nd - “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15b - Choose Your King
Sabbath, August 9th - “ . . . the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. . . .” 1 Chronicles 28:9 - Ask God for Guidance
Sabbath, August 16th - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 - Know Who You Are
Sabbath, August 23rd - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - Live Courageously
Sabbath, August 30th - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 - Be Secure
September
🐶Sabbath, September 6th - “ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2 - Be Content
🐶Sabbath, September 13th - “ . . . Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. . .” Psalm 37:7 - Wait On God
🐶Sabbath, September 20th - “In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’" Revelation 5:12 - Honor God
🐶Trumpets, September 24th - “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” Revelation 11:15 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords
🐶Sabbath, September 27th - “ . . . so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.” Psalm 123:2 - Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
October
💕 Friday, October 3rd and Sabbath, October 4th - “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2 - Reconciliation
💕 Sabbath, October 18th - “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” - Daniel 12:3 (NIV) - Feast Wrap-Up
💕 Sabbath, October 25th - “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV) - Light
November
⛺️ Sabbath, November 1st - "O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" Psalm 95:1 - Come, Christians, Join to Sing
⛺️ Sabbath, November 8th - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 - Gratitude Jars
⛺️ Sabbath, November 15th - "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” Philippians 2:14-15 - Shine As Lights
⛺️ Sabbath, November 22nd - "Give thanks in all circumstances…" 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Deflated or Filled
⛺️ Sabbath, November 29th - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 - Gratitude Gardens
December
🦅 Sabbath, December 6th - “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” - 2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of the Knowledge of Christ
🦅 Sabbath, December 13th - “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; . . .” - Isaiah 40:31 - Wait Upon the LORD
🦅 Sabbath, December 20th - “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13 - God Did It
🦅 Sabbath, December 27th - “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” - Isaiah 12:3 - Living Water
January 4, 2025
Shut De Door
Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."
Materials: wedding vows, CEM YEA lesson (YE3I.7)
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today, before God and in the sight of these witnesses, to join these two in holy matrimony.”
Does that sound familiar? Many wedding services start just this way. It is legal terminology. There are witnesses to the contract that is about to be signed: God and all of the people attending the ceremony. Two key words in this introduction are “holy” and “matrimony.” Holy means set apart. Matrimony is the state or quality of being married.
These two people are embarking upon a lifelong commitment - covenant - as God is their witness - that they will abide by the terms of the contract. What is that contract? Many of them go like this:
I, Ron, faithfully promise and covenant with God, in the presence of these witnesses, to take Cynthia to be my wife, to love and comfort, to honor and cherish, and to be faithful to her in sickness and in health until death we are parted.
Then then bride states her part of the contract:
I, Cynthia, faithfully promise and covenant with God, in the presence of these witnesses, to take Ron to be my husband, to love and comfort, to honor and cherish, to submit myself to him, and to be faithful to him in sickness and in health until we are parted by death.
The covenant binds this man and this woman together for as long as they both shall live. They each prefer the other over all others. They are loyal and support of each other above all other relationships. In fact, there is no room for another person in this union. This is the promise they each make to the other.
If someone wants to wedge themselves into this relationship, to break that trust, each has the obligation before God to repudiate that advance. Like Joseph, they should get completely away from the situation. In fact, it’s best if they never put themselves into a situation that could potentially break that trust. There are many examples of a pastor (or other leader) refusing to meet with/counsel a woman without his wife present. That’s just wise! They are avoiding even the appearance of evil.
God does not take the marriage covenant lightly. How do we know this? Because the Seventh Commandment says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Breaking this commandment breaks that trust, breaks the promise made to your husband or wife. It’s serious stuff.
Sabbath, January 18th
That's Not True!
Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
Materials needed: candle, matches, buttons with crest/design, YEA lesson YE3I.9 (from CEM)
I remember my grandfather saying that a man was only as good as his word. It makes a lot of sense. In a community where people depended on one another, it was crucial that a person was reliable, that he did what he said he would do.
There’s another saying I associate with Grandad. “If he says he’ll do it, you can take it to the bank.” In other words, if someone agreed to do a task, it was a sure thing; it was as if you had the money in your hand, ready to take it to the bank.
It doesn’t take very long when you’re around people to figure out who you would trust completely and whose word isn’t worth a plug nickel.
Individually and collectively, when you can’t trust what people say, there are serious consequences. Not keeping your word covers all sorts of things - from relatively unimportant, like saying that you’ll do the dishes after supper to testifying in court. Truth is so important in court cases - because you’re dealing with people’s lives - that before you give your testimony you are required to swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. That’s a very serious oath - and it needs to be because your words literally could mean the difference between life and death in some cases.
For many years, important documents had a seal applied, to verify their authenticity. (We still do this today; it’s called a notary.) A small amount of sealing wax was melted and allowed to drip onto a document. Then a ring with a family or monarch’s crest was pushed down into the wax. That way, if you received a document, you knew exactly who it was from and if it had been tampered with. Sometimes the seal was applied to the end of the document; sometimes it was applied after the document had been folded.
Telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is a problem today. It was a problem back when sealing wax was used. It was a problem in Biblical times. God was very clear that it was a transgression of His law to bear false witness, to not tell the truth. God’s consequence was effective. Deuteronomy 19:18-19 says, “The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.” So, if you lie to get your brother in trouble, whatever punishment he would have received, you will get instead!
Proverbs 19:9 says, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” Our God expects us to tell the truth! We would expect nothing less from the One who says He is the Way and the Truth and the Life! So you won’t be surprised to find that in the New Heavens and the New Earth, Revelation 21:8, here’s what it says, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
All liars are included in this list of those who will not be part of God’s kingdom. God means it when He says, “You shall not bear false witness.”
Sabbath, January 25th
What Do You Want?
Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Materials Needed: miscellaneous trinkets, YEA lesson (YE3I.10), dry erase board, markers, cards with Biblical characters on them
Do you have a list of things you really want? Are the things you listed material possessions, time-related, people-related, or something else? What is most important to you? Is wanting things bad? Wanting things is not bad; really, really wanting something can provide motivation to strive and persevere. It’s when you want things that other people have, things that are not yours, that you are breaking the Tenth Commandment. What do I mean? Well, let’s use some Bible examples:
Gehazi - This was Elisha’s servant. And the story to which I’m referring is found in 2 Kings 5; it’s the story of Naaman. What did Gehazi want that didn’t belong to him? He wanted the reward that Naaman was offering to Elisha, which Elisha completely disregarded. Gehazi didn’t earn it; it didn’t belong to him. So what did he do? He lied. How did he think his actions weren’t going to be discovered? The consequence? He contracted leprosy.
David - This was the greatest king in ancient Israel. But what did David want that didn’t belong to him? He wanted Bathsheba. So what did he do? He took her - and ended up murdering her husband to cover up his sin.
Solomon - The wisest man who ever lived wanted something too. What was it? Women! He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. What did God’s law say? From the very beginning (Genesis 2:24), God ordained marriage to be one man and one woman. Jesus reaffirms this in Matthew 19. Deuteronomy 17:17 specifically says that the king shall not have many wives, lest they turn his heart away from following God. What did Solomon end up doing? Turning away from following God with his whole heart - and the kingdom would be divided due to his sin.
Shadrach, Meshack, and Abedngo - The three young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace wanted something. What was it? They wanted to be found faithful to God - even if it meant they died in the fiery furnace. What does this example show us? There are things that you can really, really want - even if it means you lose your life - that are very pleasing to God.
It’s important to spend some time thinking about what you really want. Gehazi, if he’d thought about it, should have realized that he wanted the favor of God and Elisha more than a few sets of clothing. David, if he had really thought about it, should have realized that he wanted the relationship with God more than he wanted a relationship with Bathsheba. Solomon, if he had really thought about it, should have followed God’s law to maintain the relationship he had with God - the one where God loved him enough to tell him to ask for anything. What would that be worth to you - to have God tell you that you could ask for anything?!
Don’t spend time looking at what someone else has and wishing that it was yours. Do what God has given you to do and trust Him to provide what you truly need. Obeying this commandment, like obeying all of the others, can keep you out of a lot of trouble!
February
Sabbath, February 1st
Giving is Good
" . . . for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
Why? Why does God love a cheerful giver? It shows an acute awareness that God is the One who blesses you with what you have; you are merely giving as an expression of gratitude.
Gratitude. This attitude is a natural remedy to coveting what others have. You are content with what you have. You focus on your blessings instead of focusing on what you think would make you happy.
Trusting. Additionally, it shows that you trust Him. Let’s say you have something that someone else needs. When you are willing to give to fulfill that need, you are trusting that God will provide for your future needs. This attitude reinforces your gratitude. You are thankful for what God has already done, for what He is doing, and for what He has promised in the future. It refocuses your eyes on His plan instead of yourself.
Attitude. A third reason that God loves a cheerful giver is the effect your attitude has on the people to whom you are giving. Being cheerful is a lot different than giving begrudgingly. The “I-don’t-really-want-to-give-it-but-I-know-I-have-to attitude is offensive to the One who has given you all things. And it’s felt by the recipient of your gift. It makes them feel bad. If you are cheerful in your giving, it builds bridges and strengthens your relationship.
When you have a positive perspective on giving (cheerful), you are more willing to give your best. You may have things that you want to get rid of. Someone else may really benefit from those things. Those things are easy to give. But it’s when you give something that you value, and you give it cheerfully, that’s when it is pleasing to God.
So what do you have that you value that you are cheerfully willing to give to others . . . out of gratitude to God . . . to show that you trust Him in all areas of your life? It doesn’t have to be a physical gift. It can be your time. It can be your prayers. It can be your friendship (because that takes time and effort).
One final thought: our God has given so much. If we want to be like Him, we need to develop a natural willingness to give in order to advance the kingdom and because it’s a good thing to do. I would hope that we would be like the Israelites when there was a need to build the tabernacle. They gave and gave until finally they had to be told to stop. It was enough. That’s the kind of giving attitude I would hope that we all have.
Sabbath, February 8th
The Golden Calf
Acts 17:28 - “For in him we live and move and have our being... We are his offspring.
Materials Needed: pie pan, water, salt, pepper, dish soap, towel, YEA lesson (YE3J.2)
Suppose I put some water into a pie pan and sprinkle some pepper on the surface. Would sprinkling some salt on it affect the pepper at all? What would happen if I put a drop of dish soap in the pan? The pepper moves all the way to the edge - immediately. That’s because pepper doesn’t like dish soap right? No. Pepper is not sentient. The pepper moves because the water’s surface tension was broken. But if you didn’t know anything about surface tension, you might attribute the phenomenon to pepper not liking dish soap.
Well, even if you were wrong about pepper and dish soap not getting along, it’s not the end of the world. But it is a much bigger deal when we’re talking about God. God is very particular about how He is treated. He is holy. And He deserves our reverence and humility before Him. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.
Can you imagine how insulting it was for the Israelites to so quickly do what God had just told them not to do: create an idol to worship?! And then, to make matters worse, Aaron told the people that this golden calf was the god who brought them out of Egypt. What in the world!?! This heap of molten metal that had recently been the earrings in their ears was the god who was responsible for all of the plagues and for parting the Red Sea and for delivering the Israelites from Pharaoh and Egypt?!? Had Aaron lost his mind?! This golden calf that could not move on its own, had no more intelligence than a box of rocks, and could not think - that was the god who delivered them from Egypt! In actuality, the Israelites were probably not so stupid as to think the golden calf was actually the god who saved them; they likely thought it was just a depiction of God. But again, this is in direct conflict with God’s commandment not to make an idol in the likeness of anything to worship - even if they were thinking it was a representation of Jehovah.
Our Great God was so angry that He was ready to wipe out all of the Israelites and start over with Moses. That’s how big a deal this was!
But, we don’t do that kind of thing today, do we? We don’t attribute actions to God that He didn’t really do. And we don’t take credit for the things that He really did do, do we?
Ecclesiastes 5:2 says that God is in heaven and we are here on earth, so I will let my words be few. He is God and He is great. And we should spend more time considering how we’re treating our Great God. For, as you learned in your memory verse, in Him we live and move and have our being. Even though this verse in Acts is Paul quoting a pagan philosopher, the fact remains that God is our Creator and Sustainer. And sometimes, maybe actually, most of the time, we don’t treat Him with the reverent fear that we should.
Sabbath, February 15th
The Tabernacle is Built
Make this Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9
Materials Needed: paper, pencils, clipboards, YEA lesson from CEM (YE3J.3)
Suppose I give you a piece of paper and tell you to draw exactly what I describe. How good would you be at following the directions:
Start by making a small square at the top right of your paper. Make a circle underneath it, touching the bottom of the square with the same diameter as one side of the square. Now draw a horizontal line touching the bottom of the circle and extending to the left hand side of your paper. In the middle of the paper, draw a medium-sized triangle. From each of the two bottom corners, draw a rectangle. Each rectangle will be long vertically and narrow horizontally. Now, in between the two long rectangles, draw an oval large enough to touch both rectangles. Inside the oval write your name.
How do you think you did? Look at what your neighbor did. Do your drawings look the same? I didn’t give you the incredible detail that God gave Moses for building the Tabernacle. Moses had dimensions, specific lengths and weights for all of the elements. Each of the furnishings was described in detail and had a specified place within the Tabernacle. One might ask why.
Well, here’s a possible explanation. We are the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16). He is using the lively stones of man to build His house (1 Peter 2:5). God is molding us (Isaiah 64:8), forming us into the image of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:19-20). Is it possible that God wants the same attention to detail from us as was required in constructing the Tabernacle?
God is building His house. God is forming Christ in us. God, who began a good work in each of us, will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). But we have a part in that. We have to respond to His molding. We have to act according to what God is doing. Paul says, “Walk worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Peter exhorts us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). Paul says in Romans 12:1 that we should be a living sacrifice, seeking to do God’s will. That doesn’t sound like we can just sit on the couch and wait until Christ is formed in us. It sounds like we get busy doing whatever God has given us to do - but we do it with His direction and guidance.
How do we get that direction and guidance? By studying the Bible, memorizing scripture, singing songs of praise, going to church, fellowshipping with believers, talking about God, thinking about God, fasting, keeping His commandments . . . We diligently put God in the forefront of our thoughts, seeking Him and His direction as we go through our daily tasks.
Think about it: If God was so incredibly detailed about the construction of the Tabernacle, don’t you think He would also give detailed instructions about how the Temple of the living God would be formed. And if we have these detailed instructions, He expects us to follow them.
Sabbath, February 22nd
The Most Holy Place
2 Corinthians 7:1 - “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Materials Needed: dry erase board, markers, diagram of the tabernacle, tape measure, YEA lesson (YE3J.4)
We have been talking about the tabernacle in the wilderness a lot lately. Do you have an idea of what it might have looked like?
The outer courtyard was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. Inside this enclosure was first the bronze altar. Then the bronze laver was between the altar and the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was 45 feet long and 15 feet wide. The first section was called the Holy Place and was 30 feet long and 15 feet wide. On the north side of the Holy Place, to your right as you walked it, you would have seen the Table for the Showbread. On the south side of the Holy Place, to your left, you would have seen the Lampstand. Directly in front of you would have been the altar of incense, in front of the veil leading into the Most Holy Place. You would never have gone into the Most Holy Place because only the High Priest was allowed to go in - once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Most Holy Place was a perfect cube: 15 feet long by 15 feet wide by 15 feet high. In the Most Holy Place was the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat.
In the Holy Place, the priests would have daily duties - keeping oil in the lampstand and changing out the bread each week. Do you think they would have approached this Holy Place with a casual attitude or dirty clothes? No way! Similarly, the high priest, going into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, would have washed carefully and dressed in his priestly garments before taking the incense and the blood in to make atonement. There is no way he would have been casual or unkempt carrying out his duties.
Why? Why was this such a big deal? Our God is holy - absolutely, wonderfully, fearfully holy. You would never think of appearing before the king of England in flip-flops and shorts! How much more respect should you show to the King of the Universe?! And you know what happened when Nadab and Abihu didn’t approach God in the manner He required! They were instantly consumed by fire.
O.K. so this is all very interesting, but what does it have to do with us today? One of the lessons we learn is that we need to be very careful about our attitude when approaching God. He is holy and He demands that we conduct ourselves in a way that expresses our recognition of His holiness. It’s how we talk about Him. It’s the song we choose to sing to Him in our worship services. It’s the attitude we have towards all of the things of God - His commandments, His people, His word.
But there’s another lesson: We are the temple of the living God, if indeed He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit. We need to be very careful what we allow into our minds. There are things in this world that God would not want in His presence (tv shows, social media content, music, books). There are also thoughts which we must not entertain - including grumbling about what’s happening to us. Grumbling is tantamount to telling God that He’s not doing it right. Not a good idea! We also must resist taking the credit for something God did - think Nebuchadnezzar’s seven year punishment.
As your memory verse from 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Sabbath, March 8th
What Are You Eating?
1 Thessalonians 4:7 - “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
Materials needed: animal books, CEM YEA lesson (YE3J.6), activity sheet
Have you ever noticed how many different kinds of animals there are in our world? What are your favorites? Which ones did God say are edible - good for food?
The mammals have to have a split hoof and chew the cud. It’s not good enough to just chew the cud like the kangaroo. And it’s not good enough to have a split hoof like the pig. They have to do both. What kinds of mammals fit that category of being edible? deer, moose, elk, cattle, sheep, goats
God was very specific about the birds that cannot be eaten: eagles, vultures, owls, gulls, cormorants, storks. So which ones are ok? Chickens, turkeys, grouse, partridge
God specified that the animals in the water had to have scales and fins. That eliminates sharks (they don’t really have scales), whales, dolphins, squid, eels . . . The ones that are good to eat are trout, salmon, walleye.
God said that insects that hop on the ground with jointed legs, like crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, are clean to eat, if you want to. But we shouldn’t eat other kinds of bugs.
And the animals that swarm and crawl on the ground? Yeah, don’t eat those! Animals like mice and squirrels, snakes and turtles, bats and salamanders, shrimp and scallops.
Why is this important? God, as Creator, knows exactly how you are made and what is good for you to eat. This is not about the Levitical regulations; it was this way from the time Noah took the animals on the ark. And it’s still in effect today.
But it’s about more than what you eat physically. It’s also about what you take into your mind. Avoid those things that will pull you away from serving God and following Him with all of your heart.
Sabbath, March 22nd
Jubilee!
Leviticus 25:10 - “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan."
Materials Needed: bells, YE3J.7 (CEM/YEA) lesson
Bells are wonderful! Do you like bells? What do bells mean to you? Sometimes farmers put cowbells on their cows so they could find them. Sometimes people put bells on their cats so the birds are warned before they become dinner for the cat. There were even bells worn on the hem of the high priest’s robe. But what do bells mean to you?
I think of bells calling us all to dinner. Grandma had a big bell over her gate and when she rang that bell, we knew we were supposed to stop what we were doing and head for the house. I had a fun bell on my bicycle growing up - it was used as a warning to someone that I was coming up behind them. It was much more friendly than the horn!
Bells were often used by churches. They announced when church services were starting. They called the community together during emergencies. They tolled to signal someone’s death.
The United States also had a bell. They called it the Liberty Bell. It was cast in 1752, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. It was cast with the lettering “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” - a reference to Leviticus 25:10.
Liberty is good. I like the freedom to do things. But the liberty that is referred to in Leviticus 25 was more about freedom from debt. During the sabbath year, people were released from their personal financial debts. During the fiftieth year, the jubilee year, their land was returned to them. Free from physical debt is a very good thing. But there’s an interesting thing about the jubilee year - it was proclaimed on the Day of Atonement. What was special about the Day of Atonement? It was the day when the congregation of Israel was freed from their sin debt and reconciled to God. This is an important day!
For the Christian, our Jubilee is in Jesus Christ. We don’t have to wait until the Day of Atonement each fall to be freed from our debt. We can go to God, confess our sins, ask for forgiveness and resolve to be and do better. When you know that God has forgiven you for what you have done and you know that you are reconciled to Him, you celebrate!! It’s a fantastic feeling. You might even ring a few bells.
Sabbath, March 29th
On to the Promised Land
“Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, 'Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.' Whenever it came to rest, he said, 'Return O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.’” - Numbers 10:35-36
Materials: Various organization items (pen holder, CD holder, tennis ball container, pouches, boxes; CEM/YEA lesson YE3J.8
Exodus 12:37 says that 600,000 men left Egypt. Potentially, then, counting men, women, and children, there could have been between two and three million people leaving Egypt. That’s a lot of people! If you have ever been to Busch Stadium for a Cardinals game, that’s 40,000. If we’re talking about 2 million people, that 50 Busch Stadiums full of people. The super dome in New Orleans holds 83,000 people. But with 2 million Israelites, that’s still 24 Superdomes of people!
When you’re talking about those kinds of numbers, what problems might you have? Food. Water. People going every which direction.
Organization would definitely be of major importance. Have you ever left a sporting event or concert? How long did it take to get out of the parking lot? I remember my first Feast of Tabernacles at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. There were 10,000 people all leaving on one, one-lane road. It took a while to get out. I can only imagine 200 times that many people! So when it was time to move, the cloud lifted over the tabernacle and the ark set out. The tribes followed in order.
When you think about God providing food for all of those people, that’s also very impressive! And when you think about the water necessary for all of those people, especially when you’re wandering in the desert where there isn’t a lot of water, God’s provision of water was nothing short of miraculous for 40 years!
One miracle after another occurred for the Israelites from the time God decided to rescue them from Egypt. And one miracle after another occurs in our lives too. God provides a way when there seems to be no way. God heals. God opens doors. God organizes events in our lives for our good. We’re soon going to be talking about Passover; we’re going to be thinking about Jesus as our Passover Lamb. He lay down His life to pay for our sins - so that we could be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in His kingdom.
When I think about the enormous number of people who left Egypt, I have to remember that it’s just a drop in the bucket of the number of people who will have life because of what Jesus did. God provided more than water and food; He provided life for as many as will accept Jesus as their Savior. What an incredible miracle we’ve each been given!! Now, what are we going to do with it?
Sabbath, April 5th
Expect to Respect
James 4:1 - “What causes fights and quarrels among you?
Materials Needed: toy cars, CEM/YEA lesson YE3J.9
If you’re going to argue with someone, who is it most likely to be? Probably those close to you. We tend to be on our best behavior for strangers - unless they are doing something that keeps us from getting what we want. We might also behave for people that we see occasionally. But those people we live with - those people that we are close to - those people we’re supposed to love the most, they are the ones we’re most likely to argue and fight with. Why is that? They are the ones who either inhibit us from doing what we want - or they have something we want.
That was the case with Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Remember, Moses really argued with God about going back to Egypt and speaking to Pharaoh. So God said that He would send Aaron to help Moses. Well, eventually, as the people were wandering in the wilderness, Aaron and Miriam (remember the sister who watched Moses in the Nile River when he was a baby?) decided that they were as important as Moses. They thought Moses was making too much of himself. God was also using them. They thought they should get more recognition.
They got recognition all right. Only it wasn’t exactly what they had wanted! God heard them speaking against Moses. And He took care of it. The whole story is recorded in Numbers 12. Here we learn that Moses was meek, “more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (vs. 3). He wasn’t arrogant and looking for recognition. He was simply doing the job God had given him to do. God was angry at Aaron and Miriam, and when God finished rebuking them, Miriam was leprous. This was a very serious thing. People with leprosy were kept outside the camp. They were quarantined away from others. Moses cried out to God to heal Miriam. God allowed the leprosy to remain for seven days.
