Saturday, November 2, 2019

CHILDREN


CHILDREN



PARENTS AND CHILDREN

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS (Deuteronomy 6:1-25)


"You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again". (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

GODLY EXAMPLES (Ephesians 6:1-4"


Baby, Child, Daughter, Family, Girl

And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

This passage provides the central theme of Deuteronomy. It sets a pattern that helps us relate the Word of God to our daily life. We are to love God, think constantly about his commandments, teach his commandments to our children, and live each day by the guidelines in his Word. God emphasized the importance of parents teaching the Bible to their children. The church and Christian schools cannot be used to escape from this responsibility. The Bible provides so many opportunities for object lessons and practical teaching that it would be a shame to study it only one day a week. Eternal truths are most effectively learned in the loving environment of a God-fearing home.
The Hebrews were extremely successful at making religion an integral part of life. The reason for their success was that religious education was life-oriented, not information-oriented. They used the context of daily life to teach about God. The key to teaching your children to love God is stated simply and clearly in these verses. If you want your children to follow God, you must make God a part of your everyday experiences. You must teach your children diligently to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.

PATIENCE


Baby, Caucasian, Child, Daughter, Family 

If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home, in our relationships with those who know us best. Children and parents have a responsibility to each other. Children should honor their parents even if the parents are demanding and unfair. Parents should care gently for their children, even if the children are disobedient and unpleasant. Ideally, of course, Christian parents and children will relate to each other with thoughtfulness and love. This will happen if both parents and children put the others’ interests above their own-that is, if they submit to one another.
The purpose of parental discipline is to help children grow, not to exasperate and provoke them to anger or discouragement (see also Colossians 3:21). Parenting is not easy-it takes lots of patience to raise children in a loving, Christ-honoring manner. But frustration and anger should not be causes for discipline. Instead, parents should act in love, treating their children as Jesus treats the people he loves. This is vital to children’s development and to their understanding of what Christ is like.

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS OF CHILDREN (Exodus 20:1-12)


Boy, Child, Dad, Daughter, Family

"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you". (Exodus 20:12)

HONORING PARENTS (1 Timothy 4:1-16)

Child, Disobedience, Father, Female

"Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity". (1 Timothy 4:12)

This is the first commandment with a promise attached. To live in peace for generations in the Promised Land, the Israelites would need to respect authority and build strong families. But what does it mean to “honor” parents? Partly, it means speaking well of them and politely to them. It also means acting in a way that shows them courtesy and respect (but not to obey them if this means disobedience to God). It means following their teaching and example of putting God first. Parents have a special place in God’s sight. Even those who find it difficult to get along with their parents are still commanded to honor them.


GOOD EXAMPLES

Wood, Home, Parents House, House, Nest

Timothy was a young pastor. It would be easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are young or old, don’t think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you.


GOD’S CHILDREN

Family Photo, Happiness, Parents

WHO ARE GOD’S CHILDREN?(John 1:1-13)
"To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan-this rebirth comes from God." (John 1:12-13)


SPIRITUAL BIRTH (1 John 3:1-10)

Baby, Child, Hand, Family, Boy, Newborn

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don’t know God, so they don’t understand that we are his children." (1 John 3:1)
All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out-rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family (1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (1:12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ.

GOD’S OFFER (Romans 8:1-17)

Girl, Family, Path, Child, Mother

"His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children". (Romans 8:16)

The self-worth of believers is based on the fact that God loves us and calls us his children. We are his children now, not just sometime in the distant future. Knowing that we are his children should encourage us to live as Jesus did. For other references about being part of God’s family, see Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26-27; 4:6-7.

GOD’S FAMILY (Luke 18:15-17)

Family Eating At The Table, Dining


"Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16-17)
Paul uses adoption or “sonship” to illustrate the believer’s new relationship with God. In Roman culture, the adopted person lost all rights in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate child in his new family. He became a full heir to his new father’s estate. Likewise, when a person becomes a Christian, he or she gains all the privileges and responsibilities of a child in God’s family. One of these outstanding privileges is being led by the Spirit (see Galatians 4:5-6). We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with his love (5:5).
We are no longer cringing and fearful slaves; instead, we are the Master’s children. What a privilege! Because we are God’s children, we share in great treasures as coheirs. God has already given us his best gifts: his Son, forgiveness, and eternal life; and he encourages us to ask him for whatever we need.

