PEACE 4 - Don't strike back when you're provoked.

Peace 4 - English files

Frieden 4 - German files

Devotional Thoughts about Genesis Chapter 26

The Bible doesn’t say as much about Isaac as it does about his father Abraham and his son Jacob, but Isaac was the long-awaited miracle child as well as the link in God’s line of promise connecting the two more well-known patriarchs. He’s also notable for having nearly been sacrificed by his father in response to God’s command (Genesis Chapter 22).

Before considering the wells, the focus in this lesson, we should keep a previous incident in mind (26:1-11). When Isaac had come with his herds to Gerar to escape a famine, he’d deceived the people there by claiming that his wife was his sister for fear that someone would kill him to get her. (By the way, his father had done the same thing twice before his birth, an example of a certain sin recurring in successive generations.) The king of Gerar scolded him upon discovering the truth.

So when God blessed Isaac by causing his crops and herds to increase, the Philistines’ envy of him was probably tinged with a bit of annoyance over his previous deceit. As sinners, we, like Isaac, probably aren’t always able to truthfully claim that our provocation by others was entirely unprovoked by us.

When the Philistines repeatedly sabotaged wells his father had dug and contested Isaac’s right to them, he was able to leave one well after another to them and move on to start all over again. God had promised to give Isaac and his family the land (26:3) and confirmed it at the end of his trials (26:24). The net result of Isaac’s experiences was that the Philistines respected his God and thus wanted to make peace with him. And God provided him and his herds with the water they needed.

Lord, when I’m provoked, please help me keep the big picture of Your glory in mind instead of dwelling on my petty annoyances.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The upcoming topic is Sacrifice.

PEACE 3 - Be a peacemaker!

Peace 3 - English files

Frieden 3 - German files

The picture at the right shows the finished craft project belonging to this lesson. The template and complete instructions are included.

Devotional Thoughts about 1 Samuel Chapter 25

At some point during David’s time on the run from Saul, he came in contact with the wilderness empire of the big rancher Nabal. David and his men were decent neighbors who protected Nabal’s herds from potential thieves and predators.

When the sheep were shorn—the usual time for paying staff and rewarding favors—David sent messengers to Nabal with a polite request for a tangible recognition of their service. Any contribution would help sustain David’s 600 men as they continued dodging Saul and his minions.

Nabal’s belligerent refusal insulted David deeply. He’d endured constant maligning and persecution from Saul without striking back because of his deep respect for God’s anointed king, but now he set off with 400 armed men to kill everyone on Nabal’s ranch.

A herdsman informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife, of the situation, confirming David’s service and reporting Nabal’s characteristically aggressive response. She acted quickly to organize a large quantity of food and mobilize it in the direction of the approaching troop. She appealed to David probably because years of experience had shown her there was no point in attempting to reason with her husband.

As the two groups met, Abigail’s humility, generosity and faith in God’s purpose for David melted his resentment against Nabal and defused the impending explosion of violence. He praised God for her peacemaking initiative and assured her he would comply. Later, after God had struck Nabal dead, David was thankful he’d left judgment to God and not taken things into his own hands.

Lord, give me the courage to seek peace, to pray for it and to leave the consequences to You.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. One more blog and one lesson about Peace are coming.

PEACE 2 - Apologize and forgive others.

Peace 2 - English files

 Frieden 2 - German files

By the way, the picture at the left shows the finished craft project belonging to this lesson. Templates and complete instructions are included.

Devotional Thoughts about Genesis 32:3-33:17 

Pretend you're Jacob, leading a huge caravan the long way home after many years in exile. You hadn’t gotten far before your uncle caught up with you. He reproached you for having left secretly with your family, which consisted of his daughters and grandkids. After discussing that, the two of you had parted in relative peace.

But now as you approach home, you wonder what might await you there. You’d left the country 20 years earlier to escape your brother’s murderous threat; what can you expect from him now? Although the nasty trick you’d played on him was so long ago, there's no reason to assume he’s forgotten or excused it. You proactively send Esau a message to inform him of your return and ask for a friendly reception.

His terse reply really spooks you: He's coming to meet you with 400 men! Why are there so many unless he plans conflict? You confess your unworthiness to God and ask for His mercy and protection for your family. Then you pick out a gift from among your herds and send it ahead to your brother.

That night you have the bizarre experience of wrestling with a man who turns out to be God Himself! Then in the early morning light you see Esau approaching with his caravan. You limp ahead of your family to meet him, bowing on the way. What a wonderful surprise when he runs up and hugs you!

Reconciliation is a magnificent gift from God. Lord, give me the humility to apologize and to forgive others.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. Two more blogs and lessons about Peace are coming. 

PEACE 1 - If you're mad at God, you won't have peace with others.

Peace 1 - English files 

Frieden 1 - German files

Devotional Thoughts about Genesis 4:3-16

We often think that if only people wouldn’t aggravate us or push our buttons, we wouldn't have any trouble getting along with them. Living in a world population of four (plus may­be some younger siblings whom the Bible doesn’t mention), Cain surely didn’t have many people disturbing his peace. Yet his nemesis turned out to be his brother, whose crime was bringing a sacrifice that pleased God.

We’re not told what instructions God may have given them for sacrifices, but clearly Abel brought one that pleased God, and Cain did not. Abel leads the parade of faith heroes in Hebrews as probably the first type of Christ in the Bible. His short life leaves a message that keeps on speaking long after his death (Hebrews 11:4), pointing to Christ’s atoning blood, which at that time was yet to come (Hebrews 12:24).

When Cain was upset by the rejection of his sacrifice, God warned him to reconcile with Him, explaining that sin was waiting to catch him. But Cain fell into its clutches, and sin resulted in murder as early as the second human generation. When God pronounced judgment on him, Cain ignored his own responsibility and focused on his plight with a victim mentality.

Read Psalm 2, which describes this fallen world’s aggression toward God. It’s no wonder that world peace is as far away as it’s ever been for today’s heirs of centuries of education, technology and refinement. Enmity with God is at the heart of any conflict. Lord, help me come to You with my struggles, accepting responsi­bility for my antagonism toward others.

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson files, simply click on the appropriate link above to download them in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. Three more blogs and lessons about Peace are coming.