Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 7.4.11.

Series: Vintage Faith
Samuel

Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, the young man entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the receptionist’s counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office.

The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area. After a few minutes, he stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in. Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was happening. They muttered amongst themselves that they hadn’t heard any summons yet. Surely the young man went into the office by mistake and would be disqualified. Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, “Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled.”

The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, “Wait a minute, I don’t understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That’s not fair!”

The employer said, “I’m sorry, but all the time you’ve been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: ‘If you understand this message, them come right in. The job is yours.’ None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his.”

This past weekend Ben talked about Samuel and his experience with listening to the still, small voice of God. John 8:47 says, “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” This week the Living It Out daily study will help you, if you profess to be following Jesus Christ, become more aware of the times when God is speaking to you. If you have yet to become a Christ-follower, then you’ll be more aware of how you can become one and start to hear His voice.

We live in a world that is full of busyness and clatter, like the Morse Code office. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks to them. What about you? Are you tuned in to God’s voice? Do you hear God when He speaks to you? Are you listening?
-portions adapted from sermoncentral.com, Holy Headphones

IN THIS WEEK’S STUDY WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS ON LISTENING AND LIVING OUT GOD’S WILL FOR OUR LIVES.

MONDAY — Hearing from God
Big Point: God’s will is simpler than we tend to make it.

Here is an observation from Bill Hybels, author of the book, The Power of a Whisper: “The message that the Lord then spoke to young Samuel was a prophetic promise that would radically impact an entire nation. But the content of that message is not what struck me as I sat in my wooden grade-school desk. What struck me was the fact that the content got conveyed through the ears and lips of a little boy!”

Young Samuel was asleep in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God when he heard someone calling him. Three times Samuel went to Eli and asked if Eli was calling him. After repeatedly telling Samuel to “Go back to bed,” Eli finally realized it was God who was calling Samuel. Eli told Samuel the next time he heard someone calling his name to tell God he was listening. When God spoke again, Samuel responded.

READ…What does the Bible say?
1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version)
12Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)
28And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Matthew 28:19-20 (New International Version)
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

THINK…Find the answers
Throughout the Bible, God uses unusual people to deliver important messages. God chose Mary to give birth to His Son, Jesus. God used a shepherd boy named David to encourage the Israelites and slay a giant and women, to proclaim Jesus’ resurrection. No one is too insignificant to be used by God!

In 1 Timothy, what encouragement does God give young people? What instructions?

Matthew 28:19-20 is referred to as The Great Commission, in which Jesus gave final instructions to his followers after His resurrection. What did Jesus call all Christfollowers to do?

LIVE…What will you do now?
When you read Matthew 28:19-20, what information do you gather that helps you identify God’s will for your life (if you consider yourself a Christ-follower)?

What situation is challenging your faith these days? Is there something you keep asking God about over and over again because it seems that He hasn’t provided an answer? What is it?

Re-read Romans 8:28. If you really trust that your heavenly Father loves you and that He is powerful and He is a provider, then stop freaking out! You are going to get where God wants you to go. What verses testify to God’s provision for you? (You might need to get out your Bible, but finding those verses is worth it!)

PRAY…God, what do you want me to know & do?
In the box to the right is a poem that Bill Hybels memorized as a little boy. This child’s prayer can be your inspiration as you pray today that God will give you ears like Samuel to be open and hear His word.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Proverbs 17-18
17:3—It takes intense heat to purify gold and silver. In the same manner, Christians have the potential to experience tremendous spiritual growth while enduring intense challenges.
17:5—Making fun of those who are less fortunate is offensive to God because we are called to love and care for those who lack the ability to provide for themselves.
17:8— “lucky charm” The Bible does not condone bribery, but the writer does observe that bribery is effective in getting what one wants.
17:9—Is there someone that you need to forgive today for offending you? Remember, forgiveness is choosing to let go of the offense, but it isn’t the same as reconciliation (which may or may not be possible).
17:14—If we followed the counsel of this verse, our marriages and interactions with our children and parents would improve immediately.
17:22—There is such potential for us to be a blessing when we are known for greeting others with a smile on our face.
18:4—Even though we cannot know the future, when we have God’s wisdom planted within our hearts, we are able to apply it to every situation in life.
18:6—This verse evokes a question: “How often do you get into arguments with others?” If you are always getting into disagreements with others, perhaps you need to consider the words that you use.
18:8—Everyone likes to hear the “dirt” about others. However, if we refrain from hearing the first tidbit, it’s easier to ignore the rest.
18:21—This verse reflects the theme of James 3.
18:24—King Solomon may not have been familiar with the term “frenemy.” Are you known as a friend that blesses or breaks down friendships?

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 6.10.11.

FRIDAY — Reflection

We’re at the end of this week’s LIO and so it’s time to reflect on the things that you’ve experienced during this week’s study.

• As you look back on this week’s study, what ideas/concepts were you challenged to think about the most?

• Reflect on the various verses that you read this week. Which verse was the most meaningful for you? Why? How has this verse impacted you?

• On Tuesday, we looked at the “Bystander Effect” and how people rarely break away from a group to take action. Yet, when someone does get involved, others usually follow. Have you identified an environment in your life where you need to break away from the crowd and stand up for your faith? How can you have courageous faith and display it in a way that honors God and demonstrates humility toward others?

• Were you able to think of different ways for you to live out your faith more courageously? Did you act on any of them? If so, how did it go?

WEEKEND REMINDERS:
• Dave Ramsey’s Life.Money.Hope – June 14 and 15.—Did you barely make it through the first half of the year financially? Do you want to improve your financial outlook for the second half of the year? In this two-day seminar, you will watch a three-part series from popular author, financial expert and top-rate television host Dave Ramsey. This seminar runs simultaneously with KidVille’s Summer Blast. Cost for Life.Money.Hope is $10 and includes book and course materials.
• Leadership Summit—Don’t forget to register for this year’s event! Special CedarCreek attendee discount rate still applies, but don’t delay! To register, go to www.cedarcreek.tv/summit for more information or to register.
• Annual Business Meeting—Want to hear about our annual budget or information about the plans for our church over the next year? CedarCreek’s annual business meeting is Sunday June 26 at 5pm at the Perrysburg Campus.

HomePointe Family Activity Section
Big Point: We are courageous and stand up for what we believe, it makes it easier for others to be courageous and stand up for what they believe as well.
Lesson: There are lots of people in our society who courageously stand up for what they believe. It’s always a great idea to talk as a family about what makes a person courageous, whether it was a courageous action or taking a stand for faith. The best time to have these conversations are when we hear any story of a courageous person or perhaps, taking the time to read a biography of someone who was bold and courageous enough to stand alone for what he or she believed in.
Activity: Answer the following questions:
1. Who is the most courageous person you know personally? Why did you pick that person?
2. What is the bravest or most courageous thing you have ever done? What did you learn about yourself when you chose to be courageous?
3. This week, we learned about Caleb and Joshua and how they courageous stood up for God when the Israelites were against them. In what ways can you let others know that you stand for God?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the example of Caleb and Joshua. We pray that we will always be courageous and brave for You. We know that when we are courageous, others will be inspired to be courageous, too.

Living It Out: Scripture Memory JUNE 2011
Joshua 24:15 (New Living Translation)
“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Living It Out
It is the dream of CedarCreek that everyone who calls this their church home will be reading and studying the same topics, both individually and in groups. Each week, join with thousands of others at CedarCreek Church in applying God’s Word, the Bible, into your daily life. Our hope is that while we learn and grow together, as individuals and as a church, we will collectively live out the weekend message.

Living It Out resources, such as the Daily Bible Study, Daily Bible Reading Plan, Discussion Questions and Scripture Memory Verses, are designed to help us embrace a missional mindset…a mindset that compels us to love Jesus, serve others and tell the world about Christ.
Living It Out: Daily Bible Study…Daily Bible study activities to reflect on the weekend message
Living It Out: Daily Bible Reading Plan…Read through the New Testament in a year
Living It Out: Discussion Questions…Weekly questions to discuss with others
Living It Out: Scripture Memory…Memorize one Bible verse per month

All of these resources are also available electronically at www.livingitout.tv, where you can subscribe to have any or all of them emailed to you as they are updated.

We Want Your Feedback!
Tell us about any questions or comments you have about this week’s Living It Out: Daily Bible Study. Forward them to barbr@cedarcreek.tv.

RESOURCES:
Daily Bible Reading Commentary compiled by Rick Kinney
HomePointe Family Activity by Chantele Henry

This week’s Living It Out: Daily Bible Study written by:
Barb Roose
Kate Roose
Sam Roose

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Judges 1-3
1:1 “after the death of Joshua…” Descriptions of the book’s setting in Judges 1 and 2 vary between times after Joshua’s death and flashbacks summarizing conditions while he was alive.
1:2 “Judah is to go…” The tribe received God’s first go-ahead to push for a more thorough conquest of its territory. The reason probably rested in God’s choice that Judah be the leader among the tribes. 1:6 “cut off his thumbs and big toes…” Removing the king’s thumbs and big toes rendered him unable to use a weapon and unstable on the battlefield. This made him unable to fight in the future.
2:1 “I will never break my covenant with you…” God would be faithful until the end, but the people would forfeit blessing for trouble, due to their disobedience.
2:12 “they followed other gods…” Idol worship, such as the golden calf in the wilderness, flared up again. Many different gods from the area’s inhabitants entered the life of the Israelites.
2:14 “In His anger against Israel…” Calamities designed as chastisement brought discipline intended to lead the people to repentance.
2:16 “the Lord raised up judges…” A judge, or deliverer, was distinct from a judge in the English world today. Such a leader guided military expeditions against foes. There was no succession or national rule. They were local deliverers, lifted up to leadership by God when the deplorable conditions of Israel in the region around them prompted God to rescue the people.
3:10 “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him…” Certain judges were expressly said to have the Spirit of the Lord come upon them. HomePointe

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 6.8.11.

WEDNESDAY—Courage comes when we are courageous!
Big Point: We don’t need to pray for courage. We just need to be courageous and then, we will have courage!

Spc. Ross McGinnis was traveling in a Humvee convoy in Northeast Baghdad. His convoy’s mission was to patrol the streets as well as find a place to put a 250-kilowatt generator that would provide electricity for over 100 homes.

While stopped on the street, an insurgent dropped a grenade from a rooftop above Spc. McGinnis’ Humvee, which was last in the convoy. McGinnis was manning the vehicle’s machine gun. He yelled “grenade” and prepared to jump out of the truck according to those in his vehicle.

However, Spc. McGinnis realized that no one else would be able to get out of their positions soon enough to escape without injury or death, so instead of saving his own life, McGinnis threw his body against the grenade and smothered the explosive with his body. The grenade exploded as soon as McGinnis covered his body with it, killing him instantly. The others in the vehicle survived the explosion.

John 15:13 says that the greatest love we can have for others is when we lay down our lives for them. It takes courage to put someone else’s needs above our own because we are naturally wired to seek fulfillment of our own desires and wishes. Courage doesn’t come naturally. It only comes when we act courageously.

READ…What does the Bible say?
1 Corinthians 16:13 (New Living Translation)
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Psalm 27:14 (New Living Translation)
14Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Psalm 31:24 (New Living Translation)
24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!

Joshua 1:9 (New Living Translation)
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

THINK…Find the answers
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, the Apostle Paul is summing up principles for powerful living for the oft-wayward Corinthian church. Look at each of Paul’s short admonitions. How are they related with each other?

