The Wayto Life

The Map

The little boy watches his father studying a city map. The boy asks, "Why do you need a Map?" "Because we're going where we've never been before. Perhaps I can find work in this city," replies his father. The boy thinks more. Suddenly he says, "Father, my birthday is coming soon. I shouldn't ask for much, but there is one thing you can give me." "I'll give you whatever I can, son. What is it you want?" The boy answers, "A map." The father is puzzled. "Why do you want a map?" The boy explains, "Because I am growing older. I will be going where I have never been before. And you said, 'For that, one needs a map'." Suppose you are the boy's father or mother. What would you give to meet your son's need for a sense of direction in life? WhyConsiderThe Bible? Consider the Bible as the Map for life. Its wisdom spans many centuries, yet millions today find its message as fresh and relevant as ever. They find that its principles work in daily life - in every stage of life. They discover purpose for living. That purpose gives them hope for now and for the future even beyond this life. They believe in a home with God forever. In other words, they believe the Bible when it claims to speak for God.

In seeking a map for life, consider the Bible's claims. Again and again, it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the Map for life. In over 2,000 places the prophets of the Bible say things like this: The Lord said to me . . . These are the words of the Lord . . . This is what the Lord says . . .

Mosessaid that God's laws, the Ten Commandments, were written "by the finger of God" on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). He reported that God spoke with him "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Exodus 33:11). KingDavid said, The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue (2 Samuel 23:2-3). The prophet Jeremiahwrote, Then the Lord reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put My words in your mouth" (Jeremiah 1:9). We must seriously ask, "Did these prophets have a bad habit of lying? Or were they telling the truth, and God really did speak through them?" Jesus assured us that the Bible prophets spoke the truth.

He relied on their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39). He trusted in all their writings - also called Scriptures - and taught us the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17,29; 24:27,44; John 5:39-47).

He based His teachings on the exact words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32). He asked, "Have you not read what God said to you?" (Matthew 22:31-32). He reminded us, "The Scriptures cannot be broken" (John 10:35). The apostles [Jesus' spokesmen] Paul and Peter taught the same thing. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). For prophecy [God's message] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The Book How can a book come to have such a title - The Book? The Bible fully deserves such a special title. No matter how one looks at facts about books, the Bible is outstanding as The Book. OLDCOPIES How many ancient copies from the New Testament still exist? In the original language alone, well over 4,000! The oldest of these dates back close to the time when the New Testament was first written. Among ancient writings, no other collection is so well supported by so much evidence. TRANSLATIONS The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has come into our modern languages through translation. The Bible's message is so important that it has been translated into 2,000 languages. No other book has been translated more widely, and this trend continues. PRINTING The Bible was the first book printed for the ordinary people. It remains the most printed, circulated and read book of all time (billions more than the next top book). HONESTY The Bible's complete truth and honesty make it quite different from other ancient histories. The Bible shows both the good and bad, even in Israel's greatest leaders. Whether king or slave, rich or poor, man or woman, all were measured by the same ruler, "the law of the Lord."

FOLLOWING Over a quarter of the world's population claims some belief in the Bible. Three great world religions claim roots linked with the Bible. Whoever seeks a Map for life should consider the Bible. WRITING

The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of over 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it. THEBOOKOF BOOKS The Bible deserves this title because it is outstanding among books. But in another sense, it is The Book of Books because it is a library. Its first 39 books make up the Old Testament. They were written mainly in Hebrew between 1,500 and 400 years B.C. The second part, the New Testament, has 27 books written in Greek between A.D. 50 and 100. (Many today divide history into two parts. B.C. refers to time before Jesus Christ's birth. A.D. refers to time after Jesus Christ's birth.) The New Testament books complete the Gospel - which means Good News - about Jesus. Together, these 66 writings form a complete, united picture. No other book has been written like this. In the most amazing way, the Bible joins centuries of history with the highest wisdom. Above all, it shows us the Way to come home to God.

WhatAre YourNeeds? There are many reasons for taking the Bible seriously. Among them is its practical wisdom for successful living. What is your need? See if the Bible addresses that need or its root. NEEDFORLOVE

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20). NEEDFORFAMILY In love God predestined [planned for] us to be adopted as His sons (Ephesians 1:4-5). You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but . . . members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19). NEEDFORLIFE I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). NEEDFORGUIDANCE You have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). NEEDFORSTRENGTH Everything is possible for him who believes. . . . With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God (Mark 9:23; 10:27). God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13). I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). NEEDFORSECURITY My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. . . . The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:2,7-8).

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6). NEEDFORFORGIVENESS Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Act 2:38). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). NEEDFORHEALTH Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. . . . And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up (James 5:13,15). NEEDFORPEACE Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). NEEDFORFOODANDCLOTHES Why do you worry? "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:28,33). I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed (Psalm 37:25-26). NEEDFORFRIENDSHIP Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. . . . I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you (John 15:13,15). NEEDFORHOPE

In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4). We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). ALLYOURNEEDS God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Relationship

MoreThan"Religion" As the Bible addresses your needs, do you sense the importance of relationship? We find God's glorious riches "in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Some people view Christianity as another "religion." But the word "religion" is rare in the Bible. Two times where it applies to Christianity, "religion" is shown to be worthless if it does not care for needy people (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:26-27). The Bible calls to you. This call is to meet a Person, not just plans or ideas. This call emphasizes relationships, not rituals. Indeed, the main rules have to do with love, first for God and then for each other (Mark 12:30-31). Sadly, some judge Christ without knowing Him. They have heard about Him, which may include bad reports:

Wars, cruelty and crimes committed in His name

Harsh rules imposed in His name So-called "miracles" claimed in His name Hypocrites who cover up their lies in His name Leaders who get rich and powerful in His name Supposedly "Christian" governments and nations that do wrong Such evils are the exact opposite of Jesus' life and teaching. Jesus and His apostles warned that enemies would give Christ's way a bad name (bring it into "disrepute"). There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies [hurtful lies], even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them. . . . Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute (2 Peter 2:1-2). The Wayof Truth Peter shows that he follows "the way of truth" given by Jesus. He warns against "shameful ways" from others. They claim His name, but they are enemies who work against Him (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:24). They twist and change Christianity for their own selfish purposes (2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3-4).

How can we tell the difference between "the way of truth" and false ways? Here is the greatest value of the Bible: It describes the Way from the beginning. It keeps that truth safe for all future ages. From this original record we can know the true Jesus. We can learn the Christianity that Jesus created and continues. The key is the Bible. That is why we invite you into the Bible experience. In these World Bible School courses, all graded questions come from the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is the pure source - the unique, reliable and respected record of Jesus and His Way. Man-made rules and divisions came later, and they turned into many muddied streams about Christianity. You will not be tested on those or anyone else's opinions. Rather, we aim to go back to the clear source that flows from God Himself. We seek the real Jesus. We want to learn His Way as He first revealed it. If you share that desire, join us on a journey into the heart of the Good News.

The WayTo Faith

The New Testament tells the story of Jesus. The first four books - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John report His time on earth. The book of Acts shows the result as more and more people believe in Jesus as the Christ. ("Christ" comes from Greek, and "Messiah" from Hebrew; both refer to the supreme King promised by the Old Testament.) Acts shows detailed examples of how people become "Christians" - followers of Christ. In Acts 8 we find one man's journey. It begins by telling how the man first hears the Good News of Jesus. It ends with the man's happy response to Jesus. Let's join this man - a sincere seeker from Ethiopia - on his journey to faith. His helper on the journey is Philip, a Christian who shares the Good News of Jesus wherever he travels. The Journey On his way [Philip] met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it" (Acts 8:27-29). Philip's meeting with the Ethiopian is no accident. Philip is on a mission. God's Spirit is at work to bring Philip and the Ethiopian together. In a similar way, we believe that important encounters come from God, not random chance. God cares about us. He knows how the Good News meets our deepest needs. God especially wants true seekers to find Him. The Ethiopian is an important government minister. Yet he takes the time to travel to Jerusalem, the historic center of worship. Now, on his return, he reads a copy of "Isaiah the prophet." And you . . . are you a seeker? Do you recognize that God is at work - this very moment - to meet your needs? Is your heart open to new discoveries from His Word? The Guide Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31). Perhaps, at times, you also ask, "How can I understand?" Sometimes we need help. Consider, for example, what the Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53. Someone is suffering in silence. He is judged unfairly. He is killed. Who and what is that all about? The Bible raises questions, and also provides the answers. A guide can prove helpful for finding your way through the Bible. World Bible School is designed to serve you as a guide like Philip. As you take WBS courses, your Study Helper will be there for you also, helping you find the Bible's answers for your own questions and needs. The Scripture The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. In His humiliation He was

deprived of justice. Who can speak of His descendants? For His life was taken from the earth" (Acts 8:32-33). The Ethiopian is reading from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah in about 700 B.C. Isaiah foretells the success and glory of God's special "Servant" (for example, Isaiah 52:13). Yet Isaiah 53 then describes in great detail the Servant's horrible death - "His life was taken from the earth" (Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53:8). The surprises continue. Isaiah's prophecy then foretells the Servant's pleasure in the results of His death. After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:11). Why will the Servant feel satisfied? Because His sacrifice will "justify" people (make them right with God). How? He will lift from sinners their load of iniquity (sin) and place that load on Himself. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." He will bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:6,11). The Servant Himself is innocent and pure (Isaiah 53:9). Why should He take our sins on Himself? Isaiah 53:10 says, "The Lord makes His life a guilt offering." This wording is truly remarkable since Isaiah followed the Law of Moses. In that Law, the term "guilt offering" always applied to flawless animals killed for people's sins. God hated the sacrificing of humans. Yet, by God's power, Isaiah foresaw a human as the "guilt offering"! God would sacrifice His Servant to rescue "us all" from our sins. The GoodNews The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus (Acts 8:34-35). Who is this sacrificed Servant? Philip points to Jesus. Yet Isaiah was written over 700 yearsbefore Jesus was born. (The oldest existing copy of Isaiah dates from long before Jesus' birth.) How could Isaiah foretell so many details of the torture that, in fact, Jesus did suffer? How could Isaiah foresee - long before Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross - the human sacrifice that takes away all our sins? Only God has the power to foretell and to fulfill in this way. When Philip and the Ethiopian meet, it has not been long since Jesus died in great pain on a Roman cross. Yet Philip has Good News about Jesus! This is news about a Person, not merely about new religious ideas. This is news with a Name!

When Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus, he gave Him the highest titles. Like other prophets of the Bible, Isaiah emphasized that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6). Yet Isaiah foretold the birth of a Son who would rightfully be called "God." For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom . . . forever (Isaiah 9:6-7). Remember, these words were written long before Christianity began. They, and many other passages, predicted the coming of the divine King (the Messiah, or Christ) from King David's family line. After Jesus died and then returned to life - as seen and reported by many witnesses - He showed how the Old Testament prophecies had come true. He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:44-47). GoodNewsOf Forgiveness We all can enjoy "forgiveness" because Jesus suffered the punishment we deserved. Our sins condemned us. They separated us from God and killed us spiritually. When Jesus gave His life on the cross, He took our place. Now the Father gives to us the gift of His Son's own purity and goodness. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). How can we be sure of God's promise to us? Christ's return from death proves the truth of His Good News! That is why the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Good News. By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.... For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:24). Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).

As we hear the Good News of Jesus, the same question comes to us today. Do you believe this? If so, how should you respond to such Good News? What is God's will for you as a believer? The Joyful Response As theytraveledalongthe road, they cameto somewaterandthe eunuchsaid, "Look,hereis water. Why shouldn'tI be baptized?". . . Andhe gaveordersto stopthe chariot. ThenbothPhilipandthe eunuchwentdown into the waterandPhilipbaptizedhim. Whenthey cameup out of the water, the Spirit of the Lordsuddenlytook Philip away,andthe eunuchdid not see himagain,but wenton his wayrejoicing(Acts8:36-39). Do you see how faith responds? Philip shares "the Good News about Jesus" and immediately the Ethiopian wants to be baptized (Acts 8:35-36). Baptism is a word that comes from Greek. In that language it means an immersion or dipping. What has water to do with the Good News? John the Baptizer was a prophet who prepared people to accept Jesus. He did this by "preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). "Repentance" refers to the decision to change, to stop living in sin and start following Christ. Baptism marks that change with this purpose: "for the forgiveness of sins." When Jesus came, He also had people baptized (John 3:22,26; 4:1). His enemies, including the Pharisees, "rejected God's purpose" by rejecting baptism (Luke 7:30). In this setting, when John and Jesus were requiring baptism in water, a leading Pharisee visited Jesus. To him Jesus said, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). Thus Jesus Himself created the link between entering the kingdom and "water and the Spirit." This link continued as Jesus sent His followers to tell the Good News (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:12; 22:16). Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16). Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." . . . Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:38,41). For Me? Does "every one of you" mean this applies to you and me too? And why? What makes the baptism of a believing, repentant person so essential? As the New Testament unfolds its message, the reason becomes clearer.

Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4). [You have] been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead (Colossians 2:12). The Gospel events are not distant facts. Jesus lives today. He calls you to share His death, burial and resurrection by baptism. The result is that you are "raised with Him through your faith" (Colossians 2:12, which shows that baptism is for people who have believed the Good News). From baptism you rise with Christ to "a new life" (Romans 6:4). As Romans shows, this is a life free from sin. First, God no longer sees you as guilty. Christ's blood washes away all sins and you receive God's free gift of complete purity. Second, God gives you power to change and overcome sinful habits, the power to live with Him and for Him. Nothing can ever separate you from this loving relationship. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. . . . We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. . . . [Nothing] in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:1,37,39). This "new life" begins at the believer's baptism (Romans 6:4). No wonder the Ethiopian wants to be baptized immediately! His trust leads him to obey Jesus. In the water, he joins Jesus in death, so that he can rise with Jesus to life that is "new" in every way. That is why the baptized Ethiopian goes "on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Though Philip is taken away, the rejoicing continues because it focuses on the living Lord who promises, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Now, in the best sense, the Ethiopian is on his way home because he has found the Way! And you . . . where is your life going? Are you rejoicing in the relationship that leads you home? Do you know the Way? Jesus assures you, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well (John 14:6-7). Like Philip, your Study Helper is a friend to encourage you and to assist you with God's Word. Please take a few moments now to complete the lesson exam questions. Then submit them to your Study Helper for grading, so that you can be assigned the first in-depth course. Explore God's spiritual Map. Learn the Way to the full life Jesus plans for you. May God bless your personal journey of discovery!

Discipline

Prov 3:11-12 (NIV) My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Prov 15:5 (NIV) A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
When Bad Things Happen

The Scriptures speak of three major categories of "trouble" for the believer: 1) discipline, judgment, or rebuke from the Lord; 2) tests, trials, and suffering; and 3) temptations or attacks from Satan. So when trouble comes, what type is it? Some kinds of trouble can be avoided and some cannot. Each requires a different response from Scripture! So how can the type of trouble be discerned? Is this God directly moving to correct me, or is this persecution for His Name, or is Satan behind the trouble? This is the first of three studies on the subject.
STUDY 1: Discipline, Judgment, or Rebuke of the Lord

Heb 12:5-8 (NIV) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Heb 12:9-11 (NIV) Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. God uses discipline as a last resort. If all God needed to justify mankind to himself was a bigger cattle-prod, then Christ died for nothing! No, God's plan for the earth is love first, discipline last. To get us to listen and repent, he will use deep conviction, the rebuke of friends, coincident sermons, the quickening of Scripture, and

every other means before disciplining us. But if we resist God's Spirit of light and mercy, we are promised the rod of correction. When God disciplines, the punishment fits the crime. Time and again, we realize that we cannot get away with unrepentant sin. God is sculpting us into holy vessels, and the process can be painful. Job 5:17-18 (NIV) "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." 1 Cor 11:32 (Phi) But when God does judge us, he disciplines us as his own sons, that we may not be involved in the general condemnation of the world. Prov 20:30 (NIV) Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost being. Rev 3:19 (NIV) [Jesus] "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Rom 11:22 (Jer) Do not forget that God can be severe as well as kind... Heb 10:31 (NIV) It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Does God Have A "Style" Of Judgment?

Rev 16:7 (NIV) ... "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments." Rev 19:1-2 (NIV) ... "Hallelujah!... for true and righteous are his judgments." Gal 6:7 (Jer) Don't delude yourself into thinking God can be cheated: where a man sows, there he reaps. Num 32:23 (NIV) ... "Be sure your sin will find you out."
The Story Of Jacob As An Example Of God's Style Of Judgment

Gen 27:6-16 (NIV) Rebekah said to her son Jacob [his name means 'he deceives'], "Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, 'Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.' Now, my son... Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it..." ... "But my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I'm a man with smooth skin..." "... Just do

what I say, go and get them for me." ... Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau... and put them on her younger son Jacob. She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins.
Deception Using His Brother's Coat And A Dead Goat

Gen 27:19-36 (NIV) Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn..." Isaac asked his son, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" "The Lord your God gave me success," he replied. Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, "The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau... Are you really my son Esau?" "I am," he replied... After Isaac... had scarcely left his father's presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting... Esau said, "Isn't he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: he took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing!"
Jacob Learns A Lesson In The Rights Of The Firstborn

Gen 29:16-27 (NIV) Now Laban had two daughters, the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel."... So Jacob served seven years... Laban... gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her... When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?" Laban replied, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter's bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years work."
Later In Life, Jacob Is Deceived Via Goat/Clothes By His Own Sons

Gen 37:23,28,31-33 (NIV) So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe... and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites... Then they got Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goatand dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornamented robe back to their father [Jacob] and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe." He recognized it and said, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." 1 Cor 10:6 (NIV) Now these things occurred as examples, to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

Verbal Rebukes

Lev 19:17 (NIV) "... Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt." Prov 19:25 (NIV) ... rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. God will often use people to offer a verbal rebuke through prophecy or admonishment before disciplining us. Instead of letting our pride get offended, we should be willing to accept and give such rebukes within the body of Christ so that we can avoid sterner discipline--the rod. Prov 17:10 (NIV) A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. Prov 28:23 (NIV) He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
Life Giving Rebuke

Prov 15:31 (NIV) He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. For a rebuke to be life-giving it must be: 1) correct, and 2) acted on. First, we must admit that not all rebukes we get, or give, are of God. The Spirit will confirm the truth of the rebuke. Secondly, even if the rebuke is correct, it will only serve to condemn us if we do not repent. Ps 141:5 (NIV) Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it... Prov 25:12,27:5 (NIV) Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear... Better is open rebuke than hidden love. (1 Tim 5:20) Luke 17:3 (NIV) [Jesus] ... "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him."

God's Miracles... Of Rebuke!

Num 11:1 (NIV) Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. Num 26:10 (NIV) The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, and they served as a warning sign. Acts 5:5,11 (NIV) When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died... Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
As Children, We Get The Punishment Now, Rather Than Later

1 Pet 4:17-19 (Phi) The time has evidently arrived for God's judgment to begin, and it is beginning at his own household. And if it starts with us, what is it going to mean for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God? If even the good man is only just saved, what will be the fate of the wicked and the sinner?... Therefore those who suffer according to God's will can safely commit their souls to their faithful Creator, and go on doing all the good they can. Prov 22:15 (NIV) Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. Ps 23:4 (NIV) ... your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
When Bad Things Happen, How Should We Respond?

Some Christian groups assume Satan is behind every kind of problem. This is a dangerous view, as it comes close to blaspheming the work of the Holy Spirit when God rebukes us. Other groups focus on enduring trials. Yet other groups focus on God's discipline to the point of not recognizing mere tribulation or the active work of Satan. So the next time some "trouble" comes in life, is there a way of discerning the meaning? What instruction has God given us? As an Acts 17:11 test, find the Scriptural basis for each of the DISCIPLINE table entries below from this Bible study. This table will be included in the next two studies as well for the same purpose. Especially note the difference in how (and how not) to respond. As you can see, since different responses are appropriate, discernment is key.

DISCIPLINE FROM The Lord

TEST/TRIAL God, World, Satan Following God

TEMPTATION The Devil Pride or Exposure Leads Astray

RESULT OF

Disobedience

HOW TO DISCERN RIGHT RESPONSE

Fits Crime

Proves Faith

Repent!

Persevere Shrink Back His Name is in Us Death and Glory

Resist! Fall into The Flesh is Weak Sin or Victory

DO NOT Make Light of GOD IS SAYING ENDS WITH We are Sons Fear and Holiness

We should avoid and resist temptation, persevere tests, trials and suffering, and never resist what God is doing, or attribute it to Satan. Rom 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Getting Away With Sin?

Those who are able to consistently sin and not be rebuked by God are not His children. Those who have been born again are seized by deep conviction when they sin, and if they do not repent they are always "spanked" by God for it. Is this true in your life? Do you pass the family test? Ps 38:1-2,4-7 (NIV) O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me... My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are

loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. (Luke 12:27-28) If we put our faith in some prayer, formula, or church, and are able to remain in sin without feeling the hand of God, this "faith" is a deception. The only "ticket to heaven" is in a fiery chariot (2 Ki 2:11), and it is a glorious destiny for the soul but an uncomfortable ride for the flesh. Prov 1:24-27 (NIV) "But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you." Prov 1:28-31 (NIV) "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes." Prov 29:1 (NIV) A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy.

Series 2 - Bible Answers for...

Hi, friends! Welcome to this Bible study lesson on "Dealing With Worry." Worrying often simply means that you are anxious, apprehensive, troubled or fearful. These emotions are very commonwe all face them from time to time. Thankfully though, the Bible contains the keys to successfully dealing with these types of feelings. What does God want us to do when we face these challenging thoughts? Join us in exploring what the Bible has to say on this important subject. And remember, we would love to hear from you and serve you in any way we can.

Lesson: Dealing With Worry

The Bible records that God's servants often faced anxietyproducing situations. How did they handle those worries and pull out of those anxieties? How can you use the same strategies to successfully deal with the potential triggers for worry in your life?

The celebrated British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, "When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened." The American poet and diplomat James Russell Lowell expressed a similar sentiment when he said, "Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which will never happen." These two quotes illustrate a large part of the problem with worryit consumes huge amounts of time and energy that are totally unprofitable. We often realize too late that we will never receive tangible benefits in return for effort spent worrying. Anxiety cannot correct a past mistake, prevent a future calamity or supply us with anything that we don't already have. For many, though, being anxious seems to just be an unavoidable part of who they are. Joanna Weaver, author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World , shares her personal story of being a "born worrier": "I come from a long line of Swedish worriers. 'Kre mej,' my Grandma Anna used to say over and over. 'Dear me, dear me.' Too high, too fast. Too much, too little. With all the potential danger in the world, there seemed to be only one responseworry. I remember lying in bed at night going over my list of fears. Somehow, as a young teenager, I had determined that the secret for avoiding trouble was to worry about it. In fact, I worried if I forgot to worry about something" (2002, p. 32). Share Your Story

What Does the Bible Say About Dealing With Worry?

