Walking on the Sea

‘He said to them, “Come away into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. ‘ Mark 6:31,45-46

Spend time in nature

Take time this Sabbath to visit a river, a pond, or a lake and try to skip rocks on the water. Observe how many times the rocks bounce off the water, notice how fast the rocks go to stay above water. With every skip or each bounce the rock loses its momentum and eventually it will sink into the water. To stay above the water’s surface against the wind Jesus just trusted in His father. He walked out on the lake with faith. He moved toward His disciples because He knew He could give them rest. Again and again, we are promised God will give us rest, (Matthew 11:28, Joshua 1:13) at this moment He even defied the laws of nature to reach those He loved. There is no obstacle God won’t overcome in order to keep the promises He has made to His children. He even robbed the chains of the grave so that one day He can lead you to a home built just for you. He took away the sting of death so that one day He might be able to call you by name. ‘He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest”‘ (Exodus 33:14). He has done everything for our salvation we must only accept the free gift.

Tip

Nearly anything with legs can also stay on the surface of the water if it goes fast enough. There is a lizard that has been named the Jesus Lizard because it specializes in this unique talent.

Do something creative

For the creative activity, today bake a small loaf of bread or a couple and you can bless others with a yummy treat. This simple recipe can be done by mixing the ingredients in a large gallon or quart size resealable plastic bag. Begin by adding one cup flour, the sugar and yeast and warm water to the bag. Seal the bag and mix together with your hands. Set the bag aside for 10 minutes once the ingredients are mixed. After ten minutes add another cup of flour, the oil, and salt to the bag, seal and mix. Once everything looks is the same texture add the final cup of flour and mix until combined. Take the dough our of the bag and knead for 5 minutes to ensure everything is mixed together smoothly. divide the dough and place in two mini loaf pans. Cover the bread with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes. Brush the top of the bread with olive oil or melted butter and bake about 30 minutes. The bread is done when it is golden brown.

What you will need:

  • Mini loaf pans
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 .25-package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. Kosher salt

Family worship idea

During family worship, have a simple spa night. Light some candles and put on soothing music. If you have a favorite Epson salt soak, facial mask or lotion have fun applying them. There are also some home masks you can put together using ingredients in the kitchen (one of my favorite recipes has, turmeric powder, apple cider vinegar, honey, and peanut butter). The theme of this worship is centered on self-care, anything you can do to pamper yourself. Read Mark 6:30-56 (Matthew 14:22-33 has the version where Peter asks to walk on the water). This story comes just after the disciples were sent out to heal and preach the gospel, they went out to different villages and worked for room and board all while spreading the gospel. This story also comes after the death of one of John the Baptist, who was the one crying in the wilderness, sent to make straight the way of the Lord. Jesus knew there was so much more work to be done, but told the disciples to rest in verse 31. When the crowd descended on them they stayed with Christ but immediately loaded in a boat to cross the sea once they were done (verse 45). Christ then went into the mountains to pray and spend time speaking with His Father on His own. It is also important for us to take time and remember our own personal health.

Personal thoughts

When thinking about the things God asks me to do I want to remember that my body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) my time (1 Peter 1:17-25) and money (Matthew 25:14-30) are on loan from God. There is nothing that is my own, all belong to God and He has called me to love my neighbor as myself, He has called me to be a servant (Matthew 25:31-40). He has also asked me to rest, to love myself for I am a child of the one true king. In Mark 12:31 God says to “Love your neighbor as yourself” one thing we should remember every day. We must Love ourself, not in a prideful way, or in an indulgent way but in a way that we feed and care for our body as Christ does the church (Ephesians 5:28-29) we should fill our inner self (1 Peter 3:4) with the word of God (Romans 12:2). Our work is never going to be finished, we like the disciples are meant to go out into the world and preach the gospel. This is true. A large part of preaching is showing others how blessed we are to have God in our life. If we are only tired and scattered we don’t show others a peaceful, quiet life promised if we dwell in the highest (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Resting in God helps us to overcome difficult moments of life. God understands that humans have a mortal body (1 King 19:1-8) and that we need Sabbath at least once a week to stop and let our mind rest. God made the Sabbath for man because He knew we would need a reminder to stop and put work aside (Mark 2:27). Rest today.

Hiding His word in you ❤

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Additional Resources:

The LORD has Made Room for us

He (Isaac) went up from there to Beersheba. The Lord appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.” He built an altar there, and called on the Lord’s name, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26: 23-25

Spend time in nature

Today grab a camera and head to a still body of water. See if you can take a family portrait, but there is a twist, take a photo of your family reflecting in the water. This task might prove to be more challenging then you might think. If it is too challenging try drawing your family in nature. If there is fresh snow on the ground draw each family member in the snow, try to be as detailed as possible. Try pouring warm colored water over the snow to dye it and take a picture of the snow version of your family. (Remember to steer clear of pouring water near walkways) The kids might light building a snow family instead. Have everyone pack together a classic snow person and dress it in their own personal style. Maybe you’re near a sandy beach, draw your family in the warm sand or create sand people. Build little mini’s of each of your family members by putting together pine cones and twigs, leaves might be the perfect way to create a new stylish hair look. As you work at the creative way to represent your family talk about how God has made enough room for your family today. Remind one another of all the ways God has blessed you with material things like a warm place to sleep, or a place to sit and eat together. More importantly praise God for the non-material ways He has blessed you. Thank God for mom’s cooking, or dad’s stories, great family memories, or for the gift of laughter or singing.

Tip

In a book “the Secrets of Happy Families: Improve your mornings, rethink family dinner, fight smarter, go out and play, and much more” 🙂 The author encourages families to eat together for a meal once a week (at a minimum). This helps in a number of ways, increases vocabularies and builds self-esteem.

Do something creative

As a complement to the photo you took earlier, create a fun photo frame to hold the picture. Make little versions of yourself out of furry pipe-cleaners. See if you can decorate the frame to look like the outside of your house with one big window where the photo will be displayed. Use your imagination to create landscape out of construction paper or paint tree on the frame. You can also glue cardboard to a simple frame you don’t mind covering up, if you want more space to work. Make sure everyone contributes something to the masterpiece.

What you will need:

  • A simple photo frame
  • Cardboard
  • Construction paper
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Paint
  • Various creative material
  • Tape/Hot Glue Gun

Family worship idea

For family worship gather together, have everyone bring a devotional book or bible that needs to be resurfaced. There are book cover kits you can pick up at various locations. You can create a cover with butcher paper, or paper sacks and coloring or sketching on the paper. While you read through Genesis 25: 19- 26: 34 let the family quietly decorate their book cover. Once you are done, visit about how Isaac’s family was already starting to grow he already had two children who were beginning to marry. God came to him and passed on the promise he made to Abraham, and He intended to keep because Abraham obeyed His voice and kept His commandments. God blessed Isaac in a time of famine and made the land fruitful, so the family reaped one hundred times what was planted. Not only was Isaac’s earthly harvest good, the people who sent Isaac away from them could see that God was with Isaac. Though they caused him hardship, they also saw how God blessed him through the adversity. Their hearts were changed toward Isaac, and maybe eventually toward God. Just as the books are given a new cover that is more beautiful than the original, God will give us a new heart that is more loving and caring than the stony heart we might have.

Personal thoughts

Once you find God you don’t keep searching, you put up your tent, dig a well of life-giving water and dwell in the Lord. God will bless you and make you fruitful, He does what he can to keep you near him and out of the land of Egypt. Many Christians and their neighbors think we are going to be like Job and have a tall hedge around our perfect lives. We are like Job, God does not withhold every hardship from us, and we may never know if a challenge is refining our character in the fire or meant to be a witness for someone else. Isaac and his family moved again and again hoping to find a place where they could live in peace. Each time they left to avoid a conflict they left the fruits of their labor, and a well, behind. Other’s can see when we are near God by how we react when friction is added to our lives. This doesn’t mean we are perfect, Isaac left the newly dug wells and called them contentment and hostility. He felt something other than peace when he left his hard work behind, but more importantly, he had faith. He knew God would find a place for him and his family as they sojourned in this foreign land. God will also make a place for us as we wonder about the earth waiting to go home. The question is, are we sowing seeds that will be multiplied and produce good fruit? Or would the Son of God curse us and make us shrivel up? With God, and only with God, can we live a life where others can see us and know we follow the one true God? I hope we reflect the patience God has with us when we too face challenges.

