Day 4: The Promise

"He took him (Abraham) outside and said, 'Look up at the heavens and count the stars -- if indeed you an count them.'  Then He said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'"  Genesis 15:5

Main Character:  Abraham
Scripture:  Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-6
Symbol:  Field of Stars

Do you know that it is estimated that a septillion snowflakes fall to the earth each year?  Yes, that is one followed by 24 zeros for you non-math geeks!  Interestingly enough, some scientists also believe this could be close to the number of stars at any given time in our galaxy.  Isn't it amazing the way God works in creation!

This morning we received a rare gift in North Carolina - it started snowing.  Not only is it snowing, but it is actually sticking to the ground.  It is as if were are all being told, "Christmas is here!  Get excited!"  I can only imagine the wonder that Abraham was feeling as God was giving him a similar sign.  Abraham (also known as Abram) was living in a pretty difficult period of time where godlessness abounded.  In his personal life, he dealt with the stress of having a wife who was barren.  Yet, God called this unlikely man to become the "founding father" of His greatest generation.

God made a promise to Abraham that He would give him and his wife Sarah (Sarai) the gift of a natural born son.  This would be the start of a family tree so great that it would outnumber the stars in the sky.  Imagine the old man staring up in wonderment at the clear, starry sky.  It's important to note that like most of us, Abraham and Sarah let their excitement turn to impatience.  Sarah went so far as to tell Abraham to have a child with one of her servants - and so Ishmael was born.  This led to conflict and jealousy between the two women.  It would take a full 13 more years before Abraham (now 99 years old) and Sarah would become the parents of Isaac.  This would be the line of descendants that would bring us to Jesus.

Ponder Points:

• With your younger children, discuss the concept of how strange it would seem to Abraham to learn he would have numerous descendants.  Can they think of something too big to count?  Maybe sand on the beach or cars in the crowded parking lots.  :)
• What promise did God make to Abraham?  How was it fulfilled?
• What promises do you feel God has made to you and your family?  What's it like to wait for that promise to come true?  Do you trust God or do you try to make things happen on your own?
• This lesson provides a good opportunity to talk about praying for God's direction with your children.  Maybe try praying for something specific with your children at bedtime tonight.

Day 3: The Flood

"Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind."  Genesis 9:13-14

Main Character:  Noah
Scripture:  Genesis 6: 9-22; Genesis 7:17 - 8:22; Genesis 9:8-17
Symbol:  Rainbow

The story of Noah and the flood is one that most of us have heard in the past.  You know how it goes - the world is corrupt, Noah builds an ark, the animals march in, the flood comes, then the water recedes for Noah and his family to repopulate the earth. 

To many, this may seem like a pretty far fetched story.  Earlier this year, there was even a great deal of talk about whether the ark had been found on the top of a Turkish mountain.  A popular search engine pulls 4.79 million results for the phrase "location of Noah's Ark."  There are handfuls of scientists, believers and skeptics alike, that have dedicated their lives work to proving or disproving this passage of scripture.

Today, I challenge you to focus on some of subtleties of this passage rather than they mystery of what happened to the giant ark.  Most people in Noah's day probably thought he was psychotic.  It took amazing faith and trust to dedicate his life to following what he knew was God's plan.  In exchange for his faithfulness, the God of the universe came to Noah's level and formed an unbreakable promise.  This pact with Noah is an essential part of our Christmas story.

Noah had three children of his own - Shem, Ham, and Japeth.  They assisted their father in building the boat and joined him along with their wives on the forty day journey we studied today.  Shem is particularly important to our story.  Luke 3 lists the genealogy of Jesus, and who is included - Noah and Shem.  God fulfilled his promise to Noah by ensuring his family played a role in bringing salvation to all of mankind.