CHILDLIKE TRUST

Baby, Child, Family, Female, Guardian    Baby, Caucasian, Child, Daughter, Family

It was customary for a mother to bring her children to a rabbi for a blessing, and that is why these mothers gathered around Jesus. The disciples, however, thought the children were unworthy of the Master’s time-they were less important than whatever else he was doing. But Jesus welcomed them because little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God’s kingdom. It is important that we introduce our children to Jesus and that we ourselves approach him with childlike attitudes of acceptance, faith, and trust.

Boy, Child, Dad, Daughter, Family


CHALLENGE


CHALLENGE


CHALLENGES FROM PEOPLE

Chess, Game, Chessboard, Glass, Board

HOW CAN PEOPLE CHALLENGE ONE ANOTHER? (Nehemiah 2:11-20).

" I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Good! Let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work". (Nehemiah 2:18)

Strategy, Chess, Board Game, Win

WE CAN CHALLENGE OTHERS BY SHARING OUR VISION (2 Peter 3:1-18)


" Grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Chalkboard, Story, Blogging, Believe



Spiritual renewal often begins with one person’s vision. Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiasm, inspiring Jerusalem’s leaders to rebuild the walls.
We frequently underestimate people and don’t challenge them with our dreams for God’s work in the world. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don’t regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God’s goals.

WE CAN EXPECT THE WORLD TO CHALLENGE OUR FAITH.

Adventure, Height, Climbing, Mountain

Peter concludes this brief letter as he began, by urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-to get to know him better and better. This is the most important step in refuting false teachers. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world always will challenge our faith. We still have much room for growth. If every day we find some way to draw closer to Christ, we will be prepared to stand for truth in all circumstances.


CHALLENGES FROM GOD

IN WHAT WAYS DOES GOD CHALLENGE US? (John 8:31-47) 

"Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?" (John 8:46)

WE ARE CHALLENGED TO “TEST” JESUS (Joshua 1:1-9)

Achieve, Woman, Girl, Jumping, Running

"No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you". (Joshua 1:5)

In a number of places Jesus intentionally challenged his listeners to test him. He welcomed those who wanted to question his claims and character as long as they were willing to follow through on what they discovered. Jesus’ challenge clarifies the two most frequent reasons that people miss encountering him: (1) they never accept his challenge to test him, or (2) they test him but are not willing to believe what they discover. Have you made either of those mistakes?

GOD CHALLENGES US TO LET HIM HELP WITH OUR CHALLENGES.

Runner, Obstacle, Run, Sport, Jump

Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than 2 million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge-even for a man of Joshua’s caliber! Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. However, God promises that he will never abandon us or fail to help us. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life’s challenges.

GOD’S WORD ON CHALLENGES


Alone, Book, Brick Wall, Man, Person

IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS OPPOSED TO GOD, HOW DO I HANDLE THE CHALLENGE OF KEEPING MY FAITH STRONG?

Nutshell, Security, Insecurity

Psalm 40:12 . . . Troubles surround me-too many to count! They pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head. I have lost all my courage.

1 Chronicles 28:20 . . . Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

Hebrews 6:18 . . . God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.

The strength to handle adversity comes from God alone. Therefore we must stay close to him through Bible study and prayer, never doubting his promises.


WHAT CAN I DO WHEN SOMEONE CHALLENGES ME?

Target, Setting, Objective, Success

Proverbs 15:31-32 . . . If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Galatians 2:11 . . . When Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong.

When someone challenges sin in our lives we must humbly look inside ourselves to determine if the criticism is valid. We should be grateful to those who challenge us to live godly lives, and learn to discern when someone’s challenge is not founded.

WHAT IF SOMEONE DARES OR CHALLENGES ME TO DO WRONG?


