Naomi was alone because there was death in her family. The reality of death makes many people feel alone. Everyone can think of close friends or loved ones and relatives that have passed away. In Naomi’s situation, she lost the people that were closest to her. She was hit with the reality that the people she spent the majority of her time with were now no longer here. Had God abandoned her? Does God care when we feel alone because we lose people we love?
How can we understand the Battle between the kings of the North and South? What is common between Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, and 11 and what similarities do we find in Revelation? What does God say about end time events? How does Daniel 11 expand our knowledge of prophetic events?
Benhadad, the king of Syria, oppressed Israel during the reign of Ahab. Because of Israel's rebellion this was, for a time, permitted by God. Soon Benhadad begins to make insulting demands of Ahab and when Ahab refuses they go to war. But God was with the Israelites and delivered Benhadad into their hand. The Syrians attack again reasoning that the only reason they lost was because God was a god of the hills. God answers this challenge also but when Benhadad is spared by king Ahab, a prophet makes a strange request. A request that if refused, could cost someone their life.
Jesus mingled with people and genuinely desired their good. What message does this have for the church today? How can we genuinely desire the good of others? How does scripture contrast how Jesus cared about people compared to His disciples or prophets like Jonah? How did Jesus treat people who were sick and out-casted? Why did some healings Jesus did occur in more than one stage? What does the Bible teach about selfishness, loving others, and the needs of our neighbors? How does this compare with the deeds of many professed Christians throughout history?
The Bible teaches about a day lost in history. A day God designed for us to remember. This week's lesson uncovers the mystery of this forgotten and lost day.
Revenge and grudges give energy to animosity leading to destruction and this should not be so among God’s children. We need to stop holding grudges and revenge against each other; and treat our each other as we would want to be treated. Moses was right on point when he instructed the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves. The instruction is ours too. Let’s say no to revenge and grudges and love each other as ourselves.
On our path with God, whether we want it or not, not one of us can escape studying this science because in it is where the very essence of Christianity exists. Living in a human body, Jesus also sat for this exam. The powers of His soul were strained to the greatest extent and the scarlet drops of His blood were showing to the sleeping garden of Gethsemane and to the ages to come. What does it mean to LOVE? Other people sat for this exam as well. Do you remember the family from Bethany—the close friends of Jesus? All of us know this gospel story with the happy-ending very well; but, have you ever, even once in your life, put yourself in the place of Mary and Martha in the beginning of the narration?
Organizations keep records for varied reasons - one such record is the register. Registers are usually a list of names which show association with or attendance to school, work, and even church (as common examples). These important lists are u¬¬sed for organizing and reporting, or keeping track of someone or something. Even the fairytale Santa Clause is said to have kept records: one list of those who are naughty, and another for those who are nice. Records are important in Heaven too.