What Would It Have Been Like? –“To Be Ruth of the Bible”

July 26, 2013, 3:00 am

≫ Next: The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013

≪ Previous: “Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013

“What now?” clawed at her throat, but the words refused to be uttered from her mouth. Disbelief that her husband was dead locked those words in her tortured mind. Numbness over the reality of it all would have made her swoon if it were not for the look on her mother-in-law’s face.

“Not now,” Ruth thought as she tried to hold on to her composure despite the sadness that gripped her own heart. “Noami needs me to be strong,” she silently willed within herself. “First, Elimelech, and now this. How much more can she bear?”

“Daughters,” Naomi spoke up, “it is time,” feeling greatly resolved at the decision that had to be made.

“What?” both women, Ruth and Orpah, spoke in unison.

“It is time for me to return home. Oh, girls, Moab has been good to my family and me these last years. But, Moab is not home.” Looking at their pleading eyes Naomi continued, “It has recently come to my attention that the famine we fled from is now over. God has blessed my people once again with His favor. There is now bread in Bethlehem. I have no more reason to stay here. It is time for me to go back.”

“But, what of your life here,” asked one of the women?

“I no longer have a life here, dear,” Naomi cried with sobs breaking through her words. “In this land I have had to say good-bye to the people I treasure most in this world. This land has taken my heart; it has taken my family. I’ve watched my husband die and now I am forced to let go of my sons. What is there left for me here?”

“Naomi, you have us,” Ruth spoke confidently.

“No, my daughter. It is best if you two return to your homes as I must return to mine. I am old. I have nothing left to offer you.”

“Mother,” Ruth lovingly and gently spoke to her. “We can do this together. You don’t have to return to Bethlehem and we don’t have to leave your side. Somehow, some way we can make this work.”

Sighing and hoping for understanding, Naomi turned to the face that bore the sadness of her own. “Child, I love you both, and I would that for all the world to have things as they once were. But, it is not so. Things will never be the same for me again. Not here anyway. Now, I must return to my own people where I belong to seek solace for this old, broken heart.”

“Then, permit us to go with you,” Ruth said with Orpah nodding in agreement.

“Mahlon and Chilion were my only sons. I have no more. I am now too old to remarry. It’s as I told you, I have nothing left offer you. It would be selfish of me to ask you to give up the possibility of a better future in your parent’s homes to follow me. Go, return now to your own people. Perhaps God will be gracious to you and you can remarry there and start over again someday.”

“You don’t mean that, do you,” Ruth questioned as she looked into the eyes of the woman whom she has come to love? Sobbing by her side, Orpah could not speak. Their world had been shaken, but Naomi is right, she thought within herself.

There was a decision that had to be made that day. Both Ruth and Orpah would have to choose what path in life they would follow.

What would it have been like to stand there that day and to make that decision? Those times were not favorable toward women who were all alone. Should they stay or should they go?

Walking into the unknown toward Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth chose to go. Orpah chose to return back home to her people. There she would hope to find some semblance of normalcy and stability. Ruth, as the Bible says, clung to Naomi and refused to be parted from this woman who has meant so much to her.

That day Ruth walked away from everything familiar with no promise for better. Ruth turned her back on her own family to love and support this woman who is not even of her own flesh and blood. Ruth chose a path most would not want to travel. Hers was a path of self-sacrifice. Lest, one take her story too lightly, they should consider her life in comparison with ours today.

Before I go anywhere I plan ahead in great detail to be sure I lack nothing when I arrive. Ruth had no such pleasure. Not only was she not guaranteed any provisions of life, but would they even accept her in Bethlehem. Surely by now they knew that Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. How would she be treated? People would rejoice at the return of Naomi, but what of her? In that place, are there those who would take advantage of her? If any of those questions ever arose they were not spoken for fear of thwarting the opportunity to follow Naomi. Her only concern was for that very woman, not herself.

In every part of her journey Ruth stepped into the unknown. In her travels with Naomi, in her arrival in Bethlehem, her work at gleaning the fields to try and support Naomi, and in her marriage to Boaz. Everything was new to her and everything was strange. But, everything she did, she did for the love and care of Naomi.

What would it have been like to give up so much; to show so much love to make such a decision? If we knew all the particulars of a woman in her situation in that day we would see that hers was a decision of pure love.

She knew everything she was leaving behind. She didn’t know anything about where she was headed. But, declaring God as her own, her mind was made up and her heart was fixed. Onward she walked the journey where life would lead her because of that decision made that day.

In the end, God greatly blessed her life and the sacrifices she made on behalf of another. So much so, that she ended up giving birth to Obed who is the grandfather of King David, the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It started out with a decision. Not knowing what we were stepping into, would we have been able to make that decision? What would it have been like to be Ruth of the Bible?

Ruth teaches us our decisions matter!

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized, What Would It Have Been Like? Tagged: Bethlehem, Book of Ruth, God, Mahlon and Chilion, Moab, Naomi, Orpah, Ruth, The Story of Ruth

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The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013

July 29, 2013, 7:08 pm

≫ Next: “Worship!”

≪ Previous: What Would It Have Been Like? –“To Be Ruth of the Bible”

Photo Credit: Gospelgifs.com

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August 4, 2013

The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles

Nehemiah 8:13-18

(Click here for WORD document of today’s lesson: The Festival of Booths Sunday School Lesson or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

The word of God is foundational in every ministry and in every Christian life. The book of Proverbs tells us, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him,” (30:5). The word of God is blameless and undefiled. The word of God is protection for the one who reads it, studies it and believes it!

“The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit . . . discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” (Heb. 4:12). When taken in with understanding the word of God gets into the innermost being of the soul and spirit, bringing about a transparency of the heart and mind. The word of God is a divider of what’s right and what’s wrong. The word of God is a lamp and a light, (Ps. 119:105). The word of God is His infallible truth, (John 17:17).

The word of God is what affected the people in today’s lesson. Throughout this series of lessons people came home from captivity, altars were rebuilt, foundations laid, temples revived and walls restored. Out of all of those glorious and wonderful things they encountered, nothing affected the people so much as their encounter with the word of God. This inspired them to worship and celebrate as prescribed by God.

Background

Today’s lesson occurs in the seventh month. In the previous lesson: “Joyful Worship Restored/Restoring Joyful Worship,” we see the holiness of this special month, along with the feasts and celebrations enjoined. Here, at the beginning of Nehemiah 8, they are once again entering the month of these holy celebrations. At that time, Ezra who is a scribe and priest “stood on a pulpit,” (vs. 4) and “opened the book,” (vs. 5) to read from the word of God. The books he read were from “the law of Moses,” (vs. 1) which we know today as the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

Assisting Ezra that day were the Levites. At the reading of the word of God to the congregation, the Levites job was to promote understanding of what they heard (8:7). For the Word heard and not understood profits no one.

Here’s the thing, once one understands the word of God it will do one of two things: encourage or convict. Conviction is what the people felt that day for once they understood truly what God’s law required, they wept (vs. 9). They were sorrowful over how short their sinfulness comes to the holiness of God. Tears streamed thinking on the graciousness of God to them, for they knew they did not measure up to what was written. They grieved in their soul over their wrong way of living. When were the last time people grieved over not living up to God’s expectations?

At that point, Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites encouraged the people to silence their tears and begin to celebrate what God has done for them, “For the joy of the LORD is your strength,” (8:10). That day ended in “great mirth because they understood the words that were declared unto them,” (8:12).

This brings us to day two where our lesson this week resumes.

Nehemiah 8:13 “And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.”

“And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.” On the first day, the Bible tells us, “all the people gathered themselves together as one man,” (Neh. 8:1) and “the congregation of both men and women, and all that could hear with understanding,” (Neh. 8:2) were present at the initial reading. Here, we see just what would be considered the leaders of the people gathered before “Ezra the scribe.”

Their purpose for the gathering on the “second day” was to “understand the words of the law.” The people wept as a whole on the previous day as they understood what was read to them. But for a continual, ongoing relationship with God to be nourished, leaders must be properly equipped to continue with the instruction. On this day, the leaders came together to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what needs to be done before our holy God.

Nehemiah 8:14 “And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:”

“And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses.” Have you ever had a conversation with someone about something that was in the Bible? Did their response say something like, “I didn’t know that was in there!” One can’t find what they’re not looking for or not willing to read for understanding. Gallup poll says this:

“In terms of frequency of readership, 16% of Americans say they read the Bible everyday, 21% say they read it weekly, 12% say they read the Bible monthly, 10% say less than monthly and 41% say that they rarely or never read the Bible,” (Gallup).

So, according to that poll the Bible, though reverenced in speech is not a treasure being mined for the truths it holds.

But, the leaders’ purpose was to “understand” what was “written.” In their search for understanding, they “found” something. If one never searches for the truth it will never be “found.” The “command” they uncovered was “the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month.”

Why such emphasis on their dwelling in booths? When God delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage and they traveled through the wilderness they lived in booths (also known as tabernacles or tents – click here for picture). As with any other part of their deliverance, this too was to be commemorated as a memorial through their re-enactment. This was a special part of their new found freedom God wanted them to remember.

Remembering all aspects of where God brought someone from is essential in their future appreciation of His salvation. They had been keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, but not to the extent of constructing booths and celebrating the way they did (more on this in verse 17).

Nehemiah 8:15 “And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.”

When one thinks of the word “publish” they get the idea of making what they know available to larger masses of people beyond themselves. Think in terms of a book. The author gains knowledge about a particular subject puts all that information in readable form and seeks to “publish” it to make in available to even more people.

Here, the leaders, when they found the significance of the command to construct booths, were instructed to get the word out. They didn’t keep this pertinent information to themselves. They were told “that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem.”

This reminds me of those old movies where you see a news boy standing on the corner, shouting, “Extra, extra! Read all about it!” They would do that because the message written therein was no ordinary message. It was something to give heed to. It was some special. It was extra!

The message of the leaders was even more extra! In order to make their celebration the time of remembrance God designed for it to be, the people has to “Go forth unto the mount,” and gather all the materials necessary for the completion of the booths, “as it is written.”

“As it is written.” Doing anything for God half-way just won’t do. It’s God’s way or no way. Uh, let’s make that, it’s God’s way, period! This is what the law of Moses instructed by the command of God (see Lev. 23:40).

Nehemiah 8:16-17 “So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.”

“So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths.” Many hear a lot of things the Bible says to do but with little or no follow through. James warns against this type of attitude. In his book he writes, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves,” (1:22). Jesus Himself said, “Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock,” (Mt. 7:24).

When the children of Israel heard the requirement of the law they “went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths.” In other words, they obeyed what was commanded of them by God. The key fact in many missing out on the blessings of God is their obedience, or should I say, the lack thereof. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of my mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

“Every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim” (Click here for picture). Wherever they resided and whatever their position determined where their booths would be. Basically, booths lined the “streets” in residential areas. For those of the temple, their booths would be set up in the “courts of the house of God.” “Roof tops” were also a popular place to build a booth for homeowners with the flat roofs (as most homes were). This time of the year, these reminders would be erected everywhere as testimony to what God has done for His people.

“And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under booths.” The captives came back at three different times: some with Zerubbabel, some with Ezra and some with Nehemiah. Here, despite how long they have been back they are unified in their worship. “All . . . that were come again out of the captivity made booths.” From the temple to the streets, from families to the priests, everyone was included in this celebration.

“For since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.” This is not meant to imply they never celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles since the time of Joshua, for they did. Ezra 3:4 says, “They kept the feast of tabernacles, as it is written.” That was when Ezra just returned to Jerusalem with his group. But, since the days of “Jeshua” it had not been celebrated to the extent and with the heart it was here in this lesson.

“Jeshua,” or Joshua “the son of Nun” was Moses’ successor. The responsibility to carry out what God commanded to Moses rested on the shoulders of this faithful aide. Rest assured he did it to the fullest extent of that which was commanded. It was he that stood up and said one day, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” (Jos. 24:15). And, serve Him he did as he strove in his conquest of the Promised Land for God’s people. Here, the people follow closely in celebrating as they would in those days when the decision of “choose ye this day whom ye will serve,” was made. They, too, wanted to serve God His way.

“And there was very great gladness.” Following God’s commands are never meant to be burdensome or drudgery. In fact, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me . . . and ye shall find rest unto your souls,” (Mt. 11:29). There is “great gladness” in the heart of a people that choose God’s way as opposed to their own. When they sorrowed and wept over their disobedience, Nehemiah 8:10 instructed them that “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” After lifting themselves up and following through with what was written, they now experience that joy with “great gladness.”

Nehemiah 8:18 “Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.”

“Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read the book of the law of God.” They didn’t limit their exposure to God’s word to just one or two days. Rather, “day by day” they had an appointment with the “book of the law of God.” Keeping a daily appointment with learning more of him is important in one’s spiritual growth.

“And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.” The “manner” prescribed is found in Numbers 29:35 where it says, “On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein.” Days like these were set apart from the ordinary work day. They were holy days. They focused the congregation on the seriousness of their time with God (see also Deut. 16:8 and 2 Chron. 7:9).

Conclusion

The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles shows that an important part of worship is commemorating what God has done for His people. In that it also shows that in doing so, one must always evaluate their worship with the word of God to be sure that they are in line with what He asks of His people.