Ponder Points:

• This is a great way to reinforce the concept of obedience that we began to study yesterday.  What was the result of Adam and Eve's disobedience compared to Noah's obedience?
• Remind your older children that even though Adam and Eve initially disobeyed, God used them anyway.  It is possible to be redeemed from your mistakes!
• Have you ever been teased for being different?  Share with your children how you have used one of your unique traits to help others.
• Remember the rainbow!  It was a visible sign of God's covenant of Noah.  Talk about a time you have witnessed a beautiful rainbow.  Let your children know that this an everyday way that God reminds us that He cares for us.
• Noah's actions set up his sons for greatness.  How can you as a parent or mentor set up a young person in your life for success?

Day 2: The First Sin

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."  Genesis 3:6

Main Character:  Adam and Eve
Scripture:  Genesis 2:4 - 3:24
Symbol:  Apple

Being a parent, I am now more aware than ever before of the result of that day in the Garden.  We have entered what some call the "terrible twos."  A good friend of ours commented that they begin now and end when your child is eighteen.  If I am completely honest, it is amazing how fast I can go from being completely enamored with my son to wanting to go hide in another room when he starts a tantrum.  These moments are not often, but they do occur. 

These times give me a glimpse into what God must have felt when Eve then Adam took a bite of the forbidden fruit.  Before those bites everything was literally perfect.  There was no shame, no guilt, no anger, no regret, and no tantrums.  One small decision changed everything.

I would argue that this is the most important piece of scripture we will read over the next several weeks.  Without the first sin there would be no need for Christmas.  Fortunately, our awesome God had a plan in place to bridge the gap that immediately formed when He found himself separated from the pinnacle of His creation.

Ponder Points:

• Use today's scripture lesson to begin the discussion of what sin is with your family.  This is can be extremely difficult concept to understand.  Depending on the age of your children, keep it as simple as possible.  Ask them to describe a time when they felt scared, lost, or alone.  Can they remember a time when they disobeyed you? 
• With your older children, take it a step further by discussing instances in our community or world where they see the result of this separation from God.
• Consider this - Adam and Eve made one small decision that changed the course of history.  Discuss the good and bad choices you have made along the way that have impacted your life.
• Above all else, it is important to remind our families today that we have been separated from God, and the baby Jesus will be the "unlikely one" that will bring us back together.

Day 1: Creation

"So God crated man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

Main Character:  God
Scripture:  Genesis 1:1 - 2:3
Symbol:  Dove

Have you ever tried to build a gingerbread house?  Every year around this time the Grove Park Inn located in Asheville, NC invites competitors from all over the country to enter specatular gingerbread houses, no gingerbread mansions, into their annual competition.  They have even been featured on the Food Network. 

This competition is so inspiring that last year I decided we should make one at home...with our 14 month old.  I had visions of a perfectly square gingerbread cottage that would be held together with sumptous royal icing and covered with sparkling gumdrops and candy canes.  Let me just tell you, it was a disaster.  I could not grasp why the sides would not stand up straight, why Brady could not put the candy right where it was "supposed to go," and why there was icing EVERYWHERE.

As I read the creation story in preparation for today's lesson, I immediately thought of my gingerbread nightmare.  No matter how hard I tried, my creation would never be competition worthy.  Fortunately, when God created the heavens and the earth He was much more in control.  Every piece of creation was perfectly made, especially the first man and woman.  They were pure and carefree, not unlike a dove.  This symbol reminds us that God created man to live with him and to share the beauty of all else that had been created.

Ponder Points:

• What is the most beautiful thing that you have ever seen in nature?  Why do you like this thing so much?
• Have fun with this question!  Try to encourage your children to appreciate the beauty of God's creation and the hard work that went into making things so intricate.
• Why did God make the first man and woman?
• Discuss how God created them to share in the beauty of creation with Him.
• Brainstorm ways you can take time to appreciate the things around you more this week.  Pick an idea and carry it out.

Introduction to the Jesse Tree

Do you ever feel like it is becoming harder and harder to remember why we celebrate Christmas?  How do you make this wonderful season more about the birth of Christ rather than just presents?  I came across the Jesse Tree concept while looking for some unique ways to teach our children about what Christmas is all about.  If you do not have children or yours are grown, this study is still for you!

