Lesson For The Week (June 6)

Making Choices
But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously to all. (James 1:5)

Getting Started
We make choices every day, some big, some small. Some are easy to make, and others are very difficult. What are some choices you make every day? What are some big choices you have made in your life?

Everyone wants to make the right choices. We want to choose the right job, the right friends, the right house, the right husband or wife. Sometimes it is very difficult to know which choice is best for us. Sometimes it is easy to know which choice is right, but we really want to choose what is wrong. Where can we go for some good advice? How can we have the wisdom to make good choices?

Improving Your Vocabulary
obey (v) – to do what someone commands or orders
curse (v) – to bring great pain or suffering on
witness (v) – to see something for oneself
last word (n phr) – the final word or decision
motive (n) – the reason or purpose for an action
humble (adj) – describes someone who is not proud or does not think that he is better than others
appoint (v) – to select or design for a specific task or positionendure (v) – to last a long time

Reading God’s Word

You may not know this, but the freedom to make choices comes from God! In the very beginning God gave Adam and Eve a choice to obey him or not to obey him. Today, God gives us the choice to accept him or not to accept him. He also gives us the choice to do what is right, or to do what is wrong.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

19 I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life. 20 Love the Lord your God, obey him and be faithful to him, and then you and your descendants will live long in the land that he promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Proverbs 16:1-3;9 (Verse 3 is from the NIV)
1 We may make our plans, but God has the last word. 2 You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 9 You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

1 Peter 5:5-6
5" . . . God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. 7 Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

Matthew 7:13-14
13"Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. 14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.

John 15:16
You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures.

Taking a Closer Look
1. What choice does God give us? (Deuteronomy 30:19)
2. Why do you think he gives us the freedom to choose?
3. Why shouldn’t we rely on our own knowledge?
4. What does it mean to “commit” our plans to the Lord? (Proverbs 16:3) Why do you think this is important?
5. If God has his own plan for us, can we still make our own choices?
6. Who does God resist? Who does he show favor to? (1 Peter 5:5) What are we told to do? (1 Peter 5:6)
7. Which gate should we choose to go through? (Matthew 7:13-14) Why do you think most people don’t choose this gate?
8. According to these Bible verses, what are some of the promises given to us if we choose God and his way?
9. What did God choose? What did he appoint us to do? (John 15:16)

Taking Action
1. God gives us freedom to make our own choices, but he warns us: “the Lord judges your motives.” What are some guidelines we can follow to make sure our motives are right?
2. If we have a choice to make, the Bible tells us the best thing we can do is to pray to God for wisdom. Think of the choices you will make next week, big and small. Why not pray about them? It can’t hurt!

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (May 30)

God’s Timing
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Getting Started
Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years? Ten? Do you have your whole life planned out? Do you try to stay open to different possibilities?

Today’s world is very fast-paced. Many people have big dreams for the future. They want to make the most of every moment to achieve those dreams. But the Bible says, “You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears.”(James 4:14) This doesn’t mean that our lives on earth aren’t important! God has big plans for each of our lives. But it does mean we don’t have time to waste on selfish or meaningless plans. During our lives on earth, God wants us to serve him, and to serve others.

Improving Your Vocabulary
Make the most (v phr) – to take advantage of; to get as much out of as possible
Parable (n) – a story with a lesson about right and wrong
Bear (v) – to bring out
Tear down (v phr) – to pull down; destroy
Take life easy (v phr) – relax; enjoy life
Mill (n) – a building for grinding grain into flour
Ignorant (adj) – unknowing or stupid

Reading God’s Word

Luke 12:16-21

16 Then Jesus told them this parable: "There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. 17 He began to think to himself, "I don't have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? 18 This is what I will do,' he told himself; "I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. 19 Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!' 20 But God said to him, "You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?' " 21 And Jesus concluded, "This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight."

Matthew 24:35-36
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 36 "No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son; the Father alone knows. 39That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 At that time two men will be working in a field: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 41 Two women will be at a mill grinding meal: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 42 Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. 43 If the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not let the thief break into his house. 44 So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.

Ephesians 5:15-17
15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. 16 Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. 17 Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

Taking a Closer Look
1. Why did the rich man tear down his barns? (Luke 12:18)
2. What was his plan for the future? (Luke 12:19)
3. What was God’s plan for his future? (Luke 12:20)
4. What kind of riches does God want us to store up? (Luke 12: 21)
5. What does only the Father know? (Matthew 24:36)
6. How can we prepare ourselves for Christ’s coming?
7. Ephesians 5:17 says, “try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.” How can we do this?

Taking Action
1. Jesus tells us not to store up good things on earth, but to store up good things in heaven. How can we do this?
2. Jesus wants us to use our lives to serve him. We serve him by serving others. What is one way you can serve your friends, family, co-workers, etc?

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (May 23)

The Gift of Rest
When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe. (Psalm 4:8)

Getting Started
How much sleep do you get every night? If you don’t get enough, what keeps you awake?

Some people are proud of how little sleep they get. “I only need four hours a night!” Others feel guilty if they sleep too long. They feel like a long night’s sleep might be a sign of laziness. Some people feel guilty if they take a vacation, or just relax for an evening. Have you ever felt this way? We really value hard work. It is easy to forget that rest is also valuable. Even God rested, after he finished creating the world. Rest is a gift from God, and he wants us to accept and enjoy this gift.

Vocabulary
rod (n) – a stick used by shepherds to protect or discipline sheep
staff (n) – a long stick used by shepherds to aid them in climbing hills or in leading their sheep
banquet (n) – a big dinner with lots of food for many people
honored (adj) – respected; thought very well of
brim (n) – the top edge of a container
everlasting (adj) – lasting forever and ever; will never die
exhausted (n) – extremely tired
renewed (adj) – made new again; refreshed
yoke (n) – a frame for carrying loads
humble (adj) – not proud; putting others before yourself

Reading God’s Word

Psalm 23:1-6

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. 3 He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. 4 Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. 5 You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. 6 I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. 29 He strengthens those who are weak and tired. 30 Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. 31 But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

Matthew 11:28

28 "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. 30 For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light."

Taking a Closer Look
1. How does God take care of us? What are some of the things he gives us? (Psalm 23)
2. What will be with us all our life? (Psalm 23:6)
3. What do you think Psalm 46:10 means? How can we do this every day?
4. Isaiah 40:28 says God “never grows tired”. If this is true, why do you think he rested?
5. What can happen if we trust in the Lord for help? (Isaiah 40:31)
6. How does Jesus describe himself? (Matthew 11:29) How can we be more “gentle and humble” towards others?

Taking Action
1. Jesus says his load is light—but sometimes it feels heavy. How can we balance hard work for Jesus with periods of rest?

2. When people think of rest, they usually think of stopping activities and getting more sleep. But rest can also come from emptying our minds of all worries and focusing on something good. Try focusing on these Bible passages:
Psalm 3:5
Psalm 68:5-6
Psalm 136
Psalm 139:1-18
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
1 Peter 5:7

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (May 16)

Money Matters
For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10)

Getting Started
What would you do if you had a million dollars? What would you do if you had a million dollars but you had to give it away? We all like money. There are so many great things we can do with money! We can see the world, go to school, help our families, and buy gifts for our friends. We need money so that we can take care of ourselves and our families. But of course, money can be dangerous too. We’ve all heard stories on the news about people who lied, stole, or even killed because of money! How can we keep money from becoming a problem in our lives?

Vocabulary
eternal (n) — lasting forever, without end
commandment (n) — a command or order given with authority
commit (v) — to do or perform
accuse (v) — to charge with an error or wrongdoing
falsely (adv) — to do so untruthfully; done to deceive
assure (v) — to remove all doubt; to cause to feel sure of
needle (n) — a small, thin tool used for sewing or mending things
amazed (adj) — filled with wonder and surprise

Reading God’s Word

Matthew 19: 16-26

16 Once a man came to Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me concerning what is good?" answered Jesus. "There is only One who is good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life." 18 "What commandments?" he asked. Jesus answered, "Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; 19 respect your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as you love yourself." 20 "I have obeyed all these commandments," the young man replied. "What else do I need to do?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus then said to his disciples, "I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 24 I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed. "Who, then, can be saved?" they asked. 26 Jesus looked straight at them and answered, "This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible."