Life's daily challenges and troubles very commonly lead to feelings of worry. However, the Bible provides very effective tools for avoiding worries as well as responding to these emotions when they occur. We should also recognize that more severe forms of anxiety can lead to or be caused by certain psychological disorders. We would encourage anyone suffering from severe anxiety to seek the guidance of a trained counselor or mental health professional in addition to applying the biblical tools discussed in this study. As you explore the Bible, you will find that God wants you to experience the tremendous joys of life as He created it, without the detrimental effects of anxiety. His Word is full of instruction, advice and wisdom on this topic. Let's look at some relevant scriptures. What is a primary cause of anxiety? Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. There is a right and healthy fear of physical and spiritual dangers that keeps us safe. But when our minds focus on improper fear (being fretful or frightened) of physical things rather than proper fear (reverence and awe) of God, worry is the sure result. Likewise, allowing our minds to focus on doubts and uncertainties will fill us with anxious care. As 1 John 4:18 says, "Fear involves torment." Can our actions or lack or actions give us things to worry about as well?

Job 4:8 "Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same." Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. One cause of anxiety is foolish, imprudent or evil (sinful) behavior. The Scriptures counsel us to employ foresight to steer clear of such actions; being prepared to do so helps us to avoid much worry. Is anxiety caused only by "wrong" thoughts and actions, or are there other sources? Proverbs 13:4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. Proverbs 23:4 Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! In addition to learning the difference between right and wrong, the Bible teaches us to have balance in all things. These two verses provide an example. Hard work is an excellent tool for avoiding anxiety, but only in balancetoo little of it leads to unmet basic needs such as food and clothing, while too much of it leads to unhealthy stress and neglect of other priorities. Both extremes cause anxiety. Can worry alter our circumstances or change our lives for the better? Luke 12:22-31 Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." Jesus' point is clear: Worry accomplishes nothing. It cannot supply the very least of our needs or wants, so we should strive to eliminate it from our thinking. Our energy is much better spent focusing on God's way of life (which has real, tangible benefits) and soon-coming Kingdom (which will ultimately satisfy our most deeply felt needs). If there is nothing to be gained from anxiety, how does it really affect our lives? Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Anxious feelings that are not properly dealt with cause us to have the unhappy and disheartened feelings associated with depression. In contrast, focusing on good and positive things makes us glad and cheerful. The Nelson Study Bible explains that anxiety "loses some of its force in the face of a positive, encouraging word." What should we focus on?

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The Bible uses the term heart to describe the innermost source of all that we think and do. Focusing on positive things leads to a heart filled with optimism and confidence, while focusing on worry only fills the heart with pessimism and uncertainty. What is the core problem with worry and anxiety? Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Worry and anxiety are often the result of our being overly focused on our physical capabilities and limitationswhat we or others can do humanlyrather than on the awesome and limitless capabilities of God, and what He can do for us and through us. What did David do when he faced severe anxieties? Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Even though David suffered severe anxiety at times, he kept learning and relearning that trusting in God to provide for his needs and deliver him from difficulties would resolve his problems. No matter how big the problem is, God can solve it (Psalm 40:1-2). What did Paul rely on to help him through times of distress? 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us... Paul understood that God is the only true source of help. Paul faced many anxiety-inducing situations in his ministry and travels, but consistently trusted that God would provide deliverance from these situations that were beyond human control. What did Jesus Christ do when He felt deep anxiety before His greatest trial? Matthew 26:37-39 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and

watch with Me." He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." When He experienced tremendous anxiety over what He was about to suffer during His trial and crucifixion, Jesus wholly committed Himself to the will of God. He knew that the direction God had set for His life would ultimately produce the best possible outcome. Even if suffering had to be endured for a time, He trusted that it was a necessary but brief step on the path to a permanent, glorious future. How can we overcome anxious worry? Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. The ultimate solution to anxiety is to take the things that cause itdoubts and fearsto God. He is eager to help us deal with these common emotions in the right way so that we can experience true peace in our hearts and minds. He cares for us, and He wants us to cast our cares on Him. Prayer is a key to a stronger relationship with God and to dealing with worry. Pray more, worry less! For further study, see our article "The Bible's Keys to Mental Health."

Lesson: Keys to a Happy Marriage

God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden as the first married couple. Marriage is ordained and established by God, and He includes keys to a happy marriage in the Bible. Consider this story about a happily married couple in North Carolina: "As I write, my wife and I are about to celebrate 35 years of marriage. "We actually met as teenagers because we attended the same church. When we became young adults, we were at a church convention where I asked her for a date. That first date was an epic one. We drove two hours to tour New York City instead of a local Pennsylvania mountain waterfall attraction as we had first planned. "Over time we began to realize how much we enjoyed each other's company and knew we were 'growing' in love. "After we got married, we encountered many of the typical newlywed challenges, including the financial ones, but we managed to make ends meet.

"Before long, our son was born and brought us incredible joy, as did his sister who was born four years later. I settled down into what was to be a 31-year career in hospital financial administration, and my wife worked part-time as a substitute teacher and then as a clerical worker. "Today, our children are grown, and we have four beautiful grandchildren. We own a home in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, and I'm now serving wonderful people as their pastor. "You might be thinking, 'That's your beautiful, inspiring love story? There's nothing interesting about that!' That's right! To you, the reader, it might seem meaningless, but to my wife and me that's the brief outline of 35 years of a happy marriage. These represent years that are filled with countless stories and memories that we cherish, things that would mean nothing to you but everything to us. The point is there is no 'magic formula' to pattern your life after that will lead to a happy marriage. Married couples are each unique with their own hopes and dreamstheir own special circumstances in life that make them who they are." Share Your Story

God Must Be Involved in Your Marriage

For a marriage to be happy and successful for life, the husband and wife must include God as a partner in their marriage. They must acknowledge God as Supreme in their lives and together yield to what God instructs in the Bible about marriage. The marriage will fail if it is based on self-gratification and pleasure. Is God really involved in marriage? Malachi 2:14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Mark 10:7-9 "'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." Marriage is a covenant that includes God! Many marriage ceremonies include words such as, "Do you faithfully promise and covenant with God, in the presence of these witnesses to take..." If we covenant with God, then this makes marriage on a far higher plane than simply agreeing to live together legally as husband and wife. It means we willingly submit to the role God must play in the marriage. We will live by His rules. What's the purpose of marriage? Ephesians 5:31-33 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5 reveals how marriage is a type of the incredible love relationship between Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church. No love could be greater! The Bible is the ultimate love story when understood in its overall concept and purpose.

What is true love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails... Love isn't just a feeling of passionate desire for your lover and the unbearable thought of being apart. True love is based on outgoing concern for your partner. It's about self-sacrifice for the good of the one you love. In every marriage, things go wrong. What if the problem is not my fault? Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus... Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Over time, seemingly insignificant irritations can get blown out of proportion, and before long, couples say or do things that are offensive to each other. The result? Arguments, conflict and, all too often, shouting matches. It is often very difficult to see our own faults. We're always right in our own eyes, so we naturally place the blame on our partner. This mind-set started way back in the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Genesis 3:12-13). But even if it really is not our fault, loudly insisting the other person take all the blame is not helpful. The optimal solution instead involves seeking peace, not revenge (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:17-21). It involves seeking win-win strategies. The Bible shows that sometimes our good actions can, over time, win over our mate (1 Peter 3:1). Ideally, both partners will eventually work together to solve their problems. Well-known marriage counselor H. Norman Wright offers the following advice: "Some negative ways of dealing with conflict are withdrawing, winning, yielding, and compromising. The ideal way of dealing with conflict is by resolving the conflict. It may take longer, but the relationship is then strengthened and needs are met on both sides" (So You're Getting Married, 1985, p. 199). What should we say to help heal our relationships? Psalm 51:1, 10 (New Living Translation) Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins... Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her... Titus 2:4 (New Living Translation) These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children. When we sin, first we must repent and become right with God. Then we can seek His help in restoring the relationship. In every marriage relationship, there are several phrases that can help heal the damage that has been done due to conflicts and arguments. Three key phrases are listed below. 1. "I'm sorry." Use this one often, and mean it! Tell your spouse you're sorry for saying or doing the thing that has upset him or her. Whether you were right or wrong, it doesn't matter; your actions have had a negative impact on the spouse you love, and you should apologize for that. 2. "I forgive you." Jesus Christ died to forgive us of our sins. His great sacrifice should motivate us to be willing to forgive others. 3. "I love you." When said sincerely, this declaration cannot be overused. We need to know we are loved by the person we love. This short, sincere phrase, backed by loving actions, can put to rest all of our negative feelings, hurts, resentments and faults and can melt the heart of the one hearing these three beautiful words.

Can the Flame Burn Again?

Some may feel like the romance and excitement is long gone in their marriage. They stay together for convenience or for the sake of the children or other family members. But, as the well-known song asks, "Where is the love?" Can my marriage really be happy? Proverbs 5:18-19 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun. Yes, your marriage can be happy! The Bible reminds us that a wife is a blessing from God and tells husbands to "bring happiness" to their wives, starting from the first year of the marriage (Proverbs 18:22; Deuteronomy 24:5). To achieve happiness, it's important to keep the perspective that it's not "my" marriage but "our" marriage. The two of you are in this together and need to work together to bring life and energy back to the marriage if it has been lost. If you've been married a few years, find ways to rekindle the spark that led to your marriage in the first place. What attracted you to your spouse? Why did you get married? Try dating your spouse again!

Our helpful booklet Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension explains: "Some marriage partners have rekindled this desire by asking God for a loving, humble attitude and doing things to show love to their mate, even when they don't feel like it. Many married people have found that the feelings they long for return when they start doing the things that bind two people together" (p. 19). Beyond the romance, the marriage relationship should also be a close and growing friendship. Consider this excellent advice: "Enjoying your spouse as both friend and marriage partner will help override many marital disagreements, whether financial or social. Couples who remain in love almost inevitably must also be good friends. They will share the ups and downs that are common within the marriage relationship" (Jerold Aust, "What Are the Keys to a Happy Marriage?"). Did I really mean "for better or worse"? As we saw in Malachi 2:14, marriage is a covenant. When we took our marriage vows, we probably repeated words like "for better or worse." Did we really mean it? No matter what the situation might be right now in your marriage, can't you work together to make it better? Do you have the option to give up if the situation has become "worse"? God says He "hates divorce" (Malachi 2:16), and His expectation is for you to be committed to your marriage for life. Paul also gave instructions to Church members not to divorce (1 Corinthians 7:10-11), and Jesus Christ gave narrow definition to the terrible circumstances that would allow for divorce and remarriage (Matthew 19:3-9). A helpful exercise to begin restoring the love in your marriage is to go back and watch a video of your wedding if you have it. Listen to the words the minister is saying. Say those vows to each other again. If you don't have this available to you, click on this link to read a wedding ceremony. In difficult times when you have tried everything you know how to do, it can be helpful to seek wise counsel (Proverbs 4:7; 11:14). Healthy, mature people are not afraid to seek help when they need it. Can we learn to love again? Ephesians 5:22-28 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. As we are seeing, love is not to be confused with infatuation. Love is selfless concern for another. True love will build up the one you love, not tear him or her down. True love will want to give and serve the other, not take in selfish disregard for the desires of your spouse. A husband should treat his wife like his queen, and a wife should treat her husband as her "knight in shining armor"as corny as that might sound. Or, as the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5, we should treat each other as Christ and His Church do.

