This week, I felt the leading of Holy Spirit to teach the same lesson as the TOTs and K2 classes but for the older kids. So, this week, we talked about the Old Testament judges that God would send. Before He sent the judges, we would turn the Israelites over to their enemies.
In Judges 2:13–14, it reads, “They made the Lord angry because they deserted him. They served Baal. They also served female gods that were named Ashtoreth. The Lord became angry with the Israelites. So he handed them over to robbers. The robbers stole everything from them. The Lord handed the Israelites over to their enemies all around them. Israel wasn’t able to fight against them anymore and win.” (NIrV)
God let them fight their own battle, and because God was not fighting with them, the Israelites could not defeat their enemies. Their enemies plundered them.

It began when they no longer followed God, Instead of doing things God’s way, the Israelites did things their own way and worshipped other gods. What a terrible mistake! As a result, God would let the enemies of Israel would defeat the Israelites.

When they were defeated and then plundered, they would remember God and turn back to Him. The Israelites would cry out to God, our forgiving Father, and in return, He would send them a judge to help them do things His way again.

Think About It: Always remember, God’s Ways are Better!

Group Questions:
1. What did this lesson teach you about God?
2. What did this lesson teach you about you?
3. From this lesson what is He asking you to do and/or what is He going to do?
4. How did you hear from God today?

God Encounters:
I kept encountering God this week in my struggles. Father God is so kind and loving. When I face struggles, He doesn’t leave me alone. He is with me always. I don’t do anything to deserve His presence. He cannot deny Himself, He said. “I will never leave you.” Yes, there are times when we cannot feel His presence, but He is still there. And, every time this week when I became worried about whatever, He would graciously send me more peace.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”
– Deut. 31:6

Devotion:
It can be hard to always walk in the way of the Lord. Even when we want to walk with Him, the distractions of this world can sometimes pull us from Him. Though the distraction might pull us away from God, He never leaves us. He is always with us. Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I believe this is one of the reasons why God wants us to have a Christian family. They can always help us find our way back to God, much like the judges of the Old Testament. He does not want to be surrounded by bad influences. 1Cor. 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

The Israelites fell away from God seven times in 350 years. Each time they did, God would forgive them and send them a judge to help them find their way back.

I want you to remember that every time the Israelites fell away from God, God would welcome them back. Therefore, since God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, He wants to welcome you or your family or friends. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus promised that we would suffer hardships, but He said to have courage, He has overcome the world. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

It is our King who helps us when we need it. We just need to stay by His side. If we are not by Him, we are to repent and come back to Him.

I want you to use the teaching from this lesson to help yourself and/or to help others.

Testimonies:

Even corrections from God are testaments to His goodness. Last week, I implemented God’s directions to close teaching with a small group and ask four questions. I did and witnessed why He wanted them to know who He is, Who they are, what He is going to do, and what He wants them to do as a result of each lesson. He wanted us to review these questions because they were not applying each lesson to who He is and who they are. Thank you, Lord!

“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,” – Ephesians 6:18

$20 Memory Verse:
‘The ways of God are without fault. The Lord’s words are pure. He is a shield to those who trust him.’
– Psalms 18:30

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