Hiding His word in you ❤

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalms 91:2-4

I’ll Also Draw Water for Your Camels

‘Before Eliezer had finished speaking (praying), Rebekah came out with her [water] jar on her shoulder. Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. now let it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please, let down your jar so that I may [have a] drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels water to drink’—may she be the one whom You have selected [as a wife] for Your servant Isaac, and by this, I will know that You have shown loving kindness (faithfulness) to my master.” ‘ Genesis 24:14-15

Spend time in nature

Find a lake to hike/walk to that is a three to six mile walk depending on little legs. Bring a Sled or Wagon with you as well as a water purifier if you have one. If you would like to make a day out of it pack a lunch and some hammocks. In today’s story, Rebekah watered ten camels on her own. This means she poured 20 gallons per gallon in to the trough, she would have used her pitcher to pour about 200 gallons of water for the servants camels. She watered the unclean animals until they were full. She emboidied 1 Peter 4: 8,9 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Today see if your kids can pull the parents in the sled or wagon you brought on the walk. Rebekah hauled over 1,660 pounds of water that day, help the children to understand the comparission. On your way back to the trailhead take turns pulling the children along the trail It is not the same as hauling water, but it so fun.

Tip

“Every day, women and girls spend 200 million hours walking to collect water for their families… It’s hard to get you head around numbers that large, so start instead with 6K… is the average distance round trip women and children in the developing world walk for water.”Worldvision.org

Do something creative

If you have a singing bowl or a large speaker demonstrate to the children how water behaves when vibrations are added to it. If you don’t you can create a similar effect with the below materials and a strong set of lungs. Use your cling wrap to tightly cover each bowl wrap the rubber band around the bowl to make sure the cling wrap stays in place. Once the cling wrap is tight and without wrinkles put some sprinkles on it. Now get as close to the bowl as you can without touching it and start humming. The sprinkles should start jumping and bouncing on the plastic wrap.

What you will need:

  • Cling Wrap
  • Cake sprinkles
  • A Bowl per Child
  • A rubber band that can fit around the bowl

Family worship idea

Our families are made up of many nations, our family has ties to France, Scotland, and can track our ancestry to more than seven generations of the Amskapi Piikani Nation a Native American tribe that roamed the plains of North America before white settlers spread across the Americas. Take a moment to tell a story that has been passed down through your family for generations. Read through Genesis 24 and talk to the family about how though Isaac grew up in a strange land but Abraham made sure he would not be alone in Canaan. Isaac would have a help mate just as Adam did in the garden of Eden. Rebekah was a kind person who put other’s needs before her own just like Jesus. She knew the one true God and willingly went with Abraham’s servant without question. Isaac would have a piece of his ancestors with him to grow a nation to follow the one true God.

Personal thoughts

Rebekah showed such kindness in her youth, she was not yet wed but loved as a bride loves. As she filled the trough with 200 gallons of water she burdened herself without questioning or complaint. Jesus chooses his bride and will one day take her to the promised land as well, she will look to the sky holding her lamp of oil, ready, and waiting to go. She will be lifted in the air and darken the land in the clouds she rides on. She goes as a nation of many waters (Revelation 19: 6, Isaiah 17: 12) saying “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!” People from every nation will come from far away, (Isaiah 5: 26-30) because they will hear his voice. They will flow out toward the east and be healed. God is a “fountain of life-giving water (Jerimiah 2: 13, Isaiah 55:1). “He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed” (Psalms 72:6,17). Our God is so vast there is nothing to compare Him to. He will do everything for us to assure our salvation. We must only be a small dewdrop, (Micah 5:7) he will be a great tempest (Isaiah 28:2). As we water the grass of the earth we do it by standing for God, we care for one another in kindness and self-giving. We serve as a loving bride.

Hiding His word in you ❤

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8

Additional Resources:

Justified by Works

‘Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together. They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to kill his son. The Lord’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” ‘ Genesis 22:8-12

Spend time in nature

Be a good neighbor today. Do something for a neighbor that has a hard time moving or can’t do the work on their own. Help rack someone’s yard, paint a fence, serve food at a soup kitchen, put together a basket for the local warming shelter, or anything to help someone in your community. If this isn’t your cup of tea, try a random act of kindness, or a random act of silliness. Try to send out good into the world by doing a local Geocache and leaving an encouraging note for the next person. Create a family music video for your favorite worship song and post it to your social media pages with an inspirational quote. The best part about belonging to Christ is people can see our love for our neighbor in our actions. With work and school and trying to stay on top of quality family time, it can be hard to notice when our neighbors are in need of a loving heart. Stop today and try to see how the holy spirit might lead you.