Apply Now

There is much more to this subject than we could cover in this lesson. Our free booklet Marriage and Family: The Missing Dimension gives even more practical information that can really help. Click on the link to read, download or order a printed copy now. Having a committed, happy marriage can be done, but it's not easy. It takes work. The key to having a happy marriage is to involve God in your marriage and submit to His way of life. If God has not been part of your marriage up to this point, invite Him in! Ask God to bring joy and happiness to your lives through the marriage relationship. Work on building godly character in your lives and express the love of God to each other. After all, God is love! With God's Holy Spirit working in your lives, you will display the fruit of His Spirit to your spouse and all others with whom you have relationships. Notice this definition in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol." Wouldn't that go a long way toward making your marriage happy? Determine to do your part to make the marriage happy. Don't wait on your spouse. Surprise your spouse with a special giftsomething totally unexpected. Plan a getaway weekend. Send flowers. Just smile and be pleasant, cheerful and positive, no matter what has happened that might be upsetting. You can do it! Start right now! Go give your spouse a kiss!

Lesson: Dealing With Depression

The Bible shows that humanity has suffered from discouragement and depression since the beginning. Depression can affect all people, small and great. Many Bible heroes, such as David, Moses, Job and Elijah, dealt with it. What can we learn from their examples and biblical principles? Consider the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Elijah had a close relationship with God and was used powerfully by Him. Many people witnessed the greatness of God through the prophet. Elijah encouraged many people. He helped a widow and her son who were down-and-out and had only enough food for one more meal. Elijah told the widow that God would provide, and He did. Later, when her son died, Elijah asked God to bring him back to life, and God did. This widow's hope was restored through Elijah. Elijah did many other amazing works by the power of God, but the Bible shows that even great men of God can get tripped up by the trials and challenges of living God's way in a world under the sway of Satan. The story of Elijah's descent into depression is a classic. Not only was Elijah hated and threatened with death by the evil Queen Jezebel, he also felt his work had been in vain and that no one else was supporting God. He felt totally alone, vulnerable and hopeless. Being human like you and me, all this started to get to him. Elijah got overwhelmed and wanted to quit. No one knew Elijah was depressed. But God did.

God approached Elijah, and Elijah told God that he had been doing his best, but it was all for nothing. Elijah told God he was tired and just wanted to quit and die! God then did something surprising. First He put on a display of His power. But immediately afterward, He comforted Elijah by talking with him in a gentle whisper. God also quietly told Elijah that He had more work for him to do and let him know he wasn't alone. God showed Elijah He was more than just a mighty God of power. He was also a compassionate God that cared. Elijah's hope was restored (1 Kings 19:1-18). Share Your Story

What Does the Bible Say About Depression?

Perhaps you are tired too. Does it seem like you're doing your best, only to have one crisis after another come upon you? Do you feel like the world is crashing in on you, and there's nothing you can do about it? Do you want to just give up? God's Word has plenty to say about discouragement and depression and how to deal with both. We should also recognize that more severe forms of depression can lead to or be caused by certain physical and psychological disorders. We would encourage anyone suffering from severe depression to seek the guidance of a trained counselor or mental health professional in addition to applying the biblical tools discussed in this study. Let's look at some relevant scriptures so we can learn what we can do to help overcome depression and its negative effects. What is a root cause of depression? Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 18:14 (New Living Translation) The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed? Job 7:6, 11 "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope... "Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." We become depressed when we lose hope. When we see no end in sight to our problems, thoughts of just giving up will surface. Who takes advantage of this moment of weakness? Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 2 Corinthians 2:7, 11 So that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be

swallowed up with too much sorrow... Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. Satan and his demons want you and me to fail. They want us to give up. So when we are discouraged, Satan will make sure he broadcasts his evil thoughts and ways toward us. We must guard our thoughts, or our minds will pick up on his wavelength, and we will become even more discouraged (1 Peter 5:6-9). (Our series of lessons on the Armor of God can be helpful in understanding and defeating these enemies.) Where is the first place you should go when you are depressed? Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Psalm 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Our human nature doesn't want us to acknowledge we need help, but God tells us to go to Him when we are discouraged. Even though Satan tries to broadcast his evil thoughts to us, God can protect us and give us an amazing and powerful peace of mind. Just as God strengthened Elijah's hope, He can strengthen ours as well (Psalm 31:24). Where else should you turn when you are discouraged? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Proverbs 27:10 (New Living Translation) Never abandon a friendeither yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away. Turning inward is not the way to deal with depression. We need to be with our friends so they can encourage and help us. As we read earlier, Satan is compared to a roaring lion. A lion attacks one that is weak and separated from the herd. Being with friends and family will build us up, protect us and help us stay strong. What else does the Bible say you can do to help overcome depression? Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things. Joyfulness and cheerfulness are a type of medicine for our minds and bodies. It's good for us to smile and laugh! So when we are discouraged, we need to do something that cheers us up. Helping others also brings us a "merry heart." Meditating on good things is also healthy for our minds, because it helps replace Satan's negative broadcasts with good thoughts. The Psalms remind us that meditating on God's law brings great peace (Psalm 119:97, 165). How can a perfect God relate to the discouragement we experience as humans? Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 12:2-3 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Isaiah 53:3-4 He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. Jesus Christ gave up His spirit glory to live and die as a human. He experienced the same emotions and turmoil you and I face. He can definitely relate when we are depressed. The night before Jesus was crucified, He was overwhelmed with what was about to happen to Him. He pleaded with the Father for another way. The Father comforted Him by sending an angel to strengthen Him (Matthew 26:38-44; Luke 22:41-44). When depression is caused by our past mistakes, what does God promise to do? Psalm 32:1-5 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah [a transliterated Hebrew word used as a poetic refrain] I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Psalm 51:1-3, 7-10 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me... Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

A guilty conscience can lead one into deep depression. God tells us to confess our sin to Him, and He will forgive us. True repentance includes turning from sin, which means we must try not to commit the sin again. Even though God will forgive the sin, we still may have to deal with the consequences of our mistakes. But again, God will be there to help us (Isaiah 41:10). If you are presently overwhelmed because of financial, health or other serious situations, what does God want you to do? Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Psalm 27:13-14 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! God wants us to tell Him our needs, yet at the same time be thankful for the good things we do have (recall Philippians 4:6-7). God expects us to do what we can to help our situation while also patiently waiting on Him to help us. God promises He will never forsake those who obey Him (Hebrews 13:5-6). Finally, what does God want your mind-set to be when you are in a difficult trial? James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. God wants us to think positively when we are in a trial. Hard times can make us better. Instead of dwelling on the negative, we should look for the good that will come from the trial. God promises that He will not allow us to be in a situation we can't handle if we obey Him. And although trials may last a while, He encourages us to be content and patient, knowing He will see us through this difficult time. Jesus said that when we put God first, we have no need to worry (Matthew 6:25-34).

Apply Now

God doesn't want you to be depressed. When you're feeling overwhelmed, pray to God and ask Him for peace of mind. Do what is in your power to help your situation, then trust in and wait on God to do the rest. Take time this week to help others, and spend more time with your friends. Do something that will bring a smile to your face, and meditate on good things. With continuous application of the principles in this lesson, together with medical treatment if necessary, you'll discover that your heavy yoke of depression will be lighter!

Lesson: Coping With Loneliness

When we're lonely, we want it to go away, but too often we find it keeps coming back. What help does the Bible give for dealing with loneliness and the depression that too often goes with it? Consider this short story from a recently widowed lady: "On Jan. 5 I discovered what true loneliness was. You see, on that day my husband of over 37 years died. On that day, I felt as though I had also died; yet, here I was still alive. There was now a huge void in my life. Since I was still alive, I knew that it meant I needed to go on. In order to do that, I began to look around our congregations. I saw many widows and widowers. There were also many other members who, for one reason or another, were alone. As much as I missed the conversations with my husband, I soon realized that perhaps these others might also be starved for conversation. "So I came up with a plan. Whenever I began to feel lonely, I would call someone. Hearing the voice of a friend has helped me. If you ever find yourself feeling lonely, try these tips: 1. Pick up the phone and call someone. 2. Send a card to someone. 3. Visit someoneespecially those who may be homebound or in a nursing home. "By taking your mind off of self and onto others, you will soon realize how very beneficial it is. "Even if you are not lonely, follow the above tips and call, visit or send a card to someone who is alone. Take it from someone who has been on the receiving end, that it is very much appreciated to know that others remember and care for you! It really does help keep loneliness at bay." Share Your Story

What Does the Bible Say About Coping With Loneliness?

The Bible is God's instruction manual for life. It provides the answers we need and gives us comfort, peace and hope for a brighter tomorrow. God inspired it to be profitable and beneficial for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Can the Bible really show us how to experience less lonelinessregardless of our situation? And does the Bible show us how to have joy and success in life and in our relationships in

spite of being lonely? Let's look at some specific biblical principles that can help us cope with loneliness. Did God design and create us to desire and need companionship, friendship and fellowship? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The implication is that two people are much stronger together than one person is alone. God designed us to want companionship and friendship and to find our greatest fulfillment in loving others. To feel alone and unloved hurts terribly. We want to help you to know how to cope with feeling lonely as long as that continues. Plus we want you to know what God will do to help you and what you can do for yourselfhow you can reach out to others to build relationships. Does God understand my loneliness? Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" First, God created us and all of our emotions, so He surely understands us. And Jesus experienced loneliness not just because He felt His Father had forsaken Him when He was on the cross. Just think, no other human being was converted or anywhere near His spiritual level, so their capacity for spiritual fellowship was quite shallow (John 2:24-25). No one was completely faithful to Jesus. His 11 disciples were the most committed, and even those 11 forsook Him at His greatest hour of need. So Jesus Christ has experienced every human emotion, and He knows what it's like to be lonely. Talk to Him about it! Is it God's plan for us to have strong family relationships? Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Psalm 68:5-6 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. After God created Adam, He knew that Adam needed someone to share his life with him. Adam was simply not complete being alone. Marriage is a divine institution ordained by God. Families become the natural place for us to have personal relationships with others and to know we are not alone. If you have family, be sure you connect and contribute to their happiness and peace. Many of us have dysfunctional families, but if we love them unconditionally (following God's example in Romans 5:8) and work to fulfill the needs of other family members, we often can improve the situation (Philippians 2:4).

