July 2021 Week 3

Friday

No Position is Too Small For God

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

Lesson Objective: To understand that God can use us no matter what our status is in life.

We continually misunderstand the fact that God has a role for each of us in the building of the Kingdom. No one role is more important than another. Nehemiah was only the cup barrier for the King but used that position to gain the favor of the King to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah prepared himself for the task by fasting and praying so that when the opportunity came, he was ready. So should we be ever ready to carry out the mandates and witness for God. We will each have an opportunity to witness and must be ready to seize the chance as it occurs.

Thought for today: Be attentive today and look for the opportunity to witness for God.

Thursday

God Fights Our Battles

Scripture: Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Lesson Objective: To understand that God has a purpose for each of us and it is our responsibility to seek and carry out that purpose.

Many times I have wondered what my purpose is in life and if I am fulfilling that purpose. I have learned that my primary purpose and perhaps only, purpose in life is to seek to understand the Word of God and to more importantly do the Word of God. In order to do such, I must prepare my heart with the proper foundation and rebuild my thoughts and deeds to be in conjunction with the Word of God. As the Children of Israel had challenges in rebuilding the temple, so do we have challenges to rebuild our lives for God. There will be those who will try and confuse us and even try to stop us but the Will of God will prevail in our lives if we choose to obey him and keep his commandments

Thought for today: The best means of preparation for the heart is prayer.

 

What Do You Seek?

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

And God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life–but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king–wisdom and knowledge are granted to you.

Lesson Objective: To understand that we must build our life’s foundation on serving God first.

As adults we many times serve an injustice to our youth. They come to us seeking advice on career options and the first thing that we do is talk with them about choosing a career that makes them money. This sets up a mindset that the primary reason for choosing a career is how much money one can make. This is very inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. We must assure that our youth understand the importance of seeking to aid others first and seeking the direction of God and allowing that thought pattern to be the foundation of their lives.

Thought for today: First seek the Kingdom of God and all other things will be given unto you.

Wednesday

Tuesday

Who Do You Seek For Advice?

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

Lesson Objective: To understand that the consequences of not seeking God may lead to death.

Everyday we have an opportunity and need to seek the Lord’s will in our lives and for direction. Instead of seeking counsel from our spiritual brothers and sisters, we look to those of the world who will give us the answers that we desire rather than the answers that are consistent with the Word of God. While this may appear harmless, it in fact can and often times does lead to dire consequences even unto death. We must be careful from whom we seek advice, God should be the only one that we ask and it should be done daily.

Thought for today: Surround yourself with those who recognize the voice of God and listen and obey.

 

Who Do You Want To Be Near?

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:2

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.

Lesson Objective: To understand that God wants us to follow his followers.

This is an interesting day and age where everyone is looking for a hero. For many the hero is a sports figure who can shoot a basketball or throw a football. However, often times we find that off the field the athlete makes headlines doing something that is inappropriate such as drinking and driving or worse. The same is for the movie star or television personality who appears to be one way when playing a character, but is much different in real life. We must be careful of whom we choose to be role models. We must seek to follow those who live a life that is scriptural and is consistent with the teachings of Christ. This is why Elijah did not have any problem following Elisha to the point that he would not leave his side

Thought for today: Whom do you follow and more importantly, are you living the life that someone should follow you?