Anderson Hills

Our world judges on externals, by how we look on the outside. God does not make judgments that way, He looks at the heart. God also wants his people to resist judging on externals. This week, we see this truth in the anointing of David as Israel’s king. There are many lessons we can learn from the life of David. We learn from the early years of his life that we all need at least one person who will see our great potential to be what God wants us to be. Just as David was underestimated by others, we too can expect to be underestimated; we often underestimate ourselves. Just as David went through a season of testing, God will test us as well, to develop our character and integrity.

The key idea this week is “distortion.” