Being Different Lesson 2

Being Different Lesson 2 – Joseph

You’re back.  That’s a relief.  I didn’t want to start the second leg of this journey alone.  I am a people person and I enjoy the company.  And that also indicates you found at least ONE THING that was helpful in last week’s study.  And that is a blessing to me.

As we continue the quest of “Being Different”, I need to warn you that satan will not be happy.  Us being “different” is one of the enemies biggest concerns.  As long as we look like the world, his job is much easier.  Our witness is hindered when we blend in with the rest of the world.  If we destroy our witness by living in the world then we are ineffective in showing others Christ living in us.  But when we begin to look different, people will notice and they will want to know why we are “different”.  Next thing you know, you are introducing someone to Jesus and the enemy loses ground.  And he gets mad and hateful.  So be ready…he will look to seek and devour (1 Peter 5:8) you as you begin to be different.  But have no fear…its ok.  I know who wins the war! 

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will“.

Folks, I don’t think Paul can be any clearer.  Say bye to the world and renew your mind.  And I am pretty sure Paul means to renew your mind with God’s Word; otherwise how will you be able to test anything to know God’s will?  God’s Word is our main guide to living in God’s Will.  If you aren’t spending time in His Word, you will be hard pressed to be able to test anything and know whether it passes or fails.  Think back to school, for some us it is much farther back than we want to confess.  In school, what do you do before a big test?  You study.  Plain and simple.  You study the subject of the test. 

Apply that to daily living.  What should you study if you are going to be tested on whether something lines up with God’s Will?  You need to study the subject matter of God’s Will which is found in God’s written Word.  So let’s get to it!

Whom else can we learn what “Being Different” looks like in this world we live in?  We will stay right here in Genesis.  Let’s go look deeper at what made Joseph different amongst his people.

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 1: Dream Big – It’s really ok

This week we will look at another popular childhood story.  If you have ever been to Vacation Bible School, you have learned about Joseph.  Either as Joseph the day dreamer, the spoiled son, the favored employee of Potiphar, the desire of Potiphar’s wife, the ruler so to speak of Egypt, or etc.

Today we will focus on Joseph the Dreamer.  Please read Genesis 37:1-11.

First I want to point out that we can be used by God despite of our obvious character flaws.  Describe what we learn about Joseph in the first four verses:

 

 

 

 

Let’s face it Joseph is likely a spoiled brat.  There is not a nice way to say it.  And it is clearly mostly his momma and daddy’s fault.  If you have more than one child then you understand how important it is to not show favorites.  Many times the children think you are showing favorites but you have to know in your heart that you are not.  And that is challenging at times as a parent, I won't lie.

Maybe if Jacob had been privileged like we are to have the book of James, he would have not shown favoritism to Joseph.  Flip quickly to James 2:1-13.  It reads best in NLT if you have that version available.  The message is clear, favoritism is forbidden.  Jesus doesn’t like…which means we need to avoid it.  And it will be a challenge…so be ready to pray yourself through it.

Back to Joseph’s dreams.  What was the first one about? (Gen 37:5-7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first time I remember reading this as an adult…I think I actually laughed.  Can you imagine being brave (or oblivious) enough to actually tell your family that you dreamed you were somewhat better than them or higher power than them?  I cannot envision in any circumstance where a sibling would say “yay!  That is awesome, I can’t wait to serve you”. 

This is where I get my spoiled brat view of Joseph.  Only someone spoiled and self-serving could say those words out loud and expect a positive response.  What about dream #2 (37:9); what was it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ha!  As if dream one wasn’t boastful enough, now he tells his brothers and his father about dream number two.  Clearly Joseph is either a glutton for punishment as my Granny Capps would say, or he is living in ignorant bliss.  Because after the reaction of the brothers to the first dream, why oh why would he share the second dream!  In verse 8 after the first dream was revealed the brothers basically mocked him.  So what would possess Joseph to tell them dream number two?  I believe God would!

Joseph’s life had to change drastically for God to use him for the betterment of his people.  God orchestrates many events to cause us to lose what we have to rely on Him alone.  I believe this was what God did for Joseph.  Continue reading Genesis 37:26-36 (we skipped a little…go back and read it if you want…its better than any day time soap dreamed of being).

What ultimately happened to Joseph?

 

 

 

 

Stop there.  Your first reaction is “oh my, that is horrible!”  How could his brothers do such a thing and more importantly how could God allow it?  And if the book ends there, then I can see the concern and the reaction being valid.  But later this week we will see that things turn out just fine for Joseph.  So for now take my word for it *grin*

I want you to focus on one thing…Joseph dreamed big dreams.  And those dreams ultimately come true.  I believe we let God down when we settle on dreaming small.  God can do huge things in our lives if we let Him.  But He wants it to be our dream along with Him. 