The Jesse Tree study uses symbols and passages of scripture to follow the fullfillment of God's promises and the lineage of Christ through the Old Testament until the birth of Christ.  Each day, I will post a scripture passage along with illustrations and questions.  Take 15-20 minutes a day to travel with our family through these devotions.

Start today by reviewing 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Isaiah 11:1-10 to learn where the Jesse tree gets its name.  Notice that by selecting David to be king, God is already teaching us to expect the unexpected.

"...I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem.  I have chosen one of his sons to be king."  1 Samuel 16:1.

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."  Isaiah 11:1

The Homemaker

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:41-42

Scripture:  Luke 10:38-42

I can describe our life right now in one word:  busy.  We now have two children, two cats, and two full-time jobs.  One of us commutes over an hour a day on top of working fifty hours a week, and the other can work as early as 6:45 am and as late as 10 pm depending on the week or day.  Not to mention we have a house and two cars that need to be maintained.  Then there is the desire to be involved with our church, exercise, and volunteer.  Sound familiar to you?

Our passage today is all about this concept of busyness.  Martha was homemaker who lived with her sister, Mary.  The two were faithful believers in Jesus and His ministry, but that may be where their similarities end.  Martha seems to be your typical Type A personality; she is constantly trying to keep her house in perfect order, to be the perfect hostest, and to keep those around her in line.  Mary, on the other hand, is your Type B personality.  She is much more laid back, takes in her surroundings, and stops to soak in each and every word before taking action.

There is nothing inherently wrong with either personality type, but Martha let her desire for perfection skew her perspective.  She was having her own encounter with Christ, yet she let her busy work prevent her from experiencing His love and wisdom.  Not only did she pass on the opportunity to talk to God to do chores, but she also berated her sister for not helping.  Jesus quietly corrected Martha's thinking by praising Mary for her willingness to choose the freedom of dwelling in His presence over the chains of busyness that tied Martha down.

Adult Reflections:

• How would you describe your current life situation?  Do you find yourself being held down by the "chains of busyness?"
• What is something you can immediately eliminate from your life to decrease your busyness level?
• Does your personality type align more with Martha or Mary?  How does this effect your spiritual life?
• Are you passing on opportunities to dwell in God's presence?

Teenage Reflections:

• Remind your child that Jesus is not telling us that chores should always be ignored!  :)
• Talk about your child's current schedule with them.  Do they feel overwhelmed with all that has to be accomplished?
• Honestly discuss priorities.  Are you enabling your child to be too busy?  Discuss what can be eliminated from their schedule to make more time for God.
• Do you relate better to Mary or Martha?  How high on your priority list is a relationship with God?

Elementary School Reflection:

• Ask your child to describe what it means to be busy.  Do they ever feel like their schedule is too busy?
• What are some of your child's favorite and least favorite things to do.  Are any items on the "least favorite" list that can be removed from their schedule for more free time?
• Have your child describe what Jesus thought about Martha's behavior compared to Mary's behavior.  Who do they think was acting in the best way?
• Remind your child that sometimes we need to work and sometimes we need to rest.

Preschool Reflections:

• This concept may be a hard for child of this age to understand.
• Instead of talking about being busy, talk about how there are certain times to do certain things.  We need to play sometimes, eat sometimes, and nap sometimes.
• Lead by example.  Practice taking time out to rest and play with your child at unexpected moments over the next few days.

The Young Boy

"'If you can'?" said Jesus.  "Everything is possible for him who believes."  Mark 9:23

Scripture:  Mark 9:14-29

Like many college students, I was required to take a speaking class as part of my major's curriculum.  We discussed all aspects of delivering the perfect presentation and spent much time focusing on the structure and organization of the message being delivered.  One guideline especially stuck out to me - if you want something to be remembered, repeat it three times.