LIVE…What will you do now?
We all want to think that we could be as courageous as Spc. Ross McGinnis. However, we never know if we are courageous until the moment that courage is needed arises. At that moment, we don’t have a lot of time to decide if we are going to be courageous—we either act with courage, or we don’t.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done? Why did you decide to act? How did you feel once the situation was over and you could reflect on your actions?

When is the last time you took a stand for your faith? (Ex: inviting someone to church, sharing your faith, standing up for injustice, tithing, giving up a sinful pattern of behavior) Why did you feel compelled to act or speak? How did that act of courage change you?

If you haven’t taken a stand recently, could there be an opportunity for you to try again? If so, what would you do?

PRAY…God, What do you want me to know & do?
We could pray for God to give us opportunities to be courageous, however, those opportunities are all around us. We just have to pray and ask God for a fresh perspective on the new ways He wants us to live out our faith with bold courage.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Exodus 33-36
33:7 “the tabernacle of meeting…” In the time prior to the construction of the tabernacle, Moses’ tent became the special meeting place for Moses to talk intimately with God.
33:12-17 Again, Moses entered earnestly and confidently into the role of intercessor before God for the nation whom he again referred to as “Your people.” Moses clearly understood that without God’s presence they would not be a people set apart from other nations.
34:1 “cut two tablets of stone…” Renewal of the covenant meant replacement of the broken, original tablets on which God had personally written the Ten Commandments.
34:29-35 The first time on the mount, unlike the second, had not left Moses with a face which was reflecting some radiance associated with being in the presence of the Lord for an extended period of time.
35:1- 40:38 In this section, the Israelites constructed the tabernacle as God so prescribed in chapters 25-31.
35:30- 36:1 The Lord also gave the two named artisans skill in teaching their trades. This substantiates that they were, most probably, the supervisors or leaders of the construction teams.
26:2-7 The people, stubborn and disobedient at times, nevertheless rose to the occasion and voluntarily brought much more than was needed for the building of the tabernacle.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 6.6.11.

Series: Vintage Faith
Joshua & Caleb

If you’ve been doing the CedarCreek Old Testament Daily Bible Reading, you have been reading about the Israelites’ exit from slavery in Egypt in dramatic fashion. Since God’s chosen people had been freed, their next stop was supposed to be The Promised Land—known as a place “flowing with milk and honey.” Now, there wasn’t literally going to be milk and honey all over the ground—that would get kinda sticky and gross. The Promised Land was a place set apart by God for the Israelites to rebuild their lives and their community. However, the Promised Land was already occupied with other inhabitants that had to go before the Israelites could move in.

From the very beginning of the Israelites’ journey, God promised them a land that would be a blessing to them as well as for generations to come. However, God’s promises were forgotten by the majority of the explorers once they became fearful of the inhabitants of the land.

During this weekend’s message, we explored differences between the courageous faith of two of the explorers, Joshua and Caleb, versus the fearful, cowardly response of the other ten explorers.

By definition, courage is doing something difficult, even when we are scared; or courage can be our decision to stand up for something even though we are being pressured to conform or do nothing. Joshua and Caleb might have seen the giants in Canaan, but they decided to believe God’s promise to give them that land. Unfortunately, they were alone in their decision to stand up for God. Can you identify with their situation?

Some of you are courageous enough to attend CedarCreek each week even though no one else in your family will come with you. Perhaps, you are the only person in your office who dares to read a Bible during breaktime or a lunch hour. It’s hard to be courageous when everyone else seems to be against you, but that is the very courage that God calls us to display. However, we don’t have to worry about those who stand in opposition to what we believe because the Bible tells us in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” There is always going to be those who stand in opposition to our faith, but their combined power and influence isn’t enough to move a flea’s wing when compared to the incredible power of God working in us and through us.