What dream is God giving you?  Think about it.  What’s the one HUGE thing that God keeps bringing to your mind that you are ignoring or downplaying or minimizing?  I dare, no, I triple dog double dare you to write it down…right here: 

The one HUGE thing God keeps bringing to my mind is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scary isn’t it?  Seeing it in black and white will make you almost throw up.  How do I know?  Because I wrote mine down.  In fact, I wrote it down, then wrote and self-published it.  And you know what?  God blessed it.  He always blesses obedience.  A little girl has a $4k and growing college fund now because I wrote it down.  I dreamed really big…in accordance with God’s Will and He showed up.  He always will if it is in accordance with His perfect and pleasing Will.

 

Lesson one from Joseph is to Dream Big.  Pray over it right now.  I am praying over you too.

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 2: Work with what you are given

Read Genesis 39:1-6

We don’t know how much time has passed but we know one very important fact.  Complete verse 2:

“The Lord was ___________ Joseph and he __________________________, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”

I cannot imagine how alone Joseph must feel.  He was sold by his brothers and then sold again by the Midianites to the Egyptians.  He probably felt like no one wanted him.  He was alone in a strange place with strange people and strange cultures.  But he had one comfort…say it with me…The Lord was with him.

Sometimes we cannot see the Lord anywhere around us but we can feel His Presence.  And we must take note from Joseph in these times.  What did Joseph do?  Read verse 39:3.  This verse subtly indicates what I am looking for…see if you can get it.  What did Joseph do?

 

 

 

 

JOSEPH DID!  The verse indicates that Joseph did everything he was told to do.  And it tells us that the Lord gave him success in everything he did.  When we feel alone, when we cannot see the Lord around us, we must just simply DO.  Do what you are supposed to do.  Work with whatever situation you are given and the Lord will bless you.  Don’t whine, don’t woller in self-pity, don’t woe is me…just keep doing.  No matter what!

Hebrews 13:5 says that “…God has said “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.”  That is a promise we can cling to when nothing is going our way in this world.  If I can assure you of one thing it is that everything will not always go your way in this world.  Why can I guarantee that?  Read John 17:14…the words you will note are in RED because Jesus said them.  We are not made for this world.  Therefore this world will hate us…if we are doing it right.

What circumstance are you in now that you feel alone and isolated?  If you can describe it, do so here…if too personal, keep it off paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think for just a moment.  What would that situation look like if you lived through it with the confidence that God is with you and will never forsake you?  Would it make a difference if you just kept doing with what you have and forgetting the circumstances around you? 

Sister friend…He is with you.  He will never forsake you.  When all others fall away, He is there to hold you.  One of my favorite memory verses is Isaiah 41:10.  Look it up and underline it.  If you are struggling in a situation of aloneness, memorize it.  Stand on the promise it holds.  Keep doing what you do.

This lesson is intentionally short so you can spend some time just resting and meditating in “His Righteous Right Hand”.  Jot down anything He whispers to you:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 3: Stay true to God no matter how tempting

Please read Gen 39:6-23 and ask God for a fresh perspective.

The Bible says Joseph was “well built and handsome”.  I always pictured him as skinny and bratty looking…whatever bratty looks like.  I often wonder if that didn’t fuel Joseph’s brothers dislike of him.  First he was spoiled, and the favorite son, and now throw on that he was “well built and handsome” and I might have decided today that I dislike him too. *wink*  But good looks tend to lead to trouble…ask Travis Tritt.

Potiphar’s wife noticed those good looks and tried to seduce Joseph.  And at this point, if I really disliked him, verse 8 makes me love him again.  He refused.  He didn’t just refuse…in verses 8-9 he flat told her off!  The most important thing I want you to pick up on is in verse 9.  Look at the last sentence again. 

Who was Joseph staying true to?

____ Potiphar                                   ____ God

____ Potiphar’s wife                       ____ Joseph, himself

Joseph was staying true to God.  Joseph knew where he came from and that God had delivered him time and time again.  Joseph saw God’s faithfulness that most people miss. He recognized where his help came from.  And he told Potiphar’s wife as well.