So why do you get upset with the people around you? Are they hurting you? Or do they have something you want? Maybe it’s your parents; they have told you to eat your peas. Or they’ve told you to brush your teeth and go to bed. Children typically resist all of these things. They don’t want to eat things that are good for them; they’d rather eat candy. And they resist going to bed, even though they are tired.
Or maybe you argue and fight with your siblings. Why would you do that? Oh the normal thing: "Mom, he’s looking at me.” Or “he’s breathing my air.” You might be arguing just because you are tired. Maybe you’re bored. Maybe you want something they have. I remember as a very young child being very upset that my older brother had two dump trucks and I had none. We were playing in the sand box and he had graciously allowed me to use one of his trucks. But when I tried to appropriate it, he resisted. I appealed to Mom. Both of those dump trucks had been given to my brother - and no matter how much I wanted them, they belonged to him. How much do we do that? Moses had been given the leadership responsibilities by God! God talked with Moses face to face and worked miracles through him. No matter how much Aaron and Miriam wanted that position, God had given it to Moses.
The next time you are upset with someone because of something they have, you had better stop and consider why they have that thing. Who gave it to them? Did they earn it? What right do you have to it? God is sovereign. He can give whatever He wants to whomever He wills. So show some respect. God expects it.
Sabbath, April 12th
Passover
“The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month” (Leviticus 23:5 NIV).
Materials Needed: ten index cards with plagues listed (one on each)
Sometimes we gloss over the events leading up to Passover. There were ten plagues. Pharaoh eventually let the Israelites leave Egypt. But this was actually a very big event. Egypt was a powerful nation at that time and its influence spread over the known world at that time. Remember, Joseph had stored up grain during the seven years of plenty. So that when the years of famine came, people from that whole region would have come to Egypt for food. And Egypt just continued to get stronger and more powerful.
There’s a phrase: Power corrupts (humans) and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more powerful Egypt became, the more corrupt and cruel the Pharaoh at that time became. He even believed he was a god; the people of Egypt worshipped him as such. He believed he had the right to treat people any way he wanted to. Pharaoh feared the Hebrew people might become too strong, so he made them slaves. Then he began killing the baby boys; that was happening when Moses was born. Moses was 40 years old when he left Egypt, and he spent the next 40 years as a shepherd. During this time, Pharaoh’s mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves became even more severe, and they cried out to God for relief.
God sent Moses to Egypt to tell Pharaoh to let the people go. The plagues were a result. But they didn’t happen all at once. How do we know that? The 5th plague was on the Egyptian livestock. The Bible says all the Egyptian livestock died (Exodus 9:6). But then the 6th plague was boils - on man and beast (Exodus 9:9). Now this could be dogs and cats. But the 7th plague was hail and the Bible specifically says that any of the livestock in the field would die (Exodus 9:19). The Egyptians would have had to have time to get livestock again from the Hebrews, upon whom these plagues were not falling!
Then this seventh plague of hail destroyed even the trees. So we know there was time for things to start growing again before the eighth plague of locusts. They wouldn’t have had anything to eat if they had arrived right after the hail.
What lessons do we apply to ourselves from these events?
Shut De Door
Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery."
Materials: wedding vows, CEM YEA lesson (YE3I.7)
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today, before God and in the sight of these witnesses, to join these two in holy matrimony.”
Does that sound familiar? Many wedding services start just this way. It is legal terminology. There are witnesses to the contract that is about to be signed: God and all of the people attending the ceremony. Two key words in this introduction are “holy” and “matrimony.” Holy means set apart. Matrimony is the state or quality of being married.
These two people are embarking upon a lifelong commitment - covenant - as God is their witness - that they will abide by the terms of the contract. What is that contract? Many of them go like this:
I, Ron, faithfully promise and covenant with God, in the presence of these witnesses, to take Cynthia to be my wife, to love and comfort, to honor and cherish, and to be faithful to her in sickness and in health until death we are parted.
Then then bride states her part of the contract:
I, Cynthia, faithfully promise and covenant with God, in the presence of these witnesses, to take Ron to be my husband, to love and comfort, to honor and cherish, to submit myself to him, and to be faithful to him in sickness and in health until we are parted by death.
The covenant binds this man and this woman together for as long as they both shall live. They each prefer the other over all others. They are loyal and support of each other above all other relationships. In fact, there is no room for another person in this union. This is the promise they each make to the other.
If someone wants to wedge themselves into this relationship, to break that trust, each has the obligation before God to repudiate that advance. Like Joseph, they should get completely away from the situation. In fact, it’s best if they never put themselves into a situation that could potentially break that trust. There are many examples of a pastor (or other leader) refusing to meet with/counsel a woman without his wife present. That’s just wise! They are avoiding even the appearance of evil.
God does not take the marriage covenant lightly. How do we know this? Because the Seventh Commandment says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Breaking this commandment breaks that trust, breaks the promise made to your husband or wife. It’s serious stuff.
Sabbath, January 18th
That's Not True!
Exodus 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
Materials needed: candle, matches, buttons with crest/design, YEA lesson YE3I.9 (from CEM)
I remember my grandfather saying that a man was only as good as his word. It makes a lot of sense. In a community where people depended on one another, it was crucial that a person was reliable, that he did what he said he would do.
There’s another saying I associate with Grandad. “If he says he’ll do it, you can take it to the bank.” In other words, if someone agreed to do a task, it was a sure thing; it was as if you had the money in your hand, ready to take it to the bank.
It doesn’t take very long when you’re around people to figure out who you would trust completely and whose word isn’t worth a plug nickel.
Individually and collectively, when you can’t trust what people say, there are serious consequences. Not keeping your word covers all sorts of things - from relatively unimportant, like saying that you’ll do the dishes after supper to testifying in court. Truth is so important in court cases - because you’re dealing with people’s lives - that before you give your testimony you are required to swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. That’s a very serious oath - and it needs to be because your words literally could mean the difference between life and death in some cases.
For many years, important documents had a seal applied, to verify their authenticity. (We still do this today; it’s called a notary.) A small amount of sealing wax was melted and allowed to drip onto a document. Then a ring with a family or monarch’s crest was pushed down into the wax. That way, if you received a document, you knew exactly who it was from and if it had been tampered with. Sometimes the seal was applied to the end of the document; sometimes it was applied after the document had been folded.
Telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth is a problem today. It was a problem back when sealing wax was used. It was a problem in Biblical times. God was very clear that it was a transgression of His law to bear false witness, to not tell the truth. God’s consequence was effective. Deuteronomy 19:18-19 says, “The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.” So, if you lie to get your brother in trouble, whatever punishment he would have received, you will get instead!
Proverbs 19:9 says, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” Our God expects us to tell the truth! We would expect nothing less from the One who says He is the Way and the Truth and the Life! So you won’t be surprised to find that in the New Heavens and the New Earth, Revelation 21:8, here’s what it says, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
All liars are included in this list of those who will not be part of God’s kingdom. God means it when He says, “You shall not bear false witness.”
Sabbath, January 25th
What Do You Want?
Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Materials Needed: miscellaneous trinkets, YEA lesson (YE3I.10), dry erase board, markers, cards with Biblical characters on them
Do you have a list of things you really want? Are the things you listed material possessions, time-related, people-related, or something else? What is most important to you? Is wanting things bad? Wanting things is not bad; really, really wanting something can provide motivation to strive and persevere. It’s when you want things that other people have, things that are not yours, that you are breaking the Tenth Commandment. What do I mean? Well, let’s use some Bible examples:
Gehazi - This was Elisha’s servant. And the story to which I’m referring is found in 2 Kings 5; it’s the story of Naaman. What did Gehazi want that didn’t belong to him? He wanted the reward that Naaman was offering to Elisha, which Elisha completely disregarded. Gehazi didn’t earn it; it didn’t belong to him. So what did he do? He lied. How did he think his actions weren’t going to be discovered? The consequence? He contracted leprosy.
David - This was the greatest king in ancient Israel. But what did David want that didn’t belong to him? He wanted Bathsheba. So what did he do? He took her - and ended up murdering her husband to cover up his sin.
Solomon - The wisest man who ever lived wanted something too. What was it? Women! He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. What did God’s law say? From the very beginning (Genesis 2:24), God ordained marriage to be one man and one woman. Jesus reaffirms this in Matthew 19. Deuteronomy 17:17 specifically says that the king shall not have many wives, lest they turn his heart away from following God. What did Solomon end up doing? Turning away from following God with his whole heart - and the kingdom would be divided due to his sin.
Shadrach, Meshack, and Abedngo - The three young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace wanted something. What was it? They wanted to be found faithful to God - even if it meant they died in the fiery furnace. What does this example show us? There are things that you can really, really want - even if it means you lose your life - that are very pleasing to God.
It’s important to spend some time thinking about what you really want. Gehazi, if he’d thought about it, should have realized that he wanted the favor of God and Elisha more than a few sets of clothing. David, if he had really thought about it, should have realized that he wanted the relationship with God more than he wanted a relationship with Bathsheba. Solomon, if he had really thought about it, should have followed God’s law to maintain the relationship he had with God - the one where God loved him enough to tell him to ask for anything. What would that be worth to you - to have God tell you that you could ask for anything?!
Don’t spend time looking at what someone else has and wishing that it was yours. Do what God has given you to do and trust Him to provide what you truly need. Obeying this commandment, like obeying all of the others, can keep you out of a lot of trouble!
February
Sabbath, February 1st
Giving is Good
" . . . for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
Why? Why does God love a cheerful giver? It shows an acute awareness that God is the One who blesses you with what you have; you are merely giving as an expression of gratitude.
Gratitude. This attitude is a natural remedy to coveting what others have. You are content with what you have. You focus on your blessings instead of focusing on what you think would make you happy.
Trusting. Additionally, it shows that you trust Him. Let’s say you have something that someone else needs. When you are willing to give to fulfill that need, you are trusting that God will provide for your future needs. This attitude reinforces your gratitude. You are thankful for what God has already done, for what He is doing, and for what He has promised in the future. It refocuses your eyes on His plan instead of yourself.
Attitude. A third reason that God loves a cheerful giver is the effect your attitude has on the people to whom you are giving. Being cheerful is a lot different than giving begrudgingly. The “I-don’t-really-want-to-give-it-but-I-know-I-have-to attitude is offensive to the One who has given you all things. And it’s felt by the recipient of your gift. It makes them feel bad. If you are cheerful in your giving, it builds bridges and strengthens your relationship.
When you have a positive perspective on giving (cheerful), you are more willing to give your best. You may have things that you want to get rid of. Someone else may really benefit from those things. Those things are easy to give. But it’s when you give something that you value, and you give it cheerfully, that’s when it is pleasing to God.
So what do you have that you value that you are cheerfully willing to give to others . . . out of gratitude to God . . . to show that you trust Him in all areas of your life? It doesn’t have to be a physical gift. It can be your time. It can be your prayers. It can be your friendship (because that takes time and effort).
One final thought: our God has given so much. If we want to be like Him, we need to develop a natural willingness to give in order to advance the kingdom and because it’s a good thing to do. I would hope that we would be like the Israelites when there was a need to build the tabernacle. They gave and gave until finally they had to be told to stop. It was enough. That’s the kind of giving attitude I would hope that we all have.
Sabbath, February 8th
The Golden Calf
Acts 17:28 - “For in him we live and move and have our being... We are his offspring.
Materials Needed: pie pan, water, salt, pepper, dish soap, towel, YEA lesson (YE3J.2)
Suppose I put some water into a pie pan and sprinkle some pepper on the surface. Would sprinkling some salt on it affect the pepper at all? What would happen if I put a drop of dish soap in the pan? The pepper moves all the way to the edge - immediately. That’s because pepper doesn’t like dish soap right? No. Pepper is not sentient. The pepper moves because the water’s surface tension was broken. But if you didn’t know anything about surface tension, you might attribute the phenomenon to pepper not liking dish soap.
Well, even if you were wrong about pepper and dish soap not getting along, it’s not the end of the world. But it is a much bigger deal when we’re talking about God. God is very particular about how He is treated. He is holy. And He deserves our reverence and humility before Him. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.
Can you imagine how insulting it was for the Israelites to so quickly do what God had just told them not to do: create an idol to worship?! And then, to make matters worse, Aaron told the people that this golden calf was the god who brought them out of Egypt. What in the world!?! This heap of molten metal that had recently been the earrings in their ears was the god who was responsible for all of the plagues and for parting the Red Sea and for delivering the Israelites from Pharaoh and Egypt?!? Had Aaron lost his mind?! This golden calf that could not move on its own, had no more intelligence than a box of rocks, and could not think - that was the god who delivered them from Egypt! In actuality, the Israelites were probably not so stupid as to think the golden calf was actually the god who saved them; they likely thought it was just a depiction of God. But again, this is in direct conflict with God’s commandment not to make an idol in the likeness of anything to worship - even if they were thinking it was a representation of Jehovah.
Our Great God was so angry that He was ready to wipe out all of the Israelites and start over with Moses. That’s how big a deal this was!
But, we don’t do that kind of thing today, do we? We don’t attribute actions to God that He didn’t really do. And we don’t take credit for the things that He really did do, do we?
Ecclesiastes 5:2 says that God is in heaven and we are here on earth, so I will let my words be few. He is God and He is great. And we should spend more time considering how we’re treating our Great God. For, as you learned in your memory verse, in Him we live and move and have our being. Even though this verse in Acts is Paul quoting a pagan philosopher, the fact remains that God is our Creator and Sustainer. And sometimes, maybe actually, most of the time, we don’t treat Him with the reverent fear that we should.
Sabbath, February 15th
The Tabernacle is Built
Make this Tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9
Materials Needed: paper, pencils, clipboards, YEA lesson from CEM (YE3J.3)
Suppose I give you a piece of paper and tell you to draw exactly what I describe. How good would you be at following the directions:
Start by making a small square at the top right of your paper. Make a circle underneath it, touching the bottom of the square with the same diameter as one side of the square. Now draw a horizontal line touching the bottom of the circle and extending to the left hand side of your paper. In the middle of the paper, draw a medium-sized triangle. From each of the two bottom corners, draw a rectangle. Each rectangle will be long vertically and narrow horizontally. Now, in between the two long rectangles, draw an oval large enough to touch both rectangles. Inside the oval write your name.
How do you think you did? Look at what your neighbor did. Do your drawings look the same? I didn’t give you the incredible detail that God gave Moses for building the Tabernacle. Moses had dimensions, specific lengths and weights for all of the elements. Each of the furnishings was described in detail and had a specified place within the Tabernacle. One might ask why.
Well, here’s a possible explanation. We are the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16). He is using the lively stones of man to build His house (1 Peter 2:5). God is molding us (Isaiah 64:8), forming us into the image of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:19-20). Is it possible that God wants the same attention to detail from us as was required in constructing the Tabernacle?
God is building His house. God is forming Christ in us. God, who began a good work in each of us, will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). But we have a part in that. We have to respond to His molding. We have to act according to what God is doing. Paul says, “Walk worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Peter exhorts us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). Paul says in Romans 12:1 that we should be a living sacrifice, seeking to do God’s will. That doesn’t sound like we can just sit on the couch and wait until Christ is formed in us. It sounds like we get busy doing whatever God has given us to do - but we do it with His direction and guidance.
How do we get that direction and guidance? By studying the Bible, memorizing scripture, singing songs of praise, going to church, fellowshipping with believers, talking about God, thinking about God, fasting, keeping His commandments . . . We diligently put God in the forefront of our thoughts, seeking Him and His direction as we go through our daily tasks.
Think about it: If God was so incredibly detailed about the construction of the Tabernacle, don’t you think He would also give detailed instructions about how the Temple of the living God would be formed. And if we have these detailed instructions, He expects us to follow them.
Sabbath, February 22nd
The Most Holy Place
2 Corinthians 7:1 - “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Materials Needed: dry erase board, markers, diagram of the tabernacle, tape measure, YEA lesson (YE3J.4)
We have been talking about the tabernacle in the wilderness a lot lately. Do you have an idea of what it might have looked like?
The outer courtyard was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. Inside this enclosure was first the bronze altar. Then the bronze laver was between the altar and the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was 45 feet long and 15 feet wide. The first section was called the Holy Place and was 30 feet long and 15 feet wide. On the north side of the Holy Place, to your right as you walked it, you would have seen the Table for the Showbread. On the south side of the Holy Place, to your left, you would have seen the Lampstand. Directly in front of you would have been the altar of incense, in front of the veil leading into the Most Holy Place. You would never have gone into the Most Holy Place because only the High Priest was allowed to go in - once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Most Holy Place was a perfect cube: 15 feet long by 15 feet wide by 15 feet high. In the Most Holy Place was the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat.
In the Holy Place, the priests would have daily duties - keeping oil in the lampstand and changing out the bread each week. Do you think they would have approached this Holy Place with a casual attitude or dirty clothes? No way! Similarly, the high priest, going into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, would have washed carefully and dressed in his priestly garments before taking the incense and the blood in to make atonement. There is no way he would have been casual or unkempt carrying out his duties.
Why? Why was this such a big deal? Our God is holy - absolutely, wonderfully, fearfully holy. You would never think of appearing before the king of England in flip-flops and shorts! How much more respect should you show to the King of the Universe?! And you know what happened when Nadab and Abihu didn’t approach God in the manner He required! They were instantly consumed by fire.
O.K. so this is all very interesting, but what does it have to do with us today? One of the lessons we learn is that we need to be very careful about our attitude when approaching God. He is holy and He demands that we conduct ourselves in a way that expresses our recognition of His holiness. It’s how we talk about Him. It’s the song we choose to sing to Him in our worship services. It’s the attitude we have towards all of the things of God - His commandments, His people, His word.
But there’s another lesson: We are the temple of the living God, if indeed He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit. We need to be very careful what we allow into our minds. There are things in this world that God would not want in His presence (tv shows, social media content, music, books). There are also thoughts which we must not entertain - including grumbling about what’s happening to us. Grumbling is tantamount to telling God that He’s not doing it right. Not a good idea! We also must resist taking the credit for something God did - think Nebuchadnezzar’s seven year punishment.
As your memory verse from 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Sabbath, March 8th
What Are You Eating?
1 Thessalonians 4:7 - “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
Materials needed: animal books, CEM YEA lesson (YE3J.6), activity sheet
Have you ever noticed how many different kinds of animals there are in our world? What are your favorites? Which ones did God say are edible - good for food?
The mammals have to have a split hoof and chew the cud. It’s not good enough to just chew the cud like the kangaroo. And it’s not good enough to have a split hoof like the pig. They have to do both. What kinds of mammals fit that category of being edible? deer, moose, elk, cattle, sheep, goats
God was very specific about the birds that cannot be eaten: eagles, vultures, owls, gulls, cormorants, storks. So which ones are ok? Chickens, turkeys, grouse, partridge
God specified that the animals in the water had to have scales and fins. That eliminates sharks (they don’t really have scales), whales, dolphins, squid, eels . . . The ones that are good to eat are trout, salmon, walleye.
God said that insects that hop on the ground with jointed legs, like crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, are clean to eat, if you want to. But we shouldn’t eat other kinds of bugs.
And the animals that swarm and crawl on the ground? Yeah, don’t eat those! Animals like mice and squirrels, snakes and turtles, bats and salamanders, shrimp and scallops.
Why is this important? God, as Creator, knows exactly how you are made and what is good for you to eat. This is not about the Levitical regulations; it was this way from the time Noah took the animals on the ark. And it’s still in effect today.
But it’s about more than what you eat physically. It’s also about what you take into your mind. Avoid those things that will pull you away from serving God and following Him with all of your heart.
Sabbath, March 22nd
Jubilee!
Leviticus 25:10 - “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan."
Materials Needed: bells, YE3J.7 (CEM/YEA) lesson
Bells are wonderful! Do you like bells? What do bells mean to you? Sometimes farmers put cowbells on their cows so they could find them. Sometimes people put bells on their cats so the birds are warned before they become dinner for the cat. There were even bells worn on the hem of the high priest’s robe. But what do bells mean to you?
I think of bells calling us all to dinner. Grandma had a big bell over her gate and when she rang that bell, we knew we were supposed to stop what we were doing and head for the house. I had a fun bell on my bicycle growing up - it was used as a warning to someone that I was coming up behind them. It was much more friendly than the horn!
Bells were often used by churches. They announced when church services were starting. They called the community together during emergencies. They tolled to signal someone’s death.
The United States also had a bell. They called it the Liberty Bell. It was cast in 1752, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. It was cast with the lettering “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” - a reference to Leviticus 25:10.
Liberty is good. I like the freedom to do things. But the liberty that is referred to in Leviticus 25 was more about freedom from debt. During the sabbath year, people were released from their personal financial debts. During the fiftieth year, the jubilee year, their land was returned to them. Free from physical debt is a very good thing. But there’s an interesting thing about the jubilee year - it was proclaimed on the Day of Atonement. What was special about the Day of Atonement? It was the day when the congregation of Israel was freed from their sin debt and reconciled to God. This is an important day!
For the Christian, our Jubilee is in Jesus Christ. We don’t have to wait until the Day of Atonement each fall to be freed from our debt. We can go to God, confess our sins, ask for forgiveness and resolve to be and do better. When you know that God has forgiven you for what you have done and you know that you are reconciled to Him, you celebrate!! It’s a fantastic feeling. You might even ring a few bells.
Sabbath, March 29th
On to the Promised Land
“Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, 'Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.' Whenever it came to rest, he said, 'Return O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel.’” - Numbers 10:35-36
Materials: Various organization items (pen holder, CD holder, tennis ball container, pouches, boxes; CEM/YEA lesson YE3J.8
Exodus 12:37 says that 600,000 men left Egypt. Potentially, then, counting men, women, and children, there could have been between two and three million people leaving Egypt. That’s a lot of people! If you have ever been to Busch Stadium for a Cardinals game, that’s 40,000. If we’re talking about 2 million people, that 50 Busch Stadiums full of people. The super dome in New Orleans holds 83,000 people. But with 2 million Israelites, that’s still 24 Superdomes of people!
When you’re talking about those kinds of numbers, what problems might you have? Food. Water. People going every which direction.
Organization would definitely be of major importance. Have you ever left a sporting event or concert? How long did it take to get out of the parking lot? I remember my first Feast of Tabernacles at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. There were 10,000 people all leaving on one, one-lane road. It took a while to get out. I can only imagine 200 times that many people! So when it was time to move, the cloud lifted over the tabernacle and the ark set out. The tribes followed in order.
When you think about God providing food for all of those people, that’s also very impressive! And when you think about the water necessary for all of those people, especially when you’re wandering in the desert where there isn’t a lot of water, God’s provision of water was nothing short of miraculous for 40 years!
One miracle after another occurred for the Israelites from the time God decided to rescue them from Egypt. And one miracle after another occurs in our lives too. God provides a way when there seems to be no way. God heals. God opens doors. God organizes events in our lives for our good. We’re soon going to be talking about Passover; we’re going to be thinking about Jesus as our Passover Lamb. He lay down His life to pay for our sins - so that we could be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life in His kingdom.
When I think about the enormous number of people who left Egypt, I have to remember that it’s just a drop in the bucket of the number of people who will have life because of what Jesus did. God provided more than water and food; He provided life for as many as will accept Jesus as their Savior. What an incredible miracle we’ve each been given!! Now, what are we going to do with it?
Sabbath, April 5th
Expect to Respect
James 4:1 - “What causes fights and quarrels among you?
