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?
This week we continue the exploration of Isaac and Rebecca's love story in hopes to understand how God introduces us to the right person to fall in love with. How should a person's ministry play a role in whether or not someone is right for them? To what extent does family play a positive and negative role in godly relationships? Should the right partner take you away from the path God has you on or the ministry God has chosen for you? Can we trust God to be part of the process? What are the four facets to a Christian relationship and how do they relate to us today?
How is the institution of work intended as a blessing to humanity? How did work change from before the Fall to afterwards? How can the work we do be a blessing to others and to ourselves? What is the balance between work, faith, family, and leisure time? How should faith inform our work experience? What should be the mindset we have while working?
How did Jesus lead people to follow Him? How can we do the same today? Does God use flawed people to draw people to Jesus? What role does the church play in bridging the gap between humanity and God? How does God speak to people today? How can we discern the voice of God amid all the other voices which compete for our attention? How does the story of Zacchaeus show that God is often seeking out us when we think it’s difficult for us to seek him? Is God still reaching out to people today? Should we be passive or active in reaching people?
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.
You can claim God’s forgiveness and rise up and walk. Rise up and walk away from guilt and shame, from the enemy’s constant reminder of what you did. Yes, in faith, reach out to Jesus. Your sins are forgiven. It’s time you get past your past, and rise up and walk. Do not let guilt and shame hold you captive any longer. Close out the critical eyes and lips of the Pharisees and teachers of the law around you and focus only on Jesus’ pardoning grace. Then, in faith, rise up and walk.
Like Judas, Balaam’s covetousness led him down the path of no return. Even after returning home, discontent filled his heart on the riches he could have gained, hadn’t God controlled his speech. He was bent on having the riches he so desires – even if it meant going against God’s will. You see friend, when we are bent on sinning, God will step aside and allow you to do as you please. The Spirit of God does not always strive with man. To his own eternal loss, Balaam, once a prophet of God, is forever loss to the riches of eternity. Don’t be like Balaam or Judas. Beware of covetousness!
am reminded of other instances when persons from foreign lands came to God’s people desiring to learn more about Him but were deprived. King Hezekiah had visitors from Babylon. Instead of showing them the God of Heaven, who delivered him from his enemies, he showed them the riches of Israel. Perhaps in a bragging attitude, he showed them everything in his house. He got the opportunity to introduce God to these people; but instead, he showed them material wealth.