In verse 10, the Bible uses the phrase day after day.  Have you ever had someone try to break you down day after day?  Think of a time and how you responded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can tell you that my kids try to wear me down day after day for things.  And sometimes I give in and sometimes I snap and sometimes I do the unthinkable…I tell their daddy!  But instead Joseph simply refused.  Doesn’t say he yelled at her, or tattle on her, he simply refused.  Why do you think Joseph simply refused? 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we get to the Days of Joseph’s Life episode!  Verses 11-19 is straight from day time soaps or that wife show…I don’t know the name, I just know they do nothing all day except cause drama in the neighborhood.  They really need day jobs to occupy their time.  Potiphar’s wife catches Joseph off guard and tries to force him to go to bed with her.  This passage tells us a couple things 1) Joseph was a serious hottie 2) Potiphar’s wife was desperate for attention and 3) Joseph’s focus is on God.

My favorite verse in this section is verse 12.  Fill in this blank:

“…But he left his cloak in her hand and _________ out of the house”.

I love this because Joseph didn’t walk out, or stroll away, or talk to Potiphar’s wife.  He ran.  Flat out ran.  I love it.  Here is a free lesson…when the enemy attacks…RUN!  Don’t try to reason with him, don’t try to conform him or defend the Gospel to him…RUN. 

The wife then does a lot of acting and a lot of lying, and Joseph ends up in prison.  But his story is far from over.  Re-read verse 20-23.  And fill in this blank from verse 21:

“the ­______________ was ________________ him;…”

You see, throughout this entire journey, Joseph’s eyes have been on the Lord every step of the way.  When the enemy tempted him, he stayed true to his God.  What about us?  Do we keep our focus on God?  When the enemy tempts us do we stay true to our God in the same our God stays true to us?  In what area of your life is the enemy tempting you to lift your eyes off of your God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my current season, the enemy is tempting me with busyness.  My calendar at work and home is so full that I struggle some days to adhere to my 10pm bedtime.  I know…I am pathetic.  The thing that the enemy tells me can wait is Bible Study.  He reminds me of dishes, laundry, gardening, etc. to entice me to skip the Bible Study and work on worldly things instead.  I bet the enemy is ticked tonight.  That my sink is full of dishes, there are clothes to fold in the dryer, and instead of doing Bible Study…I am writing it.  Take that satan.

I struggle daily to stay focused in God.  Please know that!  My daily prayer is for God to keep me focused on Him and to see people through His eyes instead of my worldly eyes.  Pray it with me.  And stay true to God…no matter how tempting to stray.

Remind me what we have learned from Joseph…

 

1     ______________________________________________________

 

2     ______________________________________________________

 

3     ______________________________________________________

 

 

See you tomorrow…

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 4: Be Kind to Everyone

Today, start out by reading Genesis 40:1-7.  Joseph is sort of the big man on campus in the prison.  The captain of the guard was enjoying having Joseph in prison to take care of everything.  I guess if you are in prison it is best to be the favorite.  I imagine being the lowest on the totem pole would really be hard.  Personally, I like being the favorite.  Always have, always will. *grin*

Let’s take a closer look at verse 7.  Write it out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice what Joseph did.  Neither the cupbearer nor the baker said anything to provoke Joseph to ask them why they were sad, but Joseph noticed they weren’t normal.  Think of a time when you were treated in the same manner, someone noticed you were sad without you mentioning anything and they asked if you were doing ok.  How did you feel?

____ Happy                          ____ Frustrated

____ Loved                           ____ Ignored

____ Cared about                ____ Other ___________________________________

 

Now think of the opposite.  When have you been sad and dejected and no one seemed to notice or care.  Think of a time when you know someone had to notice but they just didn’t ask or say anything.  When was a time you noticed someone not acting their normal self and you didn’t ask how they were doing.  Ouch, lets park here a moment.

Can we be honest?  Sometimes we see people sad or hurting and we just look the other way.  We excuse ourselves by saying God doesn’t want us to be busybodies.  Some of us can even quote the scripture reference (1 Tim 5:13 to save you from looking it up…ha!), but I believe we tend to take that one out of context.  Or maybe we just apply it only  as needed.  We don’t claim the no-busybody scripture when someone is telling us what so and so said about so and so last week now, do we?

There are several options to choose from in finding commands in the Bible regarding being kind to others.  Here are a couple scriptures that I have actually memorized over the years in case I needed reminding to be kind at times.

Eph 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Tit 2:4-5 “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

See if you can locate a couple more:

 

 

 

 

I don’t want you to miss that simple words changed Joseph’s future.  “Why are your faces so sad today?”  Do you reckon God gave Joseph the nudge to check on them?  Sometimes I feel something in the pit of my stomach to reach out to someone but I don’t always act on it.  Anybody relate?  I have to wonder how many blessings I have missed because of my disobedience to the prompting.  I am ashamed to admit that mostly I avoid it because I don’t want to get too involved in people’s lives.  We have a strict “no drama” policy at our house and that is all well and good until we avoid the drama by ignoring the Voice of God.  I need to be more in tune to the Spirit and involve myself where and when He leads me.