But even if we don't have a physical family we can depend on, God says He "sets the solitary in families" (Psalm 68:6). His Church can be a spiritual family a hundred times larger than a physical family (Mark 10:29-30). God tells His Church to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Hebrews 10:24-25). Above all, we can develop a close relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ. But I'm a widow and live alone. How can God help me feel better? 1 Timothy 5:5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. If you are widowed and alone, put your trust in God. Talk to Him about your loneliness. Let Him know what your heart desires. Jesus Christ promises that whatever we ask in His name, according to His will, He will give to us (John 14:14; 1 John 5:14). Nothing is impossible for God (Mark 10:27). I've been lonely for so long, why isn't God helping me? Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Sometimes God requires us to build character in ways we would not have chosen for ourselves. Coping with loneliness may be one of those ways God is allowing your character to be tested. Will we learn to be content with the blessings God has given us? Will we really believe God is with us and that we have not been left truly alone? Remembering that God will never leave us can be much needed encouragement when we feel abandoned by others. And when we try to draw near to God, we can be assured that He will draw near to us. How do I know God will really help me? Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. So often being alone brings feelings of fear and anxiety. Sometimes we feel helpless. Once again, we see the great God offering us the promise of strength and help regardless of the physical situations in which we find ourselves. Claim these promises! My loneliness leads to anxiety and worry. What can I do to stop being afraid? 1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Psalm 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Worry, fear, anxiety. All of these emotions can tear us down, cause depression and negatively reinforce feelings of loneliness. But our Father says He will take care of everything! He provides for the sparrows; He can certainly provide for us (Luke 12:6-7). God is a loving Father who loves us even more than any parent loves his or her little child. Learn to trust Him to care for every need you have. Sometimes I wonder, What's the use? I feel despair and hopelessness. Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Loneliness is a condition that we must deal with. Continuing in a state of loneliness often leads to the even more serious condition of depression. Please don't think you have to cope by yourself. Please ask for help. God gives healing and comfort in many waysthrough His Word, the Bible; through His Spirit; and through His intervention in our lives. And God often answers prayers by directing us to people who can help us. You can get help from trusted friends and your minister. If the problem is really serious and deep-seated, there are Christian counselors who can give professional help. Does trusting God imply action on our part as well? James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." We begin to see that some action is needed on our part. Yes, we learn to trust God to provide for our needs. If we expect Him to answer our prayers, to provide for our needs and to comfort us in times of loneliness, does He expect anything in return? The simple answer is yes! We not only should reach out to others to befriend and encourage them, but we also must believe God and we must do what He says to do. We must keep His Commandments. We must live by every Word of God. The entire Bible is written by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), so we must believe the Bible and live by it. If I turn my attention to the needs of others, will my loneliness diminish? Acts 9:36-41 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick

and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Perhaps Dorcas was a widow in the Church. In any event, she was known for doing good works for people and providing for the needs of others. This is a key principle for coping with loneliness. The Bible shows we should be aware of and provide for the needs of others in addition to our own (Philippians 2:4). Dorcas became sick and died, but God raised her from the dead! This miracle highlights her life as an incredible example for us to read about today. The obvious implication is that we should follow her example too. Helping others will take the focus off ourselves and will help cure the feelings of loneliness. One thing we all are able to do is to speak good words of hope and encouragement to other people. Lifting others up can be uplifting to us as well.

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What are some specific things you can do to cope with your loneliness? There are many circumstances that cause loneliness, so although this list is not comprehensive, it can provide some guidelines for your personal situation. Doing these things will help you make progress along the road out of loneliness.

Direct your thinking outward to others rather than thinking excessively about self. Determine that you can control your own attitudes and emotions. Ask God for His Spirit of love and joy (Galatians 5:22). Be friendly! Smile! Laugh! Positive actions and emotions are contagious and will encourage others to want to be around you (Proverbs 18:24). Go to church and church activities and fellowship with others. Consider their needs and try to encourage and uplift them (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:3). Participate in various activities. Be involved with others. Adopt a pet from a shelter. A dog or cat will love you unconditionally! Volunteer your service to others. There are various volunteer programs at hospitals, schools and libraries. Consider visiting a nursing home to cheer up the patients. You will soon have a different perspective about loneliness. Learn new things. Develop a new hobby. Expand your interests. Engage in conversations with others about current events and common interests. Use technology to be in touch. When used properly the Internet can be an amazing blessing for communication and interaction with others. E-mail, Facebook and Twitter can be fun!

Establish a circle of friends that you talk to on the phone. Include people who may also be in lonely situations. Make it your mission to help them. Ask your church pastor about shut-ins or those who could use extra encouragement. Every day you can help brighten someone else's day. If you have deep loneliness and depression you can't pull out of, please seek help through counseling.

Lesson: Keys to Good Communication

God is the Great Communicator, and He has revealed many important communication principles in the Bible. By following these keys, we can strengthen our relationships and learn to think and act more like our loving Creator. Esther 7 tells the dramatic story of the conversation in which Queen Esther saved her people: "So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther's banquet. And while they were drinking wine that day, the king again asked her, 'Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!' "And so Queen Esther replied, 'If Your Majesty is pleased with me and wants to grant my request, my petition is that my life and the lives of my people will be spared. For my people and I have been sold to those who would kill, slaughter, and annihilate us. If we had only been sold as slaves, I could remain quiet, for that would have been a matter too trivial to warrant disturbing the king.' "'Who would do such a thing?' King Xerxes demanded. 'Who would dare touch you?' "Esther replied, 'This wicked Haman is our enemy'" (Esther 7:1-6, New Living Translation). Share Your Story

What Keys to Good Communication Does the Bible Give?

What we say and how we listen to others is important to God. He warns us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" and that we must give account of "every idle word" we speak (Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:36). What summary principles for good communication and interpersonal relations did James record? James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath...

Many of the communication pitfalls that wreck relationships come from violating these three keys. We tend to be slow to listen but quick to speak our minds, and in the resulting confusion and selfishness we are very quick to get our feelings hurt and to get angry. In this lesson we will focus on the first two points James made: being swift to hear and slow to speak.

Swift to Hear
What happens if we are quick to speak instead of quick to hear? Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. It's natural to think we know what other people want or need before they finish asking. And we generally assume that what we have to say is what the other person should really be interested in hearing. Listening skills are rarely taught and generally neglected. "You've spent years learning how to read and write, years learning how to speak. But what about listening? What training or education have you had that enables you to listen so that you really, deeply understand another human being from that individual's own frame of reference?" (Stephen R. Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, pp. 237-238). We have to overcome this lack of training by focusing on the other person and forcing ourselves to try to understand his or her viewpoint before sharing our own. What mind-set must we avoid in order to truly understand another person? Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. We all want to, and are taught to, express ourselves. But when our desire for self-expression keeps us from trying to really understand the other person, we are being foolish and selfish. This is the opposite of the attitude the apostle Paul encouraged: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). Tips for improving our listening include:

Smile and look the other person in the eye naturally (it's not a stare down). Ask questions to show you are interested and to clarify things you aren't sure of. Look for common ground. Try to block out distractions. Don't focus on rehearsing what you will say next. If the person expresses strong feelings, try to acknowledge them without becoming offended or angry yourself.

Slow to Speak
How did David ask God to help him with his communication? Psalm 141:3, New Living Translation Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed. Psalm 19:14, New Living Translation May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Obviously David didn't mean he wanted his lips permanently sewn shut. Though we can't keep our lips sealed at all times, we all want our words to be pleasing to God. We can't get through life without communicating. In fact, Proverbs 10:19 clarifies that it is a "multitude of words" that generally causes the problem. We should avoid being overly talkative and garrulous. Also we must be very careful to think before we speak and to choose our words carefully. Whatever we say should be edifying and intended to reflect the nature of Christ and to glorify God. Let's look at some of the keys God gives for good communication. What should we choose to say? Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things. Romans 12:14-15 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. God wants us to choose our words wisely. Blessings and praiseworthy information should predominate our conversations. Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 4:6 explains, "Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, makes it savoury, and keeps it from corrupting." What should be the tone of our talk? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God's Spirit is the true source of our joy, and our reasonable response should be thankfulness. The apostle Paul regularly let people know he was thankful for them (1 Thessalonians 1:2), and we should follow his example. What should we avoid saying? Many destructive forms of communication, from profanity to gossip to offensive comments, are covered in our lesson "Communication Pitfalls."

How should we say what we say? Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. Ephesians 4:15 ...but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the headChrist... When we speak softly, kindly, wisely, truthfully and with love, we can defuse negative feelings and promote positive relationships. Tips for improving our spoken communication include:

Speak clearly, avoiding jargon and confusing ramblings. Be respectful. Use "I" statements ("I feel uncomfortable when...") instead of accusing. Apologize when needed. Be forgiving. Don't rush or cut the other person off. Don't talk just to fill the silence. Express appreciation and encouragement.

Apply Now
Read the helpful and practical article "Ten Things You Can Say to Make Someone's Day" and pick one of the suggestions to try today. Next Lesson: See the Bible Study Guides series menu for your choice of future lessons to study. Questions about this lesson? Feedback about this lesson? Related Resources: Communication Pitfalls Can You Hear Me Now? 3 Bible Tips: Listening

Communicating More Effectively Turning the Hearts... Communicate Encouraging Words Making Life Work Kindness: From the Heart to the Helping Hand Ten Things You Can Say to Make Someone's Day Win-Win: Who Says There Has to Be a Loser? How to Make a Good First Impression The Friendship Formula When Friends Disagree Dealing With Difficult People

Lesson: Dealing With Health Problems

Health problems hinder us, cause us stress and often generate intense emotions such as discouragement, fear, loneliness, anger or depression. Being encouraging and helpful to someone who is sick or injured is an extremely valuable service. May we all continue to grow in understanding about how to be effective helpers and encouragers. A United Church of God member in Texas relates her excruciating trial with adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder"): "My journey through adhesive capsulitis (AC) began in April 2009 when my left shoulder started hurting. I immediately asked an elder in our church to anoint and pray for my healing, and soon after I saw my doctor. He explained that the muscles in my shoulder were growing scar tissue and becoming inflamed. Because of my allergies, I can't take cortisone to reduce inflammation. The doctor told me to keep moving my arm as much as possible without aggravating it. Early in July, I entered the second phase of ACthe painful swelling stage. "I saw an orthopedic doctor who prescribed pain medicine and three weeks of physical therapy. It was torturous, but I went. Every time my range of motion was measured it was worse. The pain medication didn't reduce the pain at all.

"I cradled my arm against my chest throughout the day because the slightest bump or a reach too far would cause pain so intense that I would literally scream for several minutes until it subsided. This really scared and worried all three kids and my husband. The pain was tolerable as long as I was standing or sitting upright. However, the second I started to recline in any direction, the pain magnified one hundred fold. I tried propping up on pillows, but the moment my body relaxed and I started to slouch in any direction, sharp, intense pain would bring me wide awake again. From the first of July until about Sept. 19, I only got one to four hours of sleep a night. "Not surprisingly, I became very depressed. I was so exhausted that the simplest decisions were totally overwhelming. I kept thinking of Job. He didn't know why he was suffering, but God wanted him to learn something from his experience. I kept reminding myself of this. I kept reminding myself that I was joining in the sufferings of Christ. I begged God for mercy. I asked for forgiveness of my sins. I asked for God's mercy for my family so that I could once again take care of them the way a wife and mother should. My constant yearning was to be able to sleep! "I finally got to see a shoulder specialist, a surgeon. I was so depressed and in so much pain that I cried in the waiting room. I asked the surgeon if he could do anything that would take away the pain enough for me to get one night of sleep. He said the next step was for me to see a pain management doctor. "The pain management doctor prescribed morphine, the strongest pain medication he could prescribe. In less than two hours after taking the first pill, my stomach was in terrible pain. I was rushed to the emergency room where I received treatment that stopped the abdominal pain. I couldn't even take morphine to relieve the pain in my shoulder. "However, shortly after that, the third stage of AC, called 'recovery,' began. With much less pain, I was able to recline slightly in bed and get about six blessed hours of sleep each night! However, I could hardly move my left arm at all. I depended on my wonderful husband and children to help me with practically everything, including getting dressed. They took turns cooking and cleaning. My daughters combed and fixed my hair because I could not lift my left hand higher than my nose. "When I saw the surgeon again and he measured my extremely limited range of motion, he told me the only way to improve was through surgery. "After surgery, I was to have seven consecutive days of physical therapy followed by three times a week for six weeks. However, I would not be able to drive myself, and we have no extended family in Texas to help us. We had to totally rely on God and our Church family. "Two days before my surgery, two of my kids were still sick, and that morning the third one woke up sick! My surgery was in two days, and our regular babysitter didn't want to babysit sick kids. She had been sick herself. Emotionally, I 'hit the wall' and burst into tears. "Then something marvelous started happening. Many members of our church started offering all kinds of help! One family took our kids to their home for the night before my surgery. Several people brought over home-cooked food. Someone different drove me to physical therapy each day. Many members called to check on me and to offer help. They were all being living sacrifices to help a sister in need. "I have been very, very humbled by this experience. Plus, I've learned to trust in God more than ever, seeing He knows best even when His answer to some of my prayers is 'no.' "To my huge relief, the surgery was successful! I am so relieved and happy! I feel extremely blessed!" Share Your Story