Below you will find activities and resources to help reinforce this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: The Festival of Booths Wordsearch Answers: The Festival of Booths Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: The Festival of Booths Crossword Answers: The Festival of Booths Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: The Festival of Booths Word Scramble Answers: The Festival of Booths Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: The Festival of Booths Draw the Scene

To expand your knowledge of The Feast of Tabernacles below are some great links:

“Sukkot Explained for Kids” from NSW Board of Jewish Education

“Festival of Tabernacles” from Chabad.org

“Festival of Booths” from Journeys of Jesus

“The Feast of Tabernacles” from Heartofwisdom.com

Crafts, Coloring and Activities:

“Ezra Reads the Law” Coloring and Activities from Calvary Curriculum

“Ezra Reads the Law” from Children.ccc.com (Bring bed sheets to class to make tabernacles, hmmm. Printable mini scrolls, interesting. These ideas you will find here. Enjoy!)

“Make an Edible Kosher Sukkah” from Bible Belt Balabusta (Here you will find directions for making a snack and a craft all in one. An edible booth, graham crackers anyone?)

Photo Credit: Bible Belt Balabusta (Click to find out more)

Click on the picture below for Bible Belt Balabusta even more detail for her Instant Edible Sukkah.

Photo Credit: Bible Belt Balabusta

“Feast of Tabernacles” Coloring pages from Printablecolouringpages.co.uk

“Sukkot Free Jewish Coloring Pages for Kids” from Familyholiday.net

“Returning to the Word of God” from Ministry to Children

“Israel’s Thanksgiving Feast” from Ministry to Children

“Make a Scroll” to emphasize the reading of the Law. The picture below is from Our Out of Sync Life. To visit their site for further directions simply click the picture below. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Our Out of Sync Life (Click on picture to go to their site for further directions. Enjoy!)

“Thankful Scroll” from Little Wonders’ Days (Instead of making individual scrolls to remember the lesson by, here this project includes the whole class. I really like this idea of joining together to make one big, giant scroll to hang on a door. Enjoy!)

“Joyful Worship Restored / Restoring Joyful Worship” Ezra 3:1-7 June 30, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Fasting and Praying” Sunday School Lesson Ezra 8:21-23, 31-32 July 21, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Meaningless Worship Condemned” Sunday School Lesson for June 16, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
Sunday School Lesson “Celebrating With Joy / Dedicating the Temple” Ezra 6:13-22 July 14, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“Worship!”

August 1, 2013, 6:55 am

≫ Next: “Honor God!”

≪ Previous: The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013

Worship is how we honor God,

Taking the mind off of self.

It’s the moving of the soul and spirit,

Of His goodness and praises to tell.

Worship is how we lift Him up,

To the place where He belongs.

In worship we close our eyes to the world

To sing our heavenly song.

Worship gives Him the glory

That is due His holy name,

With all the hosts of heaven enjoined

In Him our salvation we claim.

Darkness and troubles try to trample it out

But my worship still remains.

Through rain and floods, storms a gale

My worship is still the same.

Through trials and tests, pain and sorrows,

It causes my worship to grow.

Hard nights and long days

Praise in my life I do sow.

No matter what’s going around you

God is still worthy to be praised.

With hearts bowed down and eyes closed

With my hands do I raise.

Stepping into worship I empty my heart

Of all my cares and woes.

For He is the One who brings me out

Of this I surely know.

Getting rid of all the stife

In worship do I release.

Putting Him on a pedestal

As my whole, my centerpiece.

God is good and God is great

In worship is what we do.

By and by, life goes on

But won’t you worship Him, too!

“Give unto the LORD the glory due His name,” Psalm 29:1

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, Poetry, Psalms, religion, Uncategorized Tagged: Christianity, Churches of God, Contemporary worship music, Denominations, God, Praise & Worship, Psalm 29, Psalm 29:1, Religion and Spirituality, Worship

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“Honor God!”

August 2, 2013, 6:19 am

≫ Next: “Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013

≪ Previous: “Worship!”

“For those who honor Me I will honor,” 1 Samuel 2:30

One day my son accompanied me to the grocery store to do some shopping. He was wearing his military uniform at that time and when people saw him they kept stopping him to shake his hand, to talk to him, or to tell him to keep up the good work. They were proud of him. They honored him for his service.

You know, as a mom, how I felt. Are dads the only ones who can stick out their chest and feel like, “That’s my boy?” I’m just kidding. But, I really thought it was something special for people to recognize him and his service to our country in that way. As much as I love the many fields in which one can be honored (military, teachers, firefighters, police officers, etc.), no one deserves our respect and adoration more than God. It is customary to stand to our feet when a judge enters a courtroom and there is a hush in the crowd when they bang that gavel. What about God?

Too many go through their day without ever considering the fact that hey, He is God, and He should be before all others. With that realization in hand, I want my life to reflect that great truth. I want every word, every action and every thought to magnify the greatness of who He is and all of His glory. When I go about my day I want people to see Him in me. Do I make mistakes? Oh, yeah! But, I have a goal. I aspire to do better and to be better every day. God has been so good and wonderful to me, and I feel that as His child the least I can do is showing Him the honor due Him.

“Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” (Ps. 29:1-2). These two verses have been among favorites of mine for many years now. When you think of “giving to the Lord” one realizes just how futile our efforts can be because of His vast greatness. But, something that each of us can give is honor. Not only can we gift it to Him, but it is a gift that He in turns honors.

“For those who honor Me I will honor.” Our God is an appreciative God and He believes in rewarding them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). If you don’t like the returns you have been getting in life examine what you have given. And let me make myself really clear at this point. I do not want you to see the above statement as to how you can get something from God. These things will happen because it’s what the Bible promises. Instead, I want you to just focus on God because He is God and not what you can get from Him.

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: 1 Samuel 2:30, Bible, Books of Samuel, Christianity, God, Honor God, Honour, Lord, New King James Version, Religion and Spirituality

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“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013

August 5, 2013, 3:00 am

≫ Next: “Search Me, O God!”

≪ Previous: “Honor God!”

Photo Credit: Gospelgifs.com

August 11, 2013

“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession”

Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36

(Click here for Word document: Corporate Confession of Sins Sunday School Lesson or simply click the print button below. Enjoy! Don’t forget to stick around and check out some of the activities and printables below to support this week’s lesson. )

Introduction

1 John 1:9 is a widely known verse in Scripture. It says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to five us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The word “confess” simply means to acknowledge. Acknowledging that one is a sinner and has sinned is the key in receiving God’s forgiveness. For, as 1 John 1 continues to read, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us,” (1 john 1:10).

It is God’s word that has been having a marvelous effect on the people. After the reading of the law in last week’s lesson (the word), the people were prompted to go all out in their celebration of “The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles,” (click here for on that lesson). That feast went on from “the eve of the 15^th day of Tishrei until the 22^nd day of Tishrei (inside Israel), outside Israel it lasts for one extra day,” (click here to find out more from Sukkot Explained for Kids).

Today’s lesson occurs in the 24^th day of this month, Nehemiah 9:1. With the spirit of celebration still so fresh that same verse tells us, “The children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloths, and earth upon them.”

Last week’s lesson showed how their hearts were moved with how far they have drifted from God. Nehemiah 8:9 says, “They wept.” Now, with their hearts still tender at the thought of their sins in comparison with God’s graciousness (Neh. 9:31), as a people united as one, they are moved into a deeper spirit of confession before the Lord.

Nehemiah 9:2 “And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.”

“And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers.” When one is seeking a closer relationship with God “separating themselves” from those that oppose God’s view is crucial. This is why the Apostle Paul admonished those in Corinth to, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,” (2 Cor. 6:17). He questioned, “What agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Cor. 6:16).

The “strangers” that were in the land were not God’s covenant people. They were probably people who had moved into the area during the captivity of the Jews (Ezra 3:3, see also “Joyful Worship Restored” lesson). “Strangers” would not understand the need for the people to worship the one true God the way Israel did for they were idol worshippers and believed in serving many gods. This would have been a hindrance for God’s people to come nearer to Him. Therefore, they “separated themselves.”

“And stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.” Whew! Talk about getting started out on the right foot. That’s exactly what they were doing. This was their chance to start over, to have a fresh start. In order for the fresh (or new, as we call it in the N.T., 2 Cor. 5:17), the old stuff has to be dealt with. In their “confession” they are not only dealing with their individual sins, but they are also confessing “the iniquity of their fathers.” With the same respect for reading the law in last week’s lesson, the people “stand” before God and let it all out.

Nehemiah 9:6 “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.”

Verses 3-5 (not in today’s lesson) further picture the people standing, reading from the law and confessing at several “parts” of the day. At that time, the Levites play a key role in praying and giving the command to “Bless the LORD your God for ever and ever . . .,” (vs. 5).

In their blessing they declare in verse 6, “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone.” Isaiah once wrote, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, . . . that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior,” (Is. 43:10-11, see also Is. 44:6; Mk. 12:29).

All throughout the Bible it testifies that there is only one God and no other. Everything else that tries to compare itself with Him is fraudulent. It’s not the real thing. It was imperative for these returnees to acknowledge and celebrate that truth up front because it was looking at the fast gods and the ways of the other peoples that got them in trouble in the first place.

“Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservedst them all.” In their praises and recognizing God as being God alone, they take their minds all the way back to the time of creation. He not only is God alone, but He is Creator of all “therein.”

All one has to do is simply take a travel back to the beginning of the Bible in the book of Genesis to see the story play out of how everything came to be. Everything came to be because of God! That’s why Isaiah further explained, “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else,” (Is. 45:18). “I am the Lord; and there is none else,” reminds me of someone signing off on a contract. I created it, I signed off on it. Me and me alone!

“And the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” In our very first lesson of the summer quarter we started off with a lesson titled “Holy, Holy, Holy” where Isaiah was whisked away in a vision to the throne room of God of God. There he viewed Seraphims crying out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts,” (Is. 6:3).

The people in confession before the Lord in this lesson are not in God’s throne room, but they are still standing in His presence with reverent adoration. Here, they understand that not only the things created on earth will praise God, but “the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” This is reminiscent of what is shown in Philippians where it says, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth , and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” (Phil. 2:10-11). In that verse is the picture of things in heaven worshipping God and “confessing.”

Nehemiah 9:7 “Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham.”

Israel’s relationship with God as a people started through one man, “Abraham.” In Genesis 12:1 God spoke to “Abram” saying, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” “So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken unto him,” (Gen. 12:4). In Genesis 15 God reminded Abram that He is the one that called him out of Ur, (Gen. 15:7), and that day “the LORD made a covenant with Abram,” (Gen. 15:18).

The people are now recalling the fact that everything they have and everything they are is because God is the one who made this covenant with their forefather, “Abraham,” (Neh. 9:8, not in today’s lesson). In their confession it is especially helpful to remember where God brought them from as a people. They didn’t acquire the land or even the privilege to be called God’s chosen people on their own. They have that status because of the covenant God preciously made through “Abraham.”

Nehemiah 9:9-10 “And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.”

God is the one that saw when they cried out in Egypt. God is the one that looked down from heaven and saw “taskmasters afflict them with their burdens,” (Ex. 1:11). God is the one who sent Moses to the people in Egypt with a message, “I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt,” (Ex. 3:17). After leaving Egypt and fleeing from before Pharaoh, blocked by the “Red sea,” God is the one who said, “Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward,” (Ex. 14:15). With that the rod was lifted over the sea and the people went through on dry ground, (Ex. 14:16). God is the one! God is the one responsible for saving them! Confessing is more than just reciting one’s sins; it is acknowledging who God is through it all!

In all the plagues, and in all the “signs and wonders,” God dealt with Pharaoh and His “name” and fame spread throughout all the land. Over 40 years later, Rahab testified, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Res Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt,” (Joshua 2:10). They heard what was done to the Amorites. She said, “As soon as we heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath,” (Joshua 2:11).

Standing there confessing, the people are reminded of this, too.

Nehemiah 9:30 “Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.”

In verses 11-29, the people continued to bring back to mind their history and their relationship with God. They recalled how He led them, fed them and took care of them. They also recalled how they forsook Him and served false idols, were disobedient and rebellious. Standing there, they also though on His love which, “In thy manifold mercies forsook them not” (vs. 19) and how He heard them from heaven and “delivered them according to thy mercies” (vs. 28).

Continuing in the recitation of their past they said, “Yet many years didst thou forbear them.” For “many years” God was patient with His people. God could’ve at any time dealt with the severity of their sins. Yet, He withheld Himself. In an attempt to win them over with His love and warnings He, “testifiedest against them by the spirit of thy prophets.”

God used men such as Isaiah and Jeremiah to call the people back to Him. These men told them their ways were not pleasing to the Lord (Is. 1:2-4) and that they would end up in captivity (Jer. 25:11-14). But, as our lesson states, “Yet would they not give ear.” They refused to listen.

“Therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.” There comes a time for talking to stop because the hearer refuses to listen any longer. At that time, one must let them suffer the consequences of their choices. This is what God did. Jeremiah 44:22a says, “SO that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings.” Enough was enough when it came to trying to talk to them. He said, “Because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day,” (Jer. 44:22b).

Nehemiah 9:31 “Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”

At a point when they could have been totally erased from the books of history, God in His “mercies,” did not “utterly consume them.” There is a song by the Mississippi Mass Choir that says, “Your grace and mercy, brought me through. I’m living this moment because of You. I want to thank You, and praise You too. Your grace and mercy brought me through.”

This is what the people were acknowledging. This is a song they could’ve readily sung. They knew they were not delivered in and of themselves. They knew they were undeserving of yet another chance. But, “Thou art a gracious and merciful God.”

Nehemiah 9:32 “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.”

