June 5, 2011

Promises Fulfilled

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Did You Use Soap?by Jodi Schumm

He wiggles his fingers and claps his hands as water splashes

on the mirror. My 3-year-old loves to wash his hands, but he doesn’t like to use soap.

“Did you use soap?” I ask every time.

“Why, Mommy?” “Because it kills the germs.” He thinks for a moment. Genu-

inely curious, he asks, “How does it kill germs, Mommy?”

I’m stumped. Bo’s curiosity isn’t satisfied with the pat answers I accept without question.

“I don’t know, but it does. We’ll ask daddy tonight; maybe he knows how soap kills germs.”

Daddy didn’t know. In fact, I’ve asked several people, and nobody seems to know how soap kills germs. We just have confidence that soap does what it promises to do.

If I don’t doubt my soap, why do I doubt my Savior?

We doubt God today for the same reason others have doubted Him throughout history. The Jews in Paul’s day wanted miraculous proof before they’d believe Jesus

and the Greeks wanted God’s ways to be logical and wise (1 Corinthi-ans 1:21, 22). When our prayers aren’t answered in the way or at the time we want, we crave proof that God has not forgotten or ne-glected His promises.

When we doubt God, we avoid prayer or we pray insincerely. Praying without confidence is like washing your hands without using soap. We may go through the motions, but the results are not the same. We need confidence in God’s faithfulness when we’re waiting for promises to be fulfilled in our lives.

The apostle Paul encouraged believers to pray with confidence. He explained that the process to confidence starts with the power of God’s Word: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). It helps us understand the deity and sacrifice of Jesus so that we can pray confidently to “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16b).

My dad told me about the “SOAP” method of studying the Bible—Scripture, Observation, Applica-tion, and Prayer. SOAP keeps me focused when I read the Bible. After I read a passage, I first write down a verse or two that stand out to me. Then I write a few sentences about what I understood or observed from

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the passage, and how the Scripture applies to my life. Finally I write a prayer about how God can use His Word in my daily life.

A final way God instills con-fidence in the life of believers is through sharing His Word with others. God told Joshua he could “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6a) by studying and re-flecting on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8).

It’s not enough for Bo to wash his hands with soap just on Sun-days. And it’s not enough for him to hear about God’s Word just

Praying without confidence is like washing your hands without using soap.

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Did You Use Soap?

and the Greeks wanted God’s ways to be logical and wise (1 Corinthi-ans 1:21, 22). When our prayers aren’t answered in the way or at the time we want, we crave proof that God has not forgotten or ne-glected His promises.

When we doubt God, we avoid prayer or we pray insincerely. Praying without confidence is like washing your hands without using soap. We may go through the motions, but the results are not the same. We need confidence in God’s faithfulness when we’re waiting for promises to be fulfilled in our lives.

The apostle Paul encouraged believers to pray with confidence. He explained that the process to confidence starts with the power of God’s Word: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). It helps us understand the deity and sacrifice of Jesus so that we can pray confidently to “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16b).

My dad told me about the “SOAP” method of studying the Bible—Scripture, Observation, Applica-tion, and Prayer. SOAP keeps me focused when I read the Bible. After I read a passage, I first write down a verse or two that stand out to me. Then I write a few sentences about what I understood or observed from

the passage, and how the Scripture applies to my life. Finally I write a prayer about how God can use His Word in my daily life.

A final way God instills con-fidence in the life of believers is through sharing His Word with others. God told Joshua he could “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6a) by studying and re-flecting on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8).

It’s not enough for Bo to wash his hands with soap just on Sun-days. And it’s not enough for him to hear about God’s Word just

on Sundays either. Every day Bo washes his hands, and I still have to ask him if he used soap. Every

day we need to read God’s Word so we can stay confident in Him—and I intend to use SOAP. |•

What is your favorite method for studying Scripture?

June 5, 2011 3

If I don’t doubt my soap, why do I doubt my Savior?

© Larisa Lofitskaya | Dreamstime.com

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Where Do You Stand?

by Nancy B. Gibbs

When God calls us to a cer-tain task or mission, we

should do God’s will regardless of the cost. There will be people who will not like us because we are Christians. When we stand up for what is right, there will be those who will try to knock us down.

But God always encourages us to get back up and try again. Many people who were once on fire for God will back away when the going gets tough.

When confronted by those with worldly power, some of the people who had faithfully sup-ported Jesus during His ministry stepped back and didn’t fight for Him. Jesus wasn’t surprised, how-ever. He knew His Father’s plan had to be completed.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus felt compassion for those around Him. He asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. Because He is God, Jesus had the power to escape the agony He en-dured. But He knew His Father’s will and understood His mission. So Jesus chose obedience.