What about you?  If you avoid the question when you see someone sad or dejected, why do you avoid them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s end today with a prayer to God to give you opportunity and boldness to use the same question Joseph used thousands of years ago.  Ask God to show you someone that needs kindness.  Go out and change a life tomorrow…

 

Lesson 2 Homework Day 5: Point ALL glory and honor to God

Read Genesis 40:8 and Genesis 41:16, 25, 39.  I debated telling you to read 41:1-40, but I was afraid you would bail on me.  If you have never read this entire story of the Pharaoh’s dreams, please do yourself a favor and read it all J, deal?  Deal.

Now, our lesson that Joseph will teach us today is very easy to say but very difficult sometimes to die to flesh to live it out.  Notice in the first verse you read, Gen 40:8 (the second sentence).  Joseph tells them that all dreams belong to God.  Isn’t it very God-like that the very thing that landed Joseph sold from home and in his predicament would be the very thing that saved him?  Dreams.

But our focus isn’t on the dreams themselves, it is to where Joseph points the credit for the interpretation.  He never takes credit.  He tells them up front that all dreams belong to God.

How about you?  Where do you point the credit for things that you are able to do?  Do you generally accept the praise yourself?  It’s a hard question and I have provided lines but completely understand if you leave them blank.  I want to as well.

 

 

 

 

But I won’t.  I will share a story that will hopefully encourage you and not shame me.  When I first started in Women’s Ministry I was 29 years old and a complete idiot.  I did and said things that now make me want to throw up.  I was new in my faith but carried myself like I knew all of the spiritual answers.  I was more concerned with having a good number of participants than anyone being spiritually fed at any event I planned.  I spent more time on the menu and activity than the prayers and devotions.  It was horrible.  I wanted everyone to tell me how great I was doing and give me lots of praise. 

God showed me very early that I was going to either follow Him and His plans or be a miserable laughing joke.  I will share specific examples later, but just know that I speak from a wealth of experience that God Rules and if He doesn’t, you fail.  It has to be His plans and not yours.  You have to become nothing to make Him something.  And the first time you accept His praise from a human…look out…He will humble you if you don’t humble yourself.

OK moving on…in chapter 41, Joseph does the same thing.  Fill in the blanks:

Verse 16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but ____________ will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Verse 25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. ___________ has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.

Verse 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since ______________ has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

 

Joseph left NO doubt who interpreted the dreams.  He took zero credit.  He told a non-believer that God was the source of his knowledge.  What about us?  Do we point to God as the source of our knowledge?  Tell me what it would look like in the following situations if you pointed to God instead of yourself when praised:

·         I don’t know how in the world you get everything done in a day.  I could never accomplish as much as you do in one day.  I am tired.  You must take vitamins or get more sleep than I do.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Your children are so well behaved.  I wish my kids were that well behaved.  You are a wonderful parent.  You do such a good job raising your kids.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         You are so lucky to have your husband.  Your marriage is perfect.  I don’t see how two people can be so perfect all of the time.  You must have a rabbit’s foot at home.  You reply:

 

 

 

 

 

 

·         You are an amazing writer.  You should write another book.  I reply:

Thank you so much for the compliment, but you need to give the compliment to God.  He wrote the first book and if I ever publish another He will write that one as well.  I didn’t come up with a single word on my own except maybe the part about being Tammy’s spastic friend J But God…He is amazing.  And very creative might I add.

 

You get the point?  We get credit for nothing good because we are inherently evil.  The only thing that makes us good is the grace and mercy of Jesus.  So next time someone compliments you, try to see how you can turn the compliment back to God. 

A couple scriptures I like on giving thanks are: 1 Thes 5:18 and Eph 5:20.  They both have one key theme (not exactly the same word, but the same meaning)…see if you can guess it.  I’ll wait while you look them up *wink*

_______________________________

ALL or ALWAYS.  That is when we are commanded to give thanks.  So when others give us praise, we should give THANKS to God so they can see who our source of strength or wisdom truly is.

 

Take time now to pray for God to show you areas you can point compliments back to Him.  Give Him ALL the glory and honor and praise…because He is God.  Period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being Different - Lesson 1...Here we go!

Following is the intro and lesson 1 for the On-Line Bible Study.  There is a small technical difficulty...I am not smart enough to figure out how to attach a file :) Those who know me are surprised I am sure (NOT!).
 