Materials Needed: toy cars, CEM/YEA lesson YE3J.9
If you’re going to argue with someone, who is it most likely to be? Probably those close to you. We tend to be on our best behavior for strangers - unless they are doing something that keeps us from getting what we want. We might also behave for people that we see occasionally. But those people we live with - those people that we are close to - those people we’re supposed to love the most, they are the ones we’re most likely to argue and fight with. Why is that? They are the ones who either inhibit us from doing what we want - or they have something we want.
That was the case with Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Remember, Moses really argued with God about going back to Egypt and speaking to Pharaoh. So God said that He would send Aaron to help Moses. Well, eventually, as the people were wandering in the wilderness, Aaron and Miriam (remember the sister who watched Moses in the Nile River when he was a baby?) decided that they were as important as Moses. They thought Moses was making too much of himself. God was also using them. They thought they should get more recognition.
They got recognition all right. Only it wasn’t exactly what they had wanted! God heard them speaking against Moses. And He took care of it. The whole story is recorded in Numbers 12. Here we learn that Moses was meek, “more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (vs. 3). He wasn’t arrogant and looking for recognition. He was simply doing the job God had given him to do. God was angry at Aaron and Miriam, and when God finished rebuking them, Miriam was leprous. This was a very serious thing. People with leprosy were kept outside the camp. They were quarantined away from others. Moses cried out to God to heal Miriam. God allowed the leprosy to remain for seven days.
So why do you get upset with the people around you? Are they hurting you? Or do they have something you want? Maybe it’s your parents; they have told you to eat your peas. Or they’ve told you to brush your teeth and go to bed. Children typically resist all of these things. They don’t want to eat things that are good for them; they’d rather eat candy. And they resist going to bed, even though they are tired.
Or maybe you argue and fight with your siblings. Why would you do that? Oh the normal thing: "Mom, he’s looking at me.” Or “he’s breathing my air.” You might be arguing just because you are tired. Maybe you’re bored. Maybe you want something they have. I remember as a very young child being very upset that my older brother had two dump trucks and I had none. We were playing in the sand box and he had graciously allowed me to use one of his trucks. But when I tried to appropriate it, he resisted. I appealed to Mom. Both of those dump trucks had been given to my brother - and no matter how much I wanted them, they belonged to him. How much do we do that? Moses had been given the leadership responsibilities by God! God talked with Moses face to face and worked miracles through him. No matter how much Aaron and Miriam wanted that position, God had given it to Moses.
The next time you are upset with someone because of something they have, you had better stop and consider why they have that thing. Who gave it to them? Did they earn it? What right do you have to it? God is sovereign. He can give whatever He wants to whomever He wills. So show some respect. God expects it.
Sabbath, April 12th
Passover
“The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month” (Leviticus 23:5 NIV).
Materials Needed: ten index cards with plagues listed (one on each)
Sometimes we gloss over the events leading up to Passover. There were ten plagues. Pharaoh eventually let the Israelites leave Egypt. But this was actually a very big event. Egypt was a powerful nation at that time and its influence spread over the known world at that time. Remember, Joseph had stored up grain during the seven years of plenty. So that when the years of famine came, people from that whole region would have come to Egypt for food. And Egypt just continued to get stronger and more powerful.
There’s a phrase: Power corrupts (humans) and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more powerful Egypt became, the more corrupt and cruel the Pharaoh at that time became. He even believed he was a god; the people of Egypt worshipped him as such. He believed he had the right to treat people any way he wanted to. Pharaoh feared the Hebrew people might become too strong, so he made them slaves. Then he began killing the baby boys; that was happening when Moses was born. Moses was 40 years old when he left Egypt, and he spent the next 40 years as a shepherd. During this time, Pharaoh’s mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves became even more severe, and they cried out to God for relief.
God sent Moses to Egypt to tell Pharaoh to let the people go. The plagues were a result. But they didn’t happen all at once. How do we know that? The 5th plague was on the Egyptian livestock. The Bible says all the Egyptian livestock died (Exodus 9:6). But then the 6th plague was boils - on man and beast (Exodus 9:9). Now this could be dogs and cats. But the 7th plague was hail and the Bible specifically says that any of the livestock in the field would die (Exodus 9:19). The Egyptians would have had to have time to get livestock again from the Hebrews, upon whom these plagues were not falling!
Then this seventh plague of hail destroyed even the trees. So we know there was time for things to start growing again before the eighth plague of locusts. They wouldn’t have had anything to eat if they had arrived right after the hail.
What lessons do we apply to ourselves from these events?
- Just as the Israelites were slaves to Egypt, we are slaves to sin. We cannot save ourselves. It takes the mighty power of God to save each of us.
- There is no god like our Great God. What our God wants to do He will accomplish. We cannot make deals with God to save us from calamity and then go back to living exactly as we want to - like Pharaoh tried to renege each time he got relief from the plagues.
- It took time for the Israelites to get relief. When we are facing calamity, we have to continue to trust God for the outcome. It might take awhile, but God is sovereign and works all things out for our good.
- The story of the Exodus is an allegory. Egypt represents the power of sin over us; the Passover lamb represents Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:22 says that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The Death Angel killed the firstborn in every house where there was no blood. But when he saw the blood, he passed over the house. Similarly, God delivers us from sin through the blood of Jesus. We no longer have to pay the penalty for our sins; Jesus paid it all. But we can’t live in sin. We have to get out of Egypt. We need to live our lives loving God for what He has done for us.
First Day of Unleavened Bread, April 14th
Timing of Passover Events
Memory Verse: “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread . . .” Exodus 12:15
Do you ever get confused about the timing of everything during the Days of Unleavened Bread?
When you understand the timing of the events, you can see the continuation from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It’s another witness to the fact that God is sovereign; events unfold according to His plans. That’s a comforting understanding to have: there’s nothing in your life of which God is not aware. There’s nothing which catches Him by surprise. He is sovereign and He has will work all things (as the apostle Paul stated) for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose. What is that worth to you - to know that God is working all things together for good? If you know God, or rather are known by God and loved by God, what an incredible blessing! What an insignificant thing to eat unleavened bread for seven days - in loving obedience to Him! Don’t just avoid leaven; diligently eat unleavened bread.
Why? Because Jesus said He is that unleavened bread. We want to take Him fully into our lives, to be fully conformed to His image, to be ever closer in our relationship to Him. Have you eaten your bread today?
Sabbath, April 19th
Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover
“. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses” (Exodus 12:15)
Materials needed: book that is hollowed out inside
So when you put the leaven out of your house on the day before the Days of Unleavened Bread, what did you do with it? You probably just put it in the trash can to be picked up by the trash man the next time he picked up the trash. Maybe you fed as much of it to the dog (or fish - we used to take it down and toss it into the pond). Maybe you buried it with the compost in your garden. Or maybe you ate up all of it before the spring feast began.
It is curious. Deuteronomy 16:4 says, “Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days.” In those days, there was not supposed to be any leavening anywhere in the land of Israel. So putting it in the trash can until the garbage man picks it up midway through the week during the Days of Unleavened Bread always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.
But then I think about where that yeast comes from in the first place. Do you know how the Israelites would have gotten leavened bread? You mix flour and water. Then you set it in the open air - because there are wild yeast spores in the air all around us. Did you know that? Yeast is all around us right now. I doubt God wants us to stop breathing for a week during the Days of Unleavened Bread so that we avoid taking yeast into our bodies.
But it’s not only about the yeast; it’s about unleavened bread. And it’s really about what the unleavened bread represents. During the Days of Unleavened Bread, yeast pictures the power of sin when it’s in our bread - because of the corrupting power yeast has on our dough. In a similar way, sin in our lives has a corrupting influence - causing us to act in ungodly ways, in ways that don’t please God.
We obey God, getting rid of the leavened stuff, as a picture of what’s going on in our hearts. We need Jesus to change us, to get rid of the ungodly inclinations. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:8 that we should have the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Think, then, of what the leavened bread would be insincerity and falsehood, lying, deceit, greed, selfishness.
You know that saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Apply that idea to being unleavened. That is, you could be unleavened on the outside. There’s no leaven in your house. You’re eating unleavened bread. But that’s just what’s happening on the outside. What is going on inside? Are you taking in Jesus Christ more and more, so you can become more and more like Him? How do you do that? Church attendance, reading your Bible, praying, singing songs of praise - and obeying God when He tells you, “. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses.”
How did you do this year?
Last Day of Unleavened Bread, April 20th
Wave Sheaf Day
“. . . for if anyone eats what is leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel” (Exodus 12:15 RSV).
Often, right in the middle of the Days of Unleavened Bread something very interesting happens - we start focusing on another holy day! Really! If you remember our calendar lesson from a week ago, we were talking about the timing of Passover events. You all knew that Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights, that He rose at the end of the Sabbath.
We know, from putting the gospel stories together, that Jesus didn’t immediately ascend to the Father. When the Sabbath was over, the women had gone to the tomb with their prepared spices. But Jesus was not there. They went to tell the disciples. (The story is in John 20.) Peter and John ran to the tomb. They saw the linen clothes and the face cloth lying by itself, folded. They left. Mary Magdalene stayed, crying. She went back to the tomb and looked in. There were two angels sitting where Jesus had been lying and they asked her why she was weeping. When she turned around, Jesus was standing there. She thought perhaps he was the gardener and told him that if he’d taken Jesus’ body somewhere, just to let her know, and she would take Him. At that point, Jesus called her name. She responded, “Rabboni!” indicating that she recognized who he was. Then He said, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father . . .”
Let’s think about the timing. Jesus would have been resurrected at the end of three days and three nights - at the end of the Sabbath. It would have taken some time for the women, after the Sabbath was over, to walk to the tomb with their spices. It would have taken some time to go back to tell the disciples that the tomb was empty. It would have taken some time for John and Peter to run to the tomb, see that it was empty, and leave. Then it would have taken some time for the whole scene with Mary. But it was still the night portion of that day.
Matthew 28:8-9 says that the women “hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.”
From this we realize that Jesus has already ascended to the Father and been accepted on our behalf - otherwise He would not have allowed the women to touch Him.
Do you know what was going on in the Temple as this was all happening at the tomb? The priests had, at sunset, gone out to a barley field and had cut a sheaf of barley. Probably the same time Jesus was resurrected, the sheaf of barley was cut - with great pomp and circumstance. This was the ceremony of the wave sheaf offering. They would cut the sheaves of grain out of the fields. There was some time involved in getting this offering from the field to the Temple. But we believe that at the time the priests were waving the offering of the barley before God in the Temple, Jesus was ascending before the Father. That’s why He’s called the First of the firstfruits. That’s why one of the names of Pentecost is the Feast of Firstfruits.
So during the Days of Unleavened Bread, we were commanded to do what? Eat - eat unleavened bread for seven days. The command carried with it a severe consequence if you didn’t obey; you were cut off from Israel.
What are we commanded to do leading up to Pentecost? Count - count 50 days from the morrow after the sabbath. Here we are. It’s the first day of the count because it’s the morrow after the sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Today is Day One.
It’s easy to lose count. So I’m helping you. I know Kate has already made her paper chain so that she can keep count for the next 50 days. But I’m giving you calendars and stickers so that you can keep track of the count. Counting is important to God - otherwise He’d never have commanded it.
Sabbath, April 26th
Only Do Not Rebel
“. . .Only do not rebel against the LORD. . .” Numbers 14:9a
Materials needed: rubber bands, CEM’s YEA lesson YE3J.10
When Moses asked to see God’s glory and God told him that no one can see God’s face and live, God put Moses in the cleft of the rock, covered his face, and only allowed him to see His back (Exodus 33:18-23). As God passed by, He described Himself this way: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will be no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6-7).
We like to recite verse six, but we’re not so eager to recite God’s judgment on people who sin and rebel against Him. Why is that? Oh, we like to see judgment executed on people who have injured us, but we don’t like to receive the consequences of our own sins. And, that’s the thing: we all sin! Praise God for His mercy and His compassion to us all! He IS merciful and gracious. He IS slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness! As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Nevertheless, there is a limit to how long God will allow iniquity and transgression and sin. Do you know that God said that the Hebrews He brought out of Egypt tested Him ten times (Numbers 14:22)?!! This was the God who rescued them, who gave them water, who gave them manna daily, who gave them victory against their enemies, who guided them, who was visibly present with them in the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud! Yet, they tested Him, rebelled against Him, didn’t trust Him ten times in two years!!
(1) Lacking faith before the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11–12)
(2) Complaining over the bitter water at Marah (Exodus 15:24)
(3) Complaining in the Desert of Sin of hunger (Exodus 16:3)
(4) Collecting more manna than they were supposed to (Exodus 16:20)
(5) Attempting to collect manna on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:27–29)
(6) Complaining over the lack of water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:2–3)
(7) Engaging in idolatry in the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:7–10)
(8) Complaining at Taberah about their misfortunes (Numbers 11:1–2)
(9) Complaining over the lack of food; wanted more than manna (Numbers 11:4)
(10) Failing to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1–4)
God finally had had enough of their rebellion. And instead of allowing them to go into the Promised Land, He decreed they’d wander for 38 more years (a total of 40 years) in the wilderness. Do you know how the people responded? They refused to follow God’s decree to turn around and head for the wilderness and they tried to take the land. God was not with them. They were soundly defeated (Numbers 14:39-45).
So what about you? Have you rebelled against God? Yes! We all do! What do you do when you have sinned? If you sincerely repent, God is faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9-10) But you really must mean it!! The Israelites had an evil heart of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12). Not only did they not obey God, they didn’t trust Him! Do you trust God? Do you believe that He is with you no matter what? Do you believe that He is good - all the time - even when life is hard?
Jalen, my first cousin once removed was 17 when she was first put on the kidney donor list. Her kidneys were failing. Eventually, they discovered that her brother was a great match and he donated a kidney to her. But the doctors damaged his kidney getting it out - and it failed. Jalen was back on the kidney donor waiting list. Finally, in March of this year, she was life-flighted to Arizona. There was a kidney waiting for her. When she got there, the hospital wouldn’t even let her come in; they told her she must have been mistaken. After ten years, Jalen was rapidly running out of time. This past Monday one of her friends donated one of his kidneys to her. Within hours, there was evidence of the kidney working. My cousin and her family never lost trust in God that He would provide and take care of them. What an incredible testimony of faith Jan (Jalen’s mom) has! When I texted her my joy and said, “God is good.” She responded, “All the time!!” Oh, that we all would trust God in the big things and the little things!
Sabbath, May 3rd
Stop the Plague
“He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped” - Numbers 16:48 (NIV)
Korah and 250 Levites, as well as Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, complained against Moses! Well, they were actually complaining against God. Korah and the Levites thought they should have more power, position, and prestige. They thought Aaron and Moses had exalted themselves when all of the Israelites were God’s chosen people (Numbers 16:3). Dathan and Abiram blamed Moses that they would die in the wilderness instead of Egypt. Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their families were swallowed up by an earthquake. The 250 Levites were consumed by fire which came out “from the Lord” (Numbers 16:35). The reaction of the Israelites was to complain against Moses (which was really a complaint against God), “You have killed the people of the LORD” (Numbers 16:41). God was ready to consume all of them. Moses told Aaron to take a censor, fill it with incense and carry it quickly to the congregation to make atonement for them. Aaron did so. He ran into the midst of the congregation. Here’s your memory verse: “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.” 14,700 people had died.
What would have happened if Aaron hadn’t taken the censor? What would have happened if he hadn’t run?
Can you think of anyone else who stood in the gap to save the people? Esther stood in the gap against the wicked schemes of Haman. Joseph stood in the gap to save the known world at that time from the famine. David stood in the gap between the Israelites and the Philistines and Goliath. Jesus stood in the gap for us. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” What Jesus did, by dying for our sins, stops God’s justified wrath against us. He paid the price for our sins.
We are supposed to changing into the likeness of Jesus Christ. What if God wants each of us to bravely step up to stand in the gap - like Esther or Joseph or David? What if He wants us to care so much for people that, like Aaron, we RUN; we don’t just half-heartedly make an attempt? What if we earnestly seek God’s will and His direction for our lives, eagerly desiring to serve Him in all things?
My challenge to you, to each of us, is to be aware of the events around you. Ask God for the eyes to see opportunities to share the gospel with others. Seek to have beautiful feet which bring good news.
Sabbath, May 10th
Balaam’s Curse
Hebrews 12:2a - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (NIV).
Materials needed: Road signs, billboards, miscellaneous signs
It is very helpful to have signs! They help us to navigate the roads, help us to find new places, and they help keep us out of trouble. Signs are very helpful when you don’t know what to do.
But did Balaam know what to do? The king of Moab, Balak, sent messengers to Balaam (who was a seer). Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam went to God. God said no; Balaam was not to go with the men to curse the Israelites because they were blessed. More important men came from Balak, offering money and honor to Balaam if he would curse the Israelites. Now, don’t you think Balaam already knew what he was supposed to do? But Balaam told the men to stay the night and he would ask God again. God told Balaam, If the men come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you” (Numbers 22:20). God was not happy that Balaam went. Here’s where the story becomes really interesting. The donkey, Balaam’s own donkey, saved Balaam three times from the angel of the LORD. The first time the donkey turned off the road into the field. The second time the donkey tried to squeeze as close as possible to the wall in the vineyard to avoid the angel. The third time the donkey just lay down. Each time, Balaam hit the donkey. The third time, the donkey said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
Don’t you find it baffling that Balaam didn’t seem fazed by the donkey speaking to him?! Even though I often “speak” for my animals, I do not think they can truly speak - unless God gives them voice. But why would God do that? In Balaam’s case, God made the point, very strongly, to Balaam that he was only to speak the words that God gave him. And he ended up blessings the Israelites three different times - despite Balak’s promise of great reward if Balaam would just curse them.
Do you need a sign to know what to do? Maybe if you’re in an unfamiliar place, maybe you need some direction. But morally speaking, God’s already given you the Bible. Pick it up and read it. There are directions and principles that will make life work better for you. Don’t expect God to cause a donkey to start talking to you when He’s already told you what to do, the basic principles for how to live your life! You can’t say that you didn’t know it was wrong to hit your brother. You can’t say that you didn’t know it was wrong to steal a package of gum from the store. You don’t need a sign or a talking donkey.
Sabbath, May 17th
Put God First Always
“He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. . .” Daniel 2:21 (NIV)
Materials needed: mini fan, pieces of paper, sticky notes, pen, scissors, stickers, YEA lesson YE3K.3
What’s most important to you? Your family, time with friends, helping others, money, power, prestige, God? How would you rank them? [Write each of the students’ ideas on slips of paper. Set on a low table.] These priorities will change depending on life events. What do I mean? Well, in each person’s life there will come some trouble. Jesus told us, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). When you face adversity, that’s when you start re-evaluating what is really important to you. [Use the mini fan to represent adversity. Blow the papers everywhere.]
Jonah had to re-evaluate what was most important to him while he was in the belly of the great fish. He said, “Those who pay regard to vain idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). His priorities changed. Nothing was as important as God and Jonah’s relationship with Him.
David knew this too. He said in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
God is first - always!
Moses learned this - eventually. In Psalm 90:17 he said, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!” But because Moses did not uphold God as holy in the sight of the Israelites (Numbers 20:12), Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land. Even though Moses was old (120 years), it wasn’t a physical health issue. Deuteronomy 34:7 says that his eyesight was not dimmed nor was his vigor abated. God simply took him because he was not allowed to go into the Promised Land with the people of Israel.
It’s really easy - when you are having success and getting what you want - to forget to always put God first. Moses even warned the people of Israel of this predilection.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14: Be careful not to forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day. 12Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, 13and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, 14then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
This caution isn’t just for the Israelites. It’s for us too. Put God first by keeping all of His commandments, honoring Him in everything you think, say, and do. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) [While you are talking, put the students’ priorities on sticky notes. Put “serving God” on top. Then blow the fan on them.]
Sabbath, Mary 24th
God Equips the Called
Ephesians 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (NIV).
Materials needed: YEA lesson (YE3K.4); matching cards (see below)
Let’s match some people with the things they were successful: David, Moses, Joseph, Paul
Why were these men successful at these things? Hard work? Yes! Natural skill and ability? Maybe. But without a doubt, God blessed them in their efforts
So when Joshua was chosen to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, after Moses had lead them for 40 years, he might have wondered if he could do it. Isn’t it interesting that Joshua is charged, “Be strong and courageous” four times (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18) and he is told that God was with him three times.
Do you ever feel like you have been asked to do something that is out of your comfort zone and you’re not sure you can do it? That’s a stressful and scary place to be. We’re not necessarily talking about something you are naturally good at doing. Moses told God that he didn’t speak very well - and he questioned if he was really the man God wanted to send to Pharaoh to tell him, “Let my people go.” Paul was accused of not being a very impressive speaker (2 Corinthians 10:10), but his sermon on Mars Hill is an excellent example of how to speak to a crowd of people who are not believers (Acts 17:22-31).
So how do you know what it is you are supposed to be doing - for God’s glory? What has God set before you to do? What open door is there, waiting for you to walk through it? How do you know if it’s truly an open door? Maybe you wonder if it’s really God’s will. First, make it a habit to pray Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” If you are relying on God’s wisdom and God’s leading, then you’ll have a pretty good indication of what you should do. And sometimes God uses other people to confirm that you’re going the right direction. Those 4 times that Joshua was told to be strong and courageous? Three times it was directly from God. The fourth time, it was from the Israelites.
Then remember what Paul tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Spiritual blessings include things like forgiveness, redemption, wisdom, understanding - but also would include everything that we need in order to do the job God has set before us.
So what is it that you feel like God wants you to do? Is God opening doors for you to try this? If the answer is yes, remember that God has blessed us with what we need to accomplish the jobs set before us. So be strong and courageous! Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10) and remember that you are working for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23-24) not for your own glory.
Sabbath, May 31st
Faith in Action
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).
Materials needed: balloon, seed packets
When you think of faith in the Bible, who comes to mind? David. Abraham. The disciples. How do you know they had faith? It was expressed in their actions, right? David had faith in God and because He knew God was with him, he was able to face the giant. Abraham had faith in God, left his home and lived in a tent the rest of his life, trusting in God to fulfill His promises. The disciples might not have started out with faith, (We know that Jesus once said, “Oh ye of little faith!!”), but they ended strong! They devoted their lives, even unto death, to serving God and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God.
So where do you get faith? Faith is a gift from God. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. But it isn’t like God just opens our head and pours faith in. It grows - like patience, or love for others, or wisdom.
How does it grow? I think it grows two ways: someone tells you something is true. You believe based on the relationship you have with that person. When your parents tell you something is true, you tend to believe them because you have experienced their love and care for you. You believe they will tell you the truth. And then, when you experience it for yourself, your faith grows. For instance - if I give you a packet of seeds and you plant them, what do you expect to happen? You expect them to grow. Why? Maybe because I’ve given them to you and told you that if you plant and water them, they should sprout. Or maybe because you’ve done it in the past. Your experience tells you that seeds often sprout and grow, under the right conditions.
Or what if I blow up this balloon? If I keep blowing, what do you expect will happen? At some point, you believe that the balloon will pop. Why? If Matthew’s hands over his ears are any indication, he’s experienced it in the past. He believes that the balloon, at some point, will be unable to withstand the inside air pressure.
You notice that I used the word “believe.” Belief and trust and faith are very closely related. If you have faith in God’s goodness, you believe that you can trust Him. True faith and belief is exhibited in your actions. That is, I will know that you have faith in God by the things that you do - and the things you don’t do.
And how does your faith in God grow? Like we just talked about, the more you experience God’s faithfulness and goodness to you, the more you trust Him. The more you believe in His faithfulness and goodness and love for you.