The Bible on Dealing With Health Problems

Since God created us, He owns us and holds us responsible for taking excellent care of our bodies and minds(1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Because your body and mind are so interrelated, what is good for your mind is also good for your body, and vice versa. What is the most obvious way to deal with a health problem? 3 John 1:2 (Good News Translation) My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good healthas I know you are well in spirit. The most obvious way is to try to get well. God gave us an enormous advantage when He gave us an immune system, which enables our bodies to automatically repair themselves. Wellness is a huge benefit mentally and spiritually. We often don't realize how vitally important it is until we begin to lose it. When you get sick, you can help your body heal itself by diligently practicing all the same good health habits that prevent illness. That includes maintaining a positive attitude: "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). How important is it to obtain a correct diagnosis? Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. For serious health problems, a correct diagnosis is urgently essential. It even helps you to know what to pray about! When you have a health problem, doing nothing or doing the wrong things allows the problem to get worse and more difficult to cure. Some people procrastinate about going to a doctor because they don't want to face reality. And some people make the mistake of trusting in a nonscientific, instant, "too-good-to-be-true" diagnostic technique. If you are sick or injured, should you seek natural healing or divine healing? James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Luke 10:34 So he [the good Samaritan] went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Natural healing is identified here as all healing that is not supernaturally miraculous, no matter what treatments are used (medicinal drugs, herbal medicines, surgery, therapies, diet, etc.). But even when a medicine or therapy helps you to get well, the main credit for your recovery really should go to the Creator of your body's natural healing system: God! The medicine or therapy merely assists the body's healing in some way. Incidentally, Luke was a physicianin fact Paul called him "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). If you understand that God is able and willing to miraculously heal you, you should pray and ask for His healing, following the instructions of James 5:14. God very frequently heals people just as Jesus frequently healed people during His earthly ministry.

There are other spiritual tools to utilize in addition to the use of prayer. One if these tools is fasting. Fasting for spiritual strength can be included in any study dealing with a long-time, serious health issue. However, since fasting means going without food and water for a period of time, we should check with our doctor first to see if our health will permit it. For example, diabetics and people taking medication should definitely consult with their doctor before starting a fast. Fasting, accompanied by Bible study and meditation, enables us to draw closer to God during a health trial, or, for that matter, any trial we mayface. King David said that he prayed with fasting when others were sick. His twofold approachprayer and fastingcaused his prayers to become more fervent. Regarding the sick, he said: "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart" (Psalm 35: 13). While fasting for the sick, his prayers became more heartfelt and, when praying and fasting about our health problems, we should be studying God's Word and meditating (thinking deeply about what we are reading). The Bible reveals God's mind and therefore we can "understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesian 5: 17). We can be assured "that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5: 14). There are times in which God will intervene immediately, and there are times in which He will wait for a while. But God always intervenes according to His divine will and timetable. God listens to our heartfelt prayers.] Divine healing helps us better understand God's grace. God is described as He "who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:3). Having faith in God for healing also helps us to have faith in God for forgiveness of our sins and for life after death (Isaiah 53:4-6). On a related topic, the Bible does not teach that disease is always or usually the result of sin. In James 5:15, quoted above, notice the important word "if." For various reasons, however, sometimes God's answer is "no" or "not yet." God always loves you, but He doesn't always say "yes" just like a parent doesn't always say "yes" to a child. If after being anointed for healing, God doesn't heal you immediately, then while you are patiently waiting for God, you can do whatever you are able to do to help yourself get well. Please understand that God is not displeased with people for seeking medical treatment. Rather, God is displeased with anyone who lacks faith in Him and His power to heal (Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 16:12). So for a serious health problem, immediately seek divine healing. Then unless the illness is deemed incurable, it's wise to pursue a treatment plan while you are waiting for God's intervention. Should we go the route of conventional medicine or alternative medicine? Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. The answer often depends on the nature of the health problem. There is good and bad conventional medicine (though it is generally tested and regulated), and there is good and bad alternative medicine (though this broad umbrella seems to provide many opportunities for money-hungry quacks to operate). Conventional and alternative medicine often overlap. Many people pursue some of both at the same time. Alternative medicine is not more godly than conventional medicine. Once you get an accurate diagnosis, proceed to educate yourself about that health problem, the possible treatments and their effectiveness, side effects and costs. If you have a serious illness, you'll probably receive a ton of unasked-for advice. But your body is your responsibility above anyone else's. Do research on the Internet and elsewhere and perhaps with additional health professionals. You should be the one to make final decisions about remedies.

Beware of quackery. If something is "too good to be true," it's probably not true. Be especially cautious when someone is trying to sell you something. The cost/benefit ratio might be unreasonably high. Where does God not want us to turn for health and healing? 2 Kings 1:2 Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria, and was injured; so he sent messengers and said to them, "Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury." [See also verses 3-17.] In the New Testament, Baal-Zebub is spelled "Beelzebub" and is "the ruler of the demons" (Luke 11:15). God was extremely displeased with Ahaziah's blasphemy in seeking healing from Baal-Zebub through some kind of witch doctor. God is our miraculous Healer, and Satan the devil has always been jealous of that. Satan knows that people tend to worship whoever or whatever they think has healed them. And because Satan hates people, he wants to lure them away from getting God's help. So throughout history, Satan has "inspired" many counterfeit methods of diagnosing and treating ailments as a hook to draw people into false religions. Satan's demons may give some temporary physical help, but their purpose is to destroy us spiritually (John 10:10). Often if you ask someone to describe how some dubious cure works, he or she will reply, "I don't know why it works, but I know it works!" However, some things sometimes "work"including Ouija boards, telekinesis and ESPby the power of demons. Stay away from anything that might be a stepping stone to demon influence, because a step in that direction is spiritual adultery. Probably most health-care practitioners that use some kind of paranormal "healing" have good intentionsthey just don't understand the Bible and the spirit world. There is no spiritual problem in using a treatment fully based on true science, because science is truth. After all, science involves the laws of God regarding His physical creation. But as Paul warned Timothy, avoid "what is falsely called knowledge" (1 Timothy 6:20). Beware that nonscientific methods are often described with scientific-sounding jargon. Should we ask for help from others when we need it? James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. When we need help, we should ask. Always ask God for help, and when you need help from relatives and friends, ask them too. If we strive to maintain our relationships and to help others when they need help, they may consider it a blessing when they can help us too. A close friend can be as helpful as a relative (Proverbs 27:10). Keep in mind that others may not always be able to understand your health condition, even after you reveal it to them. Chronic health problems seem especially difficult for some to grasp. But even if

others can't identify with your illness, they can beseech God on your behalf for healingvery powerful aid indeed! So ask them to pray for you, and if you need their assistance, ask for that too. Can health problems be a "blessing in disguise" to help us learn spiritual lessons? James 1:2-3, New International Version Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. "Every cloud has a silver lining," the saying goes. Many scriptures show how God causes our suffering and personal trials to work together for spiritual good (Romans 8:28). When we suffer, we think more deeply. We learn to rely on God with faith and patience. We develop compassion for others. As God gives us comfort, we can extend that comfort to others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Overall, we experience more spiritual growth when we are "afflicted" by the trials of life than we do during easy times (Psalm 119:71). Can we have hope and peace of mind during suffering and even when facing death? Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. God wants us to give "thanks always for all things," including the spiritual lessons learned through suffering (Ephesians 5:20). Through every test and trial, God is with you to comfort, relieve and guide you, and give you endurance and deliverance (1 Corinthians 10:13). Even the prospect of death should not be terrifying. The Bible likens death to temporary sleep, and one day Christ will return to awaken us in a glorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Stay Encouraged!
Above all, try to keep a positive attitude and focus on those things that are uplifting (Philippians 4:68). It may not be easy to avoid negativity, especially when dealing with intense pain, but we are assured that our own Savior can identify with our pains, and He intercedes with God the Father on our behalf (Hebrews 4:15-16; John 17:20-26). We have one powerful Ally!

Apply Now
A very inspiring Bible study is to read about the miraculous healings performed by Jesus. It's not surprising that Luke, "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14), would be especially interested in this subject. He recorded more of Jesus' healings than the other Gospel writers did. For a good start on this faith-building study, read five or more of the miracles Luke recorded in Luke 4:40; 5:12-15; 6:17-19; 7:1-10; 8:2; 8:41-56; 9:11; 9:37-42; 13:10-13; 14:1-6; 17:11-19; 22:4751.

Lesson: Dealing With the Death of a Loved One

In this lesson we'll study what the Bible reveals about death, about God's promise of life after death, how to comfort one another and how to obtain God's gift of comfort and peace. Don Hooser, a minister in Washington, relates this story about his family: "In 1952, when I was 11, my brother Roddy died. At age 3, he was a super cute and lovable kid. Our family was devastated. No one close to me had ever died (except my beloved pet dog). It felt like the end of the world. Today I still choke up when I talk about Roddy. "Over the years, I have often reflected on how God used Roddy's death to work together for much good (Romans 8:28). "The most profound effect on our family was a greater seriousness about God and the Bible. Even though I didn't stay serious throughout my teen years, always in the back of my mind was the thought: 'I've got to do whatever it takes to see Roddy again.' I know that thought was a major factor in making me, at age 21, receptive to God's calling. "After that I introduced my three brothers to God's truth, which led to them, one by one, coming into God's Church. Since then we brothers have been blessed with marriage and children, so the knowledge of God's wonderful truth is being passed on to children and grandchildren. Roddy's death has had a profound, far-reaching effect." Share Your Story

Hope and Comfort

Let's go straight to the most comforting truth in all the BibleGod's revelation regarding the resurrections from the dead! The Bible says that at the return of Jesus Christ, everyone who has been a faithful follower of Him will be raised in the "first resurrection" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:6). But what about "the rest of the dead" (Revelation 20:5)? They will be resurrected in the second resurrection. People assume that the only time God can call and save someone is in this lifebefore the person dies. But a careful study of the Scriptures shows a little understood but comforting truth: All the people who don't receive God's saving knowledge in this life are not lostthey will be resurrected to a physical life in the second resurrection. When Christ is King over all the earth, He will make sure that everyone receives the knowledge of God's plan that offers eternal life to all who believe and obey Him! You can find detailed studies of these resurrections in other lessons. The second coming of Christ and the first resurrection are explained in Lesson 8, and the second resurrection is explained inLesson 15 of the "Bible Prophecy and You" series in these Bible Study Guides.

