Teaching Notes

There are many reasons why we rejoice and cheer. Sometimes we cheer because of the things we see or achieve, just as we cheered for the graduates on this day. How much more then should we rejoice and cheer at the many things that God does in our lives?

He Carries our Diseases

Matthew 8:1-4 (The Message)

Jesus came down the mountain with the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, "Master, if you want to, you can heal my body." Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be clean." Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done."

Notes: Jesus was greeted with cheers from people when he came down from the mountain. There came a leper who fell at the feet of Jesus and asked him if you desire, you can heal my body. Jesus response was yes.

Question: First, why do you think the leper asked for the healing as he did, secondly why do you think Jesus answered the way he did?

Answer: First, the leper did not come and demand Jesus to heal him. His request was done in a humble request. He was not doubting what Jesus could do, he was aware that he could not demand from God, but that he could ask it with the right motives. Jesus' response was I want to or in other words, God wants to care for our hurts and diseases. Jesus did not say a lot after that, other than be cleaned. As soon as Jesus spoke the words, the healing became seen. Jesus then tells the man what will be a witness of what I have done is your changed life. What is important for us to understand from this exchange is God is concerned about the things that need to be healed in your life. He is also more concerned with how you live your life after he has healed your life. It does you no good to be healed in your physical body, to continue to live a sinful life. This becomes a disgrace against the wonderful gift God has given you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring for healing us. Thank you even more for caring out what is revealed in our life. Help us to live a healed life, healed from sin.

Teen Chat

Even the baby got involved!








On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. - Psalm 100:1 (The Message)





When we had our time together for the "Meet the Author" party, we had serious conversation, but we also had a time for laughter and fun. Laughter is like medicine to a hurting heart. Our own Sis. Micole had on a hair piece and let's just say, she decided to let her "hair down". She took her wig off and it started the girls laughing. After awhile, the wig was passed around and the girls took crazy pictures with the hair on.

There is a lesson here. Can we stop taking ourselves so seriously? Can we loosen up and "Let our hair down"? Do you know there is probably someone that is in need of help, but may be afraid to ask you because you don't seem approachable? But if you just put on a smile, make a welcoming jester, you allow people to feel that you are just like them and they want to hear what you can say that might help them.







Smooches!!











Look, the Beehive is coming back!











What? Can't a girl chance her style up a bit?










Really bad hair day, especially since I put it on upside down!








Okay, no more photos!

Teaching Notes

The Lord wants his "children" to listen to his instructions. This is so that he can lead you and help you to grow up. Did this young girl stay a child? No. This sweet young girl, is now an eighteen year old young lady ready to go off to college. This is my oldest daughter, Joselyn. This is just an example of us. God does not want his children to stay infants. He wants to instruct us so that we can grow up, and go off into the world to make a difference. Are we growing up? Are we listening?

Does God Want to Talk to Me?

Psalm 25:4-5 (The Message)

Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren't you?



Notes: The Psalmist is seeking God and ask God to teach him. The picture painted is, of a small child asking a parent to hold his or her hand. The writer goes on further in this scripture to say God you will help the misdirected find direction and the rejected to find your hand.



Question: Why is it important for God to "take you by the hand?"



Answer: Like a small child, if they are left on their own, will run after things that catch their attention and not see the dangers. A parent holds the child's hand so that they will always be able to "feel" the direction the parent wants to go. The parents hand applies pressure on the child's hand and they are able to know that their mother or father is going in a certain direction. This is why God wants us to "put our hand" into his. In other words we give ourselves to him and he will help us so that we do not go in ways that lead to danger. The Holy Spirit will apply pressure or conviction upon our hearts that this is not the direction of the Father so that we will turn and go in the right way. This is another sign of the importance of your time with God. God wants to talk to you so that he can show you what is the right way to go. He is truly the God of your salvation and because of it, he cares about where you go and what you do.



Prayer: God thank you for caring about what happens to me. If it were not for your favor upon me, I would be lost. Thank you for caring about talking to me. Help me Lord to always remember I am important to you.

Teaching Notes

Even before you open your mouth to speak, God is already ready to answer. Can you image that? God so wants to talk to you, that he is waiting for you. (sketch by Joselyn Williams).