Chess, Pawn, Gameplan, Queen, Game

2 Corinthians 13:8 . . . Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times.

Joshua 1:7 . . . Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

Sin is often very attractive and very fun. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t want to sin. One of our greatest challenges is to do right in the face of temptation, especially when it comes from friends.

HOW DOES GOD CHALLENGE US?


Cross, Christ, Faith, God, Jesus, Clouds

Mark 10:21 . . . Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. “You lack only one thing,” he told him. “Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

God challenges us to examine our hearts and make sure he has first place in our lives.

WHAT ARE SOME OF LIFE’S GREATEST CHALLENGES?


Massage, Move, Therapy, Physiotherapy

Romans 7:15-21 . . . I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. . . . But I can’t help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things . . .

 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.

The struggle of wanting to do what is right and not seeming to be able to do right is frustrating and puts us at war with ourselves.

Psalm 40:12 . . . Troubles surround me-too many to count! They pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head. I have lost all my courage.

Surmounting troubles are a challenge because they sometimes seem to pile up so high.

Despair, Alone, Being Alone, Archetype

2 Corinthians 4:11 . . . Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies.

2 Corinthians 11:26 . . . I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.

Facing dangers of various sorts is a challenge because they seem so threatening.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Unhappy


1 Chronicles 28:20 . . . Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.

The enormous size of a particular job can cause us to feel that the challenge is too great for us.

HOW ARE WE TO FACE LIFE’S GREATEST CHALLENGES?

People, Girl, Alone, Sitting, Rock

James 1:13-17 . . . No one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.

1 Corinthians 10:13 . . . The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Hebrews 4:15 . . . This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.

God never tempts us to do wrong. He will not only provide a way for us to do right, He has also provided Jesus, who understands our weaknesses and our temptations. Temptations come from evil sources. Victory over temptations comes from God.

Adult, Alone, Bible, Denim Pants

Psalm 61:1-2 . . . O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.
Psalm 55:2 . . . Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 . . . I think you ought to know, dear friends, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us.

Psalm 27:14 . . . Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

When our troubles are overwhelming, we must continue to look to God and his power to help us. We are to bravely keep our focus on God and patiently watch him work.

Ecclesiastes 10:9 . . . When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you! When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax! Such are the risks of life.

Proverbs 14:16 . . . The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.

Proverbs 22:3 . . . A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Psalm 91:5 . . . Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day.

Proverbs 11:8 . . . God rescues the godly from danger, but he lets the wicked fall into trouble.

Romans 8:35 . . . Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?

Living with adventure brings risk and risk brings danger; however, we are expected to be prudent and take wise precautions. Whatever the degree of risk, trust in God and his love for us.

2 Samuel 22:30 . . . In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

Psalm 37:5 . . . Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

1 Chronicles 28:20 . . . Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.

Ephesians 3:20 . . . Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Ephesians 6:8 . . . Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

Regardless of the size of the task, God’s strength working in us is sufficient to see his work through to completion. There is no job bigger than God.

HOW IS GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY NOT ABLE TO BE CHALLENGED?


Book, Bible, Text, Literature

Isaiah 45:9-11 . . . “Destruction is certain for those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot ever argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you are doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be!’ How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father and mother, ‘Why was I born? Why did you make me this way?’” 

This is what the Lord, the Creator and Holy One of Israel, says: “Do you question what I do? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands?”

People, Girl, Alone, Sitting, Wood

Job 9:12 . . . If he sends death to snatch someone away, who can stop him? Who dares to ask him, “What are you doing?”

Jeremiah 18:6 . . . “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”

Isaiah 43:13 . . . “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions.”

Isaiah 14:27 . . . The Lord Almighty has spoken-who can change his plans? When his hand moves, who can stop him?

Job 42:2 . . . “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.”

Isaiah 46:10 . . . “Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”

Daniel 4:35 . . . All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, “What do you mean by doing these things?”

Jeremiah 49:19 . . . “I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture. I will chase Edom from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice. For who is like me, and who can challenge me? What ruler can oppose my will?”

Jeremiah 50:44 . . . “I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan, leaping on the sheep in the pasture. I will chase Babylon from its land, and I will appoint the leader of my choice. For who is like me, and who can challenge me? What ruler can oppose my will?”