So you will want to either copy and paste into a Word Document to print out yourself, or you can email me directly and I will email you the Word file (kgardner1@aol.com).  I don't mind unless we share this worldwide and I end up needing to send out 5,000 emails each week...how cool would that be?!  Ha!  Enough chatter...let's go!

 

 

Being Different: Intro

 

My kids and I have been discussing a lot lately about a central theme.  Being different.  It comes up mostly because our peers (theirs and mine, young and old) don’t understand why we do some of the things we do…or lately why we don’t do some of the things we don’t do. 

When they were smaller it was easy stuff…mostly about expensive possessions that they wanted but we couldn’t afford.  So the explanation was…do you like eating and living in our house?   If so then you can’t have item X right now or maybe until you get a job and buy it yourself.  It was clear to them that while they get way more than they deserve as young children, they can’t have everything they want.  Simple explanations were ok until the next set of Jones’s stuff came around and then the conversation repeats.  It’s a vicious cycle.

Now they are a tad older and the questions are more difficult.  Lately the “I want stuff” questions are replaced with social and church questions.  Can I have an instagram or vine or the other newest social media?  Why do we have to talk about scripture all the time in the car?  Why do I have to go to church on Wednesday night?  Why can’t we go to church on Wednesday night? (I have one of each!).  Why does it matter if the ipad game is rated 17+, it’s just a game.  Who cares if I listen to this new song that plays on secular radio; it’s just a song.

I am struggling lately with the answers.  How do you teach children to defy society and be, well…different?  Being different is scary, weird, and basically against everything our world teaches us from birth.  People will think we are strange.  They will avoid us.  They will laugh at us and make jokes about us.  But is that part of God’s plan?  (2 Cor. 5:13a “If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God”).

For now I try to refer all questions to answers in scripture.  In my thinking, if someone had pointed me to the Bible to see what God suggested for all of my concerns as a child…then I might have been farther along in cultivating a relationship with Jesus before I had kids of my own.  I might have understood sooner in life that there is a difference in knowing who God is and knowing God.  That Jesus is more than a Bible character…He is God in the flesh and a relationship with Him is the ONLY way to heaven.  I learned all these things late in life.  And I want my kids to learn it very early.  But to teach it to them, I need to dig deeper myself!  What better place to find examples of Christian living than the Bible.  Grab a pen…let’s dig deeper with some old friends.

 

Lesson 1: Noah

 

Being different is not a new concept.  There are “different” people scattered throughout the Bible.  We will look at several over the next few lessons.  The first one I want to look at is Noah.  One of my favorite lines in Genesis begins like this “But Noah…”  Y’all I want God to say “But Kristy…” in the same manner He says “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” in Gen 6:8.  I pray for favor in the eyes of the Lord!

Favor is defined by Merriam-Webster as 1) friendly regard shown towards another especially by a superior 2) approving consideration or attention.  Noah found favor.  It doesn’t say Noah was perfect and therefore found favor.  Nor does it say that Noah deserved to find favor.  He simply “found favor”.  We know that Noah wasn’t sinless, but Noah was different than everyone around him. 

 Let’s look back a touch and see what’s been going on with God’s creation.  In Gen 1:31a  we see that “God saw all the he had made, and it was very good”.  Then in Gen 5 we see that God created man and woman in the likeness of God and that He blessed them. After the fall of man (you remember in Gen 3…I know you remember because the blame is mostly cast on us ladies), things go bad really quickly.  I will save that for another day and move ahead.  By the time we meet Noah we get the feeling God has run out of patience.  That He has had enough!  That He intends to wipeout everything he has created because He is so grieved over the bad behavior and evil hearts.  But He hasn’t run out of patience, He never does and He never will. 

 And while everyone else likely thought he was weird, or weak, or insert some other adjective…God saw his heart.  And we read, “But Noah…”

 This week we will look in depth at this children’s Bible story and glean some fresh, adult life inspirations.

 

 

Lesson 1 Homework Day 1 – Righteous and Blameless…are you kidding me?

Read Genesis 6 and answer the following:

What does God see when he looks at the heart of man in Gen 6:5?

 

It’s a common theme throughout the Bible that God looks at the heart of man instead of the outer appearance (1 Sam 16:7 and yes, I want you to look this one up on your own).  I picked the 1 Samuel passage because it is one of my favorite stories.  I love that God looks on the inside.  Because I don’t know about you but some days my outside isn’t looking or acting so great!  Think for a minute.

What does God see when He looks at your heart?

 

 

 

 

What does God plan to do in Gen 6:7 to mankind?