Does God Want to Talk to Me?

Psalm 61:1-4 (The Message)

God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer. When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, "Guide me up High Rock Mountain!" You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, A lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. You've always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you.



Notes: This psalm is one of seeking help from God. The writer (David) says listen to my shouts (cries in the NIV version), and give your ears to my prayers. The writer is in a time of despair and is seeking God to lift them from their troubles to a place of safety.



Question: What do you think the writer means by "you've always taken me seriously"? (The NIV version reads: "For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.")



Answer: The writer is acknowledging the fact that God has never ignored his prayers. God has listened to his request for help and he has helped. He has become to David, what David has needed. When he needed him to protect, he protected. When he needed comfort, he comforted him. This is true for you and I. God takes your prayers seriously. He does not dismiss them nor does he ignore them. That is a comfort to know that God does want to talk to you as well as answer with what you need from him.



Prayer: Today, Lord I need you. I need you to lend your ear to my request. Help lift me from where I am, to where you are. Help me to always listen to you when you speak to my heart.

Teaching Notes

It should put a smile on your face to know that you are important to God. He wants to spend time with you and to help you make the right choices. Drawing by Jamie Williams.

Does God Want to Talk to Me?

2 Kings 23:21-23 (The Message)

The king now commanded the people, "Celebrate the Passover to God, your God, exactly as directed in this Book of the Covenant." This commanded Passover had not been celebrated since the days that the judges judged Israel—none of the kings of Israel and Judah had celebrated it. But in the eighteenth year of the rule of King Josiah this very Passover was celebrated to God in Jerusalem.

Notes: The King had the people gathered to hear the words of the Covenant of God. The people listened and agreed to obey the words of God. The king then ordered that everything that had been against God to be destroyed. The altars were torn down where Baal and Asherah had been worshiped. The sexual shrines and places where the young children had been sacrificed where torn down. The king was not satisfied until everything that was against the holy God was removed. He then told the people now we will honor God as he directs, by keeping the passover.

Question: Why is it important to follow God's directions? And why do you think the passover was important to them?

Answer: First, the passover was important because it was a time for them to remember how God had delivered them from Egypt from the bondage they were in. One of the many plagues that hit Egypt was the death of the first born children. God instructed them to place the blood of a lamb on their doorpost and the spirit of death would pass over them. This is a reminder for us today that we should also remember how death passes over us when we accept the gift of salvation of Jesus. Jesus' blood is the lambs blood that is placed on our "doorpost" of our heart so that the spirit of death (spiritual death) cannot take us, we belong to God. The second question, is it important to follow God's directions, is yes. The people when they followed God's direction were again able to have communion or fellowship with God. We wanted to talk to them. He wanted to direct their lives. When you obey God and listen to him, he will direct your life. That is why it is important to talk to him and to then listen to what he has to say. He does not want you caught up in this worlds snares, doing things that are sexually impure, or that will destroy your youth.


Prayer: Lord, help us today to follow your directions so that we do not set ourselves up for destruction. Help us to listen to you because you care about us.

Teaching Notes

Even as a young person, you can learn the importance of worship and talking to God. If you take time now to listen to God, you may not become hard in your heart and be unwilling to listen to God.

Does God Want to Talk to Me?

Proverbs 28:9-10 (The Message)

God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him. Lead good people down a wrong path and you'll come to a bad end; do good and you'll be rewarded for it.



Notes: The writer of this Proverbs is sharing wisdom to those that will listen and hear the truth. You would think reading this verse that it is saying God does not want to speak to you. What it is saying is those that live right and do good God will reward and he will hear. Those that God will not hear are those that will not listen to him. This means that God listens to his children.



Question: Why would God not listen?



Answer: The writer says that God does not listen to those that refuse to hear or accept what God says. God will not make you hear him and he will not force you to accept his way. However, because God is loving and really does want to talk to you, he will listen to you if you repent for you sins and turn to him. God is righteous and he cannot look upon sin and overlook it. If we refuse to listen to God, that is having a sinful attitude. It is not until we humble ourselves and listen to God, then we will be able to hear him and what his direction is for our lives. He really does want to hear from you, but he requires that you listen in return.