“Our God . . . who keepest covenant and mercies, let not all the trouble seem little before thee.” In spite of all they did, God has never reneged on His original covenant. What a revelation! God did everything to avoid them to go into captivity but they didn’t listen. Before their captivity Isaiah prophesied by name that there would be a man by the name of Cyrus that would release the people from their captivity (Is. 44:28), and all through the fulfilling thereof God kept His “covenant.” Now, they are back home worshipping once again with restored buildings, restored walls and restored hearts because of “God!”

Nehemiah 9:33 “Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:”

God is perfect (Ps. 18:30; 2 Sam. 22:31; Deut. 32:4). He is without fault in any of His decisions and choices. Here, the people know that they are the ones that have done wrong. They have acted “wickedly” in their continual straying from God and His commands. In other words, they were confessing that it was their own fault.

What a humbling experience. They were sorrowful over all, they as individuals and as a nation had done. They laid no charge to God, for He has “done right.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.” Reading this, one can get a sense of their hearts breaking over their sins and the sins of their ancestors.

Nehemiah 9:34 “Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.”

“Nor . . . kept thy law.” As the Levites continued to lead the people in their confession they admitted before the Lord that no one did as they were supposed to. Blame for their shortcomings laid on the shoulders of all. “Kings, princes, priests and our fathers.” Everyone from the throne to the tents strayed from keeping “the law.”

Isaiah called them out years before hand. He said, “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the Law of the LORD,” (Is. 30:9). They could not keep what they refused to listen to. When Isaiah first came on the scene God spoke through him and said, “Come now, and let us reason together . . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; thou they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient,” (Is. 1:18-19a). All reasoning fell through and the people rebelled against God, “nor . . . kept the law.”

Nehemiah 9:35-36 “For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works. Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it.”

“They have not served thee.” Deuteronomy 28 is loaded with blessings. At the other end of the spectrum, it is loaded with curses also. God gave the people a strict warning about walking in disobedience. He warned that curses would overtake them, (Deut. 28:15). One of the consequences would be “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies . . .,” (Deut. 28:47-48). Their confession matches up with what God spoke. They said, “We are servants this day.”

Conclusion

A few weeks back the lesson showed the people fasting and praying, which is always a good discipline. But, fasting and praying mean little without a sincere and contrite heart. Through their confession they were taking care of matters of the heart. This is why through his personal confession of sin David said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” (Ps. 51:10). Confession and seeking forgiveness from God is a part of one’s personal, and as shown in the lesson, corporate worship.

God bless you!

Below are activities to help reinforce this week’s lesson. (Tip: Click on PDF link for printing accuracy and not the picture. Enjoy!)
Wordsearch: Confession Wordsearch Answers: Corporate Confession of Sins Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Confession Crossword Answers: Corporate Confession of Sins Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Confession Word Scramble Answers: Corporate Confession of Sins Word Scramble Answers

Click the Youtube link below to see in video a great object lesson in regard to sin. Enjoy!

“Confession Puppets” Use the boy or girl templates from Teacherhelp.org for the faces of these paper bag puppets, students can make a puppet that looks just like them. They can use their puppets to decorate with clothes and arms and legs or whatever comes to mind. These puppets can serve as a reminder of our individual responsibility to take care of our sin with God. Don’t forget to use our Speech Bubble Verse to attach to the back of your Puppet (printing on cardstock is advised). Enjoy!

PDF: Nehemiah 9 33 Verse

“Grace Rocks” Click on Autumn Teekell’s photo below to find out more about her idea. This is a wonderful addition to any lesson especially since we are talking on God’s graciousness and mercifulness. Enjoy!:

Photo Credit: Autumn Teekell (Click here to follow her for instructions)

Activities, Crafts and Coloring About Sin:

“Becoming All New” Coloring Page from Childrensbiblelessonsplace.com

“Sin Revealed” Activity from Kids Sunday School Place

“Sin Spoils” Activity from Kids Sunday School Place

“Object Lesson for Sin and Forgiveness” from Yahoo! Voices

“Children’s Activities About Sin” from Ehow.com

“A Heart for Jesus Activity” from Kids Sunday School Place

“Jesus Cleanses Us From Our Sticky Sins Activity” from Christianity Cove

“Covered By Christ Activity and Coloring” from Ministry to Children

“Forgive Us Our Sins” Coloring Page from Ministry to Children

“If We Confess Our Sins” Coloring Page from Coloring Page Spot

“Girl and Boy Prayer Coloring Pages” from Ministry to Children (These prayer coloring sheets are great because they have empty speech balloons. In those balloons children can right their own confession/prayer. Enjoy!)

“1 John 1:9 Butterfly Coloring Page” from Childrenschapel.org

“Children’s Bible Object Lesson on Sin” from Creative Bible Study

Activities, Crafts and Coloring About Obeying God:

Obedience Games-001

“Obedience Games for Kids” from Ehow.com (This is great! Some of the old classics are brought out to teach children about obeying/following directions like Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light and more. Enjoy your play time with your students as you revisit your past with this idea. )

“Warning Signs” Activity from Kids Sunday School Place

“The Rewards of Obedience” from Ministry to Children

“Meaningless Worship Condemned” Sunday School Lesson for June 16, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“The Glorious New Creation / Worship in the New Creation” Sunday School Lesson, Isaiah 65:17-21, 23-25, June 23, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
Sunday School Lesson “Celebrating With Joy / Dedicating the Temple” Ezra 6:13-22 July 14, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Fasting and Praying” Sunday School Lesson Ezra 8:21-23, 31-32 July 21, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“Search Me, O God!”

August 13, 2013, 7:09 am

≫ Next: “Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013

≪ Previous: “Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013

Search me, O God

From the inside out

And see what my life

Is all about.

Am I living true to Your holy name,

Or is my worship just a game?

Search me, O God

And know my heart

And see from Your way

Have I thus part.

In my spirit, I am most sincere,

Please search, and to Your side

Draw me near.

Search me, O God

And tell if You see

Anything that will keep me

From all eternity.

If it be there help me dig out the root

That I might produce Your spiritual fruit.

Search me, O God

My blessed Savior,

Save me from my sometimes

Ungodly behavior.

Apologetically I come,

With a heart in deep sorrow,

Pleading for You to lead me

To Your heavenly tomorrow.

Search me, O God

And lead me home

To the place where I stand

Before Your righteous throne.

Living in the peace You gave to me,

For Your search dug out who I used to be.

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, Photos, Poetry, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Christianity, Fruit of the Holy Spirit, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, O God, Psalm 139:23-24, Religion and Spirituality, Search Me O God and Know My Heart

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“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013

August 13, 2013, 1:26 pm

≫ Next: “Give Me This Mountain!”

≪ Previous: “Search Me, O God!”

Photo Credit: Gospelgifs.com

18bd2a690df521e17bee0237d58b8701

August 18, 2013

“Dedication of the Wall”

Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43

(Click here for the WORD document of the lesson: Dedication of the Wall Sunday School Lesson or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

“In the Bible times most cities were walled and fortified for protection against an enemy. Those living in a city without walls would be interested in having walls built for them,” (Bible History Online, click here for more).

Walls (picture here) were essential in the care and well-being of the people who depended upon them. Walls offered a sense of security as opposed to feeling opened and unguarded to one’s enemies. Walls also identified a certain area as belonging to that city, to those people. For all the above reasons is why Nehemiah was interested in getting involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

Yet, as with any project one seeks to do for God and/or His people, they can always expect some sort of adversity from opposing forces. Nehemiah experienced this first hand. “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day?” came the taunting of their enemies. “Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish – stones that are burned? . . . Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall,” they mocked (Neh. 4:2-3).

This is what the Jews faced as they sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Their enemies despised their attempt at restoration, chiding their valiant efforts at work. Nonetheless, their work did not cease. Nehemiah offered up a prayer of confidence to God, “Hear, O our God, for we are despised,” (Neh. 4:4). And, the work was completed, “So we built the wall, and the entire walls was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work,” (Neh. 4:6).

Even when their enemies became all the more angry and outraged at them, they did what they could as a people and continued on leaving their trust in the hands of God, “Our God will fight for us,” (Neh. 4:20). “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God,” (Neh. 6:15-16).

Their hard work and devotion spent toward the completion of the wall paid off. Yet, none of it would be possible without God’s continual protection, help and intervention. Now that it’s completed it’s time to dedicate and celebrate. It’s time to worship God and offer up thanksgiving for what He has done. This is where this week’s lesson picks up.

“Let the Preparations Begin!”

Nehemiah 12:27 “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.”

Throughout all of these lessons we have been learning a great deal about how our ancient brothers and sisters celebrated. It seemed that with every success and every milestone this people made toward their overall restoration was a cause to rejoice.

Their rejoicing and celebrating, though we may think is simply done, was a rather complicated affair. In our day we can whip up a party in no time flat when friends and relatives decide on a get together. But, for these returnees there was a whole lot more involved in their festivities. In their hearts, their celebration went past the activity itself to focus on the One who led them to that point to experience such a time of jubilee. In their observances of these joyful times, their all was to worship God. This could not be done lightly in a quick get together affair. There had to be precise planning that honors God who is at the core of the celebration.

Here, in verse 27, some of the preparations for the dedicating of the walls get underway. As part of their preparation they first “sought the Levites out of all their places.” The Levites were descendants of the tribe of Levi. These men were consecrated for the service of the Lord. They worked alongside the priests in the house of God, assisting and managing God’s services and the work therein. These special men were called “out of their places” to come and assist/work at the dedication ceremony. They places where they were probably called from was “in Judah, and in Benjamin,” (Neh. 11:36) because they had no inheritance of their own for “the LORD is their inheritance,” (Deut. 18:2).

The purpose of seeking these men was to “keep the dedication.” That word “keep” can also mean to “work” in. In other words, their services were being sought to help work in the celebration at the “dedication.” They were being called into active duty to participate in getting the people and the celebration itself to the point of honoring God.

“With gladness, both with thanksgiving, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.” This was going to be an all-out affair as opposed to the “solemn assembly” that was noted in Nehemiah 8:18 of “The Festival of the Booths” Sunday school lesson. I imagine it did not take any convincing for them to respond to the call to action for this was a time of “gladness.” They were going to celebrate and worship God with “thanksgiving, and with singing.” As Psalm 50:23 says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.” With their “cymbals, psalteries, and with harps” they gathered themselves to prepare to praise God. These are instruments often found in use when the people praised God. Psalm 150:5 says, “Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.”

“The Singers”

Nehemiah 12:28-29 “And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Nethophathi; Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.”

Both of these verses speak of “the singers.” These are those who make and sing beautiful melodies that honor God. 1 Chronicles 15:16 talks of “lifting up the voice with joy.” As the musical instruments would be put into play and so would the human mouth enjoined with the heart.

God had done a tremendous thing for the people in the way He has worked through time to orchestrate their release from captivity, including all the plans He set in advance to secure everything they needed to rebuild and restore. Now, as they are preparing for this great celebration of worship they put “singers” into place who will help draw the people in the right atmosphere of praise by “lifting up the voice with joy.” Never underestimate the power of good, anointed music in God’s worship services. “Serve the Lord with gladness: come into His presence with singing,” (Psalm 100:2). This is what Rob Smith quoted from bishop J.C. Ryle in his article on The Briefing titled The Role of Singing in the Life of the Church:

There is an elevating, stirring, soothing, spiritualizing, effect about a thoroughly good hymn, which nothing else can produce. It sticks in men’s memories when texts are forgotten. It trains men for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations. Preaching and praying shall one day cease for ever; but praise shall never die. The makers of good ballads are said to sway national opinion. The writers of good hymns, in like manner, are those who leave the deepest marks on the face of the church. (Click here to read the article in its entirety. It’s packed full of great information.)

“Time to Clean Up”

Nehemiah 12:30 “And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.”

All things were “purified” before the service began. The fact of the matter is we serve a holy God. There is no spot or blemish in Him. In honoring God for His holy status, “the priests and the Levites purified themselves.” The leaders of the people were not exempt from this process. In fact, as leaders, they were the first partakers of the ritual. Albert Einstein once said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.” These men, as leaders, recognize first their own need to be “purified” (which requires an honest reflection of self) so that they can set an example for all else to follow.

The word “purified” brings to mind the process of which silver is refined. One way of refining is to heat it to a very high degree to get out all the impurities and waste so that it can be the precious metal it is meant to be. When these men took to purifying themselves they were separating themselves from the impurities of the world to draw close to a God who is nothing but pure.

“And the people, and the gates, and the wall.” The word shipshape pops into my mind at this point. They were getting their “house” in order, so to speak. “The people” followed what the leaders did before them. Then, “the gates and the walls” were taken care of. In the following verse these two structures were key factors in their worship and had to get up to par with everything else. It was the walls that were being dedicated therefore they had to be holy which means to “set apart.” There is a difference between holy and unholy, between the clean and the unclean, so they and the walls and the gates that hung from the walls needed to be “purified,” (see also Ezekiel 22:26).

“Getting Into Position to Worship”

Nehemiah 12:31-36 “Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate: And after them went Hoshaiah, and half the princes of Judah, And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, And certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph: And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

Really getting into these you can see the preparations for the service and how the service itself was carried out. Think of your own church for a moment. For a program to go off just right on a Sunday morning there are several factors that come into play: light/sound check, who is making and designing the programs itself? Who is going to say the prayer and read the Scripture? What groups are singing and what songs will they sing, and so on and so on? A lot of behind the scene stuff goes on. So, getting into position to worship best describes these verses because it reminds me of our own local preparations.

In the Bible the walls itself have been used for protection, for a place for the watchman to stand and for soldiers to guard what’s within. Here, the wall itself is used for the place of worship. Can you imagine ascending this great structure to sound out the glories of God? Awesome! It’s an event I would have wanted to see.