In each of our lives we have an opportunity to stand for something at some point in our lives. Being courageous doesn’t mean that we wait until it is easy to act, rather courage is taking a stand and acting when the pressure is most intense.

IN THIS WEEK’S STUDY WE WILL EXPLORE JOSHUA AND CALEB’S GREAT COURAGE UNDER PRESSURE.

MONDAY — Vintage Faith=Courageous Faith
Big Point: We cannot develop high quality faith without being courageous.

Courage: Acting even when you are scared; standing up for something even though you are being pressured to do nothing or conform.

On October 21, 2003, a young 13-year girl named Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a violent shark attack off the coast of Hawaii. A talented surfer, Bethany started riding the waves when she was just a toddler and by eight years old, Bethany was competing in surf contests.
During the attack, Bethany was critically injured. She was rushed to the hospital to endure several operations and her left arm had to be amputated. Many people thought Bethany would never surf again.
But, they were wrong. Nineteen months after the shark attack, Bethany won the 2005 NSSA National Surfing Championship and many other awards since then.
A committed Christ-follower, Bethany believes that God is using her story to inspire others and share Christ with them. Her story came to the silver screen earlier this year in the movie, “Soul Surfer.” Bethany’s courage gave her the determination never to give up and she has continued to trust in God and reach for her dreams.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Numbers 14:6-10 (New Living Translation)
6 Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” 10 But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb.

Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

THINK…Find the answers
Numbers 14:6-10 tells the frustration and despair of Joshua and Caleb after the Israelites decided to believe the ten explorers who believed that they would be crushed by the inhabitants of the Promised Land versus trusting that God would give them victory.

In the passage, Caleb and Joshua tried to remind the Israelites of God’s what?

What evidence did Caleb and Joshua have to prove the case for God’s faithfulness? In verse 10 we read about how the entire community decided to turn against Caleb and Joshua. Why do you think they turned against the two men?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Living the Christian life takes tremendous courage! Especially since there are so many influences that woo us away from living out our faith. Can you think of a time when you should have taken a stand for your faith? What happened? What should you have done differently?

Our core beliefs and values are revealed when we are under pressure. While we think that peer-pressure only applies to teenagers, we have to realize that peerpressure is highly influential at any age. When do you sense a great pressure to back off your commitment to live out the Christian life and “go with the flow?”

PRAY…God, What do you want me to know & do?
It’s easy for us to look at the circumstances in our lives and become worried or afraid—yet, God calls us to be courageous because He is on our side. What giants are threatening your life right now? Spend some time reflecting on God’s record of faithfulness in your life and then talk to God about how you are doing when it comes to living out your faith courageously in places where you are tempted not to.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Exodus 25-28
25:2 “an offering…willingly…” Voluntarily and freely the people were given opportunity to contribute to the nation’s worship center from a list of fourteen components and materials needed.
25:9 “tabernacle…” The first five books of the Bible record five different names for the tabernacle: “sanctuary,” denoting a sacred place or set apart; “tent,” denoting a temporary or collapsible dwelling; “tabernacle,” denoting the place of God’s presence; tabernacle of the congregation,” and “tabernacle of the testimony.”
25:16 “the Testimony…” This is the designation for the two tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments.
25:18 “cherubim…” Forged as one piece with the golden cover of the ark were two angelic beings rising up on each end and facing one another.
27:1 “altar…” The largest piece of equipment, also known as the “altar of burnt offerings,” was situated in the courtyard of the tabernacle. Like other pieces of furniture and equipment, it was built to be carried by poles.
27:16 “gate of the court…” The curtain forming the covering for the entrance way into the courtyard was colored differently from that which surrounded the oblong courtyard. Clearly there was only one way to enter this very special place.
27:20 “pure oil of pressed olives…” The clear oil from crushed unripened olives granted almost a smoke-free light.
28:3 “gifted artisans…” This was the first reference in God’s instructions to Moses that certain men would be especially empowered by God to work skillfully on this construction project.