The big point for this lesson is this: God will give everyone who has ever livedfrom Adam and Eve on the gift to be able to understand the Bible and to choose to repent, change and accept the gift of eternal life in God's Kingdom! This indeed is God's most comforting revelation! What is the primary way that the Bible portrays death? John 11:11 He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." John goes on to relate how Jesus raised Lazarus from death to life (John 11:12-45). In the Bible, death is often referred to as sleepa total lack of consciousness (Psalm 13:3; Ecclesiastes 9:5). The beautiful metaphor of sleep emphasizes the fact that the first death is temporary and that everyone who dies will be awakened!This understanding of death is much more comforting than all the unbiblical and erroneous ideas about death. When someone dies, family and friends often suffer with regrets and feelings of guilt about things they had said or done, or things they neglected to say or do. But God doesn't want us to beat ourselves up about the past. He wants us to repent of our sins and look forward to our reunion in the next life, when we will have plenty of opportunities to talk to our loved ones. Does the Bible portray death as an enemy? 1 Corinthians 15:22, 26 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. God created us with a kind of instinct for self-preservation, and the Bible portrays death as our enemy. But after the return of Christ, "death [will be] swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54). A person who is close to God can, in one sense, look forward to death, as Paul did (Philippians 1:2124). But what he or she is really looking forward to is not death itself, but waking up with a new spirit body in God's Kingdom! What does the Bible say about grieving over the death of a loved one? Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. It's normal and healthy to grieve when we lose the companionship of a loved one. Those who repress grief rather than expressing it suffer more emotional problems in the long run. But healthy grieving depends on facing the reality of death. In today's humanistic culture that is obsessed with prolonging human life, many people avoid preparing for death or even discussing this topic. Feeling it is taboo to even say the word "died," people will use a euphemism like "passed." Denying death makes it harder for people to grieve and support one another and heal. Those who truly understand the Bible feel and express grief, not fear and despair; their hope and faith give them great comfort. The apostle Paul, right after explaining about the promise of the resurrection, said, "Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

(During a time of grief, please avoid two common and serious mistakes: Don't try to "drown your sorrows" with alcohol or drugs. And don't neglect your sleep and good nutrition. Getting sick will only greatly add to your stress.) Is God pleased with reminiscing, crying and laughing? Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. John 11 tells the story of Lazarus's death and resurrection. Notice that not only did Jesus not criticize the family and friends of Lazarus for weeping, He also wept (John 11:35). The Bible teaches us to sympathize and empathize with others who are grieving. After someone's death, it is important for loved ones and friends to spend time together and to reminisce and talk about their precious memoriesmemories that bring forth warm reflection, tears and laughter. When someone wants to talk about a deceased loved one, be an attentive listener. Don't change the subject. How do our trials and sorrows prepare us to help others? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Our trials benefit us if we learn compassion for others, and the comfort we receive should teach us how to give comfort. We especially mustn't overlook the needs of children or hide death from them. After a death, they often don't know what to think and say, what questions to ask or how to express their emotions. They need understanding, comfort and reassurance and need to be filled with love, security and hope. They need to be with family, sharing in the discussions, grieving and healing. What are some ways I can help others during their time of sorrow? 1 John 3:16, 18 (Good News Translation) This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others!... My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Words of comfort have a powerful healing effect, but more than words is needed. Remember that the family of someone who has just died is faced with innumerable decisions and arrangements in addition to daily chores. It is frustrating and depressing to lose a loved one and hardly have time to think because you are frantically rushing from one responsibility to the next. So it can be helpful to offer specific help to families in mourning. And if you are in mourning, be willing to gratefully accept offers of help. What spiritual lessons can we learn from life's losses and sorrows? Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 (New International Version) It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. Everyone needs times to laugh and dance, but we also need times to weep and mourn (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Spiritual growth takes place more in difficult times than in easy times. When a loved one dies, it's a valuable time to reflect on your own mortality and your relationship with God. It has been said, "An open casket can be worth a thousand sermons." Some people avoid funerals and avoid visiting

people in hospitals and nursing homes because these situations make them feel uncomfortable and unhappy. But to be a healer, you must go where people are hurting. If you do, your unselfishness will help you mature and grow. What is the greatest source of understanding and comfort? Psalm 147:3 [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before [in the Bible] were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. God is that Source! Our Creator knows our hearts and always knows best how to help us. All the answers to life's questions are in His Bible. When we are grief-stricken, if we will talk to God and read His Word, we will experience great comfort, hope and healing. Prayer and Bible study are the two things we need to do every day of our lives. Will suffering and sorrow come to an end? Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Not only will families be reunited, but we'll all be in one big happy familythe family of God! And that family will live foreverwith no more death, sorrow or crying!

Apply Now
As we learned in Ecclesiastes 7, when you think of someone else's death, it's an important time to think about your own life and inevitable death. As Ecclesiastes 9:12 says, "Man also does not know his time"we don't know in advance when death will come. Therefore, it behooves us to get prepared and stay prepared (2 Peter 3:11). How about starting right now by making a simple list of things you need to do in the very near future? If you haven't made a will and left instructions for your family, be sure to include those points. If you haven't told family and friends often enough that you love them, write that down. And if you need to get right with God, be sure to include that on your list. Set realistic deadlines to tackle the items on your list.

Lesson: Communication Pitfalls

The Bible has a lot to say about our relationships, including how we communicate. How we listen to others and what we say and don't say can build or destroy the connections we have with others. God tells us how to avoid many common pitfalls that can damage our relationships.

Stephen R. Covey relates this story in the chapter about "Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood" in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: "A father once told me, 'I can't understand my kid. He just won't listen to me at all.' "'Let me restate what you just said,' I replied. 'You don't understand your son because he won't listen to you?' "'That's right,' he replied. "'Let me try again,' I said. 'You don't understand your son because he won't listen to you?' "'That's what I said,' he impatiently replied. "'I thought that to understand another person, you needed to listen to him,' I suggested. "'Oh!' he said. There was a long pause. 'Oh!' he said again, as the light began to dawn. 'Oh, yeah! But I do understand him. I know what he's going through. I went through the same thing myself. I guess what I don't understand is why he won't listen to me.' "This man didn't have the vaguest idea of what was really going on inside his boy's head. He looked into his own head and thought he saw the world, including his boy" (1989, pp. 239-240). Share Your Story

What Does the Bible Say About Communication Pitfalls?

How important does God consider the subject of communication? Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Matthew 12:34-37 "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." James 3:5-8 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. If we speak without thinking, we too often display the fruits of thinking without God. Since God is judging our every idle word, we need to give our words careful attention.

Can not listening be a communication pitfall? Proverbs 18:2, 13 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart... He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. Stephen Covey addresses our society's lack of emphasis on listening skills: "Communication is the most important skill in life. We spend most of our waking hours communicating. But consider this: You've spent years learning how to read and write, years learning how to speak. But what about listening? What training or education have you had that enables you to listen so that you really, deeply understand another human being from that individual's own frame of reference?" (ibid., pp. 237-238). We need to focus on the other person and force ourselves to seek understanding of his or her point of view before sharing our own. What's the sure way of avoiding saying something wrong? Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 21:23, New Living Translation If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble. Keeping our mouths shut is a sure way of not saying something bad, but we can't get through life without communicating. In fact, Proverbs 10:19 clarifies that it is a "multitude of words" that generally causes the problem. We should avoid being overly talkative and garrulous. Also we must be very careful to think before we speak and to choose our words carefully. Whatever we say should be edifying with an intent to reflect the nature of Christ and to glorify God. What does the Third Commandment teach about what we should and shouldn't say? Exodus 20:7, New Living Translation "Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." Matthew 5:33-37 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' "But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. "Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." God's name is precious and sacred and deserves the highest respect, though society today so often uses it in cheap and vile ways. God allowed His name to be used in oaths and promises in the Old Testament times, but Jesus Christ told Christians to not swear at all. We should be as careful with our words and promises as if we had sworn, because as Christians we are to represent God honorably in our words and actions. For more about the meaning and application of the Third Commandment today, see "The Third Commandment: From Profanity to Praise." What else does the Bible say about disrespectful, foul or abusive talk?

Exodus 22:28 "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." 2 Peter 2:10-12 ...and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption... Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 5:4 ...neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Our words should be respectful and uplifting, whether we are talking about God or other people. What does the Ninth Commandment teach us about truth and lying? Exodus 20:16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Proverbs 6:16-17 These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood... Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. Revelation 21:27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. God is a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4), and lying is the antithesis of His honest and holy nature. Our modern world doesn't value truth as highly, and it is so easy to justify a "little" lie when it seems to benefit us. But God hates lying and will not allow it in His Kingdom, so we must see through deceit and strive to avoid allowing lies through our lips. For more about the meaning and application of the Ninth Commandment today, see "The Ninth Commandment: Truth as a Way of Life." How does the Bible describe gossip? Leviticus 19:16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. Proverbs 16:27-28 An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 26:20-22, New Living Translation Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. What dainty morsels rumors arebut they sink deep into one's heart. Gossip can seem delicious, but it can be deadly to even best friendships. Gossip and rumors can spread like wildfire and can be just as destructive. What does the Bible say about sowing discord and causing offense? Proverbs 6:19 [God hates] A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. Our words can have a devastating effect on others. We can create discord and offend those who trust us. Afterwards, we can't take the words back, and trying to win back someone's trust can be a nearly impossible task as they build up walls of defenses to avoid being hurt again. How much better to think about our words in advance and remove the pointed ones and defuse the explosive ones! How should we deal with others' offensive words or gossip? Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others. When gossip or offensive words are directed at us, we can struggle to avoid hatred, bitterness and a desire for revenge. As much as possible, we should ignore and try to avoid hearing these things. But sometimes we will be hurt and need to deal with the situation. For more about how to deal with hurtful people, see our lesson on "Dealing With Difficult People."

Apply Now
Consider the various pitfalls covered in this lesson: not listening, profanity, foul language, shading the truth, gossip, being offensive or taking offense. Which is the problem you need to work on most? Jot down notes about when this behavior is most a problem for you and think about how you might avoid it. Reread the scriptures that deal with that pitfall and ask for God's help to overcome the problem. Repeat this process till, with God's help, you have got this problem under control.

Lesson: Job Satisfaction and the Value of Work

Why is work so important and who are we really working for? John LaBissoniere, a minister in Tennessee, tells this story: "It was a beautiful late summer afternoon in 1960 and my dad had just returned home from work with a recent issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Opening the magazine he said, 'John, take a look at this.' He then pointed to an advertisement showing a photo of a shiny, new bicycle. The caption read, 'Sell just ten subscriptions to The Saturday Evening Post and receive this beautiful bicycle!' "Dad then said, 'John, this would be a great opportunity. I'm sure you could sell these subscriptions.' During the succeeding days I spent hours canvassing in our neighborhood and beyond in a search for potential subscribers. With my dad's help I was finally able to earn my new bicycle. "From that experience as an 11-year-old boy, I found that much fulfillment came from working hard to accomplish a goal. Even so, there were important things I didn't yet understand about work, including just why is work so important and for whom are we really working. "The bicycle I worked to obtain helped me discover a lot about myself and what it would take to be successful later in the adult world of employment." How about you? What valuable work experiences and habits have you developed? Share Your Story

Why Is Work So Important?

The Bible explains that work and the values it instills are critical ingredients in God's long-range plan of character development for every human being. Through the biblical record, let's learn what God has to say on this critical subject. Is God Himself a worker and does He obtain satisfaction from working? John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. When God completed His creation, He was delighted that His efforts produced exceptionally beautiful results.

