One way to acknowledge God is to rest. Dr. John Walker has said, “A good night’s rest is way overrated.” Indeed, there are valid reasons for not being able to sleep well (see 2 Corinthians 11:27). Fred Craddock observed, “Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is go to bed.” Sabbath was part of […]
Week 20 Application | Once in a Lifetime
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Have you ever said those words? I got a ticket for game two of the World Series in 1990 when the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Oakland A’s on their way to a four-game sweep. As a lifelong Reds fan I found their 2-1 victory so satisfying that I don’t mind if […]
Week 20 Study Questions
Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson: 1. Why do children need to be taught to share? Can you think of examples of selfish behavior that seem to be natural for young children? 2. How familiar are you with these economic systems: capitalism (property owned by individuals), socialism (property owned by […]
Week 19 Study | Bringing Firstfruits
Our laughter and our tears display our hearts, but our calendars and checkbooks display our priorities. God wanted his people to get first things first. This principle related to every category of their lives. A reoccurring phrase in the book of Leviticus is, “I am the Lord.” God’s peoples’ conduct was inextricably linked to God’s […]
Week 19 Application | God Comes First
Nothing tests a person’s priorities more than an empty stomach. A severe drought plagued Israel, but in the midst of the famine God provided for Elijah. Ravens brought the faithful prophet bread and meat twice a day and he drank water from a nearby brook. Eventually, though, the brook dried up—and it looked like hope […]