Tip

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Do something creative

To remind your family to be rich in Faith help them see how God has poured out His blessings on your family. Before Sabbath contact a local homeless/warming shelter or food bank and ask what your family can donate to help those less fortunate. Put together a gift basket for the charitable organization. Some organizations put together small gift bags for children for their birthdays. As a family put together something you can donate to those less fortunate.

What you will need:

  • Socks
  • Water bottle
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Single -serving snacks (trail mix, nuts, crackers)
  • Nail clippers
  • Gloves
  • Bandages
  • Sunscreen

Family worship idea

As family worship begins talk about who you helped today, ask everyone if they enjoyed helping. Read through Genesis 22, talk about Abraham; he heard the voice of God clear as your family hears your voice. Abraham was obedient to the voice of God, but before he was asked to do such an unusual thing Abraham first had Faith. “You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected” (James 2:22). As we grow as Christians we show others who we are by our actions (John 13:35). “Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God… Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them.” (1 John 3: 19-24) Our actions can be our greatest witness in most cases. In Mark 16 after the resurrection, Jesus gives the disciples their marching orders “Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation” (verse 15). Jesus talks about how helping is like seeing a helpless animal stuck and helping it to freedom. It might be a lot of work for the person, but for the animal who could not get unstuck, who couldn’t find a way on their own it is life-changing. God may never call us to make such a sacrifice but we can see His petitions in the bible; pray we hear the voice of God every time we read the scriptures.

Personal thoughts

I often wanted to hear God’s voice as if he were sending a booming message right from heaven to my ears. I have yet to hear an all-powerful voice radiate from heaven, but I often hear a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13) when reading the bible. This voice tugs on my ear and makes me curious about a verse or two and sends me spiraling down a rabbit hole. When that voice comes along I know it is going to be a good study. God gives us so many amazing promises, one of the most loving promises is found in John 10:27-30. God promises we will hear his voice as a sheep hears the shepherds voice. Abraham heard God’s voice plain as day and without question, and though the task God gave him would have meant giving up his son Abraham obeyed. God had specifically told Abraham descendants great as the stars would be named through Isaac (Genesis 21:12). Abraham knew if he went up to the top of Mount Moriah with Isaac, somehow he would return with his son. Abraham said to his young men he and Isaac would return to them and the donkey who no longer bore the burden of the wood then placed on Isaac’s back. They did return, the two obedient servants of the Lord had shown God their works. God gives us His word in black and white, in print or audio, on smart screens, in hundreds of languages, across the world. Jesus promises the law will remain the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Matthew 5:18) just as Jesus is (Hebrews 13:8). “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). “He who believes and is immersed will be saved, but he who disbelieves will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16: 16-18) I can’t say I have done any of these things, but I’ve rebuked my own demons by drawing closer to God. I talked to a gentleman who was undesirable and simply asked if he needed help, he replied with a thank you and said I was the only person to speak to him. I’ve taken up for those I love and forgave those I thought I would hate. I’ve taken care of others while they were ill and saw God restore them. I’m a poor example of a miracle worker, but I’m okay at being a believer. I hope one day I will have faith that is assured as Abraham’s faith.

Hiding His word in you ❤

Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

James 2:21

Additional Resources:

Sarah Conceived

‘She said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my son, Isaac.” ‘ Genesis 21:7-10

Spend time in nature

Find a place by a relaxing well or in a meadow that is hidden from the rest of the world. Bring a simple picnic lunch (optional a good book to read and take turns reading the story). While you are enjoying your lunch, tell stories of the parents when they were children. Tell stories about your extended family, about grandparents, aunts, and uncles. If you have any family legends that have been passed down from generation to generation remind your children about stories from their youth, remember you know things about their past that they have forgotten. Reminisce about family and the joy it is to have so many people in our lives that share our memories, our hardships, our heart, our future. Talk to your children about how they are part of a larger family. They are part of God’s family, a family that is more numerous than the stars in the sky or the sand on the beach. God’s family is made of up people from every nation and are descendants of Adam and Eve.