Since receiving this piece of advice, I have noticed this type of pattern in many books, articles, and lectures.  Repition was created to help us take notice, and Jesus uses this tool very effectively.  Any time a situation or phrase is used more than once in the Bible, it is almost as if He is telling us, "Hey, dummy.  Pay attention!"  Yesterday's lesson featured an example of possession and the awe inspiring power of Jesus.  Today, we see a similar story featuring a young boy whose body was no longer his own.

The boy's father was so distraught by the pain his son was experiencing that he rushed to Jesus the minute he arrived in town.  He fought his way through the large crowd and was able to get the "teacher's" attention.  I find it very interesting that he refers to Jesus as teacher rather than Lord.  He is encountering the living incarnation of God and is still uncertain if Jesus really is who he claims to be.

The man proceeds to beg for Jesus to heal his son because nothing else has worked.  Not even the other disciples were able to release the boy from bondage.  The demons were so powerful that they were not only effecting the boy, but were also causing his father to doubt the power of God.  In response, Jesus calmly casts the demon out and then gives two important reminders.  Number one:  anything is possible for those who truly believe.  Number two:  certain things can only be accomplished through prayer.

Does this mean that if we have positive thoughts and pray our hardest all will be right with the world?  In some cases, yes.  In other cases, no.  Jesus did not say that believers would get everything they wanted.  Instead, He said the solution to life's problems could be possible.  Any of our wildest thoughts could come true if they fit within God's plan.  This encounter made the young boy and his family realized that nothing is outside of His power.

Adult Reflections:

• The boy's father wanted to believe but was held back by his doubt.  Do you find yourself doubting parts of scripture or the reality of God's power?
• What makes you have these doubts?
• Write down one of your doubts.  Take time each day to pray over this doubt and ask for it to be released from your life.

Teenage Reflections:

• Talk about what it means to doubt someone or something.  Ask your child to think of a time when someone said or did something that made them doubt the power of God.
• Why can't we always get what we want?  Why do you think that God prevents and allows certain things from happening in our lives?
• If appropriate, have your child complete step three above.

Elementary Reflections:

• As I mentioned yesterday, passages that discuss evil and demons may be overwhelming for children in this age group.  You may have to change some of the wording as appropriate.
• Use this opportunity to talk about prayer.  Is there something specific that your child would like to see happen?
• Try to develop a plan for praying for this specific thing over the course of this month.
• How does it feel when we are told that we can't have something we want?  Remind your child that disappointment is a part of growing up.  Usually, it means that there is something better around the corner.
• God hears all of our prayers, but He may not grant all of our wishes.

Preschool Reflections:

• Again, you may need to modify the wording of some of this passage as to not frighten your child.
• Talk about how the boy's father cared for him so much that he did everything he could to make sure he would not get hurt or be sick anymore.
• Ask your child to expalin how they take care of something that is special to them (maybe a special toy or stuffed animal).  Remind them that God takes care of us even better than we can take care of our special things.
• Practice praying to God for protection.  For example, "Dear God, please keep me safe while I ride in the car to preschool."

The Hermit

"Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'"  Mark 5:19

Scripture:  Mark 5:1-20


Demon possession.  Sounds like a fun discussion, huh?  (I hope you note my sarcasm!)  Our passage today is not the easiest for us to understand or even fathom.  Most of us could probably say that the closest thing we have seen to demon possession has been splashed across the big screen in movies such as The Exorcist.  Many of us have not even experienced a feeling of being in the presence of true evil.  Given the previous two statements, let's instead start with something we probably have experienced - the feeling of rejection.


The unnamed man we read of today had been forced into a life of seclusion.  His strange and even terrifying behavior made him an outcast, a hermit.  I can only imagine how people must have felt to observe his behavior.  Did they have a strange fascination?  Were they mortified?  Did they whisper about him?  Did they give up on him?


The Hermit definitely had a strong and evil presence within him that was begging to be released.  It was only when this legion of demons encountered the Living God - Jesus - did they realize there was hope.  Jesus' power was so great that it was felt "from a distance."  When Jesus cast the demons out of the Hermit and relieved his suffering, the reaction of the masses is quite interesting.  Instead of rejoicing and praising the fact that the Hermit was healed, they shunned Jesus and ran him out of town.  The could not grasp what they had just witnessed an were to proud to admit that maybe there was a little of this evil inside of themselves.


