INFLUENCE 1 - It's not always a good idea to copy others.

Influence 1 - English text 

Einfluss 1 - German text 

Devotional Thoughts about 1 Samuel Chapters 8-10

Influence seems to have come into its own. For centuries it’s operated mainly behind the scenes, often imperceptibly and unexpectedly, but now people are freely admitting to “following” someone online as a subscriber or imitator.

The influencer is an entrepreneur who creates digital content sufficient to attract and retain a large audience. The followers often imitate to the extent of asking their influencers for brand names and sources for their tools or wares.

But classic influence still works the way it always has. People are still impacted the most by those with whom they spend the most time. And deep down we seem to be convinced that the majority must know best. Admiration mingled with envy motivates us to imitate others.

The Israelites were to live out God's rule before the Canaanites in the neighboring countries, instead of following their example. Even after the many drawbacks of a monarchy were spelled out for them, the Israelites persisted in their demand for a king, thus setting the stage for dire consequences in later centuries.

Lord, don't let me forget that it's sometimes the worst punishment when I get my own way. Help me to follow You.

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DEPENDENCE 4 - God does great things through weak people.

 Dependence 4 - English file

Abhängigkeit 4 - German file 

Devotional Thoughts about 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Why do we instinctively hide our weaknesses? Most of us don’t want to be seen as hypochondriacs or wet blankets. In the end it usually comes down to pride. Weak­ness just isn’t attractive, and even the comfort of pity soon gets old.

Paul began the account of his experience with awkward phrasing and third-person narration. Maybe those indicate that he was uncomfortable exposing his weakness. Yet the story ends up strong with the straightforward affirmation that he welcomes all sorts of trials because they make him depend on Christ, which turns his weakness into strength.

This amazing paradox shows up again and again in the Bible (see James 1:2,3 and 1 Peter 1:6,7). More than once when yet another health problem has surfaced, I’ve tried to wrap my mind around these passages, wondering how to embrace trials and weakness for Christ.

Lord, please help me do just that.

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DEPENDENCE 3 - Stay close to Jesus!

Dependence 3 - English files

Abhängigkeit 3 - German files 

Devotional Thoughts about John 15:1-8

The metaphors of Jesus as the vine, the Father as the vinedresser and believers as the branches are probably quite difficult for most children to understand. With this tactile lesson, I’m trying to put at least the word pictures into their minds along with a few main concepts. I hope that when they later come in contact with the passage again, they’ll remember and build on what they’ve learned.

With the Bible and prayer, we have the means at our disposal of communicating with the living God! Unfortunately, our other priorities often crowd Him out, and we wither spiritually. It's logical that neglected relationships suffer, but Christians often don't seem to realize that their carelessness, indifference and other sins might be responsible fortheir dry, mechanical relationship to Jesus.

The Bible simile of a thirsty deer (see Psalm 42:1,2) shows how desperately we need God and how greatly we should long for Him. I’ve often heard that by the time our brains register that we’re thirsty, a mild dehydration process has already begun. Likewise, by the time we realize we need God, contact with Him is long overdue.

Lord, help me to long for You and to seek You in Your Word and prayer. Don't let me forget that I can't do anything without You.

Downloading lesson files

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DEPENDENCE 2 - Admit your helplessness!

Dependence 2 - English file 

Abhängigkeit 2 - German file

Devotional Thoughts about John 5:1-14

Sickness is a good concrete metaphor for weakness or other hindrances we can’t control.

When the first signs of bronchitis come upon me, it’s often a day or two before I’ll admit even to myself that I’m sick, and then I'll change my routine and take medicine. Things I don't like besides the misery of the symptoms are cancelling appointments and depending on others for help.

That’s probably the case for most people. We want to at least give the impression of strength and ability, but we’re often sick or burdened by other limitations.

When Jesus asked the man at the pool whether he wanted to get well, he described how his disability kept him from being healed. He wasn’t shy to state his need for help, and Jesus healed him.

Lord, help me to always remember that I need you for every breath I take, for my salvation and for every step in my walk with You.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson file, simply click on the appropriate link above to download it in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The next post and lesson will be the third in the topic Dependence.