Taking a Closer Look
1. What question does the rich man ask?
2. What does Jesus say the man has to do to be perfect?
3. Do you think you could do this?
4. What does the rich man love the most?
5. Why is it so hard for rich people to enter the kingdom of heaven?
6. Why are the disciples amazed? What are they worried about?
7. How can God help us do what is impossible?

Taking Action
1. What does God want us to love the most?
2. Is it always a bad thing to be rich?
3. How can we receive eternal life?

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Past Lessons

Lessons for the Week (May. 2)

Jealousy
Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Getting Started
Jealousy is often called “the green-eyed monster.” Why green? Because hundreds of years ago, there was a very strong poison that was green in color. Jealousy is like a poison. It can kill friendships, and destroy families. The Bible tells us jealousy is like a sickness. It grows inside us and slowly destroys us from the inside out. How can we stop jealousy from controlling our lives? How can we learn to be happy with what we have?

Vocabulary
jealousy (n) – fear of losing position or affection; unhappiness because someone else has something you want
robe (n) – a type of clothing like a coat
slave (n) – someone forced to work without pay
famine (n) – an area where there is not enough food for the people
recognize (v) – to know who someone is
consequences (n) – the results (usually bad) of an actioninterpreter (n) – a person who translates one language to another so others can understand

Reading God’s Word

This is the story of a man named Joseph and his family. Joseph’s father was named Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons, and Joseph was his favorite.

Genesis 37: 3-4

3 Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he had been born to him when he was old. He made a long robe with full sleeves for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner.

Joseph’s brothers were so angry they decided to kill Joseph. But one brother, Judah, had another idea.

Genesis 37: 26-27

26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother and covering up the murder? 27 Let’s sell him. . . then we won’t have to hurt him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.

The brothers sold Joseph as a slave into Egypt. They told their father that Joseph was dead. When there was a famine in Egypt, Joseph became a powerful leader there. He saved enough food for the whole country to have enough. But Jacob and his other sons did not have enough food. They went to Egypt to buy food. In Egypt, they met their brother Joseph, but they did not recognize him.

Genesis 42:21,23 (the brothers speak)
21 They said to one another, “Yes, now we are suffering the consequences of what we did to our brother; we saw the great trouble he was in when he begged for help, but we would not listen. That is why we are in trouble now.” 23 Joseph understood what they had said, but they did not know it, because they had been speaking through an interpreter. Joseph left them and began to cry.

Joseph forgave his brothers. His whole family moved to Egypt to be with Joseph, and he gave them enough food to live through the famine.

Taking a Closer Look
1. Why were the brothers so jealous of Joseph?
2. What did they decide to do to him?
3. Do you think the brothers were sorry for what they did?
4. How many people were hurt because of the brothers’ jealousy?
5. What would have been a better way for them to solve the problem? A way that wouldn’t have hurt so many people?
6. How did God use this bad situation for good?

Taking Action
1. The memory verse tells us true love is not jealous. But sometimes, jealousy is a big problem between people who love each other, often because they do not trust each other. How can we increase trust in our relationships?
2. If we are jealous of someone, we are only thinking about what we want. We are not being thankful for what we have. Write down some blessings you are thankful for.


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Past Lessons

Lessons for the Week (Apr. 25)

Temptation
He can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered. (Hebrews 2:18)

Getting Started
We all have temptations. Giving in to them may seem harmless. Cheating on a test or telling a lie might not seem like a big deal. But giving in to temptation can sometimes have ugly consequences. Giving in to some temptations can lead to strong habits that are difficult to break. Do you ever feel like you are powerless to resist temptation? How can you overcome temptations? How would your life be different if you could conquer your worst temptation?