Now what became of the Hermit?  Encountering the Christ altered his life in such a dramatic fashion that he begged to follow Jesus on His travels.  But, Jesus had another plan.  He asked the Hermit to stay put, to share what he had felt and learned with others.  The Hermit heeded these words and traveled to Decapolis; this was an area of ten cities clustered around the Sea of Galilee.  They were amazed at the Hermit's account and accepted him into their society.  Despite being rejected for much of his life, he was able to find comfort and purpose through the love of Jesus Christ.


Adult Reflections:

• Have you ever felt rejection?  How did you handle these types of situations?  Do you turn to Christ or to other things for comfort?
• If you turn to other things, how does this impact your life?  Are you spending money, relying on alcohol, taking your rejection out on others, etc.?
• Are there "demons" in your life that need to be released?
• What are you doing to help or hinder this process?

Teenage Reflections:

• Discuss the first question under the adult section with your children.  If possible, give them an example of when you have turned to Christ in the face of rejection.
• Has God ever done something great in your life?  Have you been as willing as the Hermit to share this experience with others?
• Do you ever make others feel like an outcast?  How can you work towards correcting this behavior?

Elementary Reflections:

• This passage could be scary and hard to explain to certain children of this age.  Feel free to rephrase as appropriate.
• Focus on the feeling of rejection.  Have you every been teased or bullied?  How did this make you feel?
• Discuss how they think Jesus views people versus the way the we sometimes view people.  How can we view others more like Jesus?

Preschool Reflections:

• See the first point under elementary reflections.
• Talk about how the Hermit was sad.  Jesus made him feel better by being kind and nice.
• Have your preschool think of something nice they can do for someone else in the family (even a pet or stuffed animal).  Help them carry out their "plan."

The Tax Collector

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."  Hosea 6:6

Scripture:  Matthew 9:9-13

Almost the minute the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day, my mind immediately wanders to what lies ahead.  Now, I am not referring to resolutions, dreams of success, or fear of the unknown.  I am referring to tax season.  That's right, tax season.  The most dreaded time of the year for many American families. 

I completely understand why we pay our taxes and enjoy having well maintained roads, city parks, trash collection, and quality schools in our community; the process of completing my returns in what sets my nerves on edge.  There is always this foreboding feeling that I am forgetting something or that I will enter a figure in incorrectly or that I am missing a deduction.  I definitely do not want to miss out on money that is rightfully mine.

In biblical times, this feeling of dread over tax season was probably multiplied ten fold.  The tax man was one of the most hated of all citizens.  These collectors worked for the Roman government and supported their lush lifestyles by up charging their "patrons."  Many of the Jews already looked upon the Roman government with disdain, especially the Pharisees, and the tax collectors became an instant symbol for everything that was wrong in the world.  They were liars, cheaters, and sinners.

Matthew was one of these tax collectors.  He was one of those liars, cheaters, and sinners.  You may be wondering - is this the same Matthew the gospel is named after?  Yes, it is.  How does a lying, cheating sinner go from this lifestyle to a disciple to a namesake of a gospel in the Holy Book?  The answer is simple.  Matthew had an encounter with the Living God that turned his world upside down.

Jesus made it his prerogative one day to choose Matthew from the crowd.  He must have seen something special in the man that no one else had identified.  Instead of a lengthy discussion about his evil ways, Jesus simply asked Matthew, "Follow me."  They returned to Matthew's home for a night of feasting and discussion,  Matthew was able to let down his guard and release his shame.  By making this choice, Matthew was giving up his job, his income, and his powerful status in the community.

Jesus met Matthew on his level and treated him like a person, not a sinner.  Reputations were put aside so that even the gravest of sinners could form a relationship with the true God.  This action was so powerful that other "sinners" came to the house and experienced the power of Christ's healing.  The Pharisees, Jewish holy men, could not stand that thought of this unlikely "Messiah" having the power to change lives in this way.  They tried to embarrass Jesus, but He simply ignored their trap and reminded them that all who sin are in need of a Savior.