 

 

The first lesson we learn from Noah is that “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time” (Gen 6:9).  What does righteous and blameless look like to you?

 

 

 

 

 

The word righteous has always intimidated me.  It’s a big word used mainly in reference to God.  And frankly I struggle to use those kinds of words in the same sentence with my name.  So let’s see what the Bible says about the word righteous.  In Deuteronomy 6:24-25 we get our first real definition of the righteous.  Prior the word “righteous” is used to describe Noah (Gen 6:9 and 7:1), Abram (Gen 15:6), Tamar (Gen 38:26), the Lord himself (Ex 9:27), and the Israel people (Num 23:10) before we actually get a clear definition.  Read Deu. 6:24-25 and fill in the blank:

“…we will be counted as righteous when we ______________ all the commands the Lord our God has given us.”

Blameless is a little easier for me to grasp…I define it simply as “without blame”.  It’s what my children pretend to be when I am breaking up the argument (he started/no she started it – and I always say it doesn’t matter Mom is ending it *wink*).  Realistically, I don’t believe anyone is always blameless, but I do believe we can strive for blameless lives.  Blameless indicates perfection, and we all know that is impossible.  But I believe the Bible shows us to set our standard of living at blameless and then strive to achieve it.  In 2 Peter 3:14, Peter tells us to “make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight”. 

However, in Romans Ch 3, Paul explains to us that we will never be righteous or blameless.  That is why we need Jesus.  Without Jesus, we can never get to heaven because we will “all fall short of the Glory of the Lord” (Rom 3:23).  Keeping that in mind, what can we learn from Noah?  I think we can learn to strive to be righteous and blameless amongst a people that are evil and wicked.  I think we can avoid certain friendships because they are detrimental to our faith.  I think we can run from situations because we aren’t spiritually mature enough to participate or handle them.  I think we raise the bar for the standard of living in today’s world.  Set the bar at righteous and blameless and them fight to live up to the standard!

Lesson 1 Homework Day 2 – Walking with God

Noah did one major thing that set him apart from the people around him…he walked with God (Gen 6:9).  You see, Noah was human so there was no way he could be perfect.  But he walked with God when no one else did.  Can you imagine what folks thought about him?  Probably the same things folks think about you and me.  She spends way too much time at Bible Study.  She missed the concert because she was teaching VBS.  She always drinks sweet tea, even when she is out without her children.  She didn’t go see that movie because she thinks it is too ugly; it’s just a movie.  She reads books about Jesus at the pool instead of catching up on the latest gossip.  She’s strange.  Yes, yes she is.  But Noah was strange too. 

What do you think people say about you when you are not around?

 

 

Does it bother you?  _____________ (yes, no, sometimes)

Why does it bother you?

 

 

 

 

 

I confess.  I was THAT KID in school.  I was liked by everyone, ask any of my peers.  I was a cheerleader, band clarinet player, dancer, honor roll student, teacher’s pet, babysitting, curfew-obeying kid.  I was everything to everyone.  I never knew it if I had an enemy.  But I was missing the most important thing…a relationship with Jesus Christ.  That’s another day’s lesson.  My point here is that we live in a society where pleasing-people is engrained in our very make up.  Some of us live to please people…and those who don’t probably secretly wish they did (ha!).

So how did Noah survive?  I am certain his world expected the same of him.  To fit into the mold society had created.  Do you know why I think he was expected to conform to society?  Re-read Gen 6:11-12.  The whole earth was corrupt…everyone…except for Noah.  Why?  Because Noah walked with God.  If there is one thing I have learned in the last 10 years of women’s ministry it’s that you CANNOT walk with God and the world at the same time.  God will not coexist as your walking partner.  It’s Him or the world and you MUST choose.  James 3:4 “…Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God”.  See…in walking with God, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Who are you walking with right now?  The world or God?_____________________

Please note…it’s a daily choice.  Look up and complete these verses:

Luke 9:23 “Then he (Jesus) said to the all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross ______________and follow me”. 

Did you see it?  Daily. 

Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves _________ _________ whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living.  But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

Did you see it?  This day.

It’s a daily choice to walk with God.  Don’t let satan convince you it’s not.  Choose wisely…daily.

 

Lesson 1 Homework Day 3 – Do everything He commands

So far we have these lessons from Noah:

1 – Set our standard for living at righteous and blameless and strive to meet it

2 – Choose to DAILY walk with God

Moving on to #3.  In Gen 6:13-21 (re-read it please and thank you!), God explains His perfect plan to Noah and gives him all the instructions.  I can only imagine what Noah was thinking as God was speaking.  But not one place does it say that Noah asked God if he was sure.  Not once does Noah question or complain.  If Noah did have dialogue questioning the command of the Father, we don’t see it in scripture.  Verse 22 sums it up in one statement “Noah did everything just as God commanded him”. 