Prayer: Lord help me today not to have a stubborn heart. Help me to hear you and to be humble so that I can know your ways. You want to talk to me and hear about my cares, help me to then listen to your direction for my life.

Teaching Notes

What good is a cell phone, if you can't get any calls? What good is a prayer life, if you don't have any one picking up on the receiving end? However, if we are not hearing from God it is not because he does not want to talk to us, but because we are not listening to him. The beauty is, our calls can go through to God and he does want to talk to me.

Does God want to Talk to Me?

Daniel 9:21-23 (The Message)

"While I was pouring out my heart, baring my sins and the sins of my people Israel, praying my life out before my God, interceding for the holy mountain of my God—while I was absorbed in this praying, the humanlike Gabriel, the one I had seen in an earlier vision, approached me, flying in like a bird about the time of evening worship. "He stood before me and said, 'Daniel, I have come to make things plain to you. You had no sooner started your prayer when the answer was given. And now I'm here to deliver the answer to you. You are much loved! So listen carefully to the answer, the plain meaning of what is revealed:



Notes: Daniel is expressing how God revealed to him something at the very moment he was seeking an answer. The angel Gabriel revealed to Daniel that as soon as you began to pray, God was giving the answer.

Question: Does this mean God cared about Daniel's prayer?



Answer: God cared enough about Daniel's prayer that he sent an angel to reveal the truth to him. The angel told Daniel that your prayer was so important to God that as soon as you began to speak it, the answer was being given. Why is this? The angel tells Daniel why, because you are loved. God does want to talk to his children and you are one of them. He wants to talk to you because you are loved. God loves you enough to give you the answers to the difficult questions on your heart. Those things you cannot seem to answer, God will make it plain to you and help you understand.



Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring enough to talk to me. Thank you for even desiring to hear what is on my heart and mind. Help me to find confidence in you that you will give me the answer to my prayers.

Teaching Notes

Jesus' hand is outstretched to you today, will you recieve his calling to you to come?

But Who am I?

Luke 18:15-17 (The Message)

People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."



Note: The people were trying to bring the children to Jesus for him to bless them, but the disciples tried to keep them from coming and bothering Jesus. However, Jesus told the disciples to let the children come.



Question: Why do you think the disciples tried to stop the children from coming? Why did Jesus tell them otherwise?



Answer: The disciples probably thought these young ones were not important to Jesus' mission. They may have thought that Jesus was only concerned with the adults. Yet, Jesus told them no, these young ones are vital and important to the kingdom of God. Jesus tells them that unless people accept God's kingdom like the little ones, they will miss receiving the kingdom. In this small verse, Jesus tells just how important you are. Jesus is not waiting for you to become an adult before you are important to the kingdom. You are important and vital, NOW. When you ask, but who am I? Find your answer in the word of God. You are a child of God and he wants you to know he loves you beyond your understanding. He loves you enough to call you regardless of your abilities. What you are lacking he will place in you. You are his and he loves you.



Prayer: Lord, help me today to know I am important to your kingdom and to your purpose. I am vital to the kingdom and you have something for me to do right now at the age I am. Help me today to know I can do all that you require of me, because you will help me.

Teaching Notes

Sometimes is it hard to figure out why you should be a Christian? Sometimes things may seem difficult to understand or that they are hidden from you. Yet, just as this light shines through the cloud, God can shine his light into our lives and help us to understand our need for him. Will you ask him to reveal the truth to you?

But Who Am I?

Hebrews 2:5-9 (The Message)

God didn't put angels in charge of this business of salvation that we're dealing with here. It says in Scripture,What is man and woman that you bother with them; why take a second look their way? You made them not quite as high as angels, bright with Eden's dawn light;Then you put them in charge of your entire handcrafted world.When God put them in charge of everything, nothing was excluded. But we don't see it yet, don't see everything under human jurisdiction. What we do see is Jesus, made "not quite as high as angels," and then, through the experience of death, crowned so much higher than any angel, with a glory "bright with Eden's dawn light." In that death, by God's grace, he fully experienced death in every person's place.



Note: In this scripture, it too talks about who is man that God would think about them? Here, however it shows how God created man and woman and gave them rule over all things. It also says that this thing about salvation could not be handled by angels. That it took someone else to handle the salvation or saving of mankind. Which means that even though mankind was given rule over all things, they still could not keep themselves from sinning. This ability is not in the hands of mankind nor is it in the hands of angels.