Tip

“Learning about family history is important. It is essential to understanding ourselves and basic humanity and diversity. Family history also helps to keep memories alive and allow each generation to have an idea of who they are and where they come from.” – Taleta M.

Do something creative

Today celebrate that you are part of God’s family, by making a family tree. A family tree can be very elaborate in detail and size, or it can be simple. No matter how you choose to make your family tree, make sure to have fun and to include as many people as you can. A simple tree can be made by drawing a basic tree trunk with branches for each family you would like to include and leaves with each family members name. Put the tree together as a family and create a nice frame for it. Make sure to share your family tree with everyone who was included on the tree.

What you will need:

  • a large sheet of paper (draw a tree trunk and some branches on it)
  • Cut out various leaves
  • A marker to write names on the leaves
  • Glue/ an adhesive

Family worship idea

For family worship put together, or start a puzzle. Depending on the size of the puzzle this activity can take anywhere from 15 minutes to days to complete. We have found that a new 250 piece puzzle takes us about an hour to finish. As your family works on the puzzle read through Genesis 21. There are a couple of things in this chapter. First Sarah has finally brought forth the child God promised to Abraham, but this also means Sarah wants to send away Hagar. Hagar gave Abraham a son because Sarah was looking for a way to help make God’s promise a reality. Now Sarah sees how God can accomplish the impossible, no matter how limited we are as humans. Hagar takes Ishmael and wonders through the wilderness until she believes her beloved son is going to perish; at that moment the two sit down and seek God. God showed her a well, most likely the same well Abraham would make a covenant with Abimelech. Though Hagar and Ishmael had to leave God had promised that Ishmael would be a great nation. Isaac too would become a great nation, a nation that would inherit the promised land. Now all who belong to Christ are part of this nation. Some of us are adopted into the family that is to be as numerous as the stars. Just like the puzzle you put together, we might not look identical, but we all have a place in God’s family.

Personal thoughts

In Galatians 4 there is such a precious insight into this story. Abraham is promised to be a father to decedent’s as many as the stars. All those who belong to Christ (Galatians 3:29) are part of Abraham’s seed and heirs according to promise. We are descendants of the promised child, of Isacc. Isacc’s descendants would inherit the promised land after serving time as bondservants. In Galatians 4, children are under the father’s bondage until a set point in time. Until Christ was nailed to the cross, generation after generation was bound to a covenant made at the bottom of a Mountain, “we will” or “I will” in my case. In Galatians, Paul is trying to help us understand grace (Ephesians 2:8). Hagar and Ishmel understood the laws Abraham lived by; but Hagar was a bondservant, her obedience was to her master, her owner. She obeyed because it was required of her. Just as so many Israelites were obedient to temple practices. God wants something so much more than for us to blindly obey (Amos 5:21, Isaiah 1:11, 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 66:1-3, Hosea 6:6). God wants our heart, He wants our devotion, our love. I know I have so much strength and will I can do almost anything I put my mind to, but remaining obedient to the letter of the law is so impossible. To keep all hate out of my heart, for every moment of every day is tested again and again in today’s political landscape. To keep all coveting out of my heart, for every moment of every day is tested when I drive by the neighborhood I want to live in, I don’t want a house like theirs, I want their house. To be under the law, to be a bondservant would be impossible for me. I’m thankful I am one of those who have been adopted and belong to Christ.

Hiding His word in you ❤

He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Messiah may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Additional Resources:

  • Another website that can help the family find a creative way to worship or create

She is my Sister

‘Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, “Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation? Didn’t he tell me, ‘She is my sister’? She, even she herself, said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” ‘ Genesis 20:4-5

Spend time in nature

Today play a game of Frostbite. In this game one person is unable to move because they have a case of frostbite, unfortunately everyone else in the family has a case of snow blindness, so they can’t see. Before you begin gather items you can use to make a tent; this tent can be large enough for the whole family to fit in or it can be made out of paper and other offices supplies. Once you have gathered all your supplies blindfold everyone who is snow blinded. The person with frostbite will try to guide the family in building a tent. This game is a trust game. The family has to trust the person with frostbite to help them put the tent together so that it can stand on it’s own. Once the tent is finished sit inside and have a snack or play a game of tic-tac-toe, mainly spend time together. As we trust God to guide us we to will find we are standing on a firm foundation. The eyes of the group is important, but their help is limited in a way. God, on the other hand, has the ability to make all things possible. Though humans are limited by their mortal bodies, God has no limit.