Now, the choirs are mounting the walls. The text says there are “two great companies appointed” which other versions call choirs. We can now understand better the need for the gathering of the singers in verses 28 and 29. One choir went to the “right” and “the other company . . . went over against them.”

Their singing was going to focus on giving “thanks.” Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” They had an attitude of gratitude which would be the right frame of mind for any who worship before the Lord.

They knew where they had come from and the struggles it took to get where they currently are. That knowledge comes out in a heart overflowing with “thanks.” “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God,” is the command that comes from Psalm 147:7. They were blessed because of Him and they were not going to take God for granted again (for a short posting on this check out my article: “How Blessed Are You?”).

“Time to Rejoice!”

Nehemiah 12:43 “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.”

In the verses in between the two great companies, the leaders/rulers, and those that had trumpets all stood together. Verse 42 says, “And the singer sang loud.” Praise was going up before God mightily. The service was in full effect.

“Also that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced.” As part of their worship they gave unto the Lord. There is worship in giving. This is not about trying to pay God back, for one could never return to Him all the graces, love and mercies He has favored our lives with. But, because they were so thankful, aside from singing they wanted to show God in more ways than one their genuine appreciation, “for God had made them rejoice with great joy.”

“The wives also and the children rejoiced.” Everybody had a reason to be thankful and everybody “rejoiced.” Psalm 32:11 says, “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice.” If God has made you happy than you should show it. (This reminds us of the song “If You’re Happy and You Know it” which would be great to implement with younger students for this lesson). This is not just for the leaders but the Bible says, “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD,” (Ps. 150:6).

“So the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” Such was their “joy” that it could not be contained within the city walls. When they let it out, they really let it out. Their praise for God traveled and His testimony rang out and was “heard afar off.” I wonder what their enemies must have thought at that moment. If they didn’t believe God’s people were truly back before, they surely understood it now.

This is same noise they “heard” at the laying of the foundation of the temple in our lesson: “The Temple Restored” Ezra 3:13. When God’s people get really glad about what He has done for them the effects can be far reaching.

Conclusion

The dedication of the wall was more than a story about a wall. It was about the ins and outs of worship. Not only the importance of preparing for worship with holiness on the mind, but also one’s attitude of gratitude during worship.

Like the people in Jerusalem, God has brought us a mighty long way and we should be glad about what He has done. Think of your own life, your own testimony and where you would be if God had not intervened to save you. Now praise Him because He did. He reached out where you and I were and pulled us out of the muck and mire. In turn, we should have no problem publically praise our God. Get glad about so that other people will know what a great God we serve.

Below you will find Activities, Resources and Coloring Pages to help support the lesson for this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Dedication of the Wall Wordsearch Answers: Dedication of the Wall Wordsearch Answers

Click on PDF link above to print accurately

Crossword: Dedication of the Wall Crossword Answers: Dedication of the Wall Crossword Answers

Click on PDF link above for accurate printing

Match the Word: Dedication of the Wall Match the Word Answers: Dedication of the Wall Match the Word Answers

Click on PDF link above for accurate printing

“Dedication of the Wall” Activity:

This is a very simple and easy activity for your class to do. Simply print out the PDF: wall 2 on cardstock. Click on the link here for the men print out from Mssscrafts.com (use cardstock also). Color and decorate and glue your little guy/gal onto a popsicle/craft stick. Punch a little hole into your paper and slip him through. There on the wall he can sing and give God the glory like those in today’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Moon Sand Wall”:

Click here and scroll down for directions. Enjoy!

That’s right, it’s back! If you still have your moon sand from our lesson “The Temple Restored“ here’s another great opportunity to use it. Let students build walls using plastic cups, blocks or what ever you find lying around. This is always an entertaining idea and the kiddos love it! And if you still have it from our previous lesson that means no preparation on your part ! If you missed that lesson and would like to know more click on the picture above and it will take you right to it. Enjoy!

“Wall of Praise”:

This is also a simple, throw together craft for busy teachers. Visit your local dollar store and get popsicles and rocks, that’s it. Have the children put together this wall and glue our memory verse: Wall Verse onto the back of their creation. What a fun way to remember having joy on top of the wall. Enjoy!

“Pop up Wall”:

This too is an easy craft to make. Using a Christmas activity from Activityvillage.co.uk for a Pop up Santa printed on cardstock, we kept the chimney (or in our case we call it a wall) and put our little guy through as we did in the picture above. Any student would enjoy this one and he can make him go up and down on top of the wall. Doesn’t he look happy up there? Enjoy!

“Build Your Own Wall”:

The easiest of all, if you have blocks or Lincoln Logs students can build their own walls as a great, hands on activity without any mess (except to clean up the blocks )! Enjoy!

“Make Musical Instruments:”

This lesson puts great emphasis on their praising God using musical instruments and not just the wall. Another good idea would be to make homemade musical instruments such as were seen in our lesson “The Temple Restored.” Enjoy!

More Resources For This Lesson:

“Nehemiah 9:5 Coloring Sheet” from Abdaacts. This goes great with our lesson.

“A Heart of Worship” from Ministry to Children

“Let the World Praise the Lord” from Ministry to Children

“Praise the Lord” from Childrensministry.com

“Why Do We Praise God?” from Kidssundayschool.com

“Praising God with Your Hands” from Ezinearticles.com

“I Will Praise God” Coloring Page from Twistynoodle.com

“Sing Praise to the Lord” Coloring Page from Lessons4sundayschool.com

“Psalm 147:1″ Coloring Page from Ilovejesus.com

“O Sing to the Lord a New Song” Coloring Page from Karla Dornacher

“Make a Joyful Noise” Coloring Page from Karla Dornacher

“Sing Unto the Lord” Coloring Pages from Childrens Gems in MY Treasure Box

“Praise the Lord” Coloring Page from Church House Collection

“When We Praise God” Coloring Page from Hem of His Garment

The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“Give Me This Mountain!”

August 14, 2013, 6:46 am

≫ Next: “Receive God’s Help!”

≪ Previous: “Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013

“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said,” Joshua 14:12

At the age of 85, Caleb was more than ready to take what the Lord had promised to him. You see, when Joshua and Caleb were sent as spies into the land of Canaan there was a promise left for their belief in God. “Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God,” Joshua 14:9. As of yet, Caleb had not gotten his promise. But, now he was ready to take what the Lord had promised.

Only there was this one thing, the Anakim were there. The Anakim were giants, nonetheless their stature brought no fear in the heart of Caleb. He was ready to “drive them out,” (Joshua 14:12). In fact, when the rest of Israel was ready to run scared when God first brought them to the Promised Land, he and Joshua was ready then to take care of business. Years later, this aged gentleman, as some would consider him, was still just as ready to take what God had promised to him.

A lot of times God gives us promises but in our eyes it may look insurmountable. Obstacles are in the midst of the promise that makes it appear as though one can never possess it. I like that Caleb was 85 years old. I like that it was over 40 years before he had the opportunity to go for his promise. I like that there were giants in the land that made it look impossible. I like these three points because they are some of the most popular reasons people give up on waiting for the promises of God.

1. Caleb was 85 years old, this implies limitations. Instead of looking to God for their source too many people focus on their own limitations, their own inabilities to get the job done. Not Caleb! He didn’t care about his age, God promised it and he was ready for it. It is as the British Evangelist John Flavel stated, “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” The Bible says that God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,” (Ephesians 3:20. Take the limits off of yourself, and more importantly, take the limits off of God.

2. Over 40 years implies waiting. This is something that is very hard for most people. Many times over in the Bible people waited quite a bit of time before they laid hold of what God said He would do in their lives. If God said it then He will do it, but our job is to wait. Here are some encouraging reminders about waiting on God:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,” (Isaiah 40:31).
“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him,” (Lamentations 3:25).
“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me,” (Micah 7:7).

3. There being giants in the land implies obstacles. Many people look at their dreams, their hopes and the promises of God and can believe them for everyone else except themselves. To them, it looks as if they can never possess it. This is a hopelessness that God does not desire to see in His people. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith.” This is a key verse in Scripture and God made sure it was put in there four times (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11 and Heb. 10:38). We are to have more faith in the God we serve as Caleb did when he said, “It may be that the Lord will be with me,” (Joshua 14:12), then in the obstacles before us.

Don’t be afraid to take your mountain today! Don’t be afraid to go after what God has already promised you. Don’t look at your limitations, the waiting or the obstacles. God can and will overcome it all to fulfill what He promised to you! God bless.

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, Photos, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Anakim, Bible, Caleb, Canaan, Give me this mountain, God, Israel, Joshua, Joshua 14:12

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“Receive God’s Help!”

August 20, 2013, 6:07 am

≫ Next: “Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013

≪ Previous: “Give Me This Mountain!”

psalm 121:1-2 Wallpaper

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” Psalm 121:1-2

“Me, myself and I,” a phrase commonly known to us all. It usually comes on the heels of an aggravating event or from dealing with the frustration of a letdown because one depended on someone else to do something for them and they didn’t follow through. Or, how about this one, “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself!” Another frustrating sentiment spurned by the letdowns of others.

Here we just see them as phrases, just something we blurt out because of the emotions that stir within us when we feel we can’t get that help we need from someone. The sad part of it all is the reality that this has become the prevailing attitude in the world today. It is a mindset that has become detached from the cares of humanity; not in a good way.

Many people are wandering adrift in the world. Day by day they go through their daily routines really believing that they are in this alone. Wandering and questioning, “From whence comes my help?” More often than not, that questioning person does not know that there is One who stands at the ready to appeal and work on behalf of those who call out to Him. Not realizing this great truth causes them look to their own selves once again, reaffirming that self-sufficient attitude of “Me, myself and I.”

I believe God likes goal-setters. I believe God loves to see His people be filled with the zeal of being a real go-getter. I say that because God has never, ever promoted laziness. God has equipped mankind with a mind to think and gifts to operate in and He wants to see the fulfilling of all of that to come to pass. But, and here’s where the warning bells go off, when one tries to operate independently of God with an “I don’t need Him” attitude, buddy, that’s when we got a problem!

“Can I get some help around here?” Oh, if that isn’t a familiar cry to us all. When life feels at loose ends and everything just seems to be unraveling before us we often wonder where can we get help from? The writer of this psalm found his help by lifting his eyes up. The human eye tells one where to focus. As I sit here on my couch writing this I keep peeping out of the window. In line of my view are a bunch of beautiful trees that are gently swaying with the occasional breeze. Every time I look out at them I feel a certain little measure of restfulness and peace. Because this is what my eyes see it relaxes me.

How much more for the one who chooses to focus on that Sovereign, Omnipotent Presence and truly realize He’s there? Not only is He there but He is ready to be our help. “The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles,” Psalm 34:17. Deliverance is there. Help is here. God loves a “can do” attitude, but not a “can do it without Him” attitude. Especially, since He loves us so much as to be the offering for our much needed help. I have to receive of His help daily. Zeal, and even talent, will only get you so far. I can’t be so high and mighty to think that I can do even the basic things without His help. So, today I want to receive God’s help. What about you?

Monday Meditations: Psalm 28 (foreveraboveme.wordpress.com)
Monday Mediation “God has a Plan” (igetgivegrow.com)
Psalm 91 vs 14 (allforthefather.wordpress.com)
Psalm 18:1-2 NKJV – A song of deliverance (pagprayer.wordpress.com)
When we need help, we need God! (igetgivegrow.com)
Psalm 123: Save Me! (inchristalonedevotions.wordpress.com)
Blessed Are Those Who Trust In God (inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com)
We shall not be moved (davidcampbelljr.wordpress.com)
God’s Got Your Back – part one (aaronrailey.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, Psalms, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Christianity, Deliverance, God, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, Jesus, Lord, my help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth, New King James Version, Psalm, Psalm 121:1-2, Religion and Spirituality

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“Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013

August 21, 2013, 12:43 pm

≫ Next: “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!”

≪ Previous: “Receive God’s Help!”

Photo Credit: Gospelgifs.com

18bd2a690df521e17bee0237d58b8701

August 25, 2013

“Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms”

Nehemiah 13:15-22

(Click here for WORD document: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Sunday School Lesson or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy,” (Ex. 20:8), was one of the Ten Commandments God spoke to the people. He continued on and said, “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work . . . For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth . . . and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it,” (Ex. 20:9-11). The Sabbath day was the Lord’s Day and it was hallowed. That day was dedicated and consecrated to God.

One of the things Nehemiah is known for is his reforms. More than just the walls needed to be repaired and dedicated to God (see last week’s lesson). The way the people approached their day of worship/rest and their relationship with God needed to be brought back to the holiness it was intended to be.

In regard to some of his reforms leading up to today’s lesson, Nehemiah noticed upon his return to Judah (for he left for a time to report to King Artaxerxes), Tobiah was living in the house of God! Tobiah was an enemy of the work that God’s people were doing, yet he was living in God’s house (Neh. 13:4-5). Nehemiah, at that time, kicked him and all of his belongings to the curb (Neh. 13:7-8). Then, he commanded the chamber to be “cleansed” and “the vessels of the house of God” be brought back (Neh. 13:9).

Other issues were the Levites were not receiving their portion for the work they did (Neh. 13:10) and the people were co-mingling with whom they were forbidden (Neh. 13:1-3). They were also guilty because they “married wives of Ashdod, of Amman, and of Moab” (Neh. 13:23) which was also forbidden (Neh. 13:23).

So, with that Nehemiah had a lot of work on his hands to get these people straightened out. The issue that today’s lesson deals with is their lack of devotion to the Sabbath day. God’s holy day was not being revered as it should and Nehemiah set out to immediately rectify the situation.