Question: Who handled the salvation of mankind?

Answer: Jesus. Jesus took on flesh and in doing so made himself as humans. Except he was more than simply flesh, he was also God. Jesus did this so that he could take the place of every sinful man and woman before God. This does not mean, however that everyone will accept Jesus to step in their place. If you refuse to accept Jesus as the son of God and the savior of the world, you also refuse for him to pay the price for your sins. Then what happens is your life is lost because you cannot pay for your sins yourself. Who are you that God would think about you? You are important to God because he first created you by making man. Now he wants to create you as his sons and daughters by redemption or because Jesus has saved you from your sins. You are just that important to God. He does not want you to die and lose the opportunity to come and be with him in heaven.



Prayer: Lord help us today to accept the gift of salvation that you have given to the world. I may not understand fully the reason why but I know if I continue to trust you, you will help me understand the reason why I need a savior. Help me to accept in my heart that I need you to live the life you call me to.

Teaching Notes

when we think of the beauty of God's earth, it is no wonder we think how do I stack up to all this beauty you have created? Yet, we do because we are important to God.

But Who am I?

Psalm 8:3-4 (The Message)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?



Notes: The psalmist ask a question to God in great wonder. After looking at the great skies and all that God has created, why would he then turn to us, humans and be bothered with us. The question is why do you great God take a second look our way?



Question: What do you think is God's answer to this question?



Answer: God takes a second look at us even when we ask, 'But who am I?", because he loves us. It is that simple and complicated at the same time. We cannot truly understand the love of God completely. We understand it somewhat. We can realize that he cares for us even when we do not deserve it. We might be able to understand that he was willing to let his Son die for us when we were still sinners and even when we still refuse to accept him. But can we truly understand the completeness of God's love? No. Yet, even though we do not understand it nor do we appreciate it as we should, God still loves us and is mindful of us. He continually thinks about us, even when we don't think about him.



Prayer: Lord, help us to realize how important we are to you. You care for us greatly and you have all that we need ready for us but we keep rejecting it and turning after wrong things. Thank you for loving us enough to help us see you and know that you do care for us.

Teaching Notes

This is me at work. I have often sat down and wondered, what can I say and will the people accept the words I write? Just as God spoke to Moses to reassure him, God reassures me that the great "I Am" is sending me to tell the people about his word. Is there an assignment you are running from?

But Who Am I?

Exodus 3:13-15 (The Message)

Then Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, 'The God of your fathers sent me to you'; and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What do I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, 'I-AM sent me to you.'" God continued with Moses: "This is what you're to say to the Israelites: 'God, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.' This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known.



Note: Moses asks God a question, what will I tell the people when they ask me who has sent me? God tells him to say, "I Am-Who-I-Am" has sent me.

Question: What do you think this name means?



Answer: "I am" is a state of being, active and alive. For example, when we say, I am hungry or I am happy. We are talking about our state. God then says, I am who I am. I am active and I have always been active. I am in a state of being who I am. It also tells me that you and I must be careful when we say "I am" referring to ourselves. We in fact were created in the image of God, the "I am". So When God calls you and I and says he will send us on a mission, we can tell others that the God that created us, that knew us and formed us is the one that sends us. We are not coming in our own power but in the power and the might of the great "I Am". This should give us encouragement because we can say "I am capable", "I am a mighty warrior". Not because of who we are, but because we have the great "I am" inside of us and he is the one that makes us capable of doing all things through Christ.



Prayer: Today Lord we say thank you for giving us your spirit and equipping us to be able to say we are yours and that you the great "I am" lives in us and because of it we are able to say "I am a child of God" and "I am more than a conquer in Christ Jesus". Amen.

Teaching Notes

Can you image how Moses must have felt, hearing a voice speak to him from a burning bush? Yet, he did not let his fear keep him from doing as God instructed. We should not let our fears keep us from doing as God instructs us either.

But Who Am I?

Exodus 3:9-12 (The Message)

The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the Egyptians. It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt." Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" "I'll be with you," God said. "And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain."

