Adult Bible Study Devotions

Week of January 1, 2012

Stay Grateful for God s Care

Monday: You Matter to God

First of all, Happy New Year! My prayer is that we as members together at EHBC as well as individuals in the body of Christ, will seek God s will in all of our endeavors and then be willing to follow it. This week s lesson reminds us that God is keenly aware of events in our lives and is working, even when we can t see it, to guide and protect us. Take a few moments and allow God to remind you of times in your past that you clearly saw His hand working to protect and guide you.I Peter 2: 4-5 reminds us that we are unique stones that make up the body of Christ. You have a special place in the kingdom. You are not here by accident.

Tuesday:

Some Will Oppose God s People (Num. 22:4b-6)

Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab s king at that time, 5 he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Balak said to him: Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they 6 cover the surface of the land and are living right across from me. Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed.

What happens to your good judgment when you become terrified like this? When did you most recently feel sick with fear over something occurring in your life? What happens to our ability to be grateful when we are afraid? Genesis 19:30-38 and Deuteronomy 2:9,17-19. Reminds of the family connection between the Israelites, the Ammonites, and the Moabites. All three groups shared the common ancestor, Abraham. The father of the Ammonites and Moabites was Lot, a favored nephew of Abraham s.

Wednesday:
31

God Brings Good Where Some Intend Evil (Num. 22:31-35)

Then the LORD opened Balaams eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand. Balaam knelt and bowed with his face to the ground. 32 The Angel of the LORD asked him, Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you, because what you are doing is evil in My sight. 33 The donkey saw Me and turned away from Me these three times. If she had not turned away from Me, I would have killed you by now and let her live. 34 Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, I have sinned, for I did not know that You were standing in the path to confront me. And now, if it is evil in Your sight, I will go back. 35 Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, Go with the men, but you are to say only what I tell you. So Balaam went with Balaks officials.

A phrase often used in our society, Perception is reality, helps us understand a key truth in these verses. Balaam had a perception of his donkey s behavior that was his reality. However, the donkey s

behavior was based not on perception but on eternal reality. God brings good out of evil when His people seek to perceive His reality in their daily lives and in their faith walk with Him. When have you experienced God s protective hand and realized it at that moment? When has He protected you and you realized only later that He was present, shielding you from further harm?

Thursday:
19

God Never Ceases to Care for His People (Num. 23:19-23)

God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, 20 21 or promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; since He has blessed, I cannot change it. He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and there is 22 23 rejoicing over the King among them. God brought them out of Egypt; He is like the horns of a wild ox for them. There is no magic curse against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said about Jacob and Israel, What great things God has done!

God does not lie. Here are some other Scriptures that also teach this truth. Exodus 34:6, Psalm 31:5, Matthew 22: 16, John 14:6, and 1 John 5:6 . 2. God never changes His mind. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). Guide members to reflect as you say: God never changes His mind . . . about loving you . . . about the purpose and hope He created for you . . . about forgiving you . . . about commissioning you to do His work and His will.

Friday:

Conclusion

It is dangerous to be for what God is against, and against what God is for. Romans 8:31 Our challenge is to be allied with God, not to seek to persuade Him to be allied with us. Ephesians 2:19-22 When sin s consequences are delayed, we must not conclude that there will be no consequences in the future. Psalm 10:4-6, 11

Our devotion title reminds us to Stay Grateful for God s Care. This would make a great challenge for all of us in the coming year.

Don t forget, this Sunday we will have ONE adult class in the Sanctuary at 9:45.