But if the Israelites wandering in the wilderness taught us anything it was that people are really good at focusing on the negative things happening in their lives - and completely forgetting about the good things that God has done over and over again. Don’t do that!! Talk about the prayers God has answered for you. Talk about the situations where He saved you from disaster. Share with others God’s goodness. Focus on those experiences and be intentional about it. Why? Because without faith it is impossible to please God. Our faith and growing our faith is therefore really important. But it doesn’t just happen. If you want these seeds to grow, you have to plant them.
Sabbath, June 7th
Make It Count
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Materials Needed: balloon, paper airplane, candle, jar, matches, bottle of ice water, napkin
Over the past seven weeks you’ve been counting. How did you do? Did you remember to put a sticker on the calendar every day or take a ring off of the chain? Do you remember why you are counting? Because God said to - and you believe in God. That is, you believe God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
O.K. So why do you believe in God? Romans 1:20 says that God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - are clearly seen in the things around us so that we are without excuse. So what things around us are a witness that God exists?
I can’t see air. But I can see what it does. It moves the clouds around. It provides lift for airplanes. It can be captured within a balloon. And when oxygen is no longer present, a candle will go out.
In a similar way, I can see the evidence of God’s presence in someone’s life - giving them wisdom and the words to speak. I know of miracles where there’s no logical explanation for what happened other than God did it.
In a similar way, I can’t see the moisture in the air, but I know it’s there. A glass of ice water sitting on the counter on a hot summer day is one way to demonstrate the presence of water vapor. So how do we demonstrate the presence of God in your life?
It’s evident by the things that you do - not just once, but a natural way of life that demonstrates not only your belief in God, but His Holy Spirit working in you and molding you into the image of His Son.
That molding happens when you believe in God and are drawn to seek Him and obey Him. Like counting the days to Pentecost.
Sabbath, June 28th
Lookin’ For a Sign
Proverbs 15:22 - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
What are signs good for? They communicate important information so we know which way to go. They give direction. They give confirmation we’re on the right track.
What are some examples of signs: ASL, stop signs, exit signs, wedding rings, billboards, rainbows
Rainbows? What are rainbows a sign of? God gave them as a sign after the flood, confirming His promise that He would not destroy the world by water again.
But sometimes events are also signs - they are God’s way of telling a person that he’s (or she’s) going the right way. For instance, in Genesis 24:12-14, we read of Abraham’s servant being sent to find a son for Isaac. This was very important and he asked God to help him. What was the sign? Genesis 24:12-14 - 12He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham. 13“Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water; 14now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”
Moses was also going to be given a sign that God had truly sent him to Egypt to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. But the timing of this sign was a little odd. It would come after the task was complete. Exodus 3:12 - He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Why would God do that? It’s almost as if God was confirming that He had indeed been with Moses - and Moses still had 40 years of stuff to do! Nevertheless, Moses would be assured that God was with him through all of it.
When I’m reading through Gideon’s story, I almost get embarrassed for him. He had to have so many signs that God was with him and would give him the victory over the Midianites. Fleece out on the ground - one night it’s wet while the ground is dry, another night just the opposite. Then there was the conversation among the Midianites that Gideon overheard. Why did Gideon need so much encouragement to complete the task God gave him?
A better question might be: do you believe in and trust God enough to do what He has given you to do? He wants you to not only keep the sabbath and holy days, He wants you to call them a delight. He wants you to be obedient to your mom and dad and not fight with your siblings. He wants you to love singing songs of praise to Him. Et cetera. Do you know that He wants you to do these things? Yes? Then you’d better hop to it; He’s not going to give you another sign.
Sabbath, July 5th
Chosen By God
1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, . . ."
Materials needed: miniature erasers, CEM lesson YE3K.9
I have a bag full of cute little erasers. Suppose I ask one of the children to pick out an eraser. Which one would they choose? Instead of asking that particular child, what if I ask another child why the first child chose that particular eraser. He might say, “I don’t know” or “because it’s cute” or “She likes French fries.” But in reality, no one really knows why a particular eraser might be chosen. And if you ask the first child, she might say that she doesn’t know either.
That’s just an example of a simple choice that we humans face every day. Sometimes we have a good reason for the choices we make. Sometimes we make choices without really thinking about it.
But what about God’s choices? Why does God choose certain people? Why did He choose Samson to judge Israel for twenty years? (Judges 15:20) Why did He choose Mary to be the mother of Jesus? Why did He choose Noah and his family to save? We might have a clue in Genesis 6:8-9. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord; he was perfect and blameless - according to the KJV. So does God choose the best and most intelligent and the most gifted of people to accomplish His will? Not according to 1 Corinthians 1:27-28. “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,”
Why would God do that? Choose the foolish and weak and low and despised? Verse 29 says, “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
Think about that for a second. Boasting. Pride. Sometimes we humans start to think that we’re pretty intelligent and talented. We think that we have accomplished great things because of our own efforts. In reality, all that we are, all that we have, and all that we can accomplish is because of God. He created us. He enables us and gives us gifts. Why? So we can boast? No, so that He gets the glory.
Think about your memory verse for a second: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, . . .” The verse goes on to tell us why we are chosen, set apart, and belonging to God: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” And it emphasizes the fact again that we didn’t do it through our own efforts: God called us while we were in darkness. We didn’t find our way out through our own efforts!
In fact, think about the people God has chosen. They all made mistakes. They are made bad choices at one time or another. They were all human. But God was able to use them to accomplish His purposes for His glory.
I was hoping that you wouldn’t just look down and chose a hamburger eraser because it looks cute. I was hoping that you would choose the regular eraser because it would work well to erase! God doesn’t choose you so you can simply go around telling people that you’re chosen. He has work for you to do - proclaiming the excellencies of him who chose you. Tell people around you how great God is - through both your words and your actions.
Sabbath, July 12th
Devoted
"I am the light of the world." - John 8:12
Materials needed: poison ivy rash, jams/jellies, CEM-YEA lesson YE3K.10
What does it mean to be devoted? According to Google, “To be devoted means to be deeply attached, loyal, and dedicated to someone or something.” So . . . can you be kinda devoted to something or someone? What does it mean to be wholly devoted?
Dogs are usually great examples of devotion - following their master around, providing protection and companionship.
But can people be devoted to someone or something? Can you think of anyone in the Bible who showed devotion? Ruth!! She was devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was willing to leave her homeland and her relatives in order to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem and Israel. She was willing to work to support the two of them. And most importantly, Ruth vowed that Naomi’s God would be her God.
How important is this kind of devotion to God?
Hebrews 10:28 says, "but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Luke 9:62 says, ‘Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” ’
There are seven letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation. Each of them exhorts the churches to persevere to the end. “He who overcomes” or “He who perseveres to the end . . .” exhorts us to be devoted to God and His ways . . . not just sometimes . . . always!
Let’s talk about being devoted to a course of action. Have you ever thought you could jump over a creek? You got a running start and just as you started to jump, you figured there was no way you could succeed? I’ve done that - trying to jump over the Sweetwater River at Independence Rock in Wyoming. You know what happens when you are not fully committed to jumping over a creek? You end up landing right in the middle of it. No kidding. If your mind is not fully committed and devoted to your course of action, you don’t succeed.
Let’s talk about jams. I like making jam. Recently Shirley gave me plums. Yum. I processed them and prepared to make them into jam. I had my candy thermometer out and was watching the temperature rise. Slowly. Ever so slowly. Eventually, I gave up. In fact, I decided my candy thermometer wasn’t working and I jarred the jam. It tastes really good, but it’s not jam. It’s a nice thick syrup - perfect for pancakes - but it’s not jam because I didn’t stay the course until it was completely ready.
On the other hand, I made blackberry jam this week. I still used the candy thermometer, but I still was suspicious it was not working correctly. So I watched the jam until it was ready to “spin a thread.” It tastes really good and it acts like jam - because I was devoted to letting it cook until it was ready.
Now there are times when devotion is not a good thing. Can you think of an example? I found some poison ivy in my blackberry patch when I was picking this week. So I decided it needed to be removed. And while I was at it, it would be a good idea to pull some out of my iris bed close to the sidewalk. I was devoted to the task. I washed thoroughly after I finished. And I learned something: I’m still very allergic to poison ivy. It would have been a good idea to not be so devoted to pulling up that ivy!
So . . . what are you devoted to? Are you devoted to God? How can I tell? Are you devoted to your family? Your schoolwork? Practicing piano? What it is that consumes your time and energy and occupies your thoughts. Because it’s what you spend your time and energy and thoughts on that indicates your devotion. God is looking for people who are wholly devoted - not somewhat devoted, not mostly devoted - wholly devoted to Him. Is that you?
Sabbath, July 19th
Keep Your Word
" . . .God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2
Materials: rocks
How do you feel about rocks? Do you collect rocks? What’s so special about rocks? More than just being pretty, they are useful for so many thing! You can build houses and fences and roads with rocks. Why? Because they are so durable; they are solid and last a long time. They make a great defense because it’s hard to get through a rock wall and you cannot easily destroy it. Fire and bugs don’t hurt a rock wall - unlike a wall made of wood.
The Bible uses metaphors and similes to help us understand more about the awesome God we serve. Do you know that the Bible compares God to a rock more than 125 times, especially in the psalms. For instance, Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
You can absolutely depend upon God. He’s trustworthy. He’s reliable. He’s dependable in both His words and His deeds. God always does what He promises. He cannot lie.
So what does God expect from us? Does He expect us to be dependable in our actions? Absolutely. When someone gives us a job to do, they should be able to trust that we’ll do exactly what they want us to do. If your mom tells you to go clean up your room, do you do it? Or does she have to come check to make sure you aren’t playing a game?
And how seriously does God take what you say? If you make a promise, does He expect you to keep it? If you call your little brother a bad name because you’re angry at him, does God care? YES! God cares very much about our words - what we choose to say and how we choose to say it. Jesus said, in Matthew 12:36 (ESV), "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Why? Why do you think that God cares so much about what we say? Because there’s so much power in the tongue! (Read James 3:1-12.) Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
How do I know there’s that kind of power in words?! God spoke our world into existence. (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 33:9; Hebrews 11:3)
You, who are being made into the image of God, have to learn to control your tongue - to be dependable in what you do as well as what you say. In the meantime, Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, " . . . God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
I used to quote a poem to the kids: A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard. Why can’t we all be like that bird?
Sabbath, July 26th
Come A-Runnin'
" . . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. . . ." Hebrews 12:1b
Materials needed: whistle, bell
When I was a kid, my brother, sister, and I would spend as much time outside as possible, weather-permitting. We rode our bikes up and down the street, hours on end after supper. Mom would inevitably have to call us to come inside. She would invariably say, “It’s too dark,” and we would always say, “But we can still see.” And as much as we didn’t want to stop, we knew better than to ignore Mom calling us.
Grandma had a better method for calling us: she’d ring the dinner bell. Oh, we knew better than to continue what we were doing and ignore her summons. We’d have been in big trouble!
We had two black labs who didn’t really know how important it was to come when I called. There were many times when the kids and I went looking for them. When we finally found them, they’d be trying to get to a rabbit or something. Oh they’d be happy to see us - tails wagging and tongues lolling - but they weren’t ready to abandon the pursuit. So I taught Velvet to play “Marco Polo.” I’d yell, “Bark, Velvet, bark!” Off in the distance, I’d hear, “Woof.” Then at least we knew where to go to retrieve them. They did seem to respond a little better to the World’s Loudest Whistle. Sometimes they’d come to that.
You all are homeschooled, so you have never experienced the school bell. When the bell rings, it’s time for class to start. You can’t just decide you’d rather continue with recess - no matter how much you want to. But even having never experienced a school bell (or the World’s Loudest Whistle), do you know how important is it that you come when your parents call you?
Samuel must have had some pretty good discipline when he was young. When he thought Eli was calling him, he came - even though it was the middle of the night. In fact, he came three times!
I love how God gives us the physical to help us understand spiritual concepts. If we aren’t going to respond when our physical parents call, how likely is it that we’ll respond when God calls us? To put it in positive terms, if we learn to come when our parents call us, we are much more likely to come when God calls us.
Make no mistake, God is calling you to come to Him. What does that mean? He wants you to desire Him and His ways above whatever else you have going on: bike riding, playing outside, chasing rabbits, or whatever. Your primary focus should be on doing what pleases Him - not what you do when you get tired of doing your own thing; you should be eager to drop whatever it is you’re doing and come when He calls. Think you would be willing to do whatever God has for you to do? Well, let me ask you this: are you willing to do whatever your physical parents ask you to do? That’s a pretty good barometer for knowing how you would respond to God’s call.
It’s something to think about, isn’t it.
Sabbath, August 2nd
Choose Your King
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15b
Materials Needed: Dry Erase board, markers, YE3L.3 lesson activity, and one of the following:
1. A nicely wrapped and decorated box, full of shredded paper or even empty. When you're discussing it after it's unwrapped, talk about how
something can look really nice on the outside, but it's just full of hot air when you look inside. There’s nothing of substance there.
2. Three juice bottles, two filled with apple juice and one filled with vinegar. Make sure the lids are on tightly so the smell doesn't give them away. Make sure the students open the apple juice first. Then open the vinegar bottle. Discuss how the student who opened the vinegar wanted juice the same as the other students. In the case of kings, some kings are good and some are bad. You won't know until they have reigned over you for a while.
What do you think would be different in our world if Jesus were King - if we lived in His kingdom today? It seems almost inconceivable that if we were living in the days of Samuel that we would demand, like Israel did, to have a physical king instead of being led by God. But think about it for a minute. As long as Israel was seeking God and obeying His commandments, things went well. When things started to go well, they became lax in seeking and serving God. They were not as diligent to do what God wanted them to do. As they got further and further away from God, God sent trouble and enemies against them. When they suffered, they turned back to God to save them - and began serving God again. It was a cycle that was repeated over and over throughout all of the times of the judges. Finally, the people saw that Samuel’s sons were wicked; their leadership was not good. So they looked at the people around them and saw their physical kings. They decided a physical king was better than what they had. And they demanded a king. And there were good kings and there were bad things, but all of the things Samuel warned them about came true. There were consequences to rejecting God as King - even though it looked very appealing to have a physical king leading them.
So, do you think we’ve learned the lesson from history? Or are we going to make the same choice? Is God your king? If He is, then there is evidence. You have submitted to His will and His ways. If you have rejected God as King, as the Israelites did, that is obvious too. Let’s look at some specific examples: How do you approach using the computer? If it’s God’s way, then you use the computer moderately. If it’s the world’s way, then it’s as much as you want whenever you want. What about television? Junk food? Movies? Bible reading? Attending church? God knows exactly what’s in your heart - and if you have chosen His as your King - by your actions!
Make good choices! Read your Bible and seek God always. It’s the only way to make life work well - and it’s the only way to be assured of being in God’s kingdom for eternity.
Sabbath, August 9th
Ask God for Guidance
"the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. . . ." 1 Chronicles 28:9
Materials needed: jar, water, food coloring, oil, spoon, effervescent tablets, cookbooks,
Start the lesson making galaxy jars. Have the students read off the recipe directions. Do the steps as they read them.
Galaxy Jars:
Supplies: - Water - Food Coloring - Oil (we used baby oil) - Alka-Seltzer Tablets - A jar
Steps: 1. Mix together water and food coloring into a jar 2. Pour in twice as much oil than water that you used 3. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet in half and drop it in 4. Watch the magic begin! 5. Add in more tablets to repeat this experiment
Do you think the experiment would have worked as well if I hadn’t put in any water? What would have happened if I’d left out the oil? What if I’d mixed up the steps?
There are lots and lots and lots of cookbooks out there. Why? Because the food tastes better if you combine the ingredients in a certain way. For example, if you put in too much salt, it’s inedible. People have experimented and found something that works well and that lots of people like. They write down the recipe so that others can also make delicious meals. Can you change the steps. Sure. But what if you don’t have an ingredient? You can try a substitution. It may not turn out as well. . .
Sometimes we humans like to experiment. We like to look at a recipe or set of directions and view them as suggestions - not as the proved method to success. And maybe when you’re making pickles or bread, that’s ok. It’s not ok for something that has to be very precise - like computer coding or brain surgery or following God’s law.
Saul seemed to think that God’s commandments weren’t actually commandments; they were suggestions. How did that work out for him? It didn’t work out well at all. God not only took the kingdom away from Saul, God also took His Holy Spirit from Saul. Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. And all because Saul didn’t think he needed to obey God carefully.
What about you? What are God’s commandments? Which ones should you obey? Why would you obey? Are you being legalistic? Do you obey because you love God? Do you obey because you understand that’s how to make life work the best? God has given you instructions to not only make your life work well, but to improve your relationship with Him. Why would you want to monkey with that? Think about it.
And if you aren’t sure what to do, ask. God will make His will known to you. (Or maybe He already has!) Ron’s favorite verse if Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” God has given us principles in the Bible to guide us, but He can also give you direction when you don’t know what to do. How might He do that? Through Godly counsel. Maybe a comment from people who don’t know what you’re wrestling with. Maybe a strong feeling you get after prayer. Ask for wisdom. God says that He’ll give you wisdom if you ask. Ask Him for guidance.
Sabbath, August 16th
Know Who You Are
1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (NIV).
Materials Needed: Notecards with clues of people OR chart with names of people and room to write descriptors, CEM’s YEA lesson YE3L.5
Moses - Miriam and Aaron’s younger brother, humble, leader of Israel out of Egypt, shepherd, adopted prince of Egypt
Abraham - Friend of God, son of Terah, husband of Sarah, uncle of Lot, father of Isaac, Father of the Faithful
Joseph - son of Jacob, older brother of Benjamin, father of Ephraim and Manasseh, second in command in Egypt (under Pharaoh)
Daniel - among the wise men (magi) of Babylon, Jewish, Greatly Beloved, thrown into lions’ den
David - Shepherd, Poet, man after God’s own heart, King of Israel, killer of Goliath
Matthew - also known as Levi, disciple, tax collector, writer of one gospel
Do you know who you are - how you would be described? Son (or daughter) of your parents, brother (or sister) of your sibling, friend of _________. What does 1 Peter 2:9 say that you are? Would you describe yourself as a Christian or as a follower of the Messiah? If you tell people that you are a Christian, then you’d better act as a Christian should act. Why?
When my three were little, I would tell them as we were leaving the house that they needed to watch their conduct while we were out. They were (and are) ambassadors for the Saladin family, for homeschooling, and for Jesus Christ. People are watching what you do. When your behavior is less than exemplary, it reflects badly on whomever you are associated with. If you know that you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God - then you should be proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. And you proclaim God’s excellencies by what you do (Are you obedient to your parents? Do you follow the rules?) and also by what you say.
Spend some time thinking about your actions (and your words) and how well they bring glory and honor to God.
Sabbath, August 23rd
Live Courageously
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love" (NIV).
Materials needed: weights, CEM/YEA lesson YE3L.6
What do you know about Goliath? He was a giant (over 9 feet tall) from Gath. His body armor weighed 150 pounds. The head of his spear weighed 15 pounds. And that was just the head! Goliath was a formidable opponent.
Do you know what Goliath challenged Israel’s army? They were to pick one person to fight Goliath. If Goliath won, Israel would become the servants of the Philistines. If the warrior from Israel won, the Philistines would become the servants of Israel. There was just one problem: no one in Israel wanted to fight Goliath. He was huge! And scary!
What was David’s reaction to hearing Goliath’s challenge? He said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26) David’s oldest brother was not happy that David was saying this - loudly! And King Saul told David that he couldn’t fight Goliath; he was young and inexperienced. That was mostly true - David had defended the family’s flock of sheep from lions and bears. But that wasn’t what made the difference. Do you know what made the difference? David trusted God - and God gave him the victory!
Do you fight giants in your daily life? Maybe not a physical giant like Goliath, but you probably (at least from time to time) face overwhelming difficulties, problems which seem to have no solution, battles which you don’t think you can win. I suggest you do what David did. Trust God to deliver you from all of your troubles.
That sounds easy, doesn’t it. But before you can trust God, you have to know who He is. You have to have a relationship with Him. That means He has to be your God all of the time, not just when you’re in trouble and you want Him to save you. And then, if you have truly put your life in His hands, you have to trust Him - even if what happens doesn’t fit what you think should have happened. Trust doesn’t mean a confident assurance that God is going to give you exactly what you want. Trust is a confident assurance that God has the very best planned for you, even if it doesn’t look like it right now and even if you have to wait. Here’s the thing: if you have a relationship with God, if He’s your God, and if He’s given His Son as payment for your sins, then He loves you and He’s going to do whatever it takes to form you into the image of His Son. You have to trust that God knows what He’s doing.
Your job is to trust and obey.
Sabbath, August 30th
Be Secure
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Materials needed: popsicle sticks, tape, glue, hot glue gun, superglue
If I put two popsicle sticks together with tape, how easily could I break them back apart? What about using Elmer’s school glue? What about using a hot glue gun? Or what about superglue? If I used superglue, to get them back apart would necessitate nearly the splintering of the popsicle sticks to get them back into two pieces.
Romans 8:38-39 says, “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If you truly believed that nothing could separate you from God’s love because you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, think about how that could change your life! You could endure unjust persecution (like David did from Saul - repeatedly - for years!!). You could courageously go fight battles (like David did against the Philistines, not just Goliath, many times). You could wait for God’s promises instead of trying to get what God had promised through your own efforts (like David waited more ten years to become king after being anointed by Samuel).
And why does this matter? Waiting on God, trusting Him no matter what, enduring persecution, and living courageously is an incredible witness to the people around you! It tells them that God is great! It tells them that He is worthy of praise and adoration and obedience and trust. And you don’t just say the words out loud; you live those words out loud!
So, what do you think? Do you believe that nothing can separate you from the love of God? Do you believe that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble? Can people see that by the choices you make in your daily life? It’s something to think about, isn’t it!!
September
Sabbath, September 6th
Be Content
“ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2
Materials: miscellaneous toys
It is so common to want what someone else has - and it’s not limited to humans. Lately I have been watching the coveting between Molly and Pepper. When I’m playing with the ball with Pepper, Molly wants the ball. Pepper will retrieve a thrown ball and drop it at my feet for me to throw it for him again. As soon as Molly sees the ball drop, she’ll dart in and grab it and take off across the yard. Pepper, still barking at me to pick up the ball and throw it again, looks completely baffled when I ask him, “Where’s your ball?” He’ll look down at his feet, where he’d dropped the ball, turn around in a circle, and eventually spot Molly scampering around. Of course, it doesn’t help matters that she’s very proud of having snatched the ball and will often carry it right back under his nose.
Then there’s the bones. Almost invariably, I will give each a bone. They’ll carry them to the carpet to chew on them. Molly has to be sure she’s close to where Pepper is. She’ll chew for a minute, then she’ll get up and bark at him. He will drop his bone so he can get hers. As soon as he lets go of his, she’ll snatch it. They’ll both lie down with their new bones, chew for a minute, and then repeat the process, ending up with the bone they had had originally. It’s really quite comical!
But people don’t do that, do they? You don’t know anyone who schemes to get what someone else has, do you? The original person who coveted what someone else had was Cain - and he ended up murdering his brother over it.
So why do you think Jonathan, son the Saul, didn’t covet the kingship? As Saul’s son, he was next in line to become king when Saul died - except that David had been anointed by Samuel to be king. So why didn’t Jonathan covet and scheme and connive to get the kingship? Because he loved David and he trusted God.
Do you love the people around you enough to want them to have what they have? And do you trust God enough to believe that He’ll give you want you need? Who owns everything? Who has the power to give you whatever He wants to give to you? Well, God does, of course.