When is that last time God gave you instructions and you “did everything just as God commanded”.  Think about that one a minute.  I won’t lie, that one hurts to ponder.  If you are like me you probably can easier remember a time God gave you instructions and you didn’t “do everything just as God commanded you to do”.  What kinds of feelings result when you know you have not fully obeyed God? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your list probably looks like mine: conviction, maybe even guilt and shame, disappointed in self, frustrated with self, etc.  Keep in mind that shame and guilt are not from God.  The enemy brings shame and guilt but God convicts and forgives and moves on.  And while we remember, we must move on as well.  Go back and do the thing fully that God last commanded you to do, and move on under His grace and mercy.  Whew…I could digress!  Back to Noah!

Two things stand out to me in this passage.  First, God tells Noah that He will destroy all of mankind.  Pause on that verse…verse 6:13.  What would your reaction be if God told you that He was going to destroy all of mankind?  Do you realize that possibly includes your momma, your daddy, your sister, your crazy brother, your nieces and nephews, your best friend, their family, your neighbors the good ones and bad ones?  All includes everyone.  EVERYONE.  I cannot fathom what went through Noah’s mind.  Did he turn pale?  Did he grieve the people he loved (even if only a few) no matter how evil they were?  I don’t know about you, but I know some mighty evil folks that I still pray for their salvation so they aren’t doomed to hell.  It’s not in me to wish anyone would perish.  Fill in the blank from verse 13.

So God said to Noah, “I am going put an end to _________ people…”

Let that sit a moment.  And pray for someone you know who is lost and doomed to hell if they die this instance.  Pray for Jesus to infiltrate their hearts and minds so they see the Way to salvation.

The next thing that strikes me is in verse 14 (I know…I am going warp spend…ha!).  God casually gives the instructions on ark building.  I picture Noah with a pencil and paper writing the dimensions.  But Noah didn’t have a pencil or paper.  And the ark isn’t simple.  It has specific heights and widths and is three stories tall.  I can barely envision it after reading those verses a dozen times…I can’t imagine building it from memory to speck!  Noah had to have wondered if God was crazy because the request is very specific and sort of, well…strange.

I can honestly say God has never asked me to do anything ridiculously crazy.  And yet instead of obeying immediately, often times I procrastinate, question, ask for confirmation, etc.  On top of the killing all creation news and by the way build this three story ark, oh by the way, God told Noah to build an ark when there had never been a single rain drop.  And yet he ““did everything just as God commanded”.  So the lesson we can take from this encounter with Noah is to do everything God commands!

Obedience is a common theme throughout the Bible.  We will look at more passages later.  Take time now to write a prayer to God to help you obey him fully.  Is there a specific task that He has asked you to do that you are avoiding?  Or maybe you haven’t heard Him speak lately and wonder if you missed the last assignment He gave you.  Pray now for him to enlighten you and then help you obey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 1 Homework Day 4: Obedience saves others too!

Read Genesis Ch 7.

So far we have three lessons from Noah, the different man in his day.  What are they?

1     ______________________________________________________

 

2     ______________________________________________________

 

3     ______________________________________________________

The next lesson is important to me because it is a way my life affects others.  Look at verse 7:1

The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation”.

I underlined the important pieces…you and your whole family, and you.  Noah’s righteousness, blamelessness, and obedience saved his whole family.  Think about that for a moment.  What you do (or don’t do) today impacts your children or future children, grandchildren or future grandchildren.  That scares me to the bone some days.  Have you ever considered that?  In what ways do you think you can impact your family’s future?

 

 

 

 

 

Or maybe you still don’t think your life impacts others.  How about Ex 20:5-6?  I’ll wait while you flip *wink*.  Interesting, hmmm?  Let me ask a different version of the same question after you have read that.  In what ways will you start impacting the lives of others?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I firmly believe that I have the ability and power to shape my children’s spiritual life simply by living mine in front of them.  They absorb EVERYTHING…good and bad that adults do.  Deu. 6:4-9 is what I reference in support of my belief.  Go read it.  And then I will tell you a funny story.

My little guy has never held the interest in church that my oldest shows.  He has disliked attending church from the time he was born.  He loves Jesus, he just doesn’t like going to his class to learn about how to live like Jesus.  About 5 years ago I started memorizing scripture.  If you don’t do it...START NOW!  Anyway, in our evening commute my oldest would hold my spiral of scriptures and I would try and say them aloud to her and she would tell me yes or no.  So my kids were listening, like it or not, to God’s Word for at least 20 minutes a day. 

