August 2021 week 4

Monday

Are You humble?

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of being humble

In the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, he discusses the need to become a better person. He then identifies 12 traits or principles that he feels will make him a better person. He then shares the traits with his friend who told him that he was missing one trait, humility. Often times we do not demonstrate humility and allow our ego to get in the way.  EGO is Edging God Out.

Thought for the day:  Do you allow pride to get in the way of your walk with God.?

Tuesday

Today is a New Day

Scripture:  Philippians 3:13- 14

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Lesson Objective:  To realize that every day is a new day and we must take advantage of it.

When asked about not being allowed to play major league baseball in the past Satchel Paige responded with the quote “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you”.  We also know that sprinters do not look back when approaching the ribbon but instead lean forward. Every day is a new day with a chance to get it right or to build on the past.

Thought for the day:  Take full advantage of all this day because you will never get it back.

Wednesday

Yet Holding On

Scripture : 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Lesson Objective: To understand that the race is not won by the swift but by those who endure to the end.

Remember the story of the tortoise and the rabbit. The rabbit was not patient and did not endure. The rabbit kept stopping and resting which was due to being over confident. Often times we become over confident in our own skills and abilty and forget that those skills are gifts from God and that we should always rely on God. The tortoise was patient and never stopped believing. The tortoise had the faith of a mustard seed. This is the faith that was taught by Christ which leads toward victory if we just hold on. This race is won by those that endure like the Tortoise.  Furthermore we must understand that it is not that we win and others lose like worldly races. We do not have to step on others to get ahead.  All have the opportunity to win the prize

Thought for the day:  Hold on and never ever give up.

Thursday

Are you running toward or running away from that Challenge

Scripture:  1 Samuel 17: 47-48

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

⁴⁸ As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him

Lesson Objective: To remind us that we must not be fearful but know that God never loses a battle

We all meet challenges in life and the only question is how do we react to such challenges.  Today I would like to remind us that challenges are only an opportunity to demonstrate the power of God.  David was so confident of his victory that he ran toward Goliath. He was confident because he remembered all of the times before when God has protected him and gave him victory. He did not doubt the power of God and he recognized that it was not he fighting but God  fighting the battle. We should learn from David to not allow others to make us question our belief and always be ready and willing to witness for God knowing that we are always prepared for battle and always prepared for victory.

Thought for the day:  We must continue to be confident in our winning the race and always “ yet holding on”

Friday

Looking for a Star?

Scripture:  Acts 13: 22

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.

Lesson Objective: The Bible gives us people that we can emulate and follow their examples

In today’s society people often are searching for athletes or other celebrities to follow via social media, movies, etc. Many often try to pattern their lives after them by purchasing shoes and or clothes with their brand names or cutting their hair in a certain  manner. I would suggest that the Bible would be a better place to find such examples. David is such an example. No David was not perfect for he was a murderer and a liar among other sins but he remained steadfast in his service to God. When he sinned he went to God to show true remorse and he understood his true relationship with God.

Thought for the day: Who is looking at you to emulate your relationship with God?