But maybe, just maybe, He’ll waiting for you to acknowledge that, Maybe He’s waiting for you to ask Him to give you what you need. “ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) Or maybe He’s waiting to see if you will be content with the many blessings He’s already given you.
What do you think? (Wait to see if any of the students ask if they can have some of the miscellaneous toys on display.)
Sabbath, September 13th
Wait on God
“ . . . Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. . .” Psalm 37:7
What do you think it means to “wait on God”? Wait on God to do what? Or does it mean something else entirely? What do you think? When you look up the phrase “wait patiently” in Psalm 37:7, it means “to whirl, dance, or writhe.” Think about that definition in the context of the verse. David wrote, “Be still” and then used a word that means you can hardly stand to be still because of the anguish you’re enduring.
In that context, can you think of any Biblical examples of someone who had to “wait patiently” for God.
Hannah - She wanted a son so badly. Her husband asked her, “Aren’t I better than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1)
David - He was anointed king and then had to wait for more than ten years, often on the run from Saul trying to kill him, to be given the throne. (1 Chronicles 20-31)
Moses - He and the Israelites were stuck between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. God told him to stand still and see God’s deliverance. (Exodus 14:13)
Jehoshaphat - Judah was surrounded by invading armies from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. He sent the singers out first, praising God. God intervened and set ambushes against the invading armies. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)
Daniel - He was thrown into the lions’ den. He had to wait on the Lord for deliverance - to shut the mouths of the lions. (Daniel 6:22)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Threatened with death if they did not bow down to the golden idol. They trusted God to deliver them - but even if God chose not to, they remained steadfast to do what was right. (Daniel 3)
Each of these Bible characters were in a troubling situation. They needed to be still and wait for deliverance from God. It’s a good reminder for each of us.
Sabbath, September 20th
Honor God
“In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’" Revelation 5:12
Materials needed: choosing game
Do you know anyone who tried to honor God? One of the things that Jesus is worthy to receive is honor! So how do you show honor to God?
David wanted to honor God. He wanted to build a house for God. But God didn’t allow David to build a temple; that privilege was given to David’s son, Solomon.
O.K. But other than building a house (temple) for God, what can you do to honor Him?
We should honor Him with our resources (time, money, abilities), but it needs to be from our heart. It can be done grudgingly or only to be seen by men. Otherwise you’ll fall into the category of people described by Jesus in Matthew 6:1-2 - ““Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.”
We should honor Him with our lips - speaking words of praise and telling the world how great our God is. But . . . honoring God with words isn’t enough. You also have to be obedient to what God commands. Otherwise, you fall into the category of people (the Pharisees) that Jesus condemned in Matthew 15:8 - “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
We should honor Him with our good works. But they have to be the works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). But we can’t get so caught up in doing good deeds that we forget to keep God’s law. Otherwise we fall into the category of people Jesus describes in Matthew 7:22-23 - “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’”
Jesus was very clear. If you love Him, you will do what? Keep His commandments! (John 14:15) But it cannot be just an outward action. It has to flow from your heart because you have completely submitted your will to God. Romans 12:1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
The bottom line? “In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” (Revelation 5:12) We need to learn how to show the honor to God that is due Him!
Trumpets, September 24th
King of kings and Lord of lords
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” Revelation 11:15
Materials needed: recorder, harmonica, train whistle, shofar
Do you know another name for the Feast of Trumpets? It is Yom Teruah. Yom is the Hebrew for “day.” Do you know what “Teruah” means, literally? “Shout” or “blast” - as in a trumpet blast, or more accurately, a blast on the shofar. Leviticus 23:24 and Numbers 29:1 both detail the command to blow the shofar on the first day of the seventh month, Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets.
O.K. Why?
It is enough that God said to. So we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, this Day of Shouting, because God says to. But there are some interesting indications that this will be the day of Jesus’ return to this earth. Your memory verse is one reference: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
When Jesus Christ returns He will be the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Do you think that is going to be a quiet event? I highly doubt it! The great God, our Savior, our King, our Redeemer will be acknowledged as the King over all the earth - and the shout of celebration is going to be immense for those who are glad He has returned to this earth!
In 1 Kings 1:39-40, the coronation of Solomon is related. When Zadok anointed Solomon as king, the shout was so loud the Bible says the sound split the earth! The word for split in this verse is the same word that is used in Genesis 7:11 when the great deep burst open beginning the Flood. It’s the same word as in Genesis 22:3 when Abraham split the wood for Isaac’s sacrifice. It’s the same word as in Exodus 14:21 when the Red Sea was divided. If the sound from Solomon’s coronation caused the earth to split open, what do you think the sound will be like when Jesus returns to this earth and is acknowledged once and for all as Sovereign over all?!
I think there’s a very good reason why this day is called Yom Teruah - the Day of Shouting. We are looking forward to this day with great anticipation. You’d better get your voices ready! Maybe we had better practice now.
Timing of Passover Events
Memory Verse: “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread . . .” Exodus 12:15
Do you ever get confused about the timing of everything during the Days of Unleavened Bread?
- When was it that the Death Angel passed over the houses?
- When was it that the Israelites left Egypt?
- When did Jesus eagerly desire to eat the Passover with His disciples?
- When was Jesus killed?
- How could Jesus eat the Passover and be the Passover Lamb?
- He had to be in the tomb before the Sabbath - that’s why the soldiers came to break the legs of the others, but seeing Jesus already dead, they pierced His side. What Sabbath was that?
- Jesus said the only sign He would give would be the sign of Jonah - Jesus would be in the grave three days and three nights. We know that it was at the end of the Sabbath, dawning towards the first day of the weeks when the women went to the tomb.
When you understand the timing of the events, you can see the continuation from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It’s another witness to the fact that God is sovereign; events unfold according to His plans. That’s a comforting understanding to have: there’s nothing in your life of which God is not aware. There’s nothing which catches Him by surprise. He is sovereign and He has will work all things (as the apostle Paul stated) for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose. What is that worth to you - to know that God is working all things together for good? If you know God, or rather are known by God and loved by God, what an incredible blessing! What an insignificant thing to eat unleavened bread for seven days - in loving obedience to Him! Don’t just avoid leaven; diligently eat unleavened bread.
Why? Because Jesus said He is that unleavened bread. We want to take Him fully into our lives, to be fully conformed to His image, to be ever closer in our relationship to Him. Have you eaten your bread today?
Sabbath, April 19th
Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover
“. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses” (Exodus 12:15)
Materials needed: book that is hollowed out inside
So when you put the leaven out of your house on the day before the Days of Unleavened Bread, what did you do with it? You probably just put it in the trash can to be picked up by the trash man the next time he picked up the trash. Maybe you fed as much of it to the dog (or fish - we used to take it down and toss it into the pond). Maybe you buried it with the compost in your garden. Or maybe you ate up all of it before the spring feast began.
It is curious. Deuteronomy 16:4 says, “Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days.” In those days, there was not supposed to be any leavening anywhere in the land of Israel. So putting it in the trash can until the garbage man picks it up midway through the week during the Days of Unleavened Bread always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.
But then I think about where that yeast comes from in the first place. Do you know how the Israelites would have gotten leavened bread? You mix flour and water. Then you set it in the open air - because there are wild yeast spores in the air all around us. Did you know that? Yeast is all around us right now. I doubt God wants us to stop breathing for a week during the Days of Unleavened Bread so that we avoid taking yeast into our bodies.
But it’s not only about the yeast; it’s about unleavened bread. And it’s really about what the unleavened bread represents. During the Days of Unleavened Bread, yeast pictures the power of sin when it’s in our bread - because of the corrupting power yeast has on our dough. In a similar way, sin in our lives has a corrupting influence - causing us to act in ungodly ways, in ways that don’t please God.
We obey God, getting rid of the leavened stuff, as a picture of what’s going on in our hearts. We need Jesus to change us, to get rid of the ungodly inclinations. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:8 that we should have the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Think, then, of what the leavened bread would be insincerity and falsehood, lying, deceit, greed, selfishness.
You know that saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Apply that idea to being unleavened. That is, you could be unleavened on the outside. There’s no leaven in your house. You’re eating unleavened bread. But that’s just what’s happening on the outside. What is going on inside? Are you taking in Jesus Christ more and more, so you can become more and more like Him? How do you do that? Church attendance, reading your Bible, praying, singing songs of praise - and obeying God when He tells you, “. . . on the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses.”
How did you do this year?
Last Day of Unleavened Bread, April 20th
Wave Sheaf Day
“. . . for if anyone eats what is leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel” (Exodus 12:15 RSV).
Often, right in the middle of the Days of Unleavened Bread something very interesting happens - we start focusing on another holy day! Really! If you remember our calendar lesson from a week ago, we were talking about the timing of Passover events. You all knew that Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights, that He rose at the end of the Sabbath.
We know, from putting the gospel stories together, that Jesus didn’t immediately ascend to the Father. When the Sabbath was over, the women had gone to the tomb with their prepared spices. But Jesus was not there. They went to tell the disciples. (The story is in John 20.) Peter and John ran to the tomb. They saw the linen clothes and the face cloth lying by itself, folded. They left. Mary Magdalene stayed, crying. She went back to the tomb and looked in. There were two angels sitting where Jesus had been lying and they asked her why she was weeping. When she turned around, Jesus was standing there. She thought perhaps he was the gardener and told him that if he’d taken Jesus’ body somewhere, just to let her know, and she would take Him. At that point, Jesus called her name. She responded, “Rabboni!” indicating that she recognized who he was. Then He said, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father . . .”
Let’s think about the timing. Jesus would have been resurrected at the end of three days and three nights - at the end of the Sabbath. It would have taken some time for the women, after the Sabbath was over, to walk to the tomb with their spices. It would have taken some time to go back to tell the disciples that the tomb was empty. It would have taken some time for John and Peter to run to the tomb, see that it was empty, and leave. Then it would have taken some time for the whole scene with Mary. But it was still the night portion of that day.
Matthew 28:8-9 says that the women “hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.”
From this we realize that Jesus has already ascended to the Father and been accepted on our behalf - otherwise He would not have allowed the women to touch Him.
Do you know what was going on in the Temple as this was all happening at the tomb? The priests had, at sunset, gone out to a barley field and had cut a sheaf of barley. Probably the same time Jesus was resurrected, the sheaf of barley was cut - with great pomp and circumstance. This was the ceremony of the wave sheaf offering. They would cut the sheaves of grain out of the fields. There was some time involved in getting this offering from the field to the Temple. But we believe that at the time the priests were waving the offering of the barley before God in the Temple, Jesus was ascending before the Father. That’s why He’s called the First of the firstfruits. That’s why one of the names of Pentecost is the Feast of Firstfruits.
So during the Days of Unleavened Bread, we were commanded to do what? Eat - eat unleavened bread for seven days. The command carried with it a severe consequence if you didn’t obey; you were cut off from Israel.
What are we commanded to do leading up to Pentecost? Count - count 50 days from the morrow after the sabbath. Here we are. It’s the first day of the count because it’s the morrow after the sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Today is Day One.
It’s easy to lose count. So I’m helping you. I know Kate has already made her paper chain so that she can keep count for the next 50 days. But I’m giving you calendars and stickers so that you can keep track of the count. Counting is important to God - otherwise He’d never have commanded it.
Sabbath, April 26th
Only Do Not Rebel
“. . .Only do not rebel against the LORD. . .” Numbers 14:9a
Materials needed: rubber bands, CEM’s YEA lesson YE3J.10
When Moses asked to see God’s glory and God told him that no one can see God’s face and live, God put Moses in the cleft of the rock, covered his face, and only allowed him to see His back (Exodus 33:18-23). As God passed by, He described Himself this way: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will be no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6-7).
We like to recite verse six, but we’re not so eager to recite God’s judgment on people who sin and rebel against Him. Why is that? Oh, we like to see judgment executed on people who have injured us, but we don’t like to receive the consequences of our own sins. And, that’s the thing: we all sin! Praise God for His mercy and His compassion to us all! He IS merciful and gracious. He IS slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness! As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Nevertheless, there is a limit to how long God will allow iniquity and transgression and sin. Do you know that God said that the Hebrews He brought out of Egypt tested Him ten times (Numbers 14:22)?!! This was the God who rescued them, who gave them water, who gave them manna daily, who gave them victory against their enemies, who guided them, who was visibly present with them in the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud! Yet, they tested Him, rebelled against Him, didn’t trust Him ten times in two years!!
(1) Lacking faith before the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11–12)
(2) Complaining over the bitter water at Marah (Exodus 15:24)
(3) Complaining in the Desert of Sin of hunger (Exodus 16:3)
(4) Collecting more manna than they were supposed to (Exodus 16:20)
(5) Attempting to collect manna on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:27–29)
(6) Complaining over the lack of water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:2–3)
(7) Engaging in idolatry in the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:7–10)
(8) Complaining at Taberah about their misfortunes (Numbers 11:1–2)
(9) Complaining over the lack of food; wanted more than manna (Numbers 11:4)
(10) Failing to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1–4)
God finally had had enough of their rebellion. And instead of allowing them to go into the Promised Land, He decreed they’d wander for 38 more years (a total of 40 years) in the wilderness. Do you know how the people responded? They refused to follow God’s decree to turn around and head for the wilderness and they tried to take the land. God was not with them. They were soundly defeated (Numbers 14:39-45).
So what about you? Have you rebelled against God? Yes! We all do! What do you do when you have sinned? If you sincerely repent, God is faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9-10) But you really must mean it!! The Israelites had an evil heart of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12). Not only did they not obey God, they didn’t trust Him! Do you trust God? Do you believe that He is with you no matter what? Do you believe that He is good - all the time - even when life is hard?
Jalen, my first cousin once removed was 17 when she was first put on the kidney donor list. Her kidneys were failing. Eventually, they discovered that her brother was a great match and he donated a kidney to her. But the doctors damaged his kidney getting it out - and it failed. Jalen was back on the kidney donor waiting list. Finally, in March of this year, she was life-flighted to Arizona. There was a kidney waiting for her. When she got there, the hospital wouldn’t even let her come in; they told her she must have been mistaken. After ten years, Jalen was rapidly running out of time. This past Monday one of her friends donated one of his kidneys to her. Within hours, there was evidence of the kidney working. My cousin and her family never lost trust in God that He would provide and take care of them. What an incredible testimony of faith Jan (Jalen’s mom) has! When I texted her my joy and said, “God is good.” She responded, “All the time!!” Oh, that we all would trust God in the big things and the little things!
Sabbath, May 3rd
Stop the Plague
“He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped” - Numbers 16:48 (NIV)
Korah and 250 Levites, as well as Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, complained against Moses! Well, they were actually complaining against God. Korah and the Levites thought they should have more power, position, and prestige. They thought Aaron and Moses had exalted themselves when all of the Israelites were God’s chosen people (Numbers 16:3). Dathan and Abiram blamed Moses that they would die in the wilderness instead of Egypt. Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their families were swallowed up by an earthquake. The 250 Levites were consumed by fire which came out “from the Lord” (Numbers 16:35). The reaction of the Israelites was to complain against Moses (which was really a complaint against God), “You have killed the people of the LORD” (Numbers 16:41). God was ready to consume all of them. Moses told Aaron to take a censor, fill it with incense and carry it quickly to the congregation to make atonement for them. Aaron did so. He ran into the midst of the congregation. Here’s your memory verse: “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.” 14,700 people had died.
What would have happened if Aaron hadn’t taken the censor? What would have happened if he hadn’t run?
Can you think of anyone else who stood in the gap to save the people? Esther stood in the gap against the wicked schemes of Haman. Joseph stood in the gap to save the known world at that time from the famine. David stood in the gap between the Israelites and the Philistines and Goliath. Jesus stood in the gap for us. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” What Jesus did, by dying for our sins, stops God’s justified wrath against us. He paid the price for our sins.
We are supposed to changing into the likeness of Jesus Christ. What if God wants each of us to bravely step up to stand in the gap - like Esther or Joseph or David? What if He wants us to care so much for people that, like Aaron, we RUN; we don’t just half-heartedly make an attempt? What if we earnestly seek God’s will and His direction for our lives, eagerly desiring to serve Him in all things?
My challenge to you, to each of us, is to be aware of the events around you. Ask God for the eyes to see opportunities to share the gospel with others. Seek to have beautiful feet which bring good news.
Sabbath, May 10th
Balaam’s Curse
Hebrews 12:2a - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (NIV).
Materials needed: Road signs, billboards, miscellaneous signs
It is very helpful to have signs! They help us to navigate the roads, help us to find new places, and they help keep us out of trouble. Signs are very helpful when you don’t know what to do.
But did Balaam know what to do? The king of Moab, Balak, sent messengers to Balaam (who was a seer). Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam went to God. God said no; Balaam was not to go with the men to curse the Israelites because they were blessed. More important men came from Balak, offering money and honor to Balaam if he would curse the Israelites. Now, don’t you think Balaam already knew what he was supposed to do? But Balaam told the men to stay the night and he would ask God again. God told Balaam, If the men come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you” (Numbers 22:20). God was not happy that Balaam went. Here’s where the story becomes really interesting. The donkey, Balaam’s own donkey, saved Balaam three times from the angel of the LORD. The first time the donkey turned off the road into the field. The second time the donkey tried to squeeze as close as possible to the wall in the vineyard to avoid the angel. The third time the donkey just lay down. Each time, Balaam hit the donkey. The third time, the donkey said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
Don’t you find it baffling that Balaam didn’t seem fazed by the donkey speaking to him?! Even though I often “speak” for my animals, I do not think they can truly speak - unless God gives them voice. But why would God do that? In Balaam’s case, God made the point, very strongly, to Balaam that he was only to speak the words that God gave him. And he ended up blessings the Israelites three different times - despite Balak’s promise of great reward if Balaam would just curse them.
Do you need a sign to know what to do? Maybe if you’re in an unfamiliar place, maybe you need some direction. But morally speaking, God’s already given you the Bible. Pick it up and read it. There are directions and principles that will make life work better for you. Don’t expect God to cause a donkey to start talking to you when He’s already told you what to do, the basic principles for how to live your life! You can’t say that you didn’t know it was wrong to hit your brother. You can’t say that you didn’t know it was wrong to steal a package of gum from the store. You don’t need a sign or a talking donkey.
Sabbath, May 17th
Put God First Always
“He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. . .” Daniel 2:21 (NIV)
Materials needed: mini fan, pieces of paper, sticky notes, pen, scissors, stickers, YEA lesson YE3K.3
What’s most important to you? Your family, time with friends, helping others, money, power, prestige, God? How would you rank them? [Write each of the students’ ideas on slips of paper. Set on a low table.] These priorities will change depending on life events. What do I mean? Well, in each person’s life there will come some trouble. Jesus told us, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). When you face adversity, that’s when you start re-evaluating what is really important to you. [Use the mini fan to represent adversity. Blow the papers everywhere.]
Jonah had to re-evaluate what was most important to him while he was in the belly of the great fish. He said, “Those who pay regard to vain idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). His priorities changed. Nothing was as important as God and Jonah’s relationship with Him.
David knew this too. He said in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
God is first - always!
Moses learned this - eventually. In Psalm 90:17 he said, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!” But because Moses did not uphold God as holy in the sight of the Israelites (Numbers 20:12), Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land. Even though Moses was old (120 years), it wasn’t a physical health issue. Deuteronomy 34:7 says that his eyesight was not dimmed nor was his vigor abated. God simply took him because he was not allowed to go into the Promised Land with the people of Israel.
It’s really easy - when you are having success and getting what you want - to forget to always put God first. Moses even warned the people of Israel of this predilection.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14: Be careful not to forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day. 12Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, 13and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, 14then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
This caution isn’t just for the Israelites. It’s for us too. Put God first by keeping all of His commandments, honoring Him in everything you think, say, and do. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) [While you are talking, put the students’ priorities on sticky notes. Put “serving God” on top. Then blow the fan on them.]
Sabbath, Mary 24th
God Equips the Called
Ephesians 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (NIV).
Materials needed: YEA lesson (YE3K.4); matching cards (see below)
Let’s match some people with the things they were successful: David, Moses, Joseph, Paul
- defending Israel from enemies
- leading the wandering Israelites in the wilderness
- administration in Egypt
- writing letters to churches
Why were these men successful at these things? Hard work? Yes! Natural skill and ability? Maybe. But without a doubt, God blessed them in their efforts
So when Joshua was chosen to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, after Moses had lead them for 40 years, he might have wondered if he could do it. Isn’t it interesting that Joshua is charged, “Be strong and courageous” four times (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18) and he is told that God was with him three times.
Do you ever feel like you have been asked to do something that is out of your comfort zone and you’re not sure you can do it? That’s a stressful and scary place to be. We’re not necessarily talking about something you are naturally good at doing. Moses told God that he didn’t speak very well - and he questioned if he was really the man God wanted to send to Pharaoh to tell him, “Let my people go.” Paul was accused of not being a very impressive speaker (2 Corinthians 10:10), but his sermon on Mars Hill is an excellent example of how to speak to a crowd of people who are not believers (Acts 17:22-31).
So how do you know what it is you are supposed to be doing - for God’s glory? What has God set before you to do? What open door is there, waiting for you to walk through it? How do you know if it’s truly an open door? Maybe you wonder if it’s really God’s will. First, make it a habit to pray Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” If you are relying on God’s wisdom and God’s leading, then you’ll have a pretty good indication of what you should do. And sometimes God uses other people to confirm that you’re going the right direction. Those 4 times that Joshua was told to be strong and courageous? Three times it was directly from God. The fourth time, it was from the Israelites.
Then remember what Paul tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Spiritual blessings include things like forgiveness, redemption, wisdom, understanding - but also would include everything that we need in order to do the job God has set before us.
So what is it that you feel like God wants you to do? Is God opening doors for you to try this? If the answer is yes, remember that God has blessed us with what we need to accomplish the jobs set before us. So be strong and courageous! Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10) and remember that you are working for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23-24) not for your own glory.
Sabbath, May 31st
Faith in Action
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).
Materials needed: balloon, seed packets
When you think of faith in the Bible, who comes to mind? David. Abraham. The disciples. How do you know they had faith? It was expressed in their actions, right? David had faith in God and because He knew God was with him, he was able to face the giant. Abraham had faith in God, left his home and lived in a tent the rest of his life, trusting in God to fulfill His promises. The disciples might not have started out with faith, (We know that Jesus once said, “Oh ye of little faith!!”), but they ended strong! They devoted their lives, even unto death, to serving God and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God.
So where do you get faith? Faith is a gift from God. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. But it isn’t like God just opens our head and pours faith in. It grows - like patience, or love for others, or wisdom.
How does it grow? I think it grows two ways: someone tells you something is true. You believe based on the relationship you have with that person. When your parents tell you something is true, you tend to believe them because you have experienced their love and care for you. You believe they will tell you the truth. And then, when you experience it for yourself, your faith grows. For instance - if I give you a packet of seeds and you plant them, what do you expect to happen? You expect them to grow. Why? Maybe because I’ve given them to you and told you that if you plant and water them, they should sprout. Or maybe because you’ve done it in the past. Your experience tells you that seeds often sprout and grow, under the right conditions.
Or what if I blow up this balloon? If I keep blowing, what do you expect will happen? At some point, you believe that the balloon will pop. Why? If Matthew’s hands over his ears are any indication, he’s experienced it in the past. He believes that the balloon, at some point, will be unable to withstand the inside air pressure.
You notice that I used the word “believe.” Belief and trust and faith are very closely related. If you have faith in God’s goodness, you believe that you can trust Him. True faith and belief is exhibited in your actions. That is, I will know that you have faith in God by the things that you do - and the things you don’t do.
