Keven's Roddle Time (Mar.28)

01. What sound do two porcupines make when they kiss?

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O _ _ h

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2. What do you get if you cross a centipede and a parrot?

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A w_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ e

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3. Where does afternoon always come before morning?

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In the d_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ y

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s*The answers are in the comment section.*

Lesson For The Week (Mar. 28)

Adversity
Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Getting Started
Adversity hits us in many different ways. It can come as an illness, the death of a loved one, betrayal from a friend, or any unexpected difficulty. None of us know when it will hit, but we all know that sooner or later, we will have to face it. Adversity can make us angry with God. We might ask questions like, “God, why are you doing this to me?” Or, “God, why won’t you help me? Why are you letting me suffer so much?”

The book Streams in the Desert says comfort is, “one of God’s most precious gifts.” But in order to have comfort we must first have pain. Is there anything good that can come from adversity? Is there any purpose behind it?

Vocabulary
adversity (n) – suffering; trouble; difficulty
betrayal (n) – the act of being false or disloyal; the breaking of a trust
comfort (n) – encouragement or help
precious (adj) – very valuable
bitter (adj) – very painful; full of bad feelings
condemn (v) – to say someone is guilty
cruel (adj) – very unkind
ignorant (adj) – lacking knowledge or education; uniformed; foolish
marvel (n) – something wonderful and unbelievable
repent (v) – to feel sorry or regret for a wrongdoing, with a desire to change

Reading God’s Word

Job was a good man who believed in God and followed God’s laws. Job suffered a mountain of adversity; his children died, he lost all his money, and he became very poor and sick. Job even became angry with God, but did he ever lose his faith in God?

Job 1:8-11

8 "Did you notice my servant Job?" the Lord asked. "There is no one on earth as faithful and good as he is. He worships me and is careful not to do anything evil." 9 Satan replied, "Would Job worship you if he got nothing out of it? 10 You have always protected him and his family and everything he owns. . .11 But now suppose you take away everything he has—he will curse you to your face!"

Job 10:1-3 and 7

1 I am tired of living. Listen to my bitter complaint. 2 Don’t condemn me, God. Tell me! What is the charge against me? 3 Is it right for you to be so cruel? To despise what you yourself have made?. . .7 You know that I am not guilty, that no one can save me from you. Your hands formed and shaped me, and now those same hands destroy me.

Job 19: 25-27
25 But I know there is someone in heaven who will come at last to my defense. 26 Even after my skin is eaten by disease, while still in this body I will see God. 27 I will see him with my own eyes, and he will not be a stranger.

Job 38: 1-5
1 Then out of the storm the Lord spoke to Job. 2 “Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant, empty words? 3 Now stand up straight and answer the questions I ask you. 4 Were you there when I made the world? If you know so much, tell me about it. . .5 Do you know all the answers?”

Job 42: 2-4 and 6
2 I know, Lord, that you are all powerful; that you can do everything you want. 3 You ask how I dare question your wisdom when I am so very ignorant. I talked about things I did not understand, about marvels too great for me to know. 4 You told me to listen while you spoke and to try to answer your questions. . . 6 So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.

Job 42: 12-13 and 16-17

12 The Lord blessed the last part of Job’s life even more than he had blessed the first. . .13 He was the father of seven sons and three daughters. . .16 Job lived a hundred and forty years after this, long enough to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 17 And then he died at a very great age.

Taking a Closer Look
1. God said Job was “faithful and good.” (1:8) Was God punishing Job?
2. Did Job lose his faith in God? (Job 19:25-27) Where did Job find comfort?
3. How did God answer Job’s questions? (38:1-5)
4. How did Job respond to God’s answer? (42:2-6)
5. What did Job repent of? (42:2-6)
6. Put yourself in Job’s position. Can you think of anything good that came out of his pain?
7. Has anything good ever come from a painful experience you’ve had?
8. Why did Job keep his faith in God? Was it because he knew God would bless him? Or because he knew God deserved his love and trust no matter what?

Taking Action
1. Job never did fully understand why God let him suffer so much, but he was sure God loved him. How can we be sure God loves us?
2. Many times people come to God for the wrong reasons – because they want him to give them what they want. How can we be more like Job, who came to God for the right reasons?
3. How can we comfort each other in times of adversity?

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Chinese Translation
Past Lessons

Keven's Riddle Time (Mar.21)

Vote for me!

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1. Someone who tries to get elected.

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C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ e

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2. A ______ victory is when a party wins almost all the votes.

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L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ e

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s*The answers are in the comment section.*

Lessons for the Week (Mar. 21)

Defeating Depression
Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Getting Started
What is depression? Is it just feeling a little sad? Or is it more serious?

Doctors say that depression is a serious disease. Today we have many different kinds of medicine to take for depression, but the problem seems to be growing. Doctors say there are more depressed people in the world today than 50 years ago. Why do you think this is true? What causes depression? On the other hand, what gives us happiness? What gives us hope?

Vocabulary
depression (n) – a condition of feeling sad or hopeless
disease (n) – a very bad sickness
depressed (adj) – low in spirits; downhearted; a feeling of hopelessness
mercy (n) – kindness shown to someone who is hurt or in trouble
sorrow (n) – very great sadness
grace (n) – kindness shown to someone who does not deserve it
insult (n) – hurtful or offensive words
persecution (n) – harm or bad treatment given to people because of their culture, faith, or raceabandon (v) – to leave someone who needs help or support

Reading God’s Word

Lamentations 3:19-24; 32-33

19 The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison. 20 I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed. 21 Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: 22 The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue, 23 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. 24 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope . . . 32 He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. 33 He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 But his answer was: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weak-nesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. 10 I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Isaiah 49:13-15
13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The Lord will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people. 14 But the people of Jerusalem said, "The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us." 15 So the Lord answers, "Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.”

Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. 13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Deuteronomy 31:8
8 The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.

Taking a Closer Look
1. Does God enjoy giving us sorrow or pain? (Lamentations 3:33)
2. Where can we find hope? (Lamentations 3:21-24)
3. Why do you think God chooses to give us hardship sometimes?
4. When is God’s power strongest? (2 Corinthians 12:9)
5. What do you think the writer means: “For when I am weak, then I am strong”? Have you ever experienced this? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
6. Why should the heavens sing? Why should the earth shout for joy? (Isaiah 49:13)
7. How do we know God will never abandon us? (Isaiah 49:15; Deuteronomy 31:8)
8. What is the “secret” to being happy in any situation? (Philippians 4:12-13)

Taking Action
1. Have you ever been depressed, or are you depressed right now? God tells us that he will “lead you and be with you” through depression. We know God is helping us, but what are some things we can do to help ourselves? Make a list of some things we can do to fight depression.
2. Often if a person is depressed, they have a very low opinion of themselves, or even hate themselves. What are some ways we can encourage each other, and try to make each other feel better about who we are?

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Chinese Translation
Past Lessons

Keven's Riddle Time (Mar.14)

Media Madness

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1. In big letters on the front page.

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H_ _ _ _ _ _ e

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2. Someone who checks for spelling and grammar mistakes on a newspaper.

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P_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ r

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s*The answers are in the comment section.*

Lesson For The Week (Mar.14)

Understanding Loneliness
5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows – this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. (Psalm 68:5-6)

Getting Started
What is loneliness? What are some causes of loneliness? What do you usually do when you feel lonely?

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. If you go to a new school, move to a new city, or start a new job, you might feel like you don’t fit in with everyone else. Or if you stay at the same school, city, or job for a long time you might start to feel like none of your friends really understand you. You might think, “If only I had a best friend,” or, “If only I had a boyfriend/girlfriend.” or “If only my family spent more time with me, I would never be lonely again.” But even if you have a wonderful family, best friend, or boyfriend/girlfriend, they can’t be with you all the time. How can we keep from feeling lonely, even if we are alone?

Vocabulary
to fit in (v phrase) – to feel like you belong; like you are a part of something
examine (v) – to look at something very closely; to study something closely
beyond (prep.) – out of reach; at a greater distance than
escape (v) – to get away from someone or something
allot (v) – to give out a certain amount

Reading God’s Word

Psalm 139: 1-18

1 Lord, you have examined me and you know me. 2 You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. 3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. 4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. 5 You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. 6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding. 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you. 13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there— 16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.

17 O God, how difficult I find your thoughts; how many of them there are! 18 If I counted them, they would be more than the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

Taking a Closer Look
1. How well does God understand us?
2. What are three examples the Bible reading gives of God’s knowledge of us?
3. Why does God want to be “around us on every side”?
4. Why is God “to be feared”? Why should we praise him?
5. How are God’s thoughts “difficult”?
6. Are we ever really alone?

Taking Action
1. Is it possible to feel lonely, even when you are with many people? Think about a time in your life when you felt lonely. How can we fight loneliness?
2. What are some ways people try to fit in? Do we have to try to “fit in” with God?

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Chinese Translation
Past Lessons

Keven's Riddle Time (Mar.7)

1. Brothers and sisters I have none,

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But that man's father is my father's son.

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Who is he?

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*Tip:He is the man.

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2. What can you serve but never eat?

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T_ _ _ _ S

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s*The answers are in the comment section.*

Lessons for the Week (Mar. 7)

Pride and Humility
Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Getting Started
What is something you are proud of?

When someone gives you a compliment, how do you usually respond?

Pride is an interesting subject. It can have good meanings and bad meanings. If somebody says, “I take pride in my work,” or “I’m so proud of my children” – these are usually good things. But the Bible has many strong warnings against pride. In fact, the Bible says that pride is the beginning of destruction (Proverbs 18:12). How can we be confident without being proud? How can we be humble and still be strong?

Vocabulary
compliment (n) – an expression of praise or respect
take pride in (v. phr.) – to take great care; to want to do one’s best
destruction (n) – ruin; condition of being destroyed
humble (adj) – Not proud; to not think you are better than others
garment (n) – a piece of clothing
disciple (n) – student and follower of Jesus
put (something) into practice (v. phr.) – to do something you have learnedarrogance (n) – overly proud

Reading God’s Word

John 13:3-17

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him complete power; he knew that he had come from God and was going to God. 4 So he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured some water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Are you going to wash my feet, Lord?" 7 Jesus answered him, "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later." 8 Peter declared, "Never at any time will you wash my feet!"

"If I do not wash your feet," Jesus answered, "you will no longer be my disciple." 9 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!" 10 Jesus said, "Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. 12 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. "Do you understand what I have just done to you?" he asked. 13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am. 14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you. 16 I am telling you the truth: no slaves are greater than their master, and no messengers are greater than the one who sent them. 17 Now that you know this truth, how happy you will be if you put it into practice!

Taking a Closer Look
1. What did Jesus know (13:3)?
2. If Jesus knew he had complete power, why do you think he would want to do a servant’s job?
3. Why did Peter say, “Never at any time will you wash my feet!” (13:8)
4. What was Jesus’ answer? What did he mean?
5. What does Jesus tell us to do? (13:14)
6. Does Jesus really want us to wash each other’s feet? What does he really mean?
7. How does serving others make you feel?

Taking Action
1. Think of the people you see every day. How can you serve them?
2. The Bible does not say that ALL pride is bad. How can we keep ourselves from crossing the line, from good pride to bad?

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Chinese Translation
Past Lessons