Tip

Trust in the Lord forever; for in the Lord, the Lord, is an everlasting Rock (Isaiah 26:4). As humans we may have the desire to put the plow down and make our own path, and we should, but let God be the guide. He loves us so much and wants us to make our own choices, our first two choices should be to Love God with all our heart, and Love our neighbor as ourself.

Do something creative

This weeks craft is also part of a team building exercise. First you will get in a line. The person at the beginning of the line will need to be standing in front of a wall/counter/ table they can use as a hard surface to draw on. Everyone else will take their paper and place it, or tape it, to the back of a person in front of them. The person at the back of the line will choose a bible character/scene/object. Try to make the first round something simple to let people get the hang of the game. The first person will can only draw a single line at a time. The second person will try to make the exact same line using only their sense of touch. They will have to feel each line and try to copy whatever line the person behind them. Once everyone has finished their drawing compare it to the first persons drawing. You can have everyone take turns being the first person and color all your drawings when you are done.

What you will need:

  • A piece of paper for everyone
  • A washable marker for everyone
  • Tape (optional)

Family worship idea

Decorate your worship room with candles and fairy lights and secretly tape a couple of photos under a table or on the ceiling. Give everyone a flashlight and have everyone lay down and read through Genesis 20. As you are reading have everyone use their flashlights to look for the surprise (the photos you hid earlier). Once you are done reading the chapter see if anyone was able to find the photos. Visit with your family about Gerar and how their belief saved them. Visit about how Abimelech referred to his nation (a nation of Philistines) as a righteous nation. For Abimelech there was no hesitation to be obedient to the God he saw in his dream. For him and the nations around him this was how God would speak to them. Abraham made a mistake and still God declared Abraham was a prophet to the dreaming Abimelech. The king made restitution for his own mistake and though it was not a blood sacrifice, he had many witnesses as he brought the animals and riches out. There is a lesson to be taken away from this story. As prophets for God we are to speak of Him and His greatness, and always be the best example we can. Even when we are not perfect God is speaking to us, we need only learn to hear and trust His voice. The purpose of looking for the photo was a demonstration that with God, He does not shine His light on only the good. God searches the world looking for a pure and contrite heart, once it sees the light of the world there is a change in the person that can only be brought about by God. No longer are they lost in the darkness, but their beauty is exposed.

Additional thoughts

Just what measure of spiritual illumination they received, it is impossible for us to know and declare. From our knowledge of the limitations and blindness of the minds of men at the present time, we cannot conceive how those leaders could see, and understand, and do as perfectly as they did without special guidance by the Holy Spirit. Perversion, darkness, and corruption were universal and supreme. Many of the spiritual leaders of the period sincerely believed that the Lord made Himself known to them in visions and spoke to them in dreams. AGP 221.2

Many of God’s servants and messengers in Old Testament times had similar experiences. Abraham’s call to the land of Canaan, his journey to Egypt and back, his strange experience with Abimelech, king of Gerar, and many other providences must have been full of mystery to him. They could not be “understood by themselves.” But when they were all brought together in the central purpose of God to establish a model nation for Himself in this ruined world, they could be understood. AGP 221.3

But although Abraham could not understand the meaning of these single, detached events as they came along one by one, he believed in God. He knew God had spoken to him. He obeyed by rendering prompt and full co-operation in carrying out the divine purpose. He wrote no prophecies. He worked no miracles. He made some mistakes. Yet of Abraham the Lord said, “He is a prophet.” Genesis 20:7. AGP 221.4

So it was with leaders in succeeding generations. They were called men of God, seers, prophets. The brief and seemingly ordinary service of some would not lead us to count them as prophets, but for the direct statement of the word of God. Evidently they had communications from the Lord of which there is no mention. They were given messages, however, which led them to meet the purpose of God in the gospel. Not all were called to foretell events or to work miracles. To them were revealed the purposes of God not known to others. Their mission was to bear these messages to their fellow men. 

Hiding His word in you ❤

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose Confidence is in the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:7