And how does your faith in God grow? Like we just talked about, the more you experience God’s faithfulness and goodness to you, the more you trust Him. The more you believe in His faithfulness and goodness and love for you.
But if the Israelites wandering in the wilderness taught us anything it was that people are really good at focusing on the negative things happening in their lives - and completely forgetting about the good things that God has done over and over again. Don’t do that!! Talk about the prayers God has answered for you. Talk about the situations where He saved you from disaster. Share with others God’s goodness. Focus on those experiences and be intentional about it. Why? Because without faith it is impossible to please God. Our faith and growing our faith is therefore really important. But it doesn’t just happen. If you want these seeds to grow, you have to plant them.
Sabbath, June 7th
Make It Count
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Materials Needed: balloon, paper airplane, candle, jar, matches, bottle of ice water, napkin
Over the past seven weeks you’ve been counting. How did you do? Did you remember to put a sticker on the calendar every day or take a ring off of the chain? Do you remember why you are counting? Because God said to - and you believe in God. That is, you believe God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
O.K. So why do you believe in God? Romans 1:20 says that God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - are clearly seen in the things around us so that we are without excuse. So what things around us are a witness that God exists?
I can’t see air. But I can see what it does. It moves the clouds around. It provides lift for airplanes. It can be captured within a balloon. And when oxygen is no longer present, a candle will go out.
In a similar way, I can see the evidence of God’s presence in someone’s life - giving them wisdom and the words to speak. I know of miracles where there’s no logical explanation for what happened other than God did it.
In a similar way, I can’t see the moisture in the air, but I know it’s there. A glass of ice water sitting on the counter on a hot summer day is one way to demonstrate the presence of water vapor. So how do we demonstrate the presence of God in your life?
It’s evident by the things that you do - not just once, but a natural way of life that demonstrates not only your belief in God, but His Holy Spirit working in you and molding you into the image of His Son.
That molding happens when you believe in God and are drawn to seek Him and obey Him. Like counting the days to Pentecost.
Sabbath, June 28th
Lookin’ For a Sign
Proverbs 15:22 - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
What are signs good for? They communicate important information so we know which way to go. They give direction. They give confirmation we’re on the right track.
What are some examples of signs: ASL, stop signs, exit signs, wedding rings, billboards, rainbows
Rainbows? What are rainbows a sign of? God gave them as a sign after the flood, confirming His promise that He would not destroy the world by water again.
But sometimes events are also signs - they are God’s way of telling a person that he’s (or she’s) going the right way. For instance, in Genesis 24:12-14, we read of Abraham’s servant being sent to find a son for Isaac. This was very important and he asked God to help him. What was the sign? Genesis 24:12-14 - 12He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham. 13“Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water; 14now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”
Moses was also going to be given a sign that God had truly sent him to Egypt to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. But the timing of this sign was a little odd. It would come after the task was complete. Exodus 3:12 - He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Why would God do that? It’s almost as if God was confirming that He had indeed been with Moses - and Moses still had 40 years of stuff to do! Nevertheless, Moses would be assured that God was with him through all of it.
When I’m reading through Gideon’s story, I almost get embarrassed for him. He had to have so many signs that God was with him and would give him the victory over the Midianites. Fleece out on the ground - one night it’s wet while the ground is dry, another night just the opposite. Then there was the conversation among the Midianites that Gideon overheard. Why did Gideon need so much encouragement to complete the task God gave him?
A better question might be: do you believe in and trust God enough to do what He has given you to do? He wants you to not only keep the sabbath and holy days, He wants you to call them a delight. He wants you to be obedient to your mom and dad and not fight with your siblings. He wants you to love singing songs of praise to Him. Et cetera. Do you know that He wants you to do these things? Yes? Then you’d better hop to it; He’s not going to give you another sign.
Sabbath, July 5th
Chosen By God
1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, . . ."
Materials needed: miniature erasers, CEM lesson YE3K.9
I have a bag full of cute little erasers. Suppose I ask one of the children to pick out an eraser. Which one would they choose? Instead of asking that particular child, what if I ask another child why the first child chose that particular eraser. He might say, “I don’t know” or “because it’s cute” or “She likes French fries.” But in reality, no one really knows why a particular eraser might be chosen. And if you ask the first child, she might say that she doesn’t know either.
That’s just an example of a simple choice that we humans face every day. Sometimes we have a good reason for the choices we make. Sometimes we make choices without really thinking about it.
But what about God’s choices? Why does God choose certain people? Why did He choose Samson to judge Israel for twenty years? (Judges 15:20) Why did He choose Mary to be the mother of Jesus? Why did He choose Noah and his family to save? We might have a clue in Genesis 6:8-9. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord; he was perfect and blameless - according to the KJV. So does God choose the best and most intelligent and the most gifted of people to accomplish His will? Not according to 1 Corinthians 1:27-28. “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,”
Why would God do that? Choose the foolish and weak and low and despised? Verse 29 says, “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
Think about that for a second. Boasting. Pride. Sometimes we humans start to think that we’re pretty intelligent and talented. We think that we have accomplished great things because of our own efforts. In reality, all that we are, all that we have, and all that we can accomplish is because of God. He created us. He enables us and gives us gifts. Why? So we can boast? No, so that He gets the glory.
Think about your memory verse for a second: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, . . .” The verse goes on to tell us why we are chosen, set apart, and belonging to God: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” And it emphasizes the fact again that we didn’t do it through our own efforts: God called us while we were in darkness. We didn’t find our way out through our own efforts!
In fact, think about the people God has chosen. They all made mistakes. They are made bad choices at one time or another. They were all human. But God was able to use them to accomplish His purposes for His glory.
I was hoping that you wouldn’t just look down and chose a hamburger eraser because it looks cute. I was hoping that you would choose the regular eraser because it would work well to erase! God doesn’t choose you so you can simply go around telling people that you’re chosen. He has work for you to do - proclaiming the excellencies of him who chose you. Tell people around you how great God is - through both your words and your actions.
Sabbath, July 12th
Devoted
"I am the light of the world." - John 8:12
Materials needed: poison ivy rash, jams/jellies, CEM-YEA lesson YE3K.10
What does it mean to be devoted? According to Google, “To be devoted means to be deeply attached, loyal, and dedicated to someone or something.” So . . . can you be kinda devoted to something or someone? What does it mean to be wholly devoted?
Dogs are usually great examples of devotion - following their master around, providing protection and companionship.
But can people be devoted to someone or something? Can you think of anyone in the Bible who showed devotion? Ruth!! She was devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth was willing to leave her homeland and her relatives in order to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem and Israel. She was willing to work to support the two of them. And most importantly, Ruth vowed that Naomi’s God would be her God.
How important is this kind of devotion to God?
Hebrews 10:28 says, "but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Luke 9:62 says, ‘Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” ’
There are seven letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation. Each of them exhorts the churches to persevere to the end. “He who overcomes” or “He who perseveres to the end . . .” exhorts us to be devoted to God and His ways . . . not just sometimes . . . always!
Let’s talk about being devoted to a course of action. Have you ever thought you could jump over a creek? You got a running start and just as you started to jump, you figured there was no way you could succeed? I’ve done that - trying to jump over the Sweetwater River at Independence Rock in Wyoming. You know what happens when you are not fully committed to jumping over a creek? You end up landing right in the middle of it. No kidding. If your mind is not fully committed and devoted to your course of action, you don’t succeed.
Let’s talk about jams. I like making jam. Recently Shirley gave me plums. Yum. I processed them and prepared to make them into jam. I had my candy thermometer out and was watching the temperature rise. Slowly. Ever so slowly. Eventually, I gave up. In fact, I decided my candy thermometer wasn’t working and I jarred the jam. It tastes really good, but it’s not jam. It’s a nice thick syrup - perfect for pancakes - but it’s not jam because I didn’t stay the course until it was completely ready.
On the other hand, I made blackberry jam this week. I still used the candy thermometer, but I still was suspicious it was not working correctly. So I watched the jam until it was ready to “spin a thread.” It tastes really good and it acts like jam - because I was devoted to letting it cook until it was ready.
Now there are times when devotion is not a good thing. Can you think of an example? I found some poison ivy in my blackberry patch when I was picking this week. So I decided it needed to be removed. And while I was at it, it would be a good idea to pull some out of my iris bed close to the sidewalk. I was devoted to the task. I washed thoroughly after I finished. And I learned something: I’m still very allergic to poison ivy. It would have been a good idea to not be so devoted to pulling up that ivy!
So . . . what are you devoted to? Are you devoted to God? How can I tell? Are you devoted to your family? Your schoolwork? Practicing piano? What it is that consumes your time and energy and occupies your thoughts. Because it’s what you spend your time and energy and thoughts on that indicates your devotion. God is looking for people who are wholly devoted - not somewhat devoted, not mostly devoted - wholly devoted to Him. Is that you?
Sabbath, July 19th
Keep Your Word
" . . .God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2
Materials: rocks
How do you feel about rocks? Do you collect rocks? What’s so special about rocks? More than just being pretty, they are useful for so many thing! You can build houses and fences and roads with rocks. Why? Because they are so durable; they are solid and last a long time. They make a great defense because it’s hard to get through a rock wall and you cannot easily destroy it. Fire and bugs don’t hurt a rock wall - unlike a wall made of wood.
The Bible uses metaphors and similes to help us understand more about the awesome God we serve. Do you know that the Bible compares God to a rock more than 125 times, especially in the psalms. For instance, Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
You can absolutely depend upon God. He’s trustworthy. He’s reliable. He’s dependable in both His words and His deeds. God always does what He promises. He cannot lie.
So what does God expect from us? Does He expect us to be dependable in our actions? Absolutely. When someone gives us a job to do, they should be able to trust that we’ll do exactly what they want us to do. If your mom tells you to go clean up your room, do you do it? Or does she have to come check to make sure you aren’t playing a game?
And how seriously does God take what you say? If you make a promise, does He expect you to keep it? If you call your little brother a bad name because you’re angry at him, does God care? YES! God cares very much about our words - what we choose to say and how we choose to say it. Jesus said, in Matthew 12:36 (ESV), "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Why? Why do you think that God cares so much about what we say? Because there’s so much power in the tongue! (Read James 3:1-12.) Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
How do I know there’s that kind of power in words?! God spoke our world into existence. (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 33:9; Hebrews 11:3)
You, who are being made into the image of God, have to learn to control your tongue - to be dependable in what you do as well as what you say. In the meantime, Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, " . . . God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
I used to quote a poem to the kids: A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard. Why can’t we all be like that bird?
Sabbath, July 26th
Come A-Runnin'
" . . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. . . ." Hebrews 12:1b
Materials needed: whistle, bell
When I was a kid, my brother, sister, and I would spend as much time outside as possible, weather-permitting. We rode our bikes up and down the street, hours on end after supper. Mom would inevitably have to call us to come inside. She would invariably say, “It’s too dark,” and we would always say, “But we can still see.” And as much as we didn’t want to stop, we knew better than to ignore Mom calling us.
Grandma had a better method for calling us: she’d ring the dinner bell. Oh, we knew better than to continue what we were doing and ignore her summons. We’d have been in big trouble!
We had two black labs who didn’t really know how important it was to come when I called. There were many times when the kids and I went looking for them. When we finally found them, they’d be trying to get to a rabbit or something. Oh they’d be happy to see us - tails wagging and tongues lolling - but they weren’t ready to abandon the pursuit. So I taught Velvet to play “Marco Polo.” I’d yell, “Bark, Velvet, bark!” Off in the distance, I’d hear, “Woof.” Then at least we knew where to go to retrieve them. They did seem to respond a little better to the World’s Loudest Whistle. Sometimes they’d come to that.
You all are homeschooled, so you have never experienced the school bell. When the bell rings, it’s time for class to start. You can’t just decide you’d rather continue with recess - no matter how much you want to. But even having never experienced a school bell (or the World’s Loudest Whistle), do you know how important is it that you come when your parents call you?
Samuel must have had some pretty good discipline when he was young. When he thought Eli was calling him, he came - even though it was the middle of the night. In fact, he came three times!
I love how God gives us the physical to help us understand spiritual concepts. If we aren’t going to respond when our physical parents call, how likely is it that we’ll respond when God calls us? To put it in positive terms, if we learn to come when our parents call us, we are much more likely to come when God calls us.
Make no mistake, God is calling you to come to Him. What does that mean? He wants you to desire Him and His ways above whatever else you have going on: bike riding, playing outside, chasing rabbits, or whatever. Your primary focus should be on doing what pleases Him - not what you do when you get tired of doing your own thing; you should be eager to drop whatever it is you’re doing and come when He calls. Think you would be willing to do whatever God has for you to do? Well, let me ask you this: are you willing to do whatever your physical parents ask you to do? That’s a pretty good barometer for knowing how you would respond to God’s call.
It’s something to think about, isn’t it.
Sabbath, August 2nd
Choose Your King
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15b
Materials Needed: Dry Erase board, markers, YE3L.3 lesson activity, and one of the following:
1. A nicely wrapped and decorated box, full of shredded paper or even empty. When you're discussing it after it's unwrapped, talk about how
something can look really nice on the outside, but it's just full of hot air when you look inside. There’s nothing of substance there.
2. Three juice bottles, two filled with apple juice and one filled with vinegar. Make sure the lids are on tightly so the smell doesn't give them away. Make sure the students open the apple juice first. Then open the vinegar bottle. Discuss how the student who opened the vinegar wanted juice the same as the other students. In the case of kings, some kings are good and some are bad. You won't know until they have reigned over you for a while.
What do you think would be different in our world if Jesus were King - if we lived in His kingdom today? It seems almost inconceivable that if we were living in the days of Samuel that we would demand, like Israel did, to have a physical king instead of being led by God. But think about it for a minute. As long as Israel was seeking God and obeying His commandments, things went well. When things started to go well, they became lax in seeking and serving God. They were not as diligent to do what God wanted them to do. As they got further and further away from God, God sent trouble and enemies against them. When they suffered, they turned back to God to save them - and began serving God again. It was a cycle that was repeated over and over throughout all of the times of the judges. Finally, the people saw that Samuel’s sons were wicked; their leadership was not good. So they looked at the people around them and saw their physical kings. They decided a physical king was better than what they had. And they demanded a king. And there were good kings and there were bad things, but all of the things Samuel warned them about came true. There were consequences to rejecting God as King - even though it looked very appealing to have a physical king leading them.
So, do you think we’ve learned the lesson from history? Or are we going to make the same choice? Is God your king? If He is, then there is evidence. You have submitted to His will and His ways. If you have rejected God as King, as the Israelites did, that is obvious too. Let’s look at some specific examples: How do you approach using the computer? If it’s God’s way, then you use the computer moderately. If it’s the world’s way, then it’s as much as you want whenever you want. What about television? Junk food? Movies? Bible reading? Attending church? God knows exactly what’s in your heart - and if you have chosen His as your King - by your actions!
Make good choices! Read your Bible and seek God always. It’s the only way to make life work well - and it’s the only way to be assured of being in God’s kingdom for eternity.
Sabbath, August 9th
Ask God for Guidance
"the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. . . ." 1 Chronicles 28:9
Materials needed: jar, water, food coloring, oil, spoon, effervescent tablets, cookbooks,
Start the lesson making galaxy jars. Have the students read off the recipe directions. Do the steps as they read them.
Galaxy Jars:
Supplies: - Water - Food Coloring - Oil (we used baby oil) - Alka-Seltzer Tablets - A jar
Steps: 1. Mix together water and food coloring into a jar 2. Pour in twice as much oil than water that you used 3. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet in half and drop it in 4. Watch the magic begin! 5. Add in more tablets to repeat this experiment
Do you think the experiment would have worked as well if I hadn’t put in any water? What would have happened if I’d left out the oil? What if I’d mixed up the steps?
There are lots and lots and lots of cookbooks out there. Why? Because the food tastes better if you combine the ingredients in a certain way. For example, if you put in too much salt, it’s inedible. People have experimented and found something that works well and that lots of people like. They write down the recipe so that others can also make delicious meals. Can you change the steps. Sure. But what if you don’t have an ingredient? You can try a substitution. It may not turn out as well. . .
Sometimes we humans like to experiment. We like to look at a recipe or set of directions and view them as suggestions - not as the proved method to success. And maybe when you’re making pickles or bread, that’s ok. It’s not ok for something that has to be very precise - like computer coding or brain surgery or following God’s law.
Saul seemed to think that God’s commandments weren’t actually commandments; they were suggestions. How did that work out for him? It didn’t work out well at all. God not only took the kingdom away from Saul, God also took His Holy Spirit from Saul. Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. And all because Saul didn’t think he needed to obey God carefully.
What about you? What are God’s commandments? Which ones should you obey? Why would you obey? Are you being legalistic? Do you obey because you love God? Do you obey because you understand that’s how to make life work the best? God has given you instructions to not only make your life work well, but to improve your relationship with Him. Why would you want to monkey with that? Think about it.
And if you aren’t sure what to do, ask. God will make His will known to you. (Or maybe He already has!) Ron’s favorite verse if Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” God has given us principles in the Bible to guide us, but He can also give you direction when you don’t know what to do. How might He do that? Through Godly counsel. Maybe a comment from people who don’t know what you’re wrestling with. Maybe a strong feeling you get after prayer. Ask for wisdom. God says that He’ll give you wisdom if you ask. Ask Him for guidance.
Sabbath, August 16th
Know Who You Are
1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (NIV).
Materials Needed: Notecards with clues of people OR chart with names of people and room to write descriptors, CEM’s YEA lesson YE3L.5
Moses - Miriam and Aaron’s younger brother, humble, leader of Israel out of Egypt, shepherd, adopted prince of Egypt
Abraham - Friend of God, son of Terah, husband of Sarah, uncle of Lot, father of Isaac, Father of the Faithful
Joseph - son of Jacob, older brother of Benjamin, father of Ephraim and Manasseh, second in command in Egypt (under Pharaoh)
Daniel - among the wise men (magi) of Babylon, Jewish, Greatly Beloved, thrown into lions’ den
David - Shepherd, Poet, man after God’s own heart, King of Israel, killer of Goliath
Matthew - also known as Levi, disciple, tax collector, writer of one gospel
Do you know who you are - how you would be described? Son (or daughter) of your parents, brother (or sister) of your sibling, friend of _________. What does 1 Peter 2:9 say that you are? Would you describe yourself as a Christian or as a follower of the Messiah? If you tell people that you are a Christian, then you’d better act as a Christian should act. Why?
When my three were little, I would tell them as we were leaving the house that they needed to watch their conduct while we were out. They were (and are) ambassadors for the Saladin family, for homeschooling, and for Jesus Christ. People are watching what you do. When your behavior is less than exemplary, it reflects badly on whomever you are associated with. If you know that you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God - then you should be proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. And you proclaim God’s excellencies by what you do (Are you obedient to your parents? Do you follow the rules?) and also by what you say.
Spend some time thinking about your actions (and your words) and how well they bring glory and honor to God.
Sabbath, August 23rd
Live Courageously
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love" (NIV).
Materials needed: weights, CEM/YEA lesson YE3L.6
What do you know about Goliath? He was a giant (over 9 feet tall) from Gath. His body armor weighed 150 pounds. The head of his spear weighed 15 pounds. And that was just the head! Goliath was a formidable opponent.
Do you know what Goliath challenged Israel’s army? They were to pick one person to fight Goliath. If Goliath won, Israel would become the servants of the Philistines. If the warrior from Israel won, the Philistines would become the servants of Israel. There was just one problem: no one in Israel wanted to fight Goliath. He was huge! And scary!
What was David’s reaction to hearing Goliath’s challenge? He said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26) David’s oldest brother was not happy that David was saying this - loudly! And King Saul told David that he couldn’t fight Goliath; he was young and inexperienced. That was mostly true - David had defended the family’s flock of sheep from lions and bears. But that wasn’t what made the difference. Do you know what made the difference? David trusted God - and God gave him the victory!
Do you fight giants in your daily life? Maybe not a physical giant like Goliath, but you probably (at least from time to time) face overwhelming difficulties, problems which seem to have no solution, battles which you don’t think you can win. I suggest you do what David did. Trust God to deliver you from all of your troubles.
That sounds easy, doesn’t it. But before you can trust God, you have to know who He is. You have to have a relationship with Him. That means He has to be your God all of the time, not just when you’re in trouble and you want Him to save you. And then, if you have truly put your life in His hands, you have to trust Him - even if what happens doesn’t fit what you think should have happened. Trust doesn’t mean a confident assurance that God is going to give you exactly what you want. Trust is a confident assurance that God has the very best planned for you, even if it doesn’t look like it right now and even if you have to wait. Here’s the thing: if you have a relationship with God, if He’s your God, and if He’s given His Son as payment for your sins, then He loves you and He’s going to do whatever it takes to form you into the image of His Son. You have to trust that God knows what He’s doing.
Your job is to trust and obey.
Sabbath, August 30th
Be Secure
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Materials needed: popsicle sticks, tape, glue, hot glue gun, superglue
If I put two popsicle sticks together with tape, how easily could I break them back apart? What about using Elmer’s school glue? What about using a hot glue gun? Or what about superglue? If I used superglue, to get them back apart would necessitate nearly the splintering of the popsicle sticks to get them back into two pieces.
Romans 8:38-39 says, “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If you truly believed that nothing could separate you from God’s love because you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, think about how that could change your life! You could endure unjust persecution (like David did from Saul - repeatedly - for years!!). You could courageously go fight battles (like David did against the Philistines, not just Goliath, many times). You could wait for God’s promises instead of trying to get what God had promised through your own efforts (like David waited more ten years to become king after being anointed by Samuel).
And why does this matter? Waiting on God, trusting Him no matter what, enduring persecution, and living courageously is an incredible witness to the people around you! It tells them that God is great! It tells them that He is worthy of praise and adoration and obedience and trust. And you don’t just say the words out loud; you live those words out loud!
So, what do you think? Do you believe that nothing can separate you from the love of God? Do you believe that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble? Can people see that by the choices you make in your daily life? It’s something to think about, isn’t it!!
September
Sabbath, September 6th
Be Content
“ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2
Materials: miscellaneous toys
It is so common to want what someone else has - and it’s not limited to humans. Lately I have been watching the coveting between Molly and Pepper. When I’m playing with the ball with Pepper, Molly wants the ball. Pepper will retrieve a thrown ball and drop it at my feet for me to throw it for him again. As soon as Molly sees the ball drop, she’ll dart in and grab it and take off across the yard. Pepper, still barking at me to pick up the ball and throw it again, looks completely baffled when I ask him, “Where’s your ball?” He’ll look down at his feet, where he’d dropped the ball, turn around in a circle, and eventually spot Molly scampering around. Of course, it doesn’t help matters that she’s very proud of having snatched the ball and will often carry it right back under his nose.
Then there’s the bones. Almost invariably, I will give each a bone. They’ll carry them to the carpet to chew on them. Molly has to be sure she’s close to where Pepper is. She’ll chew for a minute, then she’ll get up and bark at him. He will drop his bone so he can get hers. As soon as he lets go of his, she’ll snatch it. They’ll both lie down with their new bones, chew for a minute, and then repeat the process, ending up with the bone they had had originally. It’s really quite comical!
But people don’t do that, do they? You don’t know anyone who schemes to get what someone else has, do you? The original person who coveted what someone else had was Cain - and he ended up murdering his brother over it.
So why do you think Jonathan, son the Saul, didn’t covet the kingship? As Saul’s son, he was next in line to become king when Saul died - except that David had been anointed by Samuel to be king. So why didn’t Jonathan covet and scheme and connive to get the kingship? Because he loved David and he trusted God.
