Psalm 139:13-16  (HCSB)13 For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my da...  Read More

Psalm 139:7-12  (HCSB)7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.  9 If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,  10 even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will...  Read More

Psalm 139:1-6 (HCSB)1 Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. 3 You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. 5 You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. 6 This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I...  Read More

JOBThe book of Job is included in the Old Testament wisdom literature of the Bible.  It points to Job’s enduring faith during trials.KEY TRUTH: Job experienced a time of great blessing. (Job 1:1-5)KEY TRUTH: Job experienced a time of humble learning. (Job 38:1-42:6)KEY TRUTH: Job experienced a time of great restoration. (Job 42:7-14)How will I put this into practice this week?...  Read More

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK1.  What about Job’s life scares you the most and why?  Does it surprise you that God allowed Job to go through these tests?  What area in your life do you think God may be testing today?2. Have you ever questioned God about a situation in your life?  Have you ever been mad or    disappointed with God and wanted an answer from Him?  Why is God sometimes silent and     what typ...  Read More

Job 42:10-17 (HCSB)God Restores Job 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his prosperity and doubled his previous possessions.  11 All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances  came to his house and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a qesitah and a gold ear...  Read More

Job 42:1-9 (HCSB)Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 I  know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, “Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to  know. 4 You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question  you, you will inform Me.” 5 I had heard rumors about You, but now...  Read More

James 5:7-11 (HCSB)Waiting for the Lord 7 Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.  8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Lo...  Read More

Job 1:6-22 (HCSB)Satan’s First Test of Job 6 One day the sons of God  came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan  also came with them. 7 The Lord asked Satan, “Where have you come from?”  “From roaming through the earth,”  Satan answered Him, “and walking around on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect...  Read More

Job 1:1-5 (HCSB)Job and His Family 1 There was a man in the country of Uz  named Job.  He was a man of perfect integrity,  who feared God and turned away from evil.  2 He had seven sons and three daughters.  3 His estate included 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys,  and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east. 4 His so...  Read More

SUNDAY CONNECT LESSON FOR JANUARY 7, 2024 GOD SEES OUR PAINGod is with us even in our darkest times.KEY TRUTH: We, or someone we care about will eventually struggle with depression. (Jonah 4:3, Jeremiah 20:14-18, 1 Kings 19:1-4)KEY TRUTH: There are steps we can take to help ourselves and others overcome depression. (1 Kings 19:5-18)KEY TRUTH: There is hope for those dealing with the pain of depres...  Read More

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK1.  This week we have noted that our circumstances affect the way we live.  Has there ever been a time in your life when you were just overcome?  How did you deal with that weight of emotions and who did you talk with about your situation?2. Think about a time when life was overwhelming and yet now you can look back and see how    God worked in and through that situation.  Wha...  Read More