“The Unholy, Holy Day”

Nehemiah 13:15-16 “In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.”

In these two verses, we see the words “on the Sabbath” three times, emphasizing the case against them for this particular day. That word “sabbath” means “cease.” Any Bible student will easily remember the origin of that word started with God Himself. After six days of work creating all the heavens, the earth and everything therein, God Himself declared the seventh day to be a day of rest (see lesson introduction).

In Nehemiah 10, the people made an oath before God. As part of that oath they declared from their own mouths, “And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day,” (Neh. 10:31).

Now, upon his arrival back in Judah, Nehemiah saw this “holy day” being treated with contempt in an unholy manner. The word “holy” means “to set apart.” That day was to be “set apart” in a distinctive manner from all other. But, it wasn’t. He saw “some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bring in sheaves, and lading asses.” There was nothing distinct about their observance of the sabbath for they were treating it as a regular, ordinary work day.

They even had “men of Tyre” coming and seeking to sell “all manner of ware” and they “brought fish” also. When Nehemiah left though they renewed their oath with God (see Neh. 10:31), they quickly reverted back to their sinful practices and influence of the merchants and peoples around them.

Not only did the people not heed Nehemiah, but once again they ignored God Himself. “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you,” (Ex. 31:13). God sanctified them and now as a sign they were supposed to keep and “Sanctify the Lord’s Day.” The two go hand in hand. God set them apart as a holy people; likewise they were to do the same with the sabbath. They were to set it apart from all others because that what’s sanctify means.

There is this promise in Isaiah 56:2 in regard to the sabbath: “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.”

“What Are You Doing?!”

Nehemiah 13:17-18 “Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.”

One of the meanings of the word “contend” is to “make a charge.” In his questioning, “What evil thing is this that ye do,” Nehemiah was charging them with the sin they were committing before God. The evidence was all around. Nehemiah witnessed the practices of the people and they were just as guilty as their fathers who had gone before them.

“Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city.” In just a relatively short period of time history was repeating itself. George Santayana said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” How soon have these people forgotten where these sins have gotten them, their “fathers” in the first place?

Nehemiah continued, “Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.” That word “more” by any definition means to add on to. In repeating the same sins of their “fathers” they were putting themselves in position to receive greater “wrath” from God.

“Close it Up and Shut it Down!”

Nehemiah 13:19 “And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.”

Seeing that the heart of the people were not intent on doing right, Nehemiah, as governor of the land, works immediately to set things in order. This story with Nehemiah reminds me of the time of when I was growing up before cable television. I had the privilege of viewing many old westerns that came on. And, if one thing you know about a western is when the sheriff is back in town, things change. With Nehemiah back and in charge, he quickly began to close up the city and shut down the evil practices.

At sunset, when the “gates . . . began to be dark” he ordered that they “should be shut.” Jewish times for marking days “begin with the onset of night (the appearance of the stars),” (SimpleToRemember.com). As the sabbath approached he positioned the people to honor it as they should and they would “not be opened till after the sabbath.” For, honoring God’s special days are a part of worship.

As a measure of security, Nehemiah positioned some of his own “servants . . . at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.” On guard, the servants were there to prevent a breach in all Nehemiah was trying to do.

“The Warning and the Assignment”

Nehemiah 13:20-22a “So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day.”

When it comes to making money some people will risk life and limb it seems to earn a buck. These “merchants and sellers” were not easily dissuaded by Nehemiah’s reforms. “Once or twice” they showed up hoping to still sell their wares.

Seeing this, Nehemiah gave them a dire warning. If they persisted in coming on the sabbath, they would be arrested and charged. He said, “If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you.” As governor of the land, he was working within his power and authority to not only threaten, but to carry out what he said he would do.

After Nehemiah’s warning, the merchants ceased coming on the “sabbath.” What a play on words here since we remember the word “sabbath” means to “cease.” They got the hint and “came they no more.”

“And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates.” After the completion of the wall, Nehemiah 7:1 says, “Now it came to pass, when the walls was built, and I had set up the doors . . . the Levites were appointed.” Here, Nehemiah is calling them to purify themselves to get back into position where they belonged; where they were previously assigned.

“Remember Me”

Nehemiah 13:22b “Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.”

At the close of this part of his reforms in dealing especially with the sabbath, Nehemiah uttered a prayer of remembrance.

These reforms that Nehemiah was instituting took a lot of work, dedication, organization and a flat footed desire to do God’s will. With that he prayed, “Remember me, O my God.”

Often in the Bible we see people praying for God to “remember” them (see Ps. 106:4; Jer. 15:15). Their desire is to call God’s attention to their cause and their case. Though humanity, I believe, will probably always pray this way, let me leave you with assurance from Psalms and Proverbs: “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance,” (Ps. 112:6) and “The memory of the just is blessed,” (Pr. 10:7).

Hebrews 6:10 tells us, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.” God is not absent-minded and does not forget you or all that you have done for Him.

Conclusion

As our lesson shows “Sanctifying the Lord’s Day” is a part of worship. In it we deliberately set aside time for God and give precedence to Him in our lives. To mark it as an ordinary day would be a great travesty to one’s relationship with God. If you will do right by God, God will remember you.

Below you will find activities to support the lesson for this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Wordsearch Answers: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Wordsearch Answers

Click PDF for accurate printing

Crossword: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Crossword Answers: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Crossword Answers

Click PDF for accurate printing

Match the Word: Sanctifying Match the Word Answers: Sanctifying Match the Word Answers

Click PDF for accurate printing

Draw the Scene: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day Draw the Scene

More Activities and Coloring Resources:

“Remember the Sabbath, Keep it Holy” Coloring Page from Church House Collection

“Exodus 20:8 Memory Verse” Coloring from Mssscrafts.com

“Ten Commandment” Coloring and Activities from Mssscrafts.com (Since our lesson deals with keeping the Sabbath Day holy as was commanded in Exodus 20:8 (one of the Ten Commandments) this would be a good idea to explore. Enjoy!)

“Invite a Friend to Church” Craft from Sunday School Crafts

“Stained Glass Window” Craft from Sunday School Crafts (Many churches we enter on the Lord’s Day have Stained Glass Windows.” This simple craft can be made with leftover wrapping paper, magazines, cellophane or anything. These following template of windows may be useful in your design: Storyboardstoys.com; Sandra’s Handmade Crafts. Enjoy!)

“Ten Commandments Stained Glass Coloring Page” from Miniturechurch.co.uk

“Easy Stained Glass Craft” from DLTK

“Matching Pieces Church” Activity from Mssscrafts.com

“Family Going to Church” Coloring Page from Raindrop.org

“Going to Church/The Sabbath” Activities from Mssscrafts.com

“Online Games for Sabbath” from Sabbathkids.com

“Keeping the Sabbath” Activity from Christianitycove.com

“Shabbat/Sabbath Crafts for Kids” from Ehow.com

“Circle the Church That’s Different” from Church House Collection

“How Many Words Can You Make Out of Sabbath” Activity from Church House Collection

“Easy Exodus 20:8 Craft” from Church House Collection

“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, religion, Sunday School, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: "Sabbath Reforms" Sunday School Lesson Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, "Sanctifying the Lord's Day" Sunday School Lesson Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, "Santictifying the Lord's Day / Sabbath Reforms" Sunday School Lesson Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, Children's Bible Activities, Children's Bible Printables, Children's Coloring Pages, Children's crafts for Nehemiah 13, Children's Printables, Children's Sunday School Lessons, God, Jerusalem, Judah, Levite, Lord's Day, Nehemiah, Sanctifying the Lord, Sanctifying the Lord's Day / Sabbath Reforms Sunday School Lesson Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson, Sunday School Lesson "Sabbath Reforms" Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, Sunday School Lesson "Sanctifying the Lord's Day" Nehemiah 13:15-22 August 25 2013, Tobiah

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“Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!”

August 22, 2013, 5:46 am

≫ Next: “His Promise”

≪ Previous: “Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013

Matthew 14:30-31 Wallpaper
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord, save me,” Matthew 14:30

There was a point in Matthew 14 where the disciples were not sure if the image they were seeing was actually the Lord. Finding out that it was Him, in a move of boldness, Peter requested, “Bid me come unto thee on the water,” (vs. 28). Jesus’ response – “Come!” (vs.29).

How difficult, had we not known this familiar story, would it have been for us to get out of that boat and venture to do the impossible? I mean – really?! People are not known for walking on water, which is one of the reasons, they originally thought Jesus was a spirit (vs. 26). Watching Jesus take command over what normally cannot be subdued, moved something inside of Peter to do what Jesus did.

What would that have been like? Awesome, indeed! I love to swim, so the idea of being able to physically walk on water would make me down right giddy. Another thing that appeals to me about this story is the courage to at least try. To see what it was like to break away from the normal and to do something extraordinary.

Extraordinary living! Isn’t that what being in Christ is all about? It’s a whole lot of faith mixed with a whole lot of stepping out that produces the results of one who has chosen to see and do life differently than those around him. The rest stayed in the boat. They were content with the status quo. But, Peter felt a special draw to see what it was like to step out of the boat – to see what it was like to stand where Jesus stood.

As Peter found out, the road to extraordinary living can get rough. A lot of stuff can and will rise up against us as those waves did, and seek to toss about our faith. What Peter “saw” side-tracked him from getting to where Jesus was. The truth of Peter’s experience in this story unfolds the same way for many of us. If only the sea would be calm then we would be alright. If only the waves of adversity would stop trying to slam you, then would you be able to walk on water, too.

Jesus never promised calm seas all the time. But, what He did promise was, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” (Matthew 28:20). It is hard to try to live an extraordinary life when one takes their eyes off of Jesus and what He promised. It’s one thing to recognize Jesus, but then we have the individual responsibility to stay focused on Him. No matter what the seas are doing in our life, He promised to be there with us. Always!

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). In essence, He was stating that He was right there with Peter, so why did Peter take his eyes off of Jesus?

Sinking in life doesn’t always happen that fast. Little by little one begins to predominantly focus on the problems of life instead of the Life Preserver, who promised to be there for you. God wants us to step out into extraordinary living. By keeping our eyes on Jesus we can do the impossible. We can walk on water, too! He is with you, always!

What to Do When You’re Asked to Walk On Water (apreachaskid.wordpress.com)
Doing the impossible (thabisochauke.wordpress.com)
Battered by the Storm (thebeggardanced.com)
Storms Distract (jovettearcher.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Christ, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Jesus Walks on Water, Lord, Matthew, Matthew 14:30, Peter, Peter Gets Out of the Boat, Peter Walks on Water, walk on water

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“His Promise”

August 26, 2013, 3:00 am

≫ Next: “God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013

≪ Previous: “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!”

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His promise says I’ll never leave nor forsake you,

Even when the skies are no longer bright blue;

When the clouds and the roaring crash of thunder,

Threaten to overwhelm and drag me under.

His promise says I’ll be with you until the very end,

When people turn their backs and you can find no friend;

When troubles and trials make you cry at your wit’s end,

When life unravels, leaving a broken heart that needs to mend.

His promise says that this will work together for my good,

Though the confusion can’t be hardly understood;

When life is filled with “I wish I would,”

Taking me through all the could and should.

His promise says I lived and died for you,

Giving you everlasting life to help you make it through;

His salvation, sin’s stain erased and undo,

Bring through Him a victorious breakthrough.

“He who promised is faithful,” Hebrews 10:23

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, Poetry, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Bible, God, He who promised is faithful, Hebrews 10:23, Holy Spirit, Jesus, New International Version, Peter, Salvation, Second Epistle of Peter

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“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013

August 28, 2013, 1:42 pm

≫ Next: “God’s Got You Covered!”

≪ Previous: “His Promise”

Photo Credit: Gospelgifs
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September 1, 2013

“God Created All / God Creates”

Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30

(Please note: Lesson is later to come. Thank you!)

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Photos for Lesson” from Bridge to the Bible (Here you will find a plethora of photos to illustrate the lesson for this week. Enjoy!)

Wordsearch: God Created All Wordsearch Answers: God Created All Wordsearch Answers

Click PDF above for accurate printing

Crossword: God Created All Crossword Answers: God Created All Crossword Answers

Click PDF above for accurate printing

Word Scramble: God Created All Word Scramble Answers: God Created All Word Scramble Answers

Click PDF above for accurate printing

Draw the Scene: God Created Draw the Scene (Psst! How cool would it be to add sticker stars?!)

Click PDF above for accurate printing

“God Created All Collage”: PDF God Created Collage (Use this printable and some pictures cut out of old magazines and such so students can make Creation Collages. Enjoy!)

Click PDF link above for accurate printing

Below are even more activities to support this week’s lesson. (Note: in dealing with creation the options are endless so below I have linked some of my favorites. Most of these links are from Genesis (the beginning of creation) and can be easily applied to this week’s lesson. Enjoy!) All of them are worth checking out. You might be surprised by some of the ideas!

“In the Beginning” Coloring Sheet from Abdaacts.com (This coloring sheet is perfect for older children and teens due the intricate design. Enjoy!)

“Ocean in a Bottle with Fish” Craft/Activity from Learning Ideas (This is a super cute, clever and fantastic way to have students make their own ocean in a bottle. This is a must try! I believe students everywhere would be excited about this one. Enjoy!) Don’t use a weighted toy like I did because he keeps looking down. Go to the site listed above for an excellent idea. Get as elaborate or not as you want. Demonstration pictures below:

IMAG1119-1

“Psalm 104 Fill in the Blanks” from Biblewise (A worksheet for students to fill out to help with lesson reinforcement. Enjoy!)