Do you love the people around you enough to want them to have what they have? And do you trust God enough to believe that He’ll give you want you need? Who owns everything? Who has the power to give you whatever He wants to give to you? Well, God does, of course.
But maybe, just maybe, He’ll waiting for you to acknowledge that, Maybe He’s waiting for you to ask Him to give you what you need. “ . . . You do not have, because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) Or maybe He’s waiting to see if you will be content with the many blessings He’s already given you.
What do you think? (Wait to see if any of the students ask if they can have some of the miscellaneous toys on display.)
Sabbath, September 13th
Wait on God
“ . . . Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. . .” Psalm 37:7
What do you think it means to “wait on God”? Wait on God to do what? Or does it mean something else entirely? What do you think? When you look up the phrase “wait patiently” in Psalm 37:7, it means “to whirl, dance, or writhe.” Think about that definition in the context of the verse. David wrote, “Be still” and then used a word that means you can hardly stand to be still because of the anguish you’re enduring.
In that context, can you think of any Biblical examples of someone who had to “wait patiently” for God.
Hannah - She wanted a son so badly. Her husband asked her, “Aren’t I better than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1)
David - He was anointed king and then had to wait for more than ten years, often on the run from Saul trying to kill him, to be given the throne. (1 Chronicles 20-31)
Moses - He and the Israelites were stuck between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. God told him to stand still and see God’s deliverance. (Exodus 14:13)
Jehoshaphat - Judah was surrounded by invading armies from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. He sent the singers out first, praising God. God intervened and set ambushes against the invading armies. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)
Daniel - He was thrown into the lions’ den. He had to wait on the Lord for deliverance - to shut the mouths of the lions. (Daniel 6:22)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Threatened with death if they did not bow down to the golden idol. They trusted God to deliver them - but even if God chose not to, they remained steadfast to do what was right. (Daniel 3)
Each of these Bible characters were in a troubling situation. They needed to be still and wait for deliverance from God. It’s a good reminder for each of us.
Sabbath, September 20th
Honor God
“In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’" Revelation 5:12
Materials needed: choosing game
Do you know anyone who tried to honor God? One of the things that Jesus is worthy to receive is honor! So how do you show honor to God?
David wanted to honor God. He wanted to build a house for God. But God didn’t allow David to build a temple; that privilege was given to David’s son, Solomon.
O.K. But other than building a house (temple) for God, what can you do to honor Him?
We should honor Him with our resources (time, money, abilities), but it needs to be from our heart. It can be done grudgingly or only to be seen by men. Otherwise you’ll fall into the category of people described by Jesus in Matthew 6:1-2 - ““Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.”
We should honor Him with our lips - speaking words of praise and telling the world how great our God is. But . . . honoring God with words isn’t enough. You also have to be obedient to what God commands. Otherwise, you fall into the category of people (the Pharisees) that Jesus condemned in Matthew 15:8 - “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
We should honor Him with our good works. But they have to be the works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). But we can’t get so caught up in doing good deeds that we forget to keep God’s law. Otherwise we fall into the category of people Jesus describes in Matthew 7:22-23 - “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’”
Jesus was very clear. If you love Him, you will do what? Keep His commandments! (John 14:15) But it cannot be just an outward action. It has to flow from your heart because you have completely submitted your will to God. Romans 12:1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
The bottom line? “In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” (Revelation 5:12) We need to learn how to show the honor to God that is due Him!
Trumpets, September 24th
King of kings and Lord of lords
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” Revelation 11:15
Materials needed: recorder, harmonica, train whistle, shofar
Do you know another name for the Feast of Trumpets? It is Yom Teruah. Yom is the Hebrew for “day.” Do you know what “Teruah” means, literally? “Shout” or “blast” - as in a trumpet blast, or more accurately, a blast on the shofar. Leviticus 23:24 and Numbers 29:1 both detail the command to blow the shofar on the first day of the seventh month, Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets.
O.K. Why?
It is enough that God said to. So we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, this Day of Shouting, because God says to. But there are some interesting indications that this will be the day of Jesus’ return to this earth. Your memory verse is one reference: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
When Jesus Christ returns He will be the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Do you think that is going to be a quiet event? I highly doubt it! The great God, our Savior, our King, our Redeemer will be acknowledged as the King over all the earth - and the shout of celebration is going to be immense for those who are glad He has returned to this earth!
In 1 Kings 1:39-40, the coronation of Solomon is related. When Zadok anointed Solomon as king, the shout was so loud the Bible says the sound split the earth! The word for split in this verse is the same word that is used in Genesis 7:11 when the great deep burst open beginning the Flood. It’s the same word as in Genesis 22:3 when Abraham split the wood for Isaac’s sacrifice. It’s the same word as in Exodus 14:21 when the Red Sea was divided. If the sound from Solomon’s coronation caused the earth to split open, what do you think the sound will be like when Jesus returns to this earth and is acknowledged once and for all as Sovereign over all?!
I think there’s a very good reason why this day is called Yom Teruah - the Day of Shouting. We are looking forward to this day with great anticipation. You’d better get your voices ready! Maybe we had better practice now.
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Sabbath, September 27th
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
“ . . . so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.” Psalm 123:2
Materials needed: a poster with a Lamp and the words “Jesus is my all in all” on one side, cut into jigsaw puzzle pieces.
For what do we look to God?
Provision - God provides what we need (food, jobs, shelter).
Family - God gives us the family and friends that we need. (“God sets the lonely in families,” Psalm 68:6)
Guidance - God shows us what direction to take, if we wait for Him, trust Him, and seek His will.
Salvation - God provided a way for our sins to be atoned for; we could not save ourselves.
Hope - God gives us hope for the future. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
Life - “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28. If God ever decided He had enough of the human race, we would instantly cease to exist. Life is sustained by God; we live by and for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
As we talk about each piece of the puzzle, putting it all together, we are struck all over again by the realization that He is God alone! He is Sovereign and Omnipotent. We are like the grass of the field that is here today and gone tomorrow. And worse than that: we are rebellious. We think we’re important and powerful. We are like that tiny ant standing on the top of Mt. Everest, shaking its fist, and saying, “I am God.” Hardly! On the contrary, we need God’s love and His mercy. And God, in His graciousness, gives us both - abundantly - and then He adds in so many more things to give us joy and happiness in this life.
As we prepare for the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles, we need to take some time to reflect on how great God is - and how greatly He has blessed us. We need to take our eyes off ourselves and focus solely on Him. That will help us prepare to honestly rejoice at the Feast with all of our heart before Him!
Atonement, October 3rd
Reconciliation
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2
Sometimes an acrostic poem helps when talking about a topic. For instance:
Repent of the behavior that has caused the estrangement.
Eschew evil. Once you’ve identified what you’ve done wrong, stop doing it!
Confess what you’ve done wrong to the person you’ve wronged.
Own it. That is,
Never blame someone else for your actions. That negates the repentance!
Covet forgiveness and restoration of the relationship. If you don’t make it very plain that you want a relationship with the person, you may get forgiveness, but they don’t want anything to do with you.
Identify actions which will improve the relationship.
Live intentionally, figuring out ways to build the relationship.
Enthusiastically, gratefully rejoice in what Jesus has done to reconcile you to the Father.
Regardless of whether you’re talking about reconciling with another person, or reconciling with God the Father (against whom we have all sinned), you must repent, confess your sins, stop doing those sins, and make a profound change in your life!
Sabbath, October 4th
Reconciliation
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2
Do you remember how we talked about reconciliation yesterday. (Review flip chart.) God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. Here’s a simple way of what that might look like:
Two people are connected with a twine. One person does something to damage the relationship - like perhaps destroy a favorite toy. The connection is severed; the twine is cut. Now what? How can they move forward? Somebody has to admit they are wrong. In some cases, both people have to admit to wrongdoing. Then a reparation must be made - a payment or penalty for creating the problem. Maybe the person who broke the toy buys a new toy to replace the one that was destroyed. Once that proper payment is made, the debt is settled. But what happens if the wronged person doesn’t desire a relationship any more. Both people have to want the relationship for it to be restored. They work together to pick up that connection - like picking up a new twine.
Relationship → Conflict → Severed Relationship → Admit Guilt → Payment → Desire for Relationship
Our relationship with God follows much the same pattern.
Relationship → Sin → Severed Relationship → Admit Guilt/Repent → Jesus’ Sacrifice → Restoration
Do you know why restoration is what comes after Jesus’ sacrifice? Because God loves us so much; He wanted a relationship with us in the first place - while we were still sinners. And even though we remember what we have done, God says that He “remembers our sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.” This is amazing!! God blots out our transgressions for his own sake!! God has created us. He has provided everything we need to live. He draws us to Himself and shows us our sinfulness. He provides the propitiation (the proper payment) for our sins when we transgress His laws. He restores our relationship. And He forgets our sins. What an amazing God we serve!
But there’s more. It’s not just for us. It’s for everyone who He will call. Ooh! And how does God call people? He uses the church to be a light, shining in the darkness. He works through you and me, through our words and our actions. There’s a very good reason why 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ, that we have a ministry of reconciliation. God has a big job for us to do - to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that their relationship with God can be restored because they have been reconciled through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We’ve definitely a story to tell to the nations!!
Sabbath, October 25th
Light
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV)
Materials needed: tea candles, highlighters
Have you noticed all the decorations out right now? What have you seen? What holiday is our world celebrating this week? It’s Halloween, isn’t it. What do you think of Halloween? Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? Does it have anything to do with this week’s memory verse?
John 3:19: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
Do you think I’m being too harsh to say that celebrating Halloween is evil? What about that cute little girl dressed up as a ghost? Or the twins dressed up as Raggedy Ann and Andy? Is that evil?
First we have to consider the history of Halloween. It is definitely traced back to pagan celebrations. But many people today would say, “So what? Who cares what they did back then? I didn’t do any of those things.” Or they might say, “It’s just a fun time for the children. Don’t you want the children to have fun? And aren’t they cute?”
Do you think that’s what the Israelites told the prophets when the prophets wanted to know why they had incorporated pagan worship into their worship of God? (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Then people might say that they have “reclaimed the day for Christ,” that is, they’ve taken something pagan and made it Christian. Is that possible? Can a human being take something pagan and make it godly? (Haggai 2:12) Only God can make something holy - because He is holy. And God was quite clear about getting involved in anything pagan.
You are going to have the opportunity, at some point, to shine your light for God. What do I mean? You will be asked why you don’t celebrate Halloween. What will you say? Will you tell the person that you don’t think Halloween honors God? Can you think of a way to tell someone with grace and patience that you don’t participate in pagan activities? If you’re wondering what you could say, do this: go home, and say a prayer. Ask God to give you the words that will allow you to be a light. God’s Holy Spirit will teach you what to say. The Holy Spirit is that which powers your light (candle) so that you highlight God’s perfect ways (highlight).
Who can say the memory verse?
November
Sabbath, November 1st
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
"O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" Psalm 95:1
I want you to be very still and quiet for a moment. Close your eyes. Do you have a song playing in your head? What is it?
Did you do your homework this week? 1) What is your favorite song? 2) What did you sing this week? and 3) Does your music make you feel happy or sad?
The command to sing is peppered through the Bible in scriptures like:
1 Chronicles 16:23: "Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Tell of his salvation from day to day.”
Ephesians 5:19: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, as you sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”
Isaiah 42:10: "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.”
Psalm 96:1: "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."
Psalm 98:4: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music."
Psalm 149:1: "Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.”
Did you notice that these verses are all imperatives? They are all written as commands. So why are we commanded to sing? Because it is one way that we praise God.
Hebrews 13:15 says, ”Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (NIV).
So why should we praise God continually? Because He is worthy of praise! (Revelation 4:11; Psalm 96:4; 2 Samuel 22:4)
And when you come to church on Sabbath, that day when you have come to worship God, sing to the Lord with all of you heart. Praise Him with jubilant song! Because we serve the Awesome God who is worthy of all praise!
Sabbath, November 8th
Gratitude Jars
Memory Verse: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
What were you grateful for this week? Family, food, good weather, pets . . . Did you have any trouble coming up with something new every day?
Do you think it’s important to be grateful to God? Yes? Why?
First, we are commanded to be grateful. Your memory verse is written in the imperative. In fact, there are three commands. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Not only is it stated in the imperative form, this verse forms a couplet where the idea is repeated. So it’s a command that is emphasized!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Secondly, thankfulness is one way to worship God (Hebrews 12:28) - and we know God is worthy of worship. (Revelation 4:11)
Thirdly, ingratitude is an insult to our Great God who has given us all things. Deuteronomy 28:47 makes it quite clear that there are consequences to not serving God with joy and gladness for the abundance of all things.
Fourth, gratitude helps counteract anxiety. Are you worried about something? Are you fearful about something? Remembering what God has done, expressing thankfulness for previous blessings, and going to Him in prayer to ask for what you need bring peace and joy. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Lastly, gratitude is God’s will for His people. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
This week, you wrote one thing you were grateful for on a slip each day. Let’s cut those slips apart and put them in our Gratitude Jars. You’re going to continue doing this every day this month. Bring the jars and your slips back on the Sabbath, November 29th. We’ll do something special with them.
Sabbath, November 15th
Shine as Lights
Memory Verse: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” Philippians 2:14-15
Did you know that people watch you? They see your behavior and make judgments about who you are and what you believe. If they know you're a Christian, your actions are a witness about the God we serve. Are you a good and faithful witness for God because you are shining your light?
This week, I asked you to think of three things you can do to shine like a light in a darkened world. Did you bring your list to share in class? You will notice that I did not ask you to bring your list of actions related to the memory verse: times when you grumbled or disputed this week. There’s a good reason for that. Although I wanted you to memorize “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” (Philippians 2:14-15), I did not want you to focus your attention on grumbling and disputing. I wanted you to focus your attention on what you are grateful for.
There’s a weird thing that happens in our brains. If I tell you NOT to think about elephants with pink spots and blue squares, you are now imagining elephants with pink spots and blue squares. So if I had told you to write down all of the times you grumbled and disputed, that’s where your focus would have been - and you would have found more things to grumble and dispute about. And in effect, your negative attitude would have added to the darkness which is all around us in our world. I want you to do the opposite. I want you to focus on what you are grateful for. You know the old song “Count Your Many Blessings?” The more you start focusing on your blessings, the more you find.
The more you are grateful for the things you have, the more pleasant you are to be around. The more you glorify God in your actions. The more you are genuinely happy and content. The more you are a good and faithful witness for God . . . because gratitude is more than just being grateful for the things you have been given; gratitude is thankfulness TO the One who gave you all things. And we’re going to talk about this distinction next week.
In the meantime, keep counting your blessings and expressing your gratefulness to the One who deserves all glory and praise and honor and obedience and love - in both your words and your actions. Keep being a light in the world - a light of gratitude and praise and thanksgiving to our great God.
Sabbath, November 22nd
Deflated or Filled
"Give thanks in all circumstances…" 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Materials needed: balloons, gratitude slips
Pay attention this week to when you express gratitude and when you grumble. Be prepared to give one example of each. AND when you catch yourself expressing gratitude, stop and ask yourself, “How do I feel?” Then when you catch yourself grumbling, ask yourself the same question. Be prepared to share what you discovered during class Sabbath.
When did I grumble? How did grumbling make me feel?
When did I express gratitude? How did being thankful make me feel?
*****
What is grumbling? Complaining because you don’t like peas is different from telling your mom she never fixes anything good. Biblical grumbling is complaining with an attitude - and usually that attitude is stubbornness or rebellion. Why do people grumble? Things aren’t going well. They don’t like what they’re eating for supper. They didn’t get their way. These all fall into the category of thinking you should get what you want because you think you deserve it. Think about the Israelites coming out of Egypt. They were three days into the wilderness and there was no water. They could have gone to God and asked - after all God had just rescued them from Egypt and opened the Rea Sea. They didn’t ask. They grumbled: they accused God of bringing them into the wilderness to kill them.
Grumbling usually doesn’t get you what you want. In fact, grumbling - complaining with an attitude, especially against God - is sin! It exhibits a lack of trust and faith in God.
O.K. So why are people grateful? You realize you are getting blessings - many, many blessings. Even when things are not going like you want them to go, you know that God loves you and ultimately, in the end, He’s going to give you more than you could ever imagine - because He’s God and because He loves you. When you start focusing on the many blessings God has given you throughout your life, on what you HAVE, instead of what you don’t have, you’re like a balloon filled with air. You literally are so filled with gratitude, there’s no room for grumbling.
So the next time you are tempted to start grumbling, stop. Think about 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It says to give thanks in ALL circumstances. God has blessed you enormously already. He can take the negative things you’re experiencing and turn them into good. And if you have a relationship with Him, you haven’t seen anything yet!
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
“ . . . so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.” Psalm 123:2
Materials needed: a poster with a Lamp and the words “Jesus is my all in all” on one side, cut into jigsaw puzzle pieces.
For what do we look to God?
Provision - God provides what we need (food, jobs, shelter).
Family - God gives us the family and friends that we need. (“God sets the lonely in families,” Psalm 68:6)
Guidance - God shows us what direction to take, if we wait for Him, trust Him, and seek His will.
Salvation - God provided a way for our sins to be atoned for; we could not save ourselves.
Hope - God gives us hope for the future. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
Life - “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28. If God ever decided He had enough of the human race, we would instantly cease to exist. Life is sustained by God; we live by and for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
As we talk about each piece of the puzzle, putting it all together, we are struck all over again by the realization that He is God alone! He is Sovereign and Omnipotent. We are like the grass of the field that is here today and gone tomorrow. And worse than that: we are rebellious. We think we’re important and powerful. We are like that tiny ant standing on the top of Mt. Everest, shaking its fist, and saying, “I am God.” Hardly! On the contrary, we need God’s love and His mercy. And God, in His graciousness, gives us both - abundantly - and then He adds in so many more things to give us joy and happiness in this life.
As we prepare for the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles, we need to take some time to reflect on how great God is - and how greatly He has blessed us. We need to take our eyes off ourselves and focus solely on Him. That will help us prepare to honestly rejoice at the Feast with all of our heart before Him!
Atonement, October 3rd
Reconciliation
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2
Sometimes an acrostic poem helps when talking about a topic. For instance:
Repent of the behavior that has caused the estrangement.
Eschew evil. Once you’ve identified what you’ve done wrong, stop doing it!
Confess what you’ve done wrong to the person you’ve wronged.
Own it. That is,
Never blame someone else for your actions. That negates the repentance!
Covet forgiveness and restoration of the relationship. If you don’t make it very plain that you want a relationship with the person, you may get forgiveness, but they don’t want anything to do with you.
Identify actions which will improve the relationship.
Live intentionally, figuring out ways to build the relationship.
Enthusiastically, gratefully rejoice in what Jesus has done to reconcile you to the Father.
Regardless of whether you’re talking about reconciling with another person, or reconciling with God the Father (against whom we have all sinned), you must repent, confess your sins, stop doing those sins, and make a profound change in your life!
Sabbath, October 4th
Reconciliation
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (ESV). 1 John 2:2
Do you remember how we talked about reconciliation yesterday. (Review flip chart.) God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. Here’s a simple way of what that might look like:
Two people are connected with a twine. One person does something to damage the relationship - like perhaps destroy a favorite toy. The connection is severed; the twine is cut. Now what? How can they move forward? Somebody has to admit they are wrong. In some cases, both people have to admit to wrongdoing. Then a reparation must be made - a payment or penalty for creating the problem. Maybe the person who broke the toy buys a new toy to replace the one that was destroyed. Once that proper payment is made, the debt is settled. But what happens if the wronged person doesn’t desire a relationship any more. Both people have to want the relationship for it to be restored. They work together to pick up that connection - like picking up a new twine.
Relationship → Conflict → Severed Relationship → Admit Guilt → Payment → Desire for Relationship
Our relationship with God follows much the same pattern.
Relationship → Sin → Severed Relationship → Admit Guilt/Repent → Jesus’ Sacrifice → Restoration
Do you know why restoration is what comes after Jesus’ sacrifice? Because God loves us so much; He wanted a relationship with us in the first place - while we were still sinners. And even though we remember what we have done, God says that He “remembers our sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.” This is amazing!! God blots out our transgressions for his own sake!! God has created us. He has provided everything we need to live. He draws us to Himself and shows us our sinfulness. He provides the propitiation (the proper payment) for our sins when we transgress His laws. He restores our relationship. And He forgets our sins. What an amazing God we serve!
But there’s more. It’s not just for us. It’s for everyone who He will call. Ooh! And how does God call people? He uses the church to be a light, shining in the darkness. He works through you and me, through our words and our actions. There’s a very good reason why 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ, that we have a ministry of reconciliation. God has a big job for us to do - to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that their relationship with God can be restored because they have been reconciled through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We’ve definitely a story to tell to the nations!!
Sabbath, October 25th
Light
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV)
Materials needed: tea candles, highlighters
Have you noticed all the decorations out right now? What have you seen? What holiday is our world celebrating this week? It’s Halloween, isn’t it. What do you think of Halloween? Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? Does it have anything to do with this week’s memory verse?
John 3:19: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
Do you think I’m being too harsh to say that celebrating Halloween is evil? What about that cute little girl dressed up as a ghost? Or the twins dressed up as Raggedy Ann and Andy? Is that evil?
First we have to consider the history of Halloween. It is definitely traced back to pagan celebrations. But many people today would say, “So what? Who cares what they did back then? I didn’t do any of those things.” Or they might say, “It’s just a fun time for the children. Don’t you want the children to have fun? And aren’t they cute?”
Do you think that’s what the Israelites told the prophets when the prophets wanted to know why they had incorporated pagan worship into their worship of God? (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Then people might say that they have “reclaimed the day for Christ,” that is, they’ve taken something pagan and made it Christian. Is that possible? Can a human being take something pagan and make it godly? (Haggai 2:12) Only God can make something holy - because He is holy. And God was quite clear about getting involved in anything pagan.
You are going to have the opportunity, at some point, to shine your light for God. What do I mean? You will be asked why you don’t celebrate Halloween. What will you say? Will you tell the person that you don’t think Halloween honors God? Can you think of a way to tell someone with grace and patience that you don’t participate in pagan activities? If you’re wondering what you could say, do this: go home, and say a prayer. Ask God to give you the words that will allow you to be a light. God’s Holy Spirit will teach you what to say. The Holy Spirit is that which powers your light (candle) so that you highlight God’s perfect ways (highlight).
Who can say the memory verse?
November
Sabbath, November 1st
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
"O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" Psalm 95:1
I want you to be very still and quiet for a moment. Close your eyes. Do you have a song playing in your head? What is it?
Did you do your homework this week? 1) What is your favorite song? 2) What did you sing this week? and 3) Does your music make you feel happy or sad?
The command to sing is peppered through the Bible in scriptures like:
1 Chronicles 16:23: "Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Tell of his salvation from day to day.”
Ephesians 5:19: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, as you sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”
Isaiah 42:10: "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.”
Psalm 96:1: "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."
Psalm 98:4: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music."
Psalm 149:1: "Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.”
Did you notice that these verses are all imperatives? They are all written as commands. So why are we commanded to sing? Because it is one way that we praise God.
Hebrews 13:15 says, ”Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (NIV).
So why should we praise God continually? Because He is worthy of praise! (Revelation 4:11; Psalm 96:4; 2 Samuel 22:4)
And when you come to church on Sabbath, that day when you have come to worship God, sing to the Lord with all of you heart. Praise Him with jubilant song! Because we serve the Awesome God who is worthy of all praise!