Note: God has spoken to Moses and given him a great assignment to go to Pharaoh and ask him to release the people of God. Moses listens to the assignment, but his response is "But why me?" or in another version "Who am I?"

Question: Why do you think Moses asked this question?

Answer: Moses was looking at what he thought to be his limitations. He said to God I stutter. Moses was looking at his own ability and he could not see how he could go into Pharaoh and ask him to release the people of God. Yet, God was not looking at Moses through human eyes. God knew what he was going to do through Moses and inspite of his weaknesses or shortcomings, he was still going to do a wonderful work. God reassures Moses that he will be with him. God does the same for you and I today. He calls us to do some awesome things, but we become afraid and think, but who am I, I can't do that. God does not want you looking at things through your own eyes, but ask him to help you see through his. He wants to encourage you that you can complete the task because he will be with you.

Prayer: Lord today help me to realize whatever you call me to do, you will help me do it. You will be with me and you will give me the strength to accomplish and finish the job.

The Graduates

This is Joselyn at her graduation with her family.











As I was looking at pictures of my own child graduating, I took a look back at my own time in high school. Yes, these are of me when I was a Senior at Harlan High School. I think I was cute. And I think I have aged quite nicely, if you don't agree, keep it to yourself!



























This is Joselyn with me, her proud mother and her father, James.
























This is Deja at her graduation. We are quite proud of her accomplishments.

Teen Chat

Deja Blair graduated from eight grade as the valedictorian. It is wonderful to see our young people doing wonderful things. Take a listen to her speech from her graduation. Great going Deja!

Teaching Notes

Disciples also must be disciplined. It does not just come natural to do what is right. One must be trained in the things of God. These youth were being trained to sing songs and they took the time to become disciplined in what they needed to do. This is true for us as well, we must continue to allow God to teach us his ways.

How do I Become a Disciple?

John 8:25-32 (The Message)

They said to him, "Just who are you anyway?" Jesus said, "What I've said from the start. I have so many things to say that concern you, judgments to make that affect you, but if you don't accept the trustworthiness of the One who commanded my words and acts, none of it matters. That is who you are questioning—not me but the One who sent me." They still didn't get it, didn't realize that he was referring to the Father. So Jesus tried again. "When you raise up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am—that I'm not making this up, but speaking only what the Father taught me. The One who sent me stays with me. He doesn't abandon me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing him." When he put it in these terms, many people decided to believe. If the Son Sets You Free Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."

Notes: The Pharisees questioned Jesus ability to speak about himself as the Son of God. They did not want to take Jesus' word on the matter. Jesus told them he was speaking not his own words, but the words of the Father. The people were having a hard time understanding what Jesus was saying and become of it, Jesus had to explain it again. When he did he told them that those that understood he's saying could be his disciples.

Question: What did it take for individuals to be a disciple of Christ? And why do you think he was willing to explain the way more than once?

Answer: Jesus said if you stick with this you will be his disciple. The "this" is that Jesus was sent by the Father to do the work of the Father. If you believe that Jesus was sent by the Father, then you will become a disciple of Jesus. He was also willing to explain it more than once to the people because he did not want anyone to miss the opportunity to be saved. When you and I accept Jesus as the son of God and repent of our sins, God makes us a disciple of Jesus. This is what God sent Jesus to do, become the lamb that would pay for the sins of the world. If we believe this and accept it, we then believe the words Jesus spoke as being the words of his Father. The be his disciple means we are now followers and he will teach us his ways and help us to go into the world and reach others.

Prayer: Lord, help us to understand what it takes to be your disciple. And we thank you God that when we don't understand, you will teach us and you will not turn us away because we do not understand. Thank you this day for helping us to be all that you want us to be as your disciples.

Teaching Notes

These youth were taught a song in sign language. Their instructor was willing to take the time to make sure they understood the words and the signs for them. That is what God will do for us. He is patient to help us understand his instruction for our lives.

How do I Become a Disciple?

Luke 11:1-3 (The Message)

One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." So he said, "When you pray, say, Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."

Notes: Jesus' disciples saw him praying and asked him when he was finished to teach them to pray. Jesus teaches them what we have come to know as the "Our Father" prayer.

Question: Why do you think Jesus did not reject them, but teach them instead?