“Psalm 104 Coloring Book” from Bridalweather.com (Yes, you read right, a coloring book! Here is you will find 35 pages of coloring from all throughout Psalm 104. Enjoy!)

“Creation Sunday School Ideas” from Biblefunzone.com (This is a paid member site but just scrolling through it will any teacher wonderful ideas to instill in this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“God Created” Craft Project for Children from Ministrytochildren.com

“Genesis Chapter 1: In the Beginning” from DLTK.com (Click here for many easy and printable craft ideas to support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Every Color Under Heaven” Bible/Group Activity from Children’s Ministry (This participation activity allows children to break away from the arts and crafts table to go interactive with Psalm 104. Enjoy!)

“Creation” Craft and Printable Ideas and Resources from Mssscrafts.com

“Children’s Activities on Creation” from Ehow.com (Learn how to reinforce this week’s lesson through the use of puppets, draw and tell, flower bouquet and matching days activities. There sure to be something here for every class. Enjoy!)

“Creation Object Match” from When You Rise (There are several creation ideas on this site but this one you find 3D objects for students to match to the correct number day. It keeps hands busy and is a great educational tool also. Enjoy!)

Free Printable Copy of “God Gave Us the Earth” from Kinder-Craze (This is great for students who are just learning to read because it combines learning to read and spell GOD with the fun activity of making their own creation book. This is educational and fun. A win win, if you ask me. Enjoy!)

“7 Days of Creation” Coloring Pages from Faith Formation (Here you will find giant numbers on each page filled with things from that day’s creation. Enjoy!)

“Printable Creation Collage Craft” from Christian Preschool Printables (Want a fun activity but no time to plan? This one’s for you. Simply print out the free sheets and assemble. Enjoy!)

“Days of Creation” Coloring Pages from Ministry to Children

“Creation Lapbook” from Lapbooklessons.com (If you are into lapbooks, then this one is for you. Includes photos to add. Enjoy!)

“Creation Wheel” from Chocolate on my Cranium

“Creation Activity Worksheet” from Christian Preschool Printables (An excellent, easy and fun worksheet for students to complete. Enjoy!)

“Creation Bible Printables” from Bible Story Printables (Easy to use printables to describe the story of Creation. Enjoy!)

“Creation Felt Board Printables” from Christian Preschool Printables (This is a great idea with or without felt to illustrate the story of Creation. Enjoy!)

“Day of Creation File Folder Game” from Christian Preschool Printables (Ok, this is fantastic. What classroom doesn’t need a game that coincides with the lesson? This is a fun and unique way to get the students to participate in a more interactive way with the lesson. Enjoy!)

Related articles

“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
Sunday School Lesson “Celebrating With Joy / Dedicating the Temple” Ezra 6:13-22 July 14, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Fasting and Praying” Sunday School Lesson Ezra 8:21-23, 31-32 July 21, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
The Festival of Booths/The Feast of Tabernacles Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 8:13-18, August 4, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“God’s Got You Covered!”

September 2, 2013, 4:02 am

≫ Next: “Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013

≪ Previous: “God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013

Photo Credit: Wallpaper4god.com Click here to visit that site

Do you ever feel opened and exposed during the trials of life? Do you ever feel that the enemy has free pickings when it comes to your heart ache? Well, he doesn’t! The enemies of this life may chase you, hunt you down and all together seek to make your life miserable, but the enemies do not have the last say over anything. God, in His complete sovereignty has you covered!

If anybody knew about being constantly chased by enemies seeking to take their life it was David. Saul, in a jealous pursuit, saw something special in David, the favor of God, and wanted to destroy David. There were days when David may have felt like giving up. There were days of hiding in caves and pretending to be a mad-man to seek solitude in other countries. But, through it all David dealt best with his enemies through prayer. He declared who his God was and committed his trust to Him. In Psalm 140:7, “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”

To be covered means to be concealed and to be protected. The battles of this life may at times make us feel that we are an open target to everyone who can’t stand the favor of God on us, but be of good cheer, God’s got us covered! “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever,” (Psalm 125:2). And, if God is like a mountain surrounding us then there is no adversary that can break through the covering He has over us. It may feel like we are on the run sometimes but God is still that protecting force that “covered my head in the day of battle.” Commit your heart aches, your battle and your enemies to God and let Him be your covering today.

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, Psalms, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Christianity, David, God, Jerusalem, Lord, O God, Psalm, Psalm 125:2, Psalm 140:7, Psalm 91:4, Saul, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle

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“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013

September 4, 2013, 1:25 pm

≫ Next: “Will I Be Worthy?”

≪ Previous: “God’s Got You Covered!”

Photo Credit: Wallpaper4god.com Click to visit site

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September 8, 2013

“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female”

Genesis 2:18-25

(Click here for WORD document: Created Male and Female Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

In 2011, a movie title “We Bought a Zoo” came out, which depicts the story of a man named, Benjamin Mee. In this movie, the young widower moves his family to a struggling zoo after the loss of his wife. There, he seeks to rebuild the zoo and more importantly rebuild the family relationship.

Near the end of the movie when the fully restored zoo first opens up, Lily Miska asks Kelly, “If you had to choose between people and animals, who would you pick?” Looking at the people whom they have both come to care for she responded to her own question and said, “Me, too. People!” (IMDb click for full source).

In our lesson, after man was created, he was alone and had no one else like himself. The animals were great and served as some source of companionship but they could never fulfill the needs of the man the way someone like him would. This mimics what is implied in the movie. Animals are great but they are not people. People need people. Humans need other humans to love and interact with to be whole and complete.

God, in today’s lesson, saw that it was not good for man to be alone. Man needed someone else and God was going to remedy that situation right now.

Genesis 2:18 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

This lesson opens up with “And the LORD God said,” verifying that God Himself is the one making the statement that follows. This is critical because it’s not only stating God’s authorship in the words, but also in the actions that follow.

“It is not good that the man should be alone.” At the end of everything God created He said, “It was good,” (Gen. 1:31). But, here in this verse, something causes God to say, “It is not good.” And, that something is the loneliness of man. This verse specifically points out “the man” using a singular stance, meaning just one. The usage of the words like this reemphasize his being “alone.”

Was Adam feeling unfulfilled? Viewing the monkeys swinging in the trees together as a community or rabbits chasing each other in a game of bunny tag, did the sight dishearten Adam and make him long for more? We don’t know. All we do know is what the Scriptures tell us, and that is, man is “alone” and in God’s eyes “it was not good.”

There is an article on Ehow.com titled “The Effects of Long-Term Loneliness and Isolation” written by Phillip Chappell. In it, according to the University of Chicago psychologists Louise Hawkley and John Cacioppo, in speaking of loneliness said, “long-term exposure can have negative emotional and physical effects.” The areas of one’s life that can be affected are: “stress, sleep, social behavior and emotions.” (click here to read complete article).

Was this what Adam was experiencing? Again, we don’t know. But, for the man He created, I can imagine that God did not want to see any despondency in Adam due to being “alone.” So, God sought to remedy the situation.

“I will make him a him an help meet for him.” God is not finished creating just yet. All that He created was good. Every creature, the way He made them was perfect. But, the man Adam needed someone that was like himself. He needed a “help meet.” He needed a mate, a companion, someone whom he could share life with.

So, God with His marvelous creative abilities said, “I will make,” someone for him. God was going to give Adam an appropriate and compatible companion with whom he could communicate and share life.

Genesis 2:19-20 “And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.”

“And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast . . . and every fowl.” Here is a reiteration of what already occurred. In last week’s lesson “God Creates All” we see when the psalmist is celebrating God. “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all . . .,” (Ps. 104:24). Out of those manifold works, we see here where the Lord made these animals stated above.

Adam himself was also brought forth from the dust of the “ground.” Genesis 2:7 says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

“And brought them to Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.” In Genesis 2:15 it says, “The LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” I have always looked upon that verse and the verse in our lesson with the naming of “every living creature” as jobs that were given to Adam by God.

A lot of people try to distinguish why Adam was responsible for the naming of the animals at this meet and greet with the animals, and not God. God could’ve done it all, and yet, God has always invited man to participate in what He is doing. God has never promoted laziness but has always encouraged man in taking on responsibility. I think it’s amazing how God is allowing Adam to work at or “speak things” as He Himself does. Whatever Adam speaks over the animal, whatever he calls them “that was the name thereof.”

I believe, also (just my personal opinion) that when one works at something, be it “to dress and keep the garden” or naming “every living creature,” there becomes more of an interest; more of a personal involvement and investment in the care of what God already created. With that, “Adam gave names to all.”

God’s observation in verse 18 begins to stand out even more in verse 20. “But for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” After naming the animals was it now more apparent to Adam himself that there was no one else like him? Again, we don’t know but what is known is that the reiteration of this point means that God wanted it specially noted and referenced. Twice in this lesson the need for a “help meet” appropriate for Adam is implied and stated.

Genesis 2:21-22 “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept.” It was time for the first human surgery to commence. This was not done by doctors in the medical field who have piled on degrees to learn of the human body. This was done by He who created the human body from mere dust. Awesome! Using the first case of anesthesia, Adam slept. As with modern day anesthesia he was completely under, knocked out and totally unconscious. This was done that God might create the “help meet” he needed as a companion.

“And He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

Why did God decide to make Eve in a different way than He did Adam? Why didn’t He form Eve from the dust of the ground also? There’s a lot of speculation with no definitive answer. All we know is God left a very detailed and illustrated version of Eve coming into existence differently than Adam.

Most seem to suggest this was done to exhibit unity in the human race as well as unity in marriage. We do know that as Genesis 1:27 states, “In the image of God created he him; male and female created he him.” Woman may have been formed differently than man, but she, too, was made “in the image of God.” And, God “brought her unto the man.” The woman was presented to man from God. What a gift!

Genesis 2:23-25 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” Some way or another, Adam was made aware of the procedure that transpired and when he saw the woman he immediately recognized her being the result of it; her as being from him.

Adam’s declaration is she is no longer just a part of his body, rather “now,” meaning presently, after God created her, she is fully and completely of him and from him, from the inside out. He said, “bone of my bones (inside), and flesh of my flesh (outside).” Twice here he used the word “my” which not only shows unity, but also a responsibility to and for her. She was now a permanent part of his life.

“She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Though I have referred to the “Woman” as Eve several times throughout this lesson, she does not actually take on that name until Genesis 3:20. I referenced her as Eve for familiarity purposes.

Here, we see Adam’s first response was to call her “Woman.” She was a part of man, but different from man. She was the feminine side of man. Notice that both the words “Woman” and “Man” are capitalized. At this time their proper names weren’t being used by each other, therefore the need for capitalization of their titles.

She was “taken out of Man” is reiterating her origin as being different from Adam and all other created beings. Everything else was from dust, but not her (refer back to verse 19). She was designed specifically to fulfill the purpose of being a compatible “help meet” for “the man.”

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.” When God looked at Adam and saw that it was not good for him to be alone, He remedied the situation by making him somebody that was perfect for him. Now, she becomes a priority to the man. “Cleave” means to “cling.” She was taken out of him, for him and now his job was to stay with her. That sounds like marriage vows already.

Here, he is showing a commitment to be with his wife; in a relationship where intimacy and love can be cultivated and nourished. In an article titled “Building a Great Marriage,” Paul and Linda J. Bucknell write:

“An intimate marriage is characterized by the understanding that my spouse is vitally important to me. We are not just meeting each other’s basic needs. We have come to believe, on the authority of God’s Word, that our union is more blessed than our separateness,” (click here for full article).

With his commitment to Eve, I imagine Adam felt the same way. After all he stated, “And they shall be one flesh.” In the article stated above they also point out:

“A couple must increasingly come to the point where they have only one love . . . they still resolve to be committed to loving them . . .” (article here).

This is an on purpose act of love to “be one flesh.” To be unified wholly and completely together in every area of life.

“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” When my youngest was in Pre-K, I volunteered a lot at her school. Her teacher was very thorough in all areas of subject but had a deep interest in art. One of my assignments with the students was to go through an art catalog and show different works to the students (they had a field trip coming up to the museum). I was to point out and ask about lines, shapes, shading and such in the works.

Before releasing me to the students she made sure to emphasize the need to stay away from “inappropriate” works, namely, “naked” works, and with good reason. Pictures and works like these are considered by most as “inappropriate” and they bring about a certain amount of shame.

Most of the searches on the internet and in books for Adam and Eve’s story will reveal their nakedness covered behind trees and leaves or something else. Our world is somewhat sensitive to these types of displays of the human body in its “naked” form. I often groan passing by my local art collage for some of these displays are often erected outside or in windows for the whole world to see.

Here, in our lesson, “they were both naked . . . and were not ashamed.” This is the Age of Innocence. During this period of time there was nothing present that could make them feel “ashamed.” There was no sin and no wrong. They were completely pure. The need to cover came immediately after they sinned, Genesis 3:6-7. As soon as their “eyes were opened . . . they knew they were naked.” But here, as God made them they had no reason to be “ashamed.”

Conclusion

This story shows God care in taking care of man. God saw that man was alone and made someone specifically designed for him.

Below you will find resources to assist with your lesson this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Created Male and Female Wordsearch Answers: Created Male and Female Wordsearch Answers

click PDF above for accurate printing

Crossword: Created Male and Female Crossword Answers: Created Male and Female Crossword Answers

click PDF above for accurate printing

Word Scramble: Created Male and Female Word Sramble Answers: Created Male and Female Word Sramble Answers

click PDF above for accurate printing

More Resources and Links for Lesson Support:

“The Story of Adam and Eve” from DLTK (Here you will find many activities including coloring and crafts. Some will even be good to use for next week’s lesson also. Enjoy!)