Vocabulary
temptation (n) – desire to have or do something, especially something bad or wrong
consequence (n) – the result of our actions
resist (v) – to say no to something tempting; to refuse to give in
conquer (v) – to overcome something difficult
retreat (v) – to back away, usually from danger
besiege (v) – to surround a place with an army in order to capture it
mourn (v) – to express grief or sadness
contempt (n) – a total lack of respect for someone

Reading God’s Word

2 Samuel 11:2-5

2 One day, late in the afternoon, David got up from his nap and went to the palace roof. As he walked around up there, he saw a woman taking a bath in her house. She was very beautiful. 3 So he sent a messenger to find out who she was, and learned that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite. 4 David sent messengers to get her; they brought her to him and he made love to her. . . 5 Afterward she discovered that she was pregnant and sent a message to David to tell him.

At that time, David’s army was at war. Joab was the commander of that army. Uriah was a soldier.

2 Samuel 11:14-17

14 David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Uriah. 15 He wrote: "Put Uriah in the front line, where the fighting is heaviest, then retreat and let him be killed." 16 So while Joab was besieging the city, he sent Uriah to a place where he knew the enemy was strong. 17 The enemy troops came out of the city and fought Joab's forces; some of David's officers were killed, and so was Uriah.

2 Samuel 11:26-27

26 When Bathsheba heard that her husband had been killed, she mourned for him. 27 When the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to the palace; she became his wife and bore him a son. But the Lord was not pleased with what David had done.

2 Samuel 12:7b-9 and 13
And this is what the Lord God of Israel says: "I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. 8 I gave you his kingdom and his wives; I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. 9 Why, then, have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle; you let the Ammonites kill him, and then you took his wife!

13 "I have sinned against the Lord," David said. Nathan replied, “The Lord forgives you; you will not die. 14 But because you have shown such contempt for the Lord in doing this, your child will die.”

Taking a Closer Look
1. What was David’s temptation? (2 Samuel 11:2-5)
2. What are some things David could have done differently? How do you think he could have resisted the temptation?
3. What was David’s plan to hide his sin? (2 Samuel 11:15)
4. David’s first sin led to another, and then another. Has this ever happened in your life?
5. Who suffered because of David’s sin? (2 Samuel 11: 17)
6. What did the Lord say he had given David? What else would he have given him? (2 Samuel 12:7-8)
7. Did David admit his sin? How do you think he felt about it? (2 Samuel 12:13)
8. Did God remove the consequences of David’s sin? (2 Samuel 12:14)

Taking Action
1. To avoid giving in to temptation, ask God to help you make the right choices. Stay away from places, people or situations that might bring temptation.
2. Tell a trusted friend about your struggle with temptation, and ask them to help you resist temptation when it comes.
3. If you have given in to temptation, confess your sin to God and ask for his forgiveness and help. This is an important step in overcoming temptation when it strikes again.

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (Apr. 11)

Grief and Comfort
“Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!” (Matthew 5:4)

Getting Started
When we are grieving, we might feel like nobody understands what we are going through. Perhaps we don’t want to be with our friends. But, at the same time we may not want to be alone. When we are grieving, we sometimes lose hope. It is hard to imagine a time when we will be happy again. But people who have gone through grief can tell us that it helps us grow into better, stronger people. And our times of grief can help us to comfort others.

Vocabulary
grief (n) – sadness or suffering caused by misfortune, disaster or loss
grieve (v) – to experience or express grief
pledge (v) – to promise wholeheartedly
rebel (v) – to fight against a government or leader in charge
overcome (v) – to win over; to be overpowered by
sorrow (n) – very great sadness
mourn (v) – to feel or express grief

Reading God’s Word

King David knew a lot about grief. He experienced the death of many loved ones. Perhaps his most painful grief was over his son, Absalom, who tried to steal the kingdom from him.

2 Samuel 15:13-14

13 A messenger reported to David, "The Israelites are pledging their loyalty to Absalom." 14 So David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "We must get away at once if we want to escape from Absalom! Hurry! Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!"