2 Chronicles 20:6 . . . He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”

Deuteronomy 4:39 . . . Remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other god!

Job 9:4, 19 . . . God is so wise and so mighty. Who has ever challenged him successfully? . . . As for strength, he has it. As for justice, who can challenge him?

God is unquestionably the one and only true God. He alone has supreme authority over everyone and everything. Since this is an unquestionable truth, why do people try to question it?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS GOD CHALLENGES US?

Cross, Christ, Faith, God, Jesus, Clouds

Deuteronomy 6:5 . . . You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

John 14:15 . . . “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

God challenges us to love him unconditionally and obey him without reservation.

John 15:12, 17 . . . “I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. . . . I command you to love each other.”

God challenges us to love one another as he loves us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 . . . All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
God challenges us with his Word, our blueprint for living.

HOW CAN WE CHALLENGE ONE ANOTHER?


Chess, Lady, King, Chess Pieces

Psalm 31:24 . . . Be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Isaiah 41:6 . . . They encourage one another with the words, “Be strong!”

1 Corinthians 16:13 . . . Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 . . . A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.

We are to encourage one another to be strong in our obedience to God and to keep up our hope in his promises and power.

Man, People, Achievement, African


Luke 17:3 . . . I am warning you! If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him.

Colossians 3:16 . . . Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Leviticus 19:17 . . . Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront your neighbors directly so you will not be held guilty for their crimes.

Galatians 2:11 . . . When Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 . . . Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 . . . Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but speak to them as you would to a Christian who needs to be warned.

2 Timothy 4:2 . . . Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Titus 2:15 . . . You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary. You have the authority to do this, so don’t let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say.

Titus 3:10 . . . If anyone is causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with that person.

We are to challenge one another to righteous living.

HOW SHOULD WE REACT WHEN OTHERS CHALLENGE US?


Girl, Mud, Run, Slope, Help, Challenge

Proverbs 15:32 . . . If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
Proverbs 15:4 . . . Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Acts 5:3-4 . . . Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God.”
We are to listen and respond gently and truthfully to God and others.
Philippians 4:5 . . . Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
1 Peter 2:23 . . . He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
Our actions are to remain godly as we trust God.
Titus 1:9 . . . He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Matthew 10:26 . . . Don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public.
2 Timothy 2:25 . . . They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth.
When our beliefs are challenged by wrong teaching, we are to remain strong in our commitment to the Word of God. Hold fast to the truth of God, then teach it to others. Our gentle, but firm teaching of the truth can pave the way for God to change hearts.

PROMISES FROM GOD:


Overcoming, Stone, Roll, Slide, Strong

Joshua 1:7, 9 . . . Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. . . . I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 37:5 . . . Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Ephesians 6:10-17 . . . A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Achieve, Woman, Girl, Jumping, Running


Friday, November 1, 2019

CELEBRATION


CELEBRATION


Concert, Confetti, Party, Event, Club

HOW DOES THE BIBLE MAKE CELEBRATION AN IMPORTANT PART OF LIFE? (Leviticus 23:1-44)

Balloons, Party, Girl, Happy, Walking


"The LORD said to Moses, “Give the Israelites instructions regarding the LORD’s appointed festivals, the days when all of you will be summoned to worship me.” (Leviticus 23:1-2)

TRUE WORSHIP INCLUDES CELEBRATION (Nehemiah 8:1-18)



"Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” All the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:9-10)


Worship involves both celebration and confession. But in the case of Israel’s national holidays, the balance seems heavily tipped in favor of celebration-five joyous occasions to two solemn ones. The God of the Bible encourages joy! For example, the Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Ingathering, was a special celebration involving the whole family (see Leviticus 23:34; Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). Like Passover, this feast taught family members of all ages about God’s nature and what he had done for them and was a time of renewed commitment to God.
God does not intend for religion to be only meditation and introspection. He also wants us to celebrate. Serious reflection and immediate confession of sin is essential, of course. But this should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what he has done for his people. Families also need rituals of celebration to renew their faith and to pass it on to their children. In addition to Christmas and Easter, we should select other special days to commemorate God’s goodness.