Answer: Jesus taught them because he wanted them to know what was right. He did not expect them to "just know" what to do, instead he was willing to show them what to do. It isn't that they must pray these exact words, but it is the an example of showing how to praise God first before asking, then to pray for his will to be done, for your spiritual safety and needs and then for our relationship with others. Today, Jesus still wants his disciples to be equipped for the journey. God wants to teach you to pray so that you will know what the will of the father is.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray so that we can be your disciples. Help us so that we can be equipped for the mission that you have set before us. Thank you for caring enough about us that you will teach us your ways.

Teaching Notes

I found myself in Oklahoma getting my degree in Christian Ministry. I had no idea that being a follower of Jesus would lead me here. That's true about being a follower. You do not know all the places God will take you, but you must be willing to follow him where ever he leads.

How do I Become a Disciple?

Mark 14:47-49 (The Message)

Jesus said to them, "What is this, coming after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I've been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. What you in fact have done is confirm the prophetic writings." All the disciples cut and ran.

Notes: Judas has betrayed Jesus and now the mob has come to take him away. Jesus speaks to the mob and ask them why do you come to get me in this way, when you could have taken me at anytime. He then tells them this only confirms the writing from the Old Testament that told of his coming, being seized and his going to the cross. When this happens, his disciples all run away.



Question: Why do you think the disciples ran?



Answer: They were afraid. Even though Jesus has told them many times of what was to come, they were afraid to go through what might happen to them if they stayed with Jesus. This is true for us today. We sometimes want to run away when dangers come to us for being a follower of Christ. To be a true disciple of Christ, we must be willing to stand in the face of dangers. We must be willing to follow Jesus where ever that may take us. If it takes us to hard places, we must not run scared. If it takes us to lonely places we must not run. The reason why is because we will not be going to those places alone, we will be going with Jesus. He will never leave us to face anything along.


Prayer: Lord thank you for helping us to stand strong against any dangers that we face. Help us to trust you and not let what we see scare us. Give us strength today and courage to follow you no matter where it leads us.

Teaching Notes

In order to play the game, the children had to be willing to follow the instructions given to them. They had to line up and wait their turn. What happens if they refuse to follow the instructions? Their is no order. God wants order in our lives that is why we must listen to the instruction of the Holy Spirit and follow, just as the children had to follow Sis. Rhea.

How do I Become a Disciple?

Matthew 16:24 (The Message)

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Notes: Jesus speaks to his disciples about what it truly means to be his disciples (followers). He tells them they can only be his disciples if they let him lead the way. He lets them know they cannot drive, he has to be the driver of their lives. Wouldn't your parent think it odd if your mother or father were driving the car and you just tried to take over the wheel while they were still driving? It could cause an accident if you did. This is why God says you can't drive if he is, because two people cannot lead. He tells them they cannot try to help themselves out of situation (such as suffering and pain) but they must instead be willing to sacrifice themselves even if it means going through hardship for his sake.

Question: What do you think the difference is between self-help and self-sacrificing?

Answer: In our world today, there are many "self-help" books and teachings. These are set up to help you cure yourself or whatever is bothering you. If you are depressed, then you can read a self-help book and follow all the instructions and you will be fine is what the teaching is. What do you think is missing in that equation? God. There is no God in a belief that you can cure yourself and get rid of all your problems. To be "self-sacrificing" means you are willing to let go of trying to fix it yourself even if things seem to be getting worse when you do. You willingly let God handle the fixing and taking care of your life. This is the mark of a true disciple, one that does not rely on themselves but on God completely.

Prayer: Lord, today help me to be a true disciple. Help me to stop trying to fix everything myself. Help me to stop trusting in myself and to place my trust completely in you. When I do, I AM truly a disciple of Christ.

Teaching Notes

When we invest in our youth we prepare them to be disciples for Christ.

Teaching Notes

Matthew 15:11-13 (The Message)

He then called the crowd together and said, "Listen, and take this to heart. It's not what you swallow that pollutes your life, but what you vomit up." Later his disciples came and told him, "Did you know how upset the Pharisees were when they heard what you said?" Jesus shrugged it off. "Every tree that wasn't planted by my Father in heaven will be pulled up by its roots. Forget them. They are blind men leading blind men. When a blind man leads a blind man, they both end up in the ditch."