Because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, our commitment to Him should be strong. We should willingly follow His commands and seek to bring Him glory through our lives.

Jesus may be asking you where you stand today. Will you stand with Him, even though you may be ridiculed and persecuted, or will you deny knowing Him? Our ultimate purpose in life is to serve Christ. |•

When do you feel pressure to compromise your s tand fo r Christ?

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God’s Accommodations

My husband Roy and I have stayed in our share of hotel

rooms over the years. Some of the rooms have been extremely nice, while others left a lot to be desired.

Many hotel chains promise to make their rooms the most com-fortable available. They offer guar-antees that if anything is wrong, they will correct it.

When we stay in hotel rooms we usually find personal-size bars of soap, bottles of shampoo, and lo-tion. Sometimes I have found ex-tras like sewing kits and shower caps. Many of the rooms also have coffee-pots and hair dryers. I’ve also noticed messages on the bath-room sink that read, “If you forgot something such as a toothbrush, razor, or comb, call the front desk.” And some of the better hotels offer breakfast each morning.

While spending some time with God today, I thought about how God provides us with the best of everything. He created a world of beauty and majesty for us to live in. He provides daily blessings through His guidance and pres-ence. He gives us the promise of eternity with Him.

In John 14:2, 3, Jesus offered this promise: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to pre-pare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto

When we stand up for what is right, there will be those who will try to knock us down.

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Where Do You Stand?Because of the sacrifice Jesus

made for us, our commitment to Him should be strong. We should willingly follow His commands and seek to bring Him glory through our lives.

Jesus may be asking you where you stand today. Will you stand with Him, even though you may be ridiculed and persecuted, or will you deny knowing Him? Our ultimate purpose in life is to serve Christ. |•

When do you feel pressure to compromise your s tand fo r Christ?

by Nancy B. Gibbs

God’s Accommodations

My husband Roy and I have stayed in our share of hotel

rooms over the years. Some of the rooms have been extremely nice, while others left a lot to be desired.

Many hotel chains promise to make their rooms the most com-fortable available. They offer guar-antees that if anything is wrong, they will correct it.

When we stay in hotel rooms we usually find personal-size bars of soap, bottles of shampoo, and lo-tion. Sometimes I have found ex-tras like sewing kits and shower caps. Many of the rooms also have coffee-pots and hair dryers. I’ve also noticed messages on the bath-room sink that read, “If you forgot something such as a toothbrush, razor, or comb, call the front desk.” And some of the better hotels offer breakfast each morning.

While spending some time with God today, I thought about how God provides us with the best of everything. He created a world of beauty and majesty for us to live in. He provides daily blessings through His guidance and pres-ence. He gives us the promise of eternity with Him.

In John 14:2, 3, Jesus offered this promise: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to pre-pare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto

myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

The next time you stay in a hotel room, notice the accommodations provided. Consider how the man-agement of that establishment strives to make you comfortable during your stay. Then remember how God provides for us, both now and for eternity.

If we forget God’s blessings we don’t need to call the front desk. We need only to pick up the Bible (found in many hotel rooms!).

Stay close to God tonight. Even though the world around you may be dark, and you may be afraid of what lies ahead, He will “keep the light on” for you. |•

What do you learn about God’s character by observing His creation?

5June 5, 2011

God provides us with the best of everything.

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by Marty Magee

The Tops of the Mountains

We stood in my niece’s front yard and held hands as we

gazed at the Sandia Mountains. It had been over 25 years since Albuquerque was our home we had looked out our east window every morning and viewed these towering hills.

In the winter, the sunset made this summit look like a big pink birthday cake. In the summer, it appeared blue and jagged. We had a daily reminder that God’s creation was no accident.

Often I found myself lost in Al-buquerque as the growing city changed through the years. But I only needed to spot the Sandia Mountains and I was back on track. The tops of the mountains showed me which direction was east.

Noah had no doubt who had brought the rain and then dry land when he could see the tops of the mountains (Genesis 8:5). He had a never-fail compass as his directions came straight from God.

God has left us His Word and His Holy Spirit as our compass.

We need not stay lost—or discour-aged or downcast.

What do the Sandias, Ararat, and the Word of God have in com-mon? They all bring assurance, direction, and pleasure.

“The waters decreased continually until . . . on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen” (Genesis 8:5). |•

In what ways do mountains remind you of God?

6

Margaret K. Williams, editorJonathan Underwood, senior editor

SEEK® Copyright © 2011 by Standard Lesson Quarterly™ Curriculum. All rights reserved. Do not photocopy or reproduce. Lessons based on International Sunday School Lessons. © 2007 by the Lesson Committee. All Scriptures taken from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated. Cover image by © Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Thinkstock®

Monday, June 6—God’s Commandments Given (Deuteronomy 5:28-33)

Tuesday, June 7—Listen and Learn (Deuteronomy 31:7-13)

Wednesday, June 8—Treasure God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-16)

Thursday, June 9—Walk in God’s Ways (1 Kings 2:1-4)

Friday, June 10—As Long as He Sought God (2 Chronicles 26:1-5)

Saturday, June 11—Teach Me, O Lord (Psalm 119:33-40)

Sunday, June 12—The Key to Success (Joshua 1:7-18)

Lesson for June 12

God Expects Obedience

Joshua 1

1. There is an old saying that goes, “You can’t win them all—you have to choose your battles.” What battles have you chosen to fight in the past in your . . . home? workplace? schools? church? small group?

Read Joshua 1:1-6; 11:16-232. Put yourself in Joshua’s position. If the Lord told you, “Every place

that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses” (v. 3). How would that make you feel? skeptical? anxious? weary? confident? Why?

3. As you are facing battles in your own life right now, how are you feeling? Why?

4. What was it that helped Joshua “be strong and of a good courage” (v. 6) as he faced the battles ahead of him? What helps you be strong and courageous as you face the battles of life?

Use a note card or large sticky note and write at the top the words from Joshua 1:5 that say “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Compile a list of the battles you are currently facing in your life. When you finish the list, pray about each battle that you are currently facing. Post your note somewhere prominent like your car dashboard or your bathroom mirror so you will be reminded often that the Lord is al-ways with you.

Where You Live!

For more Small Group ministry resources visit www.SmallGroups.com.

Noah had no doubt who had brought the rain and then dry land when he could see the tops of the mountains.

© Goodshoot | Thinkstock®

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The Tops of the MountainsWe need not stay lost—or discour-aged or downcast.

What do the Sandias, Ararat, and the Word of God have in com-mon? They all bring assurance, direction, and pleasure.

“The waters decreased continually until . . . on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen” (Genesis 8:5). |•

In what ways do mountains remind you of God?

Him Daily

Margaret K. Williams, editorJonathan Underwood, senior editor

SEEK® Copyright © 2011 by Standard Lesson Quarterly™ Curriculum. All rights reserved. Do not photocopy or reproduce. Lessons based on International Sunday School Lessons. © 2007 by the Lesson Committee. All Scriptures taken from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated. Cover image by © Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Thinkstock®

Monday, June 6—God’s Commandments Given (Deuteronomy 5:28-33)

Tuesday, June 7—Listen and Learn (Deuteronomy 31:7-13)

Wednesday, June 8—Treasure God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-16)

Thursday, June 9—Walk in God’s Ways (1 Kings 2:1-4)

Friday, June 10—As Long as He Sought God (2 Chronicles 26:1-5)

Saturday, June 11—Teach Me, O Lord (Psalm 119:33-40)

Sunday, June 12—The Key to Success (Joshua 1:7-18)

Lesson for June 12

God Expects Obedience

Joshua 1

1. There is an old saying that goes, “You can’t win them all—you have to choose your battles.” What battles have you chosen to fight in the past in your . . . home? workplace? schools? church? small group?

Read Joshua 1:1-6; 11:16-232. Put yourself in Joshua’s position. If the Lord told you, “Every place

that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses” (v. 3). How would that make you feel? skeptical? anxious? weary? confident? Why?

3. As you are facing battles in your own life right now, how are you feeling? Why?

4. What was it that helped Joshua “be strong and of a good courage” (v. 6) as he faced the battles ahead of him? What helps you be strong and courageous as you face the battles of life?

Use a note card or large sticky note and write at the top the words from Joshua 1:5 that say “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Compile a list of the battles you are currently facing in your life. When you finish the list, pray about each battle that you are currently facing. Post your note somewhere prominent like your car dashboard or your bathroom mirror so you will be reminded often that the Lord is al-ways with you.

The weekly

reading will lead to

Sunday’s lesson.

June 5, 2011 7

Where You Live!

Volume 135No. 3

By Dan Lentz

Questions and Activities for Small Groups Based on the International Sunday School Lesson Text.

For more Small Group ministry resources visit www.SmallGroups.com.

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As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses (Joshua 11:15).

Key Verse

To d a y ’ s S c r i p t u re Te x t

the Word

Joshua 1:1-61. Now after the death of Moses the

servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2. Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea to-ward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Joshua 11:16-2316. So Joshua took all that land, the

hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;

17. Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.

18. Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

19. There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.

20. For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might de-stroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

21. And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the moun-tains of Judah, and from all the moun-tains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

22. There was none of the Ana-kims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

23. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

God Keeps His Promises

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