“Adam and Eve” Coloring Page from Calvarywilliamsport.com

“God Made Me” Simple/Printable Craft from Calvarywilliamsport.com

“God Made Me” from DLTK

“Adam and Eve” Maze from Calvarywilliamsport.com

“Help Adam Name the Animals” Activity from Calvarywilliamsport.com

“Adam and Eve” Coloring Page from Indysda.org

“Adam and Eve” Coloring Page from Coloringpagesabc.com

“Genesis 2:21″ Coloring Page from Church House Collection

“The Garden of Eden” Activity from Kids Sunday School Place (This is very interesting and creative. Children get to make their own scenery of the Garden of Eden and fill in the missing pieces. Comes already colored or in black and white for students to color. This one is sure to please teacher and students alike. Enjoy!)

SAMPLE: CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR FULL PROJECT

“Male and Female” Activity from Free Children’s Bible Lessons (This activity has students line up and participate in answering several questions about males and females. I love activities that get students physically involved. Enjoy!)

“God Makes Adam and Eve” Activities and Coloring from Calvarycurriculum

“Adam Names the Animals” Skit from Kids Sunday School Place

“Adam and Eve Bible Printables” from Bible Story Printables (Here you will find several easy printable activities to help with this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Adam and Eve Finger Puppets” from Christian Preschool Printables

SAMPLE: CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR FULL PROJECT

“Adam and Eve Lapbook” from Lapbooklessons.com

“The First Man” Bible Story and Activities from The Children’s Chapel

“Adam and Eve Coloring for Older Children” from Abdaacts

“The Garden of Eden Coloring for Older Children” from Abdaacts

“God Made Adam and Eve” Crafts/Coloring/Activities from Mssscrafts.com (Several options and ideas to choose from. Enjoy!)

“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“Will I Be Worthy?”

September 9, 2013, 3:00 am

≫ Next: “Relying On God”

≪ Previous: “Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013

Will I be worthy

In that day

When the clouds part

Shining redemptive rays?

Will I be worthy

Before the Son

Rising with the saints

Together as one?

Will I be worthy

To gain a crown,

With robes of righteousness

As my dressing gown?

Will I be worthy

To bask in that glory

When the books are opened

Exposing my story?

Will I be worthy

To hear, “Well done,”

To enter for eternity

Where’s there’s no need for sun?

Will I be worthy?

The answer is, “No,”

If on my own accord

I try to go.

My own works

Can’t mark me as good,

But if on Christ’s sacrifice

I have stood;

My unworthy, sinful, scarlet state

Counts me as worthy, by His grace.

“But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11

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“Relying On God”

September 10, 2013, 3:00 am

≫ Next: “Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013

≪ Previous: “Will I Be Worthy?”

Not by my own strength,

It’s failing, it’s fleeting.

Relying on myself,

My life takes a beating.

It’s against the wind I fight,

Expending all my fleshly might.

It’s only by His Spirit I can win,

Supplied by God, the power within.

Many are searching

For the prosperous way,

Forcing themselves

With striving each day.

The plans of man

Are but weak and futile,

Relying on God will carry you

To the very last mile.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts,” Zechariah 4:6

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“Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013

September 10, 2013, 7:07 am

≫ Next: “Prosperity Belongs to God”

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Photo Credit: Mightymag.org Click here to visit the site

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September 15, 2013

“Knowledge of Good and Evil”

Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23

(Click here for WORD Document: Knowledge of Good and Evil Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

Once upon a time in a land far away, and in a time long ago, there lived a man and a woman. The man and the woman loved each other very much and they lived in perfect paradise together.

Then, one day, an enemy of the man and woman, who hated them very much, came with a lie to beguile them. Promising they would be like God, he persuaded them to do wrong, losing all of their perfect paradise.

Sound like a fairy tale? Sometimes people view the story of Adam and Eve in that way. It sounds so fantastic and almost like a fantasy when we read of the creation of man, the perfect state they live in and their downfall due to deception. But, this is no fairy tale, nor a fantasy. This story is very real and the results therein are still impacting mankind today.

Genesis 3:8 “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.”

The “and” here in our lesson signifies something came before this verse. That something was an encounter with evil. The woman, somehow apart from the man, was beguiled by the devil’s lies through the use of the serpent. He told her, “For God doth know that in that day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil,” (Gen. 3:5).

Listening to the serpent and seeing with her eyes the fruit, the Bible says, “She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat,” (Gen. 3:6). Their “eyes were opened” and in their sin they saw their nakedness and hid. This is where the lesson picks up when “they heard the voice the LORD God walking in the garden.”

“Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.” In their state of innocence, before their sin, they had intimate fellowship with God. So, when they “heard” His “voice,” they were familiar with His “presence.” Only this time it wasn’t as welcoming as it once was. His presence exposed their shame, and with that, they “hid themselves.”

What does hiding imply? To hide means there is something that one does not want uncovered. There is something that one does not want revealed. They thought to hide their sin from God “amongst the trees,” but, alas, this attempt was futile.

Genesis 3:9 “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”

“Where art thou?” Our God is omnipresent which basically means He is everywhere at the same time (see Ps. 139:7-10). And, our God is omniscient which means He knows everything that’s going on from the inside out. Psalm 44:21 says that He even knows “the secrets of the heart.” With that being said, God knew exactly where Adam was. Trees could not hide man’s sin. Later in history Jonah also would find out the impossible feat of trying to hide from God. Everything is opened to God; everything is exposed; there is nothing hid from Him, (see Heb. 4:13).

Genesis 3:10 “And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

Matched against the presence of God sin will make man tremble and be “afraid.” God is holy and His people are called to be holy, (1 Peter 1:16). But, when the unholy nature of man faces God, it tries to hide. I imagine, previously the voice of God was a comfort to Adam. Here in the knowledge of his sin, fear has taken over. Sin took away peace and opened the door for all other opposing emotions.

Genesis 3:11 “And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?”

“Who told thee that thou wast naked?” Questions are designed for the purpose of extracting information from an individual and securing an answer. Once again, God knew the answer but did Adam fully comprehend what he had done? With the questioning it will cause Adam to search inside himself for an answer, a way to reply. That searching will show the impact of what he has done, peeling back layers of revelation. “How do I answer? I would have to admit this and that.”

“Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” In other words, “Have you disobeyed Me?” is what God was asking. Adam was given one rule to follow. “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die,” (Gen. 2:16b-17). One rule; one command.

God’s word is His “commands.” What God says outranks all else. One’s real intimacy with God is revealed in how well they keep his commandments. 1 John 2:3 says, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” The psalmist said, “Thy word I have his in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” (Ps. 119:11). Hiding God’s word in one’s heart will help them not to have to hide behind trees later.

Genesis 3:12 “And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave of the tree, and I did eat.”

In last week’s lesson she was “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh,” (Gen. 2:23). She was the one made specifically for him. Here, there is an almost disdainful ire about him when he talks about “the woman whom thou gavest to me.” What intimacy they once shared, sin has now caused a rift in their relationship, hence the beginning of the blame game.

Genesis 3:13 “And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”

Now God is going down the line questioning everyone involved. The woman’s response, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Through that bite of fruit knowledge was gained, with that the realization that she had been deceived or “beguiled.” Some say hindsight has 20/20 vision. But the Bible says, “The just shall live by faith,” (Hab. 2:4).

Genesis 3:14-15 “And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:”

Actions have consequences, for the good or for the bad. Here, it was all bad. Disobedience to God’s commands always leads down a treacherous path. That’s why the Bible says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” (Ps. 119:105). God’s commands shine the way to keep man from that pathway that leads to destruction.

God then speaks to the “serpent.” He’s not questioning him for information. For now, it’s time to deal with the matter at hand, “Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed.” “Cursed” is a word no creature wants to hear. God has spoken against the “serpent.” He said “upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.” The serpent would be the least favored of all animals and would pay tremendously for his part in the fall of man.

Speaking of the “dust thou shalt eat,” David Guzik wrote on his commentary at Enduringword.com:

“This was true of the serpent as an animal, but it is also true of Satan. To eat dust has the idea of total defeat (Isaiah 65:25, Micah 7:17). God’s judgment on Satan is for him to always know defeat. He will always reach for victory, but always fall short of it.” (Click here for commentary)

“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” If one has ever seen the movie “The Passion of the Christ” they may very well remember that very vivid scene when Jesus rose up from prayer in the Garden of Gethsamne and crushed the head of the serpent under His feet. The prophecy that God speaks in this verse foretells Jesus’s victory over Satan once and for all. “It shall bruise thy head.” For if the “head” is “bruised” than the body is defeated and broken, both literally and metaphorically.

Genesis 3:16 “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”

In layman’s terms, “It’s going to be hard for you.” God designed a woman’s body to conceive and bear children, but now because of sin, “sorrow” is attached to that. With the word “multiply” added it implies much “sorrow.” The labor process and child-birth are very painful experiences that a woman has to go through to bring that new little babe into the world.

“Thy desire shall be thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” Let’s talk about that word “desire.” Some believe this portion of the text goes along with what was just said regarding child birth. That despite the pain she feels she will still “desire” physically for her husband. And, for some this “desire” is looked upon as her wanting to have his position and take control; a battle of the sexes, if you will. In Genesis 2:24 it says, “And they shall be one flesh,” but now there appears to be some contentions and struggling. Their unity has been frayed by their sinful desires.

Genesis 3:17 “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.”

One moment of sin marred the life of man as long as he is on this earth. Here, we see the words “cursed” and “sorrow” making reappearance. This time it is the man who would suffer anguish for his role in disobeying God’s commands. Previously, God gave him the position of “dressing and keeping the garden” while he dwelt in the garden, Gen. 2:15. Outside of the garden the “ground” that he would work would have its own labor and toil.

“All the days of thy life.” In Genesis 3:19 (not in today’s lesson) it says, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.” “Sweat” is its own indication of how hard and unpleasant this was going to be for man.

Genesis 3:22-23 “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.”

“The man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.” In Genesis 3:7 it tells us, “The eyes of them both were opened.” Innocence is now gone and “good and evil” has been uncovered and revealed to them both.

There’s an old phrase that states, “Ignorance is bliss,” which means “not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it,” (click here at Dicitonary.com for resource). As soon as their eyes were opened they knew things that they didn’t know before and it did not make life easier or happier for them. As a matter of fact, with that knowledge, their world was turned upside down. Now, they probably wished they didn’t know so much about “good and evil,” for now, their lives have been changed forever.

“Lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.” One of the hardest aspects of parenthood is when a child loses his parents trust. Once lost it can be hard to regain. Adam and Eve disobeyed the first rule so what would prohibit them from taking of “the tree of life” also? Not wanting to risk them living forever in their sinful state God took protective measures.

“Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden.” Banished; kicked out; made to leave – nothing about any of those words feel good. They were no longer allowed to enjoy the paradise they once knew. Sin stripped them of the privilege to reside in this perfect place. They were now to go out and deal with the elements of earth the best way they could through hard work and toil till the day they died.

Genesis 3:24 (not in today’s lesson) says, “He drove out the man; and he place at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Forcefully, God evicted man from a place that was designed just for him to meet his ever need. Man would forever miss this place where there was no trouble or toil. He may even try to re-enter, but God put angelic guards in the way to prevent access. It’s like the sheriff who seals the doors after an eviction. What once was their possession was now unlawful for them to own. They would not be allowed to trespass.

Below you will find resources to help support the lesson for this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Good Evil Wordsearch Answers: Knowledge of Good and Evil Wordsearch Answers

Click PDF for accurate printing

Crossword: Good Evil Crossword Answers: Knowledge of Good and Evil Crossword Answers

Click PDF for accurate printing

“How Many Words Can You Make?” PDF: Good Evil How Many Words

Click PDF for accurate printing

“Knowledge of Good and Evil Tree” PDF: Good And Evil Tree (On the squares on the tree, students can write or draw 5 ways we can obey God. Enjoy!)

Click PDF for accurate printing

“Adam and Eve Coloring Sheet” – PDF: Adam Eve Coloring Sheet (Use this coloring sheet to have students draw their own Garden of Eden in the background. Enjoy!)

Click PDF above for accurate printing

“Garden of Eden Coloring Sheet: – PDF: Garden of Eden (Print coloring sheet and let the students draw a picture of their own Adam and Eve in the coloring page. Enjoy!)

Click PDF above for accurate printing

“Tie the Snake” – This is such a simple craft to put together especially if your husband, brother, or father has old ties (and they all do ) laying around unused. Keep him flat or stuff him with batting, newspaper or whatever floats your boat Attach some googley eyes and your students have an interesting snake puppet of their very own. Enjoy!

At least it convinced the kitten it was real

This is the unstuffed version.

“Spiral Snake” – Go to Coloring Pages 101 to print out the coloring page. Let children decorate it any way they want to. Cut out the spiral snake and hang by a string, drape over something or just let him slither on the floor. This is a very easy project for students and teachers alike. If you want to get fancy, perhaps gluing sequins, stars or other stuff to add a bit of sparkle to our little guy. Enjoy!

More Interesting Snake Crafts:

“Slinky Link Snake” from The Education Center (Remember those old Christmas chain links we would make as kids. Their back in snake form. Simply attach the head and you’ve got yourself a snake. Go to the site for further instructions. Enjoy!)

“Simple Snake Craft” from Gift of Curiosity (This one uses pipe cleaners, googly eyes and beads. Easy!)