Sabbath, November 8th
Gratitude Jars
Memory Verse: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
What were you grateful for this week? Family, food, good weather, pets . . . Did you have any trouble coming up with something new every day?
Do you think it’s important to be grateful to God? Yes? Why?
First, we are commanded to be grateful. Your memory verse is written in the imperative. In fact, there are three commands. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Not only is it stated in the imperative form, this verse forms a couplet where the idea is repeated. So it’s a command that is emphasized!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Secondly, thankfulness is one way to worship God (Hebrews 12:28) - and we know God is worthy of worship. (Revelation 4:11)
Thirdly, ingratitude is an insult to our Great God who has given us all things. Deuteronomy 28:47 makes it quite clear that there are consequences to not serving God with joy and gladness for the abundance of all things.
Fourth, gratitude helps counteract anxiety. Are you worried about something? Are you fearful about something? Remembering what God has done, expressing thankfulness for previous blessings, and going to Him in prayer to ask for what you need bring peace and joy. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Lastly, gratitude is God’s will for His people. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
This week, you wrote one thing you were grateful for on a slip each day. Let’s cut those slips apart and put them in our Gratitude Jars. You’re going to continue doing this every day this month. Bring the jars and your slips back on the Sabbath, November 29th. We’ll do something special with them.
Sabbath, November 15th
Shine as Lights
Memory Verse: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” Philippians 2:14-15
Did you know that people watch you? They see your behavior and make judgments about who you are and what you believe. If they know you're a Christian, your actions are a witness about the God we serve. Are you a good and faithful witness for God because you are shining your light?
This week, I asked you to think of three things you can do to shine like a light in a darkened world. Did you bring your list to share in class? You will notice that I did not ask you to bring your list of actions related to the memory verse: times when you grumbled or disputed this week. There’s a good reason for that. Although I wanted you to memorize “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God . . .” (Philippians 2:14-15), I did not want you to focus your attention on grumbling and disputing. I wanted you to focus your attention on what you are grateful for.
There’s a weird thing that happens in our brains. If I tell you NOT to think about elephants with pink spots and blue squares, you are now imagining elephants with pink spots and blue squares. So if I had told you to write down all of the times you grumbled and disputed, that’s where your focus would have been - and you would have found more things to grumble and dispute about. And in effect, your negative attitude would have added to the darkness which is all around us in our world. I want you to do the opposite. I want you to focus on what you are grateful for. You know the old song “Count Your Many Blessings?” The more you start focusing on your blessings, the more you find.
The more you are grateful for the things you have, the more pleasant you are to be around. The more you glorify God in your actions. The more you are genuinely happy and content. The more you are a good and faithful witness for God . . . because gratitude is more than just being grateful for the things you have been given; gratitude is thankfulness TO the One who gave you all things. And we’re going to talk about this distinction next week.
In the meantime, keep counting your blessings and expressing your gratefulness to the One who deserves all glory and praise and honor and obedience and love - in both your words and your actions. Keep being a light in the world - a light of gratitude and praise and thanksgiving to our great God.
Sabbath, November 22nd
Deflated or Filled
"Give thanks in all circumstances…" 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Materials needed: balloons, gratitude slips
Pay attention this week to when you express gratitude and when you grumble. Be prepared to give one example of each. AND when you catch yourself expressing gratitude, stop and ask yourself, “How do I feel?” Then when you catch yourself grumbling, ask yourself the same question. Be prepared to share what you discovered during class Sabbath.
When did I grumble? How did grumbling make me feel?
When did I express gratitude? How did being thankful make me feel?
*****
What is grumbling? Complaining because you don’t like peas is different from telling your mom she never fixes anything good. Biblical grumbling is complaining with an attitude - and usually that attitude is stubbornness or rebellion. Why do people grumble? Things aren’t going well. They don’t like what they’re eating for supper. They didn’t get their way. These all fall into the category of thinking you should get what you want because you think you deserve it. Think about the Israelites coming out of Egypt. They were three days into the wilderness and there was no water. They could have gone to God and asked - after all God had just rescued them from Egypt and opened the Rea Sea. They didn’t ask. They grumbled: they accused God of bringing them into the wilderness to kill them.
Grumbling usually doesn’t get you what you want. In fact, grumbling - complaining with an attitude, especially against God - is sin! It exhibits a lack of trust and faith in God.
O.K. So why are people grateful? You realize you are getting blessings - many, many blessings. Even when things are not going like you want them to go, you know that God loves you and ultimately, in the end, He’s going to give you more than you could ever imagine - because He’s God and because He loves you. When you start focusing on the many blessings God has given you throughout your life, on what you HAVE, instead of what you don’t have, you’re like a balloon filled with air. You literally are so filled with gratitude, there’s no room for grumbling.
So the next time you are tempted to start grumbling, stop. Think about 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It says to give thanks in ALL circumstances. God has blessed you enormously already. He can take the negative things you’re experiencing and turn them into good. And if you have a relationship with Him, you haven’t seen anything yet!
Sabbath, November 29th
Gratitude Gardens
Memory Verse: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
Materials needed: gratitude slips, scissors, green pencils, hot glue gun, stapler, small cups, foam
Did you think this week about ways that you could show gratitude to God? Colossians 4:2 has three: 1) prayer; 2) being watchful; and 3) giving thanks.
Prayer isn’t just about asking God to give you things. Prayer is first about acknowledging that God is God: He’s Sovereign. He’s the Creator. He is truly our All in All. So you absolutely should make gratitude a huge part of your prayers.
Watching, as Keith told us a couple of weeks ago, is about being focused on the things of God, being spiritually awake. If you seek God and His priorities above your own, that shows your gratitude for who He is and what He’s done.
Being thankful, giving thanks, encompasses your actions, the words, and your feelings. Do you have an attitude of gratitude? When things go wrong, is your first inclination to grumble or to ask God for help? Are you so certain that God has blessed you beyond measure that you are overflowing with generosity towards others?
When you devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, you become useful to God - because you have your mind set on pleasing Him from whom all blessings flow. In cultivating a garden of gratitude, you are producing fruit for the Kingdom of God.
What are you growing in your garden?
Sabbath, December 6th
The Aroma of the Knowledge of Christ
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Materials: cedar blocks, various scented candles, scented markers, essential oils
What are some of your most favorite scents? Cinnamon, dill, bacon, BBQ, fried onions, spaghetti sauce, tacos. How about the freshness of the air after a spring rain storm? There are scents which bring memories immediately to mind. Sitting here, I can almost smell walking into Grandma’s house. Or the barn!
We in our society tend to emphasize visual and indeed, we do have lots of images and video clips running through our heads. But that’s only one of our senses. Isn’t it interesting then, that the apostle Paul gives thanks to God for leading us, in Christ, and spreading the fragrance of Christ everywhere?
O.K. So what does Christ smell like?
I don’t know that I can give you a definitive answer. But I do know that in order to smell something, you have to get close to it. And you have to not hold your breath. That sounds silly to say, but if you don’t want to smell something, you hold your breath. So in order to smell something, you have to want to smell it. And the scent has to be strong enough. Have you ever caught just a whiff of something, but couldn’t quite figure out what it was because it wasn’t strong enough? But at the same time, you don’t want to walk into an overpowering smell. I usually turn around and escape those as soon as possible.
So if you’re going to spread the aroma, the fragrance, of the knowledge of Christ, it’s going to be to someone close to you. It’s going to be someone who wants to smell that scent. It has to be strong enough, but not a sledge hammer of a smell.
Are your actions like that? Do the people closest to you “smell” the knowledge of Christ in your life? Are you aware of when they are hungry for the things of God? Are you strong and confident without being overpowering?
Sometimes people get used to us as Christians. In effect, our fragrance isn’t as obvious. But life has a way of revealing what’s truly inside a person. If the scent on the cedar grows faint, you can always scuff it with a piece of sandpaper to renew the scent. So when life throws trouble at you, do people smell the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ more clearly again? That is, when you experience trouble, do people see you relying on God?
I pray that as we each are scuffed by life, people are able to smell Jesus in our lives more clearly.
Sabbath, December 13th
Wait Upon the LORD
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Materials: hair dryer, ping pong ball
Do you know how far some butterflies migrate each year? Some Monarch butterflies travel 2,000 miles!
Do you know how far some hummingbirds migrate each year? Some travel 1,300 miles - 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico in 18-22 hours!!
Some eagles migrate from Northern Canada to northern Mexico each fall. That’s about 3000 miles. A stream of migrating eagles can be 20 - 30 miles long and half a mile wide, with the birds averaging about 30 miles an hour. They can travel as much as 225 miles a day. How can they go that far? They depend on the wind. If there’s no wind, the eagles can’t soar. So when there’s no wind, eagles stay put or only travel locally. Eagles take advantage of wind currents. They find a thermal - a column of rising warm air. Once the warm air carries the eagles really high, they glide until they find another column to take them up again.
Imagine how exhausted a butterfly or a hummingbird or an eagle would be if they didn’t have the wind helping them travel!!
In a similar way, when you belong to God, He gives you the support that you need in order to endure troubles and problems. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do anything. You can’t give up when faced with difficulty. You can’t just sit back and do nothing. God expects you to stay the course, to fight the good fight, to persevere to the end. But He also promises to help you - to renew your strength, to mount up with wings like eagles, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint.
It’s like a ping pong ball. The ping pong ball can fly through the air when hit or thrown. It can roll along the floor. It can bounce. But it cannot hope to lift itself up - not any more than you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps. But just like the air dryer can support the ping pong ball, God can give you the strength and determination, the courage and the hope to persevere in following Him and serving Him with all your heart!
Problems don’t go away, but God promises that we don’t have to go through them alone. We don’t have to find the strength on our own to endure. We can trust Him. We need to trust Him. He promises never to leave us or forsake us.
But we can lose God’s support if we decide we’re not going to walk in His ways. Here’s where the support is - in this stream of air. If we place the ball outside of that support, the ball will fall. If we try to live our lives outside of God’s support - outside of His ways, we’re going to find ourselves without the strength to persevere and succeed. Why would we want to live without God’s Spirit helping us in our lives? It would be so foolish!
So stay close to God. Read your Bible every day. Talk to God every day in prayer. Go to church. Think about God and what He wants you to do in every situation. Trust God. Wait upon Him.
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Concept from: Science and the Bible: 30 Scientific Demonstrations Illustrating Scriptural Truths, Donald B. DeYoung, “Floating on Air,” Baker Books, 1994, pg. 52-54.
Sabbath, December 20th
God Did It
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
Have you been paying attention this week? Have you seen God at work in your life?
There was a sabbath, several years ago now, when we all shared experiences when we knew God had been at work. What others might have attributed to coincidence, we all believed was God’s hand in our lives. Sometimes it’s healing. Sometimes it’s protection when we’re driving. Sometimes it’s a strong warning feeling not to do something.
When Jennifer was little, she had blocked tear ducts. The pediatrician advised us to take her to a specialist, which we did. He told us she might need to have surgery, but he told us to massage her ducts. Ron and I didn’t want our baby to have to have surgery. We prayed. We massaged her tear ducts. God healed her so she didn’t have to have surgery.
Ron had tendonitis at one point. That’s not such a good thing for someone who climbs ladders and telephone poles all day long. It was getting so bad that he couldn’t hold a cup of coffee with that hand. So he asked to be anointed at church one Sabbath. The pastor said the prayer, but asked for healing for Ron’s shoulder. Ron didn’t correct him in the middle of the prayer! But the next day while he was eating lunch in his truck, Ron prayed that God would hear that prayer, but apply it to his elbow. About thirty second later, Ron literally felt something in his elbow - and his tendonitis was dramatically better.
We could talk for the next hour about the things God has done, but the question I want to ask you is why would God do those things? Several answers come to mind: 1) because He loves each of us; 2) because we asked; 3) to grow our faith; and/or 4) to be a witness to the world of His power and glory. And we could probably think of other reasons as well. But I want to focus on the third reason - to grow our faith. When we believe with all of our heart that God hears our prayers; that He answers prayers; that He loves us; that even when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we would want, He’s still working for our good - when we believe that with all of our hearts, God can use us to spread the gospel - not just with our words, but with our actions. We are loving to others. We are kind. We are giving. We are forgiving. We are slow to anger and gracious.
It doesn’t take much effort to realize that Godly actions like that are not the norm in our society today. There’s a lot of violence and hatred and self-centered behavior. So when God empowers us because of His Holy Spirit working with us and in us, it becomes a huge testimony to Him - to His glory and honor!
I want to show you something that’s pretty cool. I have a spoon. I am using a dry erase marker to make a heart on the back of it. I color it in and let it dry. Do you think I could transfer that heart to a piece of paper? If I slowly dip the spoon into a bowl of water, the ink will float on the water. I can place a piece of paper on that floating heart and it will stick. There’s a good scientific reason for why this works. But what I want you to remember from this experiment is that God is the One who works things out for your good. He’s the One who gives you wisdom. He’s the One who works in your life. Give Him the glory - always.
Sabbath, December 27th
Living Water
Memory Verse - “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” - Isaiah 12:3
I probably have a slightly different perspective on water than most of you. I grew up in Wyoming where water is a scarce commodity. Ron for years has teased me about this! When he saw the Laramie River in southeast Wyoming, he quipped that Missouri has drainage ditches larger than that! And in fact, Mom used to characterize the infrequent rainstorms by the distance between the rain drops, not the depth in the rain gauge. That is, a 6-inch rain is one in which the raindrops are six inches apart. Growing up it was ALWAYS, “YAY!! It’s raining!!” It was never a case where we were unhappy about rain disrupting our plans. It was too precious. I love lakes and streams and waterfalls and creeks. Why would that be? What is water good for?
But water can be used in other ways too!
In reality, physical life could not exist on Earth (or anywhere in the universe) without water. So it’s very interesting that water is also called “living water,” for example, in
Isaiah 35:5-7 - Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
Jeremiah 2:13 - for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[a] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
and John 7:37-39 - 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
God is the Source of life. It is only through Him that we have this physical life and that we have hope of Eternal Life in His kingdom. Yes, water is indeed very important!!!
Gratitude Gardens
Memory Verse: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
Materials needed: gratitude slips, scissors, green pencils, hot glue gun, stapler, small cups, foam
Did you think this week about ways that you could show gratitude to God? Colossians 4:2 has three: 1) prayer; 2) being watchful; and 3) giving thanks.
Prayer isn’t just about asking God to give you things. Prayer is first about acknowledging that God is God: He’s Sovereign. He’s the Creator. He is truly our All in All. So you absolutely should make gratitude a huge part of your prayers.
Watching, as Keith told us a couple of weeks ago, is about being focused on the things of God, being spiritually awake. If you seek God and His priorities above your own, that shows your gratitude for who He is and what He’s done.
Being thankful, giving thanks, encompasses your actions, the words, and your feelings. Do you have an attitude of gratitude? When things go wrong, is your first inclination to grumble or to ask God for help? Are you so certain that God has blessed you beyond measure that you are overflowing with generosity towards others?
When you devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, you become useful to God - because you have your mind set on pleasing Him from whom all blessings flow. In cultivating a garden of gratitude, you are producing fruit for the Kingdom of God.
What are you growing in your garden?
Sabbath, December 6th
The Aroma of the Knowledge of Christ
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Materials: cedar blocks, various scented candles, scented markers, essential oils
What are some of your most favorite scents? Cinnamon, dill, bacon, BBQ, fried onions, spaghetti sauce, tacos. How about the freshness of the air after a spring rain storm? There are scents which bring memories immediately to mind. Sitting here, I can almost smell walking into Grandma’s house. Or the barn!
We in our society tend to emphasize visual and indeed, we do have lots of images and video clips running through our heads. But that’s only one of our senses. Isn’t it interesting then, that the apostle Paul gives thanks to God for leading us, in Christ, and spreading the fragrance of Christ everywhere?
O.K. So what does Christ smell like?
I don’t know that I can give you a definitive answer. But I do know that in order to smell something, you have to get close to it. And you have to not hold your breath. That sounds silly to say, but if you don’t want to smell something, you hold your breath. So in order to smell something, you have to want to smell it. And the scent has to be strong enough. Have you ever caught just a whiff of something, but couldn’t quite figure out what it was because it wasn’t strong enough? But at the same time, you don’t want to walk into an overpowering smell. I usually turn around and escape those as soon as possible.
So if you’re going to spread the aroma, the fragrance, of the knowledge of Christ, it’s going to be to someone close to you. It’s going to be someone who wants to smell that scent. It has to be strong enough, but not a sledge hammer of a smell.
Are your actions like that? Do the people closest to you “smell” the knowledge of Christ in your life? Are you aware of when they are hungry for the things of God? Are you strong and confident without being overpowering?
Sometimes people get used to us as Christians. In effect, our fragrance isn’t as obvious. But life has a way of revealing what’s truly inside a person. If the scent on the cedar grows faint, you can always scuff it with a piece of sandpaper to renew the scent. So when life throws trouble at you, do people smell the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ more clearly again? That is, when you experience trouble, do people see you relying on God?
I pray that as we each are scuffed by life, people are able to smell Jesus in our lives more clearly.
Sabbath, December 13th
Wait Upon the LORD
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Materials: hair dryer, ping pong ball
Do you know how far some butterflies migrate each year? Some Monarch butterflies travel 2,000 miles!
Do you know how far some hummingbirds migrate each year? Some travel 1,300 miles - 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico in 18-22 hours!!
Some eagles migrate from Northern Canada to northern Mexico each fall. That’s about 3000 miles. A stream of migrating eagles can be 20 - 30 miles long and half a mile wide, with the birds averaging about 30 miles an hour. They can travel as much as 225 miles a day. How can they go that far? They depend on the wind. If there’s no wind, the eagles can’t soar. So when there’s no wind, eagles stay put or only travel locally. Eagles take advantage of wind currents. They find a thermal - a column of rising warm air. Once the warm air carries the eagles really high, they glide until they find another column to take them up again.
Imagine how exhausted a butterfly or a hummingbird or an eagle would be if they didn’t have the wind helping them travel!!
In a similar way, when you belong to God, He gives you the support that you need in order to endure troubles and problems. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do anything. You can’t give up when faced with difficulty. You can’t just sit back and do nothing. God expects you to stay the course, to fight the good fight, to persevere to the end. But He also promises to help you - to renew your strength, to mount up with wings like eagles, to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint.
It’s like a ping pong ball. The ping pong ball can fly through the air when hit or thrown. It can roll along the floor. It can bounce. But it cannot hope to lift itself up - not any more than you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps. But just like the air dryer can support the ping pong ball, God can give you the strength and determination, the courage and the hope to persevere in following Him and serving Him with all your heart!
Problems don’t go away, but God promises that we don’t have to go through them alone. We don’t have to find the strength on our own to endure. We can trust Him. We need to trust Him. He promises never to leave us or forsake us.
But we can lose God’s support if we decide we’re not going to walk in His ways. Here’s where the support is - in this stream of air. If we place the ball outside of that support, the ball will fall. If we try to live our lives outside of God’s support - outside of His ways, we’re going to find ourselves without the strength to persevere and succeed. Why would we want to live without God’s Spirit helping us in our lives? It would be so foolish!
So stay close to God. Read your Bible every day. Talk to God every day in prayer. Go to church. Think about God and what He wants you to do in every situation. Trust God. Wait upon Him.
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Concept from: Science and the Bible: 30 Scientific Demonstrations Illustrating Scriptural Truths, Donald B. DeYoung, “Floating on Air,” Baker Books, 1994, pg. 52-54.
Sabbath, December 20th
God Did It
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13
Have you been paying attention this week? Have you seen God at work in your life?
There was a sabbath, several years ago now, when we all shared experiences when we knew God had been at work. What others might have attributed to coincidence, we all believed was God’s hand in our lives. Sometimes it’s healing. Sometimes it’s protection when we’re driving. Sometimes it’s a strong warning feeling not to do something.
When Jennifer was little, she had blocked tear ducts. The pediatrician advised us to take her to a specialist, which we did. He told us she might need to have surgery, but he told us to massage her ducts. Ron and I didn’t want our baby to have to have surgery. We prayed. We massaged her tear ducts. God healed her so she didn’t have to have surgery.
Ron had tendonitis at one point. That’s not such a good thing for someone who climbs ladders and telephone poles all day long. It was getting so bad that he couldn’t hold a cup of coffee with that hand. So he asked to be anointed at church one Sabbath. The pastor said the prayer, but asked for healing for Ron’s shoulder. Ron didn’t correct him in the middle of the prayer! But the next day while he was eating lunch in his truck, Ron prayed that God would hear that prayer, but apply it to his elbow. About thirty second later, Ron literally felt something in his elbow - and his tendonitis was dramatically better.
We could talk for the next hour about the things God has done, but the question I want to ask you is why would God do those things? Several answers come to mind: 1) because He loves each of us; 2) because we asked; 3) to grow our faith; and/or 4) to be a witness to the world of His power and glory. And we could probably think of other reasons as well. But I want to focus on the third reason - to grow our faith. When we believe with all of our heart that God hears our prayers; that He answers prayers; that He loves us; that even when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we would want, He’s still working for our good - when we believe that with all of our hearts, God can use us to spread the gospel - not just with our words, but with our actions. We are loving to others. We are kind. We are giving. We are forgiving. We are slow to anger and gracious.
It doesn’t take much effort to realize that Godly actions like that are not the norm in our society today. There’s a lot of violence and hatred and self-centered behavior. So when God empowers us because of His Holy Spirit working with us and in us, it becomes a huge testimony to Him - to His glory and honor!
I want to show you something that’s pretty cool. I have a spoon. I am using a dry erase marker to make a heart on the back of it. I color it in and let it dry. Do you think I could transfer that heart to a piece of paper? If I slowly dip the spoon into a bowl of water, the ink will float on the water. I can place a piece of paper on that floating heart and it will stick. There’s a good scientific reason for why this works. But what I want you to remember from this experiment is that God is the One who works things out for your good. He’s the One who gives you wisdom. He’s the One who works in your life. Give Him the glory - always.
Sabbath, December 27th
Living Water
Memory Verse - “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” - Isaiah 12:3
I probably have a slightly different perspective on water than most of you. I grew up in Wyoming where water is a scarce commodity. Ron for years has teased me about this! When he saw the Laramie River in southeast Wyoming, he quipped that Missouri has drainage ditches larger than that! And in fact, Mom used to characterize the infrequent rainstorms by the distance between the rain drops, not the depth in the rain gauge. That is, a 6-inch rain is one in which the raindrops are six inches apart. Growing up it was ALWAYS, “YAY!! It’s raining!!” It was never a case where we were unhappy about rain disrupting our plans. It was too precious. I love lakes and streams and waterfalls and creeks. Why would that be? What is water good for?
- Washing your face. Washing your car. Washing the dishes.
- Making food.
- Making plants grow.
- Modifying the surface of our world - as in erosion and The Flood.
But water can be used in other ways too!
- Frozen ice can cool off your drink.
- Entertainment and exercise: You can ice skate on frozen ice; you can swim in non-frozen water.
- It can heat (or cool) your home.
- Water can also be a musical instrument. (Now is a good time to do a bottle xylophone experiment!)
In reality, physical life could not exist on Earth (or anywhere in the universe) without water. So it’s very interesting that water is also called “living water,” for example, in
Isaiah 35:5-7 - Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
Jeremiah 2:13 - for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[a] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
and John 7:37-39 - 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
God is the Source of life. It is only through Him that we have this physical life and that we have hope of Eternal Life in His kingdom. Yes, water is indeed very important!!!
