April 2022 week 3

Monday

Are We There Yet?

Are you enjoying the Journey?

Lesson Objective:  To understand that we are on a never-ending journey during this lifetime.  Our hope is to cross the finish line

Scripture Psalms 73: 1-3

Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

When traveling which do you prefer?  Travel by air, travel by train, or travel by car. Some would answer by air so that they could quickly reach their destination. Others would say by train because it may be a little more comfortable and can see some of the scenery even though it goes quickly. Others like me would say they prefer to travel by car. The reason being that one can take the time to enjoy the countryside views, stop and smell the roses and just stop whenever you want when you find something of interest. Often times we stop enjoying the journey because we are too worried about others. We are too busy seeing what others may have rather than enjoying what we have. The word of God is a lamp unto our feet but what use is it if we are too busy looking at what others may or may not have and not watching where we are going. The lamp is there to direct our path so that we can fully enjoy our journey in life.

 

Thought for the day: The best things in life can be right in front of you in broad daylight

Tuesday

Are We There Yet?

Are you enjoying the Journey?

Lesson Objective:  To understand that we are on a never-ending journey during this lifetime.  Our hope is to cross the finish line

Scripture : Proverbs 17:22

a joyful heart is good medicine,

But a broken spirit dries up the bones

Life’s journey can be viewed like those looking at a glass of water which can be seen as half full or half empty. Often times our journey in life is exactly as we see it. Some wake each morning dreading the coming day and what troubles the day will bring. Others wake up seeing the day as full of opportunities to get the most out of life. There are some who hate their job and are looking forward to retirement and then when they retire they complain because they do not know what to do with the time. There are others who choose to continue being fruitful even after the retirement age because they love what they do and see each day as a blessing. Serving God should be a joyful experience no matter the challenges that one may face. Many often wrongly relate joy to not suffering or not having challenges in life. It is quite the opposite. Joy comes from how one sees their situation in life. This is exactly why those with little can have so much more joy than those who have much.

Thought for the day:  Only you will decide today if you will have joy or a broken spirit. You can choose to enjoy the journey

Wednesday

Are We There Yet?

Are you enjoying the Journey?

Lesson Objective:  To understand that we are on a never-ending journey during this lifetime.  Our hope is to cross the finish line

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 5:18
Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

It is important that we understand that this verse has three sections. “for it is his heritage”- God wants us to have joy in our lives. There are those that suggest that we should be somber and serious at all times. This is far from the truth. It is ok to laugh and have fun. God blesses us so that we can enjoy what he provides us. It is said that some people eat to live and others live to eat. Those who eat to live may never really enjoy the taste of food while those who live to eat take the time to really enjoy the taste of the food and drink. “fitting for one to eat and drink”- taking the time to eat and drink has always been a sign of joy and in some countries, it is a sign of disrespect to refuse to dine. “his labor”- we must never forget that we must work for our joy. One cannot be lazy and still expect to gain blessings that we can enjoy. We can expect something for nothing.

 

Thought for the day: Work diligently so that you may enjoy the fruits of your labor

Thursday

Are We There Yet?

Are you enjoying the Journey?

Lesson Objective:  To understand that we are on a never-ending journey during this lifetime.  Our hope is to cross the finish line

Scripture:  1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Some people read this scripture and do not really understand it. They read it as if there is only one prize and that we should run the race to be the one and only winner. That is far from the truth. We can all be winners in this journey. We must understand that this is not a sprint but this race is a marathon that requires perseverance, stamina, and keeping our eyes on the prize. Those who persevere, actually find enjoyment in the journey.  Mountain climbers most often say that they climb the mountain not to get to the top but they enjoy the climb and utilizing the skills necessary to make the climb successfully. In this journey called life, things will not be smooth all of the time but if we can ever learn to really enjoy those times, life would be so much easier for us.

Thought for the day: Remember it is not how fast you ran but did you finish the race

Friday

Are We There Yet?

Are you enjoying the Journey?

Lesson Objective:  To understand that we are on a never-ending journey during this lifetime.  Our hope is to cross the finish line

Scripture: John 14: 1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also

This journey is one that has many twists and turns with the ultimate destination of heaven and eternal life. Like any journey, we strive to see signs that we are on the right road and headed in the right direction. There are several signs 1) Love Christ Highway.. If you are on the right road then you will Love Christ Highway which means that you are striving to keep his commandments for he said that if you love me you will keep my commandments 2) Bear Fruit Highway. While this is a personal journey, you will see others along the way that you have helped and they can see you as a light in the dark. For it is said that we will be known by our fruit 3) Faith and Works Highway.  Faith is the only way to get into heaven and faith without works does not reflect true faith. All of these highways run into the one and only true way to heaven which is Love. We will know that we have reached our destination when we can truly possess the agape love for then we can love as Christ loves us.

Thought for the day: We cannot enjoy the journey unless we have love.

 

 

 

: Luke 8: 4-5;; Hebrews 10: 35-36;; Hebrews 12: 1

Introduction video

  1. When you travel, do you spend more energy on reaching the destination or on the actual trip?
  2. Children spend most of the time concerned with the destination
    1. There was a movie called “ Are we there yet”
      1. Children did not want to make the trip
      2. Children learned valuable lessons on how to interact with their new dad to be on the trip
    2. Parents spend time and money on games ( ipads, etc) to keep the children occupied
    3. The children can lose valuable experiences while traveling
  3. Children of Israel lost their way because they did not enjoy the journey-

Biblical Lessons for the journey

  1. Luke 8: 4-5 ( The parable of the seed and the sower)
    1. Life is a continual journey to fulfillment
    2. Life was never to be easy but the rewards are great
  2. Psalms 73: 1-3
    1. We can get into trouble when we take our eyes off God and turn to look at the world
  3. Hebrews 10: 35-36; 1 Corinthians 9:24
    1. Perseverance and keeping the Faith are vital to the journey
    2. Run always to win the prize
  4. How do you know if you have reached the destination?
    1. Matthew 7: 15-17 You can tell by your fruit
    2. Matthew 5:10 Everyone will not like you
    3. Follow the road signs- John 14:15
    4. Matthew 7: 21-23
  5. During the journey do not forget to praise the Lord and rejoice always- Philippians 4:4