Christmas, Happy, Woman, Lights, Joyful



CELEBRATION IS A WAY OF GIVING ( 2 Kings 23:1-23)

"There had not been a Passover celebration like that since the time when the judges ruled in Israel, throughout all the years of the kings of Israel and Judah". (2 Kings 23:22)

Present, Package, Gift, Celebration


The people wept openly when they heard God’s laws and realized how far they were from obeying them. But Ezra told them they should be filled with joy because the day was holy. It was time to celebrate and to give gifts to those in need.
Celebration is not to be self-centered. Ezra connected celebration with giving. This gave those in need an opportunity to celebrate as well. Often when we celebrate and give to others (even when we don’t feel like it), we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy. Enter into celebrations that honor God and allow him to fill you with his joy.

GOD ENCOURAGES HEARTFELT CELEBRATION (Luke 15:1-10)

"There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents". (Luke 15:10)

Wedding, Couple, Love, Wedding Couple


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When Josiah rediscovered the Passover in the Book of the Covenant, he ordered everyone to observe the ceremonies exactly as prescribed. This Passover celebration was to have been a yearly holiday celebrated in remembrance of the entire nation’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12), but it had not been kept for many years. It is a common misconception that God is against celebration, wanting to take all the fun out of life. In reality, God wants to give us life in its fullness (John 10:10), and those who love him have the most to celebrate.

HERE IS CELEBRATION IN HEAVEN.
Palestinian women received ten silver coins as a wedding gift. Besides their monetary value, these coins held sentimental value like that of a wedding ring, and to lose one would be extremely distressing. Just as a woman would rejoice at finding her lost coin or ring, so the angels would rejoice over a repentant sinner. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus’ love and concern for the lost.

Bouquet, Celebration, Color, Colorful


GOD’S WORD ON CELEBRATION


When we think of celebration we usually think of enjoying ourselves, of having a great time with others. We celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, victories, promotions, awards, special milestones, the birth of a new baby. But we also celebrate occasions such as the Lord’s Supper, the anniversary of the death of a loved one, and other solemn events. What makes celebration unique is that we take time out from the ordinary to honor and to observe something that is notable, something that is special, something important to us all. Whether we are leaping in joy before the Lord, as King David did (see 2 Samuel 6:14), or solemnly listening to God’s Word at the Lord’s Supper (see Luke 22:17-19), we pause to remember, to honor, to worship, and to praise. And the end result of all celebration should be joy, the joy that comes from a full and grateful heart. God gives us the ultimate reason to celebrate because he has rescued us from the consequences of sin and shown us the wonders of eternity. Those who love him truly have the most to celebrate!

WHAT CAUSES GOD TO CELEBRATE?

Wedding, Love, Happy, Couple, Bride

Ezekiel 35:15 . . . You rejoiced at the desolation of Israel’s inheritance. Now I will rejoice at yours! You will be wiped out, you people of Mount Seir and all who live in Edom! Then you will know that I am the Lord!
Luke 15:10 . . . In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.
Matthew 25:23 . . . The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
God celebrates the defeat of sin and evil, the salvation of the lost, and the daily joys and successes of his people.

HOW CAN I INCORPORATE CELEBRATION IN MY WORSHIP?

The Pilgrim'S Guide, Religion, Islam

Psalm 150:4-6 . . . Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!
1 Chronicles 13:8 . . . David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing and playing all kinds of musical instruments-lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

The Pilgrim'S Guide, Gibraltar Womb

Celebration in worship can take on many forms, but the point is that part of our worship experience should be celebrating the God we worship and all he has done for us.


WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY IN CELEBRATION?


Nehemiah 12:43 . . . Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.
Exodus 12:26 . . . Then your children will ask, “What does all this mean? What is this ceremony about?”
Esther 9:28 . . . These days would be remembered and kept from generation to generation and celebrated by every family throughout the provinces and cities of the empire.

As we celebrate the Lord with our family, we role model the Lord’s presence in our lives. This is the greatest inheritance we can give to our children and grandchildren; it is a treasure to be passed on to future generations.