Adult Reflections

• Our reputations are probably one of our most guarded "possessions."  Have you ever let your reputation stand in the way of serving others?
• Is there an area of shame in your life that is holding you back from having a true encounter with Jesus?
• This passage illustrates that all of God's creation is in need of healing and redemption.  Do you find yourself shying away from helping those in society that are obviously sinful?  What actions can you take to reach out to others in the community?

Teenage Reflections:

• Reputations are very important in middle and high school.  Discuss with your child the perception they have of their reputation and the reputation of others.  Do they find themselves hiding their beliefs in school to avoid being seen a certain way by their peers?
• Jesus saw something in Matthew that many others did not.  How can you learn to look past others outward appearance to see their inner needs? 
• Depending on your situation, this may be a good time to promote self-esteem.  What are some positive characteristics in your child that you see that others may not?

Elementary Reflections:

• Review the basic points of the passage with your child making sure they understand that Matthew was acting badly, Jesus loved him anyway, Matthew listened to Jesus, and they he changed his behavior.
• Ask you child to recall a time that they acted badly.  Did they follow Matthew's example of listening to correction and changing their behavior.  If no, why not?  What makes it hard for us to change?
• Is there someone that your child is afraid of - a bully, a homeless person, etc.?  Talk about this situation and how meeting Jesus could change that person's life.  Take time tonight to pray for that person.

Preschool Reflections:

• Take time to review the basic points of the story with your child as listed above in the elementary school section.  We tell our son that Matthew was the "tax man" as this is much easier to say and understand than "tax collector."
• Keep it simple.  Tell your child how Jesus helps us to stop doing bad things.  You can use this opportunity to talk about listening to adults.  We have been practicing this skill by playing a fun "I Spy" game where we verbally give our son instruction on an item to find in the room.

Introduction: Encountering the Living God

"When the angles had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'" Luke 2:15

Happy New Year!  I hope you have enjoyed the Jesse Tree study over the Christmas season, and are excited to continue studying scripture as a family in 2011.  We are making the commitment to engage with scripture more individually and as a family this year, and I look forward to you joining us on this ride.

If you are new to this site, let me give you a brief introduction and some suggestions on how to use this tool.  Each day you will find a scripture lesson and devotion that is geared towards you as an adult.  I will then offer a set of questions for you to consider.  Take time to think and reflect on the lesson and prepare to share what you have learned with your family on the following night.  Included with each devotion will be three sections of questions - one for preschoolers, one for elementary students, and one for teenagers - to help start discussion among your family.  The goal is to be studying and discussing the same passage of scripture as a family in an age appropriate manner.  It is possible!

Much of our Jesse Tree study was spent looking at passages of scripture that showed the need for a Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history.  Many of the lessons came from the Old Testament and culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ.  This month we are going to spend time studying those that encountered Jesus, the "Living God," and how this experience effected their life.

Take some time tonight to reflect on these definitions of the word encounter.

en·coun·ter

–verb (used with object)

1. to come upon or meet with, esp. unexpectedly: to encounter a new situation.

2. to meet with or contend against (difficulties, opposition, etc.): We encounter so many problems in our work.

3. to meet (a person, military force, etc.) in conflict: We will encounter the enemy at dawn.

 

–verb (used without object)

4. to meet, esp. unexpectedly or in conflict: We were angry when we encountered, but we parted with smiles.

 

–noun

5. a meeting with a person or thing, esp. a casual, unexpected, or brief meeting: Our running into each other was merely a chance encounter.

6. a meeting of persons or groups that are in conflict or opposition; combat; battle: Another such encounter and we may lose the war.

7. Psychology . a meeting of two or more people, as the members of an encounter group or a number of married couples (marriage encounter), conducted to promote direct emotional confrontations among the participants, esp. as a form of therapy (encounter therapy).