2 Samuel 18: 5b-7

"For my sake don't harm the young man Absalom." All the troops heard David give this command to his officers. 6 David's army went out into the countryside and fought the Israelites in Ephraim Forest. 7 The Israelites were defeated by David's men; it was a terrible defeat, with twenty thousand men killed that day.

2 Samuel 18:31-33
31 Then the slave arrived and said to the king, "I have good news for Your Majesty! Today the Lord has given you victory over all who rebelled against you!" 32 "Is the young man Absalom all right?" the king asked. The slave answered, "I wish that what has happened to him would happen to all your enemies, sir, and to all who rebel against you." 33 The king was overcome with grief. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he cried, "O my son! My son Absalom! Absalom, my son! If only I had died in your place, my son! Absalom, my son!"

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
1 Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. 2 He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, 3 the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building. 4 He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for mourning and the time for dancing.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope

Taking a Closer Look
1. Did Absalom plan to kill David? (15:13-14)
2. What order did David give his troops? Why? Was this a wise decision to help win the battle? (18:5b)
3. Was David happy about his victory? What was the one thing he cared about? (18:32)
4. What would he have preferred to happen? (18:33)
5. Does anything happen by accident? Does anything happen for no reason? (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)
6. Psalm 34:18 tells us that God, “saves those who have lost all hope.” How can we find new hope in the Lord?

Taking Action
1. We know from Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 that everything happens according to God’s timing. Sometimes this is very hard to accept – we would prefer things to happen according to our timing. How can we learn to accept that God is in control?
2. How can we help others who are grieving?

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Past Lessons

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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Past Lessons

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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Past Lessons

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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Past Lessons

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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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (Feb. 29)

Bitterness and Forgiveness
Love keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

Getting Started
What can we gain by forgiving someone? Can we gain anything by refusing to forgive?

Forgiveness goes against our nature. When people hurt us, we naturally want to punish them for it. Perhaps even more difficult is asking for forgiveness, which hurts our pride. But forgiveness is necessary to keep any relationship going. And it is necessary for our own peace of mind. When we forgive someone, we set him free from his guilt. But what we might not realize is that we are also setting ourselves free, from the prison of bitterness and anger.

Vocabulary
bitterness (n) – very bad feelings, usually as a result of being disappointed or hurt; constant anger
accounts (n) – records that keep track of money paid and money owed
debt (n) – something, usually money, owed to someone
choke (v) – to cut off someone’s air so that he/she cannot breathe
mercy (n) – undeserved kindness and/or forgiveness
conclude (v) – to bring to an end
condone (v) – to say someone’s actions are acceptable

Reading God’s Word

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?" 22 "No, not seven times," answered Jesus, "but seventy times seven, 23 because the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts. 24 He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt. 26 The servant fell on his knees before the king. "Be patient with me,' he begged, "and I will pay you everything!' 27 The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go. 28 "Then the man went out and met one of his fellow servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and started choking him. "Pay back what you owe me!' he said. 29 His fellow servant fell down and begged him, "Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!' 30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything. 32 So he called the servant in. "You worthless slave!' he said. "I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. 33 You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.' 34 The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he could pay back the whole amount." 35 And Jesus concluded, "That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Taking a Closer Look
1. How many times does Jesus say we should forgive? Does this mean on the 491st time we can stop forgiving? (18:22)
2. How much money did the first servant owe? What was the king’s original judgment? (18:24, 25)
3. Why did the king change his mind? (18:27)
4. How much did the second servant owe the first? (18:28)
5. How did the first servant treat the man who owed him money? (18:28-30)
6. When the king found out, what did he do? (18:31-34)
7. Who does the king represent? Who do the servants represent?

Taking Action
1. Forgiveness is so difficult mostly because of our pride. How can we put our pride behind us and make it easier to forgive?
2. Forgiveness does not mean condoning what a person has done. How can we forgive someone, and tell them in a spirit of love how they have hurt us?

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (Feb. 22)

Resolving Conflicts
Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

Getting Started
Who is someone you don’t get along with? How do you deal with that person?