Couple Goal, Cute, Love, Birds


REGARDLESS OF MY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, WHAT CAN I ALWAYS CELEBRATE?
Psalm 135:3 . . . Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his wonderful name with music.
Isaiah 49:13 . . . Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their sorrow.


Celebration, Birthday, Wedding, Love

Sometimes we can celebrate the joy of good circumstances, but always we can celebrate the Lord himself!

GOD IS NOT AGAINST CELEBRATION! HE WANTS US TO CELEBRATE, BUT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.
Deuteronomy 16:9-17 . . . This festival will be a happy time of rejoicing with your family . . . to honor the Lord . . . for it is [he] who gives you bountiful harvests and blesses all your work.

Christmas, Children, Holiday, Child

We celebrate to thank God for all he has done for us, to recall his acts of goodness, and to enjoy each other’s company.

Nehemiah 8:10 . . . Go and celebrate with a feast . . . and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day . . . Don’t be . . . sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!
Joy and fun, as God intended, are important parts of celebration because they lift our spirits and help us see the beauty and meaning in life.
Leviticus 23:25 . . . You must do no regular work on that day.
Celebration allows us to rest and focus on what is good. It should take our minds off the ordinary and routine.
Exodus 13:4-11 . . . This day in early spring will be the anniversary of your exodus. You must celebrate this day . . . During these festival days each year, you must explain to your children why you are celebrating.

We celebrate to mark important milestones in our lives; we also celebrate to teach our children the ultimate reason for our celebration.


Mother'S Day, Family, Love, Mother

Psalm 47:1 . . . Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!
Psalm 98:4-6 . . . Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! . . . Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
Psalm 150:1-6 . . . Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

We celebrate to praise and worship God because he loves us, because of the blessings he has given us on earth, and because of the eternal blessings he has waiting for us in heaven.


WHAT KIND OF CELEBRATION IS INAPPROPRIATE?
Exodus 32:25 . . . When Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control-and much to the amusement of their enemies.
Numbers 25:1-2 . . . Soon the Israelites were feasting with them and worshiping the gods of Moab.
1 Peter 4:3 . . . You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy . . . their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties.

Christmas Photo, Christmas Picture

Celebration that is self-centered, indulgent, involves sinful acts, or has conditions that can tempt you into sin is wrong.


THERE ARE TIMES WHEN GOD ALONE SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF OUR CELEBRATION.
Deuteronomy 2:7 . . . The Lord your God has blessed everything you have done and has watched your every step . . . the Lord your God has been with you and provided for your every need so that you lacked nothing.

Gifts, Presents, Isometric, BirthdayGifts, Presents, Isometric, Birthday

Through life’s journey and its regular milestones, God has been there to supply all we need. Celebration should be a time for fun and eating, of course, but it should also be a time for thanksgiving to God for his blessings to us. Celebrate occasions, celebrate persons, but most of all, celebrate God.


THERE IS A TIME AND A PLACE, DURING CERTAIN CELEBRATIONS, FOR SOLEMN OBSERVANCE BEFORE GOD.
1 Kings 8:62-63 . . . Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices to the Lord . . . so the king and all Israel dedicated the Temple of the Lord.

Woman, Bridal Party, Lineup, Wedding

Dedicating someone or something to God’s use is a celebration, but one marked with a special seriousness of commitment. These times of celebration can be just as meaningful as the joyous times of celebration.


THERE ARE TIMES FOR GREAT CELEBRATION IN HEAVEN.

Roses, Flowers, Nature, Macro, Pink

Luke 15:10 . . . In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.
Revelation 5:11 . . . Then I looked again, and I heard the singing of thousands and millions of angels around the throne.

Heaven is filled with celebrations too wonderful for the human mind to imagine. Angels worship God in mighty celebrations and rejoice wildly when one sinner repents. Someday we will be able to join in these great heavenly events.


PROMISE FROM GOD:
Psalm 5:11 . . . Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.

Love, Boyfriends, Heart, Romantic

CHILDREN

CHILDREN PARENTS AND CHILDREN GOD’S EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS ( Deuteronomy 6:1-25) "You must commit yourselves...