June 2021 Week 5

Thursday

Often times we intend to take specific actions but we do not. I have found one of the best ways to counteract this is to find a friend to hold me accountable. The mere fact that I know someone is going to ask me if I did a particular task causes me to ensure that I do it.

Scripture: Matthew 7:7

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you

Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of actions in our lives to take advantage of the blessings that God has in store for each of us.

The story of the Woman with the issue of blood as described in Matthew 9: 20-22 is a prime example of one who took action based upon her faith. She had waited for 12 years seeking a cure for her disease but when given the opportunity to seek Christ, she did not hesitate. She did not let the fact that she had not been successful those 12 past years in being cured stop her from reaching out to Christ. She recognized the power of Christ was so great that all she had to do was touch the hem of his garment. Friends push friends to reach out to seek the unobtainable. Friends who understand faith can share that faith with others when they may get weary.

Thought for today: When encouraging a friend to reach out for greater heights, remind them that “they can do all things through Christ who strengthen them”.

Wednesday

Do we take the time to keep with those who we call friends? Even with Facebook, Twitter, we sometimes forget to keep in touch, Think about taking some time to just drop an IM and say Hello Friend just wanted to say hello.

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:2:

But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!”

Lesson Objective: To look at a friendship that could not be broken until death

Often times people have several “best “ friends”. This friendship could be as a result of being school chums in elementary school or working together in the same office. Sometimes friendships develop between mentors and mentees. However very often the friendships do not last. One moves away to a different city or moves to a different job and the friendship begins to suffer to the extent that it becomes one of a few telephone calls and a few cards. True friendship is based on love and as such the friendship will never cease. So is our Friendship with God. He will never leave us and it is not only to death but beyond

Thought for today: With whom do I have a true friendship that neither space nor time will come between? Am I true to my word when I said we would be friends forever?

Tuesday

If you want to learn to walk on water, you must first get out of the boat. We often times fail to receive the blessings from God because we fail to have faith. We continually seek safety nets. Many successful people were successful because there were no other options. Failure was not an option and there was no safety net.

Scripture: Genesis 12: 1-2

…Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

Lesson Objective: To understand that God loves those who are faithful.

Someone once said that being faithful is willing to jump off of a cliff and believing that one of two things will happen. Either God will catch you or you will learn to fly. True faith is somewhat similar to jumping off the cliff with no safety net other than God. God loves us and desires so much for us; however, we limit our blessings by being unwilling to step out of our comfort zone and be willing to risk it all for God. Life should not be a gamble for a gamble means that you are banking on luck. Life is a sure thing with God in your corner.

Thought for today: Is there a still quite voice that is telling you to step out on faith and follow the directions of God? What is holding you back?

Monday

I need a Hug

In Jinan ICF we have a tradition that we hug. Not just a pat on the back but a real “bear” hug. I miss my hugs. Why, because we are a loving Church. I encourage you to go out today and give someone a real hug and say I love you like Christ loves me.

Scripture: Proverbs 18:24

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Lesson Objective: To understand that each of us decides if we are going to have true friends.

There are some people who go through life and claim that they have no real friends. These are the same people who sit in a corner at the party and wait for others to come to them for conversations or when asked questions never answer more than yes or no. They never share their thoughts, wishes or desires with anyone. When someone reaches out to them, they choose to shut the door of their heart and mind rather than share with others. We can never have true friendships if we are unwilling to open up and be a friend to others. Developing friendships means to make ourselves vulnerable but that must not keep us from seeking.

Thought for today: Walls are barriers that not only keep others out but also keep us locked in. Are you willing to lower the walls to have a true friendship?