Note: Jesus has called his disciples to himself, at different times. Each one he called, he called from the different places and different walks of their lives. Here the disciples ask him a question after Jesus has spoken harshly to what the Pharisees have said. The disciples are afraid of what will happen because of Jesus' words to the Pharisees.

Question: What is Jesus' response?

Answer: The scripture says that Jesus shrugged it off. Meaning he was not afraid of them. The Pharisees were one of the religious groups of his time. They were putting rules on people there had nothing to do with God's commandment. They were rules of men and not of God. The Pharisees were not happy about what Jesus was doing. He was in fact teaching his disciples something important. What he was teaching them was they must have a boldness. In order to be a true disciple of Christ, you must not be afraid of telling the truth, Jesus wasn't. Jesus tells his disciples that those that are not truly following God are like the blind leading the blind, they are leading you into a ditch. So Jesus calls for disciples that are willing to tell the truth at all times.

Prayer: Lord, help us not to be afraid of what people will think of us. Help us to be bold for you and be willing to speak the truth as Jesus did. He did not allow what others would say to stop him, he shrugged it off and continued to go out and reach people that were in need of him.

Teen Chat

Prom favors - These are the favors from the prom, very nice indeed.

It's make up time! I've been doing the make up for the girls in my family for over 20 years (oh my God, I'm old). I've made up 4 nieces and now my daughter over the years for proms.

This is me just adding a few touches to Joselyn. My God, my child is going on prom, where did the time go!

This is her date coming with his aunt and sister to see them off.

This is my Joselyn! With all the dresses where our young ladies are not cover, it is wonderful to see a wonderful princess look. She picked out the dress without me! We recently looked at my old prom pic' and realized we wore about the same colors. I word a slightly different shade of blue and silver accessory. I guess when they say, like mother, like daughter they are correct.

Teen Chat

What you can't see is all the camera's flashing. You would have thought we had movie stars in the house. Well, this was their night and they looked the part.

The had to pose for the many request for pictures. And they did it with a great attitude.

They went along with some other couples in this limo.

The flowers were beautiful.

Joselyn was beautiful, she looked like a princess (well, she's beautiful anyway) and her date, "K" was handsome. They looked lovely. No one told me it would be like this when the children grow older.

This beautiful dress was quite a dress! The skirt was seven layers.

Teaching Notes

What are You Worth?

John 3:16 (The Message)

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Notes: This week we have talked about some of the many sacrifices that the people had to give. We also learned that the blood of these animals could not really remove the sin of man, but it would take blood to do it. That blood would be the son of God. God sent his son to the earth all because he loves and we can find our worth in him. All that was done during the times of animal sacrifice was to lead men to Jesus as the savior of the world.

Question: The scripture says that those that do not accept Jesus as savior are under a death sentence. Why?

Answer: This does not mean simply dying, this means the death of being separated from God and the life that he gives. When one does not accept Jesus, they do not receive the gift of eternal life. God loves each of us enough that he valued us worthy of the gift of salvation that his son paid for with his life. If you and I reject Jesus, we reject God. When we accept Jesus as the savior of God, we accept God and all that he has for us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to realize I have worth and value in you. Help me to accept your gift of salvation given by your son Jesus Christ. Help me to give you myself so that you can live in me. Amen.

Teaching Notes

Everyone enjoys planning a vacation to a tropical place. You think about the excitement and the joy you'll have there. You make sure that you do what you need so that you can get there. It is the same with our desire to see God one day. In order for us to reach that destination of paradise, we must do the right things here to get there. The right think is accept the gift of salvation from God. (picture by Joselyn Williams)

What are You Worth?

1 Corinthians 15:50 (The Message)

I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don't in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom?

Notes: This scripture calls for us to understand some important things about life. Our natural body is going to die. Simply being alive does not mean it will lead you to heaven. There are many that have a wrong belief that simply because you are alive, when you die if you are "good" then you are going to heaven when you die. This scripture however, says if you live only a natural life, why would you expect to receive a spiritual one?

Questions: What do you think this scripture is calling us to do?