One day we were driving along and my little one told me he was “going to get so and so for what they did”.  Well my scripture that week was Proverbs 20:22 and saw this as an excellent teaching moment.  So I said “in proverbs 20:22 it says “Do not say I’ll pay you back for this wrong, wait for the Lord and he will avenge you”.  I smiled and the little one without missing a beat replied “do we HAVE to always talk about scripture in this car???”  I never missed a beat and said “yes, yes we do because Deuteronomy chapter 6 tells us to impress them on our children…and He means scriptures”.  I thought my oldest would roll out of the car while the 5 year old rolled his eyes.  Ladies…know the Word.  You need to be able to teach your children!

A few gut check questions before we move on (be honest and there is no shame in any answer!).  Circle Y (yes) or N (no).

1)    Have you ever read the Bible cover to cover?    Y or N

2)    Do you have a daily “quiet time”?                        Y or N

3)    Do you memorize scripture?                               Y or N

4)    Do you participate in a small group study?         Y or N

Now look at your answers.  Put an asterisk beside the ones you would like to improve on over the next few weeks.  Together, we will make a plan because these disciplines lived out in front of others can impact them!

Tomorrow we look at the last lesson from Noah. 

Lesson 1 Homework Day 5: Give thanks to the Lord immediately.

Read Genesis 8.

Y’all are going to be mad because we are going to spend our time on the end of chapter 8 even though I asked you to read it all *grin*.  But I think it’s important to have an overview of the story and context before we dive into the detail verse for today’s lesson. 

In verses 18 and 19 everything and everyone comes out of the ark.  Can you imagine the relief?  What would you do first?  As soon as your feet touched dry land for the first time in weeks.  What would you do?

 

 

 

 

 

Me too.  If you said kiss the ground, lie on the dry dirt, swing my wife or kids around and around, scream, run as far away from anyone or anything else that was cooped up with me, etc.  Me too. 

But Noah…

Look at verse 20.  Verse 20 tells us Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed burnt offerings on it.  Ouch his response was different than mine.  You see, after 40 days and nights cooped up in an ark with stinky animals and his family, Noah was still walking with God.  He was still focused on the One that mattered.  Noah was righteous and blameless.  (And then in Chapter 9 we read of the covenant between God and Noah/mankind.  Side note: see…Noah impacted our lives too!)

Seriously, I want you to notice what Noah did first.  He built an altar and gave thanks to the Lord through a burnt offering.  The Bible commands us many places to give thanks to the Lord.  Here are a few to look up and pick at least one to write out:

1 Chronicles 16:34

Psalm 7:17

Psalm 106:1

Psalm 107:1

Psalm 107:8 or 107:15

Colossians 3:17 (* I made my daughter write this one when she was in 3^rd grade and writing so sloppy the teacher couldn’t read it)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (this was one of my first scriptures memorized – only 18 applies here but they are short so I combined them all)

 

 

In conclusion, we can learn lots from Old Testament characters of how to “be different” in our society.  Noah gave us a few great lessons…one more time…what were they:

 

1     ______________________________________________________

2     ______________________________________________________

3     ______________________________________________________

 

4     ______________________________________________________

 

5     ______________________________________________________

 

Good job!  Thanks for journeying with me.  I can’t wait to see what we learn about Being Different in next week’s lesson.

Praying for God to open your eyes and heart to His Word!

 

 

Kickoff Day - Tuesday, Sep 10th

Are you ready for Bible Study???  I am so excited about our journey!  If you are kicking off with us, I will publish the first lesson and week of homework on Tuesday, September 10th (but no promise how early...so keep checking!).  I have 5 weeks pre-written.  I will warn you, it's not in depth like Beth Moore in depth.  It's light and probably 15-30 minutes worth of homework each night. 

Also, I wanted to share that I had a wonderful experience today in Cameron, NC at Beaver Creek Baptist Church.  Phyllis Elvington was amazing, as always, and they graciously listened to my testimony too.  It was a fabulous day!  A great way for me to honor the memory of my friend Tammy on the 1 year anniversary of her death.  I miss her.

One of the challenges Phyllis issued was to read the Bible all the way through.  I have an excel spreadsheet for a daily reading to make it in one year if you want it, email me and I will send it to you.  If you have never read cover to cover...do it.  Don't put it off or make excuses...sit down and read :)

OK...see you back here on Sep 10th!  I am praying over you now!