“Yarn Snake”

“Slithering Snake Craft” from Chicago Parent (This one uses tubes from paper towels. Genius!)

“Hand Print Snake“

“Slithery Snake Craft” from I Heart Crafty Things (This one uses printable downloads and brads. Simple!)

“Accordion Snake” from Crystal’s Tiny Treasures

Below are more resources and links for lesson support:

“The First Man” from Children’s Chapel (Several activities to choose from. Enjoy!)

“Adam and Eve” from Calvary’s Kids Pages (Several activities to choose from. Enjoy!)

“Adam and Eve Disobey God” from Ministry to Children

“Adam and Eve Lapbook” from Lapbook Lessons

“Adam and Eve Bible Crafts” from Christian Preschool Printables (Here you will find several printable activities to choose from. Very Easy! Enjoy!)

“Adam and Eve – The First Sin Bible Lesson” from Ministry to Children

“Adam and Eve Bible Printables” from Bible Story Printables

“Adam and Eve Printable Craft” from Sunday School Lady

“Adam and Eve Craft Worksheet” from Sunday School Resources

“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Gifts for the Temple” Sunday School Lesson, Ezra 8:24-30, July 28, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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“Prosperity Belongs to God”

September 12, 2013, 9:16 am

≫ Next: “An Everlasting Covenant” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 9:8-17, September 22, 2013

≪ Previous: “Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build,”
Nehemiah 2:20

You have felt that burden in your heart or that niggling of the mind. The pull or the call to step out in faith to take on a new project, yet the enemy has thrown disturbing thoughts your way thinking to frustrate what God is pulling you to do.

Nehemiah felt such a burden from God. He received word that the people in Jerusalem were in distress and the walls were broken and the gates burned, (Neh. 1:3). What could he possibly do all the way in Shushan? The Bible tells us he fasted and prayed and confessed the wrongs of his people before God, (Neh. 1:4). Then, God gave an opportunity for King Artaxerxes to take notice of his plight and support the project that had burdened his heart.

Arriving in the area of Jerusalem with letters from the king should have made things easy for Nehemiah. But, the plain and simple truth is there are those who don’t want to see God’s people blessed. There are those who don’t want to see God’s people prosper and favored. This is what Nehemiah faced. Nehemiah 2:10 tells us this of his enemies, “They were deeply disturbed that a man came to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.”

As soon as the work began and they took steps toward the goal of their heart, their enemies laughed at them and despised them and put accusations against them, (Neh. 2:19). But, Nehemiah’s response was one of total faith and reliance upon God. He said, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build,” (Neh. 2:20).

Know this, anytime God lays a burden on your heart to do something for Him, there will always be enemies that try to stop the plan of God in you. Sometimes it could even be just our own doubts and insecurities about our own ability to get the job done. But, if God called you to it, He will see you through it. Prosperity belongs to God! All He has ever asked us to do is to step out in faith and do the work and depend on Him to increase it and cause it to grow. No human on this earth has any say so about what God is doing in your life!

Be Blessed

“Relying On God” (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
Make Your Way Prosperous (favadailies.wordpress.com)
Plans for Hope and a Future (agapefollow.wordpress.com)
God’s Plan! (1safeharborisjesus.wordpress.com)
Nehemiah Chapter 1 (barbbloom.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, Inspirational Photos, Inspirational Pictures, Inspirational Posters, Photos, religion, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: Bible, Book of Nehemiah, God, Israel, Israelites, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah 2:20, Susa, The God of heaven He will prosper us

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“An Everlasting Covenant” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 9:8-17, September 22, 2013

September 16, 2013, 6:46 pm

≫ Next: “Whatever!”

≪ Previous: “Prosperity Belongs to God”

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September 22, 2013

“An Everlasting Covenant”

Genesis 9:8-17

(Click here for Word Document: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

On March 15, 2013, I wrote a quick out-the-door article titled: “Promise in a Pop of Color” (click here). It states: “I woke up this morning feeling, well . . . . blah!!! Headache, no energy, not feeling really with it. This week has been something else and I guess it’s taking a toll on my body.

As I was looking for something to wear, I reached into my closet and pulled out a white shirt (black and white shirts are a standby for me because they usually don’t have to be ironed – telling on myself, I know). But, even though it didn’t need to be ironed, I put it back declaring, in my dreariness, that I need a pop of color.

As I was going through the drudgery of ironing my pop of color I wondered if that’s why God made His covenant to Noah and all the earth in the form of a rainbow. After the rains and the storms of life, after the hardships and turmoil, after being tossed about to and fro, maybe we all need that “PROMISE IN A POP OF COLOR!”

We all need that beautiful colorful, covenant to gaze upon to let us know that everything is going to be alright.

God’s promises, which are His covenants, do that for man. They let us know that God is still sovereign in spite of it all. God is still ruling from His throne though one may feel spent at the storms that are raging. God’s covenant lets us know that God still cares about us and He is still looking out for us, even when our own sinful nature gets in the way of His perfect plan.

Genesis 9:8-10 “And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.”

Let’s do a little rewind to remember how we arrived at today’s lesson. In last week’s lesson we recalled the fall of man. Adam and Eve disobeyed God which led to not only them sinning, but sin entering in the world and infecting the entire human race forever. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” (Rom. 5:12). The consequences of the choices of Adam and Eve were then passed on through the rest of humanity.

Sin did not stop with Adam and Eve. As a matter of fact, it only grew worse. Genesis 6:11 says, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” In other words, the effects of sin had permeated everything and the whole world was under its influence and infected by its power. The perfect paradise that God created in the beginning had now become a habitation of evil, “for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth,” (Gen. 6:12).

With that the Bible tells us plainly, “It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart,” (Gen. 6:6). The heart of God was broken over what His creation had become. They were far from the way He designed and purposed them to be. The effects of sin were traumatic. The effects of sin caused God to say, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air,” (Gen. 6:7). All of creation would pay for man’s sin.

In today’s lesson the deed has already been done. It had already rained for forty day and forty nights killing all life on the earth (Gen. 7:12). The animals, along with Noah and his family that were saved, had already resided in the safety of the ark for about a year. Stepping out onto the new ground and seeing their world changed before them had to be a horrific and terrifying sight. They, and all mankind after them, needed reassurance from God about their future and their hope. They needed to know that despite all of this, God is still in control and He still has a plan in effect on behalf of man.

“God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him.” It was not only important for Noah to grasp what God was about to reveal, but his sons would be responsible in the future for passing this pertinent information on to those who come after them, their children, grandchildren and such. They would need to know from firsthand experience the promise that God spoke to and for His people.

“Saying, I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you.” The “I” stated twice is God’s reaffirming that He is the author of this “covenant.” A “covenant” is a binding contract. It is an agreement between two parties to promise to follow through with the stipulations in said contract. Here, in today’s lesson, God is entering into a binding agreement with all of humanity. Though humanity is the one who sinned and left the terms of the first contract, (eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; last week’s lesson), God is still seeking the welfare of His creation by setting terms before them another promise of care and protection. Not only does this apply to Noah and his sons, but to “your seed after you,” which encompasses every man in every generation to come.

“And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.” Humans were not the only ones who had a price to pay for the sin that entered the world. “Every living creature” paid the price for man’s downfall. Sin taints whatever it touches. Galatians 5:9 tells us, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Like a cancerous cells that divides and spreads to other areas of the body, sin preys on all that are around it, man and beast. Everything had become corrupt in the eyes of God. Everything was far from the “good” that was declared over them in the beginning, Gen. 1:31. Everything needed to be washed and cleansed on the faith of the earth. God made not only a promise with man, but also with “every living creature,” because ultimately, they all paid the price for the sin in the earth, and all would be covered under this new “covenant.”

Genesis 9:11 “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.” Here is God’s deal with “the earth” and all that are in it. Though floods may rise here and there in isolated areas, there will never be a time that God will allow “all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”

This was a one-time event never to be repeated again. Can we even begin to grasp how much Noah needed that promise from God at that moment? Let’s imagine for just a minute what the earth possibly looked like after the flood. We know that vegetation had begun to regrow because the “dove brought back freshly plucked olive leaf in her mouth,” when they were still on the ark (Gen. 8:11). But, was their evidence of the tragedy that took place? As gruesome as it may seem, after departing from the ark did they witness fragments of man that once was lying around? They were the only ones alive on the whole entire earth, were they afraid? They needed to know that something like this would never happen again.

For our time, we need to know that not only will something like this never happen again, but we need to be reassured that God keeps exactly what He promised us through thick and thin.

Genesis 9:12-13 “And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”

A “token” is much like a symbol. It is used as a visual reminder to identify with something else. We often hear people say in giving a gift of some sort to a person for doing something for them, “Please, except this as a token of my appreciation.” They want to give a gift as a symbol of how grateful they are to that individual.

In sealing His promise with Noah and “every living creature that is with you . . . and the earth” God placed such a symbol in the sky for all to see; for all to remember no matter how hard or terrible life may seem at times, He’s still looking out for His own. The rainbow, as we call it today, appears after times of rain and storms to assure mankind that God’s covenant still stands true. He will never fail to keep what He has promised.

Genesis 9:14-15 “And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

“The bow shall be seen” attest to the visual reminder of what God will and will not do. God will “remember” His covenant. God will not “destroy all flesh” by “flood” again. God is so gracious to often intervene through our lives to give us visual inspirations to hold on to though we are called to live by faith (Hab. 2:4). Many times I often stand in awe when I see a rainbow in the sky and utter to myself, “God’s promise.” What I see, connected with the promise He has attached to it, comforts my heart through the most difficult of times.

Genesis 9:16-17 “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.”

When something is “established” it means that it is firmly fixed in place, no to be moved or annulled. Here, God “established” this “covenant,” this binding contract between Himself “and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth,” not to be voided under any circumstances. Often, when God makes promises there are stipulations or conditions that must be followed through in order to receive the promise. For instance, God said in 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.” In that promise, God will hear from heaven and heal their land, but only after the people humble themselves before Him, pray and seek His face and turn from their evil ways.

In this promise to Noah this covenant is “established;” it is everlasting, as spoken by God. Never again will all flesh be destroyed because of a flood. God never said that judgment would never happen again, He stated, it wouldn’t be done by means of a flood. The next time fire will be the issuing force of God’s judgment (see 2 Peter 3:6-12).

Conclusion

God has established a covenant with Noah that perpetuates down through all lines of the human race. As a token of what He said He will do and not do, God placed a rainbow in the sky for us to have a visual reminder of His love, grace and longsuffering with humanity.

This lesson is also reassuring in our day to day lives. It encourages us that whatever God has promised us, that He will do. He never fails and He never reneges on His promises. We can trust our God, always!

Below are some helpful activities to help reinforce this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: An Everlasting Covenant Wordsearch Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: An Everlasting Covenant Crossword Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: An Everlasting Covenant Word Scramble Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: An Everlasting Covenant Draw the Scene

Below are more activities for this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

PDF for Noah Coloring Sheet: Noah Coloring 2 (All your students need to do is add a rainbow to the picture. They can do this by coloring and drawing one or by using cereal, beads, tissue paper, etc. Enjoy!)

click PDF above for accurate printing

Another Noah Coloring Sheet without background PDF: Noah Coloring (Students can draw or make their own rainbow out of cereal, beads, tissue paper, etc. Enjoy!)

click PDF above for accurate printing

Fill in the blanks memory verse PDF Noah Memory Verse

click PDF above for accurate printing

Using these two coloring sheets, your students can make their own Covenant Coloring Picture as shown below. Enjoy! PDF’s Covenant Coloring 1 and Covenant Coloring 2 (You can even add sticker animals like I did below. Instead of coloring my rainbow I used fruit ring cereal).

Using the PDF’s above you can also make a Mosaic Picture of the lesson. Simply cut a bunch of shapes from construction paper and make their own rainbow. Cut out and attach pictures from the PDFs above and there you have it. Enjoy!

Also using the PDFs above you can make this Scratch Art Craft. Color a blank page to your hearts content (I used cardstock) and then apply a thin coat of black paint and let dry. Using a toothpick, scratch a rainbow in the picture and apply PDF cut outs and there you have it. Enjoy!

How Many Words Can You Make Out of Today’s Lesson Title? PDF: How Many Words Covenant

click PDF above for accurate printing

Make a Noah Mobile: PDF Noah Mobile

click PDF above for accurate printing

More Links, Resources and Ideas:

“Do You See The Rainbow?”

“Rainbow Song and Craft Idea”

“Rainbow Paper Links (Minus Pot of Gold)”

“Thumbprint Rainbow”

“Rainbow in a Bag”

“Handprint Rainbow”

“Rainbow Experiment”

“Promise Tree”: This week’s lesson happens on the first day of Fall. To incorporate in the lesson you can make a promise tree. Below I used templates to create this “Promise Tree.” God’s Word is like the seed which sprouts up into a promised fulfilled. Students can then write on the leaves some of the promises of God. My 10 year old helped me make this one:

Tree and leaves template from DLTK. Add any seed or nut to the bottom and write your promises from God. Enjoy!

“Rainbow Plate”: Using Fruit Loops cereal I made this rainbow plate (since rainbows are synonymous with God’s promises). Cut out some yellow triangles and a simple cross and you have yourself a fruity rainbow of promise. In this activity you can leave off the cross and replace it with a Noah template from above activities. Enjoy!

Below is a Rainbow Mobile of Promise:

Print out the template from Mssscrafts.com and let the students decorate. Write on it a verse that will remind them of the lesson, punch holes in it, string it through and hang it up. Enjoy!

“Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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