Answer: This scripture is calling us to look at ourselves. If you remember the earlier scriptures this week, we learned that God called for sins to be atoned for through blood. Under the Old Testament the offering of the blood of animals did not completely remove sin. When Jesus gave himself as the only sacrifice of blood that would be once and for all, it gave us the opportunity to apply this sacrifice to our lives. So the question in scripture for us is, do not simply live this life and believe you have been forgiven. You must take some actions. That action is the acceptance of the gift of salvation so that you will now have a spiritual life and only this life allows you to reach the life Kingdom (Heaven).

Prayer: Lord help us today to stop trying to live a life of being good in ourselves. Help us to live a life for you by first accepting the gift of salvation from your son.

Teaching Notes

Isn't it wonder to find a place where you matter? In a world that says you have no value, God places a great value and price upon you, because he died for you. When no one else will show love to you, know that God always loves you.

What are You Worth?

Leviticus 9:7 (The Message)

Moses instructed Aaron, "Approach the Altar and sacrifice your Absolution-Offering and your Whole-Burnt-Offering. Make atonement for yourself and for the people. Sacrifice the offering that is for the people and make atonement for them, just as God commanded."

Notes: We again see instructions from the Old Testament regarding the offering of sacrifices for the sins of the people. There were many types of offers to make. Here we see the whole-burnt-offering and the absolution-offering. The priest had to make atonement for themselves as well as the people. This sacrifice must be done just as God commanded or it would not be valid.

Question: What does atonement mean?

Answer: The word atonement carries with it the idea of the just, holy, righteous side of God's nature being satisfied. God's law required death as the penalty for sin. When God saw the death of the innocent sacrifice, he was satisfied that the demands of his law had been carried out. Sacrificing an animal on an altar did not take away the sin. Man was still sinful. The sacrifice only pictured what was necessary for sin to be forgiven — death and shedding of blood. The blood provided an atonement or covering for sin. And this atonement had to be done God's way or it was not acceptable. This means that you and I cannot come to God just any way we want like the world tells us. There are not many paths to the true God. There is only one way and that way is through his Son Jesus Christ. Also, Jesus' blood was able to eliminate all the many offerings that had to be made for the forgiveness of sins. Now there was only one sacrifice. Once and for all!



Prayer: God we thank you for the living sacrifice of your son, Jesus. He came to give his life for us. We thank you for salvation and forgiveness. Jesus was able to do what no animal could. His blood forgives forever. Thank you.

Teaching Notes

There are things that we value. Our time is one of those things? We would not want to waste our time on things that are worthless. What if God said to us, I will not waste my time on you, because you have made yourself worthless by your worship? That would not feel good at all. Aren't you thankful God is patient with us when we don't get things right? We are always valuable to God.

What are you Worth?

Malachi 1:6-8 (The Message)

"Isn't it true that a son honors his father and a worker his master? So if I'm your Father, where's the honor? If I'm your Master, where's the respect?" God-of-the-Angel-Armies is calling you on the carpet: "You priests despise me! "You say, 'Not so! How do we despise you?' "By your shoddy, sloppy, defiling worship. "You ask, 'What do you mean, "defiling"? What's defiling about it?' "When you say, 'The altar of God is not important anymore; worship of God is no longer a priority,' that's defiling. And when you offer worthless animals for sacrifices in worship, animals that you're trying to get rid of—blind and sick and crippled animals—isn't that defiling? Try a trick like that with your banker or your senator—how far do you think it will get you?" God-of-the-Angel-Armies asks you.

Notes: Yesterday, we saw in part that God gave the people specific instructions on how to honor or worship him. They were to give offering based on God's requirement. In this scripture the people are being rebuke (or corrected). They are bringing worthless animals to God for their sacrifices. God is not pleased with this.

Question: What does it mean to have a defiled worship?

Answer: When God sets a standard of worship, it is not acceptable for us to change it or do as we feel. When we change worship or give what is of no value to God, it is considered defiled. In today's understanding, if God calls for you to come and yield yourself to him, he has a price or value set on you and he considers that acceptable. Yet, if you decide to do what you want and just give God "something of yourself" you are making your offering of yourself worthless.

Prayer: Lord help us understand their is a price attached to us. When we yield to you completely, you accept our offering. However, when we do not yield completely to you, our worship is defiled or worthless. Help us to be acceptable in your sight.