Resolving conflicts is a challenge we all have to face. When we are angry and hurt, we sometimes say things we don’t mean. Sometimes we don’t say anything at all, and just keep our anger inside. The Bible tells us we should “speak the truth in a spirit of love” (Ephesians 4:15) when we have conflicts with each other. This can be really hard! How can we learn to resolve our conflicts, and make our relationships stronger? How can we tell people they have hurt us, without hurting them?

Vocabulary
get along (v phr) – to have a good relationship with someone
resolve (v) – to bring to a usually successful conclusion
conflict (n) – fighting; struggle between persons, ideas, or interests
competitive (adj) – describes a person who always wants to win or be the best
blind (adj) – unable to see
deceive (v) – to trick someone; to be dishonest
mourn (v) – to be sad because someone has died
favor (n) – friendly feelings towards someone; approval

Reading God’s Word

There is a story in the Bible of two brothers, Jacob and Esau. Like many brothers, they were very competitive, and they both wanted to be their father’s favorite son. One day when their father was very old and blind, he decided to give Esau a special blessing. Jacob was jealous, and he tricked his father into giving him the blessing instead of Esau.

Genesis 27:34-35; 41

34 When Esau heard this, he cried out loudly and bitterly and said, "Give me your blessing also, father!" 35 Isaac answered, "Your brother came and deceived me. He has taken away your blessing."…41 Esau hated Jacob, because his father had given Jacob the blessing. He thought, “The time to mourn my father’s death is near; then I will kill Jacob.”

Jacob knew his brother wanted to kill him. He ran far away from home and lived with his uncle. For many years he was afraid to go home, because he thought Esau would try to kill him. Finally, after many, many years away from home, he sent a message to his brother. He told Esau he was coming home, and asked Esau to forgive him.

Genesis 32:6-8

6 When the messengers came back to Jacob, they said, "We went to your brother Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you. He has four hundred men with him." 7 Jacob was frightened and worried. He divided into two groups the people who were with him, and also his sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. 8 He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks the first group, the other may be able to escape."

Genesis 33:3-4
3 Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. They were both crying. . . 10 Jacob said, "No, please, if I have gained your favor, accept my gift. To see your face is for me like seeing the face of God, now that you have been so friendly to me. 11 Please accept this gift which I have brought for you; God has been kind to me and given me everything I need." Jacob kept on urging him until he accepted.

Taking a Closer Look
1. How did Jacob deceive his brother? (Genesis 27:35)
2. How did Esau feel about Jacob when he found out what Jacob had done? What did Esau plan to do? (Genesis 27:41)
3. When Esau went to meet Jacob, who did he bring with him? (Genesis 32:6)
4. Why was Jacob worried and afraid? (Genesis 32:6,8)
5. When Jacob saw Esau, what did he do? (Genesis 33:3)
6. What did Esau do? (Genesis 33:4)
7. Why do you think Esau chose to forgive Jacob?
8. Why is it so hard to forgive?

Taking Action
1. Nobody likes to argue or fight, but we all do it sometimes. An argument does not have to be a big problem. It becomes a problem if we become angry and say unkind things. How can we disagree with someone in a positive way?
2. Think about someone you have a conflict with. What are some things you can say or do to fix your relationship?

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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (Feb. 15)

Our Words
What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. (Proverbs 18:21)

Getting Started
Words are powerful. A compliment makes us feel wonderful, and an insult can hurt for years. Since words are so powerful, it is wise to use them carefully. But unfortunately, not many people do. We’ve all spoken without thinking, and might have hurt someone without meaning to. Even worse is when we try to hurt people with our words. How can we learn to tame our tongues?

Vocabulary
insult (n) – something said to hurt someone
tame (v) – to bring under control
flame (n) – fire
course of existence (n phr) – path of life
uncontrollable (adj) – unable to control
justice (n) – fair and honest judgmentwound (v) – to hurt

Reading God’s Word

James 3:5-12

Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! 6 And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. 7 We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures — wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 8 But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. 9 We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 10 Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! 11 No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12 A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

Proverbs 12:17-19

When you tell the truth, justice is done, but lies lead to injustice. Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. A lie has a short life, but truth lives on forever.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head.

Taking a Closer Look
1. How is the tongue “like a fire”? (James 3:6)
2. How have someone’s words made a big difference in your life? How do your words affect your relationships?
3. What good things do we use our tongues for? What bad things? (James 3:9-10)
4. Think about James 3:11-12. What do the spring of water and fig tree represent? How does this apply to our lives?
5. How are we all created? (James 3:9) Knowing this, how should we treat others?
6. Proverbs 12:17 tells us, “lies lead to injustice.” Have you seen this in your own life?
7. What does it mean to “speak the truth in a spirit of love”? How can we do this with our friends?

Taking Action
1. Make an effort to say more kind things more often. Try to say at least one encouraging thing to each of your family members and friends this week!

2. If you have hurt someone with your words in the past, remember that “wisely spoken words can heal.” (Proverbs 12:18) What can you say to this person to try to heal your relationship with them?
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Past Lessons

Lesson For The Week (Jan. 25)

Learning From Failure
"My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Getting Started
What are some of your goals? Have you ever had a goal you couldn’t achieve? Have you ever tried something and failed?

Everyone wants to be a success. We encourage students to get good grades and be the best students in their class. Many adults work hard to gain as much money and respect as they can. We admire successful people, so when somebody fails at something, we sometimes look down on them. But everyone will fail sometimes because nobody is perfect. So how can we accept our failures and learn from them?

Vocabulary
achieve (v) – to perform well or carry out with success
respect (n) – honor or a high opinion from others
admire (v) – to respect someone or have a high opinion of them
look down on (v phr) – to look at someone without respect; to consider them
not as good
scatter (v) – to be separated or go in different directions
deny (v) – to declare untrue; to refuse to acknowledge
swear (v) – to make a promise or declaration in a very serious manner
break down (v phr) – to lose control of your emotions; to cry

Reading God’s Word

Introduction to the Bible reading

There are many examples in the Bible of people who failed. In fact, God seems to like failures! He often chose failures to work for him, and he would do great things through them. Peter was a good friend of Jesus, and he was a brave leader and teacher. But he failed sometimes too. Find out more in the Bible reading.

Mark 14:27-31

Jesus said to them, "All of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, "God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep will all be scattered. 28 But after I am raised to life, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.” 29 Peter answered, "I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!" 30 Jesus said to Peter, "I tell you that before the rooster crows two times tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me." 31 Peter answered even more strongly, "I will never say that, even if I have to die with you!"

Mark 14:66-72

66 Peter was still down in the courtyard when one of the High Priest's servant women came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked straight at him and said, "You, too, were with Jesus of Nazareth." 68 But he denied it. "I don't know . . . I don't understand what you are talking about," he answered, and went out into the passageway. Just then a rooster crowed. 69 The servant woman saw him there and began to repeat to the bystanders, "He is one of them!" 70 But Peter denied it again. A little while later the bystanders accused Peter again, "You can't deny that you are one of them, because you, too, are from Galilee." 71 Then Peter said, "I swear that I am telling the truth! May God punish me if I am not! I do not know the man you are talking about!" 72 Just then a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows two times, you will say three times that you do not know me." And he broke down and cried.

Matthew 16:18
18 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.

Taking a Closer Look
1. What did Peter promise Jesus?
2. What did Jesus say Peter would do? How did he respond?
3. When Peter said, “I would even die with you!” how do you think he was feeling?
4. After Peter had denied Jesus three times, how did he feel?
5. What does Jesus say he will use Peter for?
6. What is stronger than death?
7. What do you think Peter learned from his failure?
8. What will God do for us when we fail?

Taking Action
1. God says he will use our failures for good; that his “power is greatest when we are weak.” Have you ever seen anything good come out of a failure? How can we turn our failures around and learn from them?
2. Make a list of your goals for the future. Then think about the Bible reading. Are you trying to be successful by a human standard or by God’s standard? What are some steps we can take to be successful by God’s standard?

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Past Lessons