When Jesus Christ walked on earth as a human being, did He set a vigorous example of one who works? John 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" Christ's work was a consuming passion (John 9:4), yet He did not consider it burdensome (Matthew 11:30). Should fulfillment and satisfaction through work be part of the good life that God desires for everyone? Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. God wants all people to prosper, thrive and flourish physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Was it God's desire that Adam and Eve and their children work and, as a result, have a rewarding, fruitful life? Genesis 2:15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. God gave His first humans the opportunity to work to maintain the strikingly beautiful Garden of Eden and to follow the way of living that would guarantee their prosperity and contentment. If God wanted Adam and Eve to have a meaningful, satisfying life, what went wrong? And what has since gone wrong for much of the human race? Genesis 3:17-19, 24 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return..." So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" By rejecting God's ways and His laws, humanity has brought a curse on itself. History shows that most people have struggled in sorrow and distress and have often found their work to be fruitless and unsatisfactory. For example, a poll by the Gallup organization found that only about half of American workers are satisfied with their jobs (Gallup.com, Aug. 21, 2008).

The apostle John explains that there is a petulant thief in our midst who works hard to obscure and impede the only real path to an abundant, meaningful life. He said, "The thief's [Satan's] purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, New Living Translation). The systems, methods and practices of this age and society are not of God's formation or design (Revelation 12:9). The devil has cleverly succeeded in deceiving "the whole world" to follow his fraudulent way and reject God.

Who Are We Really Working For?

How can we counteract our society's often sour attitudes toward work? Colossians 3:22-24 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. The apostle Paul gave these instructions to Christians who were in bondage as slaves, but the principles also apply to actions in our own particular work environment. Our work takes on even greater meaning when we recognize we are not just working for a wage or for our own fulfillment, but we are working for God. Indeed, God is our real employer because ultimately, He provides all of our needs. God told the ancient Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:18, "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. If we are working for God, we can bring an attitude of enthusiasm and cheer to our workplace even if we have a supervisor or fellow workers who are difficult to work with (1 Peter 2:18-19). God desires that we find pleasure even in the simplest of tasks and enjoy the fruit of our labors. But does He also want us to understand the ultimate great purpose of work? Revelation 2:26 "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations..." Revelation 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. As incredible as it may seem, we are to prepare now for work and service as kings and priests in the Kingdom of God with Jesus Christ at His second coming to earth. See also Luke 19:17, 19, which describes how Jesus will reward His faithful brethren with authority over cities to serve the citizens in God's Kingdom. Does God look very closely at our performance and attitude in whatever work we do now as an important indication of how we will carry out our future responsibilities in His coming Kingdom?

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Building good work habits and character today can help us prepare for working and serving in God's impending Kingdom. But how can we be training for such high positions in God's future government on the earth if we have spent our careers as, for example, truck drivers, homemakers, computer technicians or in other professions? Perhaps we won't use the specific technical skills we learned in those occupations, but we can certainly apply the positive work habits we developed. These work habits might include punctuality, determination, reliability, patience, organization, thoughtfulness, cooperation and teamwork. Learning and applying these now in this physical life will suit us well in positions in God's coming government. In summary, let us profoundly appreciate God's great ultimate purpose for work and understand for whom we are really working.

Apply Now
What task or assignment do you dislike most about your job? Consider the scriptural principles in this lesson. Is there a principle you can apply to that task to make it more bearable? For example, would considering that you are growing in character and preparing for greater service in God's Kingdom help? Would approaching a difficult-to-get-along-with employee with a smile and cheerfulness help things go more smoothly? Write down your plan, pray about it and apply it next time you face that dreaded assignment. You may indeed find that blessings for following God's way will come!

Lesson: Dealing With Money Problems

Money in one form or another has been around and valued highly by most for thousands of years. But money, debt and finances have also been the source of many personal and family problems over those years. What does the practical wisdom of the Bible teach us about how to deal with money problems? Skip, a Christian from California, relates this story: "We were not making enough money to cover our needs. My wife had quit her job because I thought that I was the one who should be the principal income maker. Our income went from $14,000 per year in 1971 to $6,000 a year in 1972. We needed help.

"The first thing we did was to seek counsel. After that we both sat down and admitted that this would have to be a mutual effort. Together we would succeed or fail. Then we prayed, together. "At this point we wrote down everything that we really needed to live. Since I had a job, I needed to get to work. I had a car and it needed gas, but I didn't need to stop before work for coffee. We wrote down exactly what we needed and did not need and discussed this with each other. "Many things then became wants and not needs. "We had no children yet, so we could evaluate a bit more ruthlessly on items like food. All expensive items were eliminated; basics became normal. Shopping is not a pastime if you are in survival mode! Soups and casseroles were standard, and nothing was wasted. Lunch was often leftover dinner from the night before. "If you have a job, thank God and tithe on your increase! We did. I had trained and studied to become a teacher, but there were few, if any, openings in 1976 and 1977. "It became disheartening, but with my God-given, vigorous good health and working at all the labor jobs that I could find, we managed to almost scrape byactually going into the hole a little each month. Things got worse before they got better. "And then that recession was over, and school districts started hiring again. I had gotten my credentials in 1975 but hadn't even looked for a teaching job that year. But as soon as I interviewed for a teaching job in 1978, I was told that one awaited me at the beginning of the spring semester 1979. "Were there lessons I needed to learn before God answered yes to our prayers for a good job? They are too numerous to recite! But in retrospect, not having much money was a valuable training program for when we were blessed with more money. You can't really remember what you never went through." Share Your Story

What Does the Bible Say About Money?

How long has money been around? Probably ever since there were more people than one extended family. The Bible tells about various financial transactions Abraham made about 4,000 years ago (Genesis 13:2; 14:20; 20:16; 23:9). It is obvious Abraham was a rich man, but he was also a generous, good man. Does God object to riches? Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. If God gives riches, obviously money isn't bad in itself, and He does not object to wealth. What isn't good in God's sight? Matthew 6:24, 33 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be

loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon... "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Trusting in riches or wealth is wrong. Serving mammon (the New International Version translates this "Money") and not God is wrong. Greediness is absolutely wrong. But can we enjoy both God and the correct bounty of this world? We can if we do things God's way. Matthew 6:33 indicates that God can and will bless us abundantly if we get the right perspective in our mind. Why aren't many of God's people rich or wealthy? 1 Corinthians 1:26, 29 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called... that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. God has not chosen to call many of the "important" or famous people of the world now, but to use the weak and the poor to demonstrate that it is God who makes a difference in our lives. "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). Paul's instructions to Timothy tell us that some Christians were rich. But his warnings give some hints about the spiritual problems being wealthy can cause. Unfortunately when and if we strike it rich, we tend to take credit ourselves and not give credit to God. On the other hand, if we have had to struggle a bit, we have a much better chance of learning that the race is not always to the swift. As a result, we just might more easily and readily thank God. Can there be real problems with having more than enough money? Mark 10:21-27 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." What if God asks us to give up the good life? This parable shows a real challenge that a wealthy Christian could face.

The world around us bases financial decisions on self-interestand even blatant greed. But what underlying attitude does the Bible teach? Acts 20:35 "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" The apostle Paul showed by his own example and by a quote from Jesus Christ that we should live a way of give, rather than basing all our decisions on what we can get. We can give to others in need and give gifts to show our love. We are also instructed to give tithes and offerings to God, since everything we have comes from Him in the first place (Malachi 3:8-9; Matthew 23:23). Offerings state to God that we know where our blessings really come from.

Using Money Wisely

Is there a correct sequence for living life? Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house. The New Living Bible translates this: "Develop your business first before building your house." God anticipated that people could become infatuated before they had established a trade or profession. Worrying about having a good, solid job might seem somewhat mundane when you're in love, but you still need to earn a living! Get a good education, the best that you can, but don't end up being a perennial student with lots of smarts and no real wisdom. Having good skills and good work habits will help in finding and keeping a good job. And work is a vital aspect of the training program God has for us in this life. See also our lessons on "Job Satisfaction and the Value of Work" and "Dealing With Unemployment." What should we do to avoid money problems? How can we make sure we spend our money correctly? Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. A major part of financial wisdom involves planning. Have a budget and follow it. We publish a practical and helpful booklet titled Managing Your Finances that will help you begin to formulate your own personal plan or budget. Seeking wisdom from God, His Bible and wise counselors can help us avoid problems or map out a way through those problems. Does God encourage saving? Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Saving for a rainy day (Proverbs 6:6-11) and providing an inheritance are two things for which God encourages us to save money.

What do we need to do to improve our financial situation and prepare for the future? Proverbs 27:23-27 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; you shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants. God encourages us to be diligent in our work and in attending to our personal property and financial situation. When we do, our fleeting life will not become a mad scramble to meet our needs in the retirement years. What are some specific financial steps to take to avoid problems? Romans 13:1-2, 6 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves... For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Exodus 21:33-34 "And if a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls in it, the owner of the pit shall make it good; he shall give money to their owner, but the dead animal shall be his." God expects us to pay taxes and obey the laws of the land we live in. We should also work hard to avoid accidents (usually involving cars, not oxen, today). But it is also wise, and often required, to have insurance in case of accidents. Insurance is also a cost that proves its value should you somehow run afoul of a litigious person who intends to sue you for everything you've got.

Avoiding Pitfalls
What does the Bible say about debt and credit? Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Why does God state that "the borrower is servant to the lender"? Because it is simply true! Become frugal and ignore the pleas on TV that state, "You owe it to yourself!" You will end up owing everybody who talks you into believing that lie. If you don't need it, don't buy it. If you do need it, look for a sale. Sometimes, like waiting 15 minutes after a meal to have dessert, you find you don't really want it at all. What is a credit card? A device that unlocks your personal wealth and gives it to others. Okay, most people in the Western world need at least one credit card to rent a car or establish a solid financial history. Credit cards can also be helpful to cover short-term costs for a legitimate emergency. But do not ever think that the company who gave you the credit card has your best interest at heart. Unless it is the interest you will pay!

If you are in debt, make a plan for getting out of debt as quickly as possible. Managing Your Finances has practical information on paying off credit-card debt, avoiding debt, a "buying self-test" and a sidebar on "credit counseling services." Can money can be a test? Luke 12:16-21 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. "And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' "So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. "'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." In this parable the person obviously was successful, but instead of thanking God for such a blessing and sharing it appropriately with others, he chose to really protect his investment like Fort Knox. God saw his plan and changed it by simply requiring that man's life that night. All we have said about planning and even saving is true, but if it is all only for self, as this man's plan was, it can be all for naught. "One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). What is it that people really want that money can't buy? Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Our consumer culture emphasizes what we don't have, but God wants us to recognize and be content with what we do have (Philippians 4:11-13). Being content, thankful and reliant on God will help us to have peace of mind. And isn't peace what people really want? You can have peace of mind and satisfaction that you have lived your life as God intended. If we seek God's Kingdom first and foremost and if we diligently search God's Word daily, asking God to help us understand His truth, then we will be given resources now, brimful and overflowing, and eternal life later. That is certainly more than money can buy.

Apply Now
There is much more to this subject than we could cover in this lesson. Our free booklet Managing Your Finances gives even more practical information that can really help. Click on the link to read, download or order a printed copy now. Please especially read the practical and helpful chapter "Keys to Successful Money Management" and use the accompanying charts, "Determining Your Net Worth" and "Monthly Income and Expense Worksheet," to help you plan and manage your budget. Even if you have never planned a budget before, these tools can help make it simple and effective.

Also, if you are having money problems, then let our heavenly Father know about it now. Yes, He already knows, but He appreciates hearing your sincere prayer. And don't reject His response! Humbly work at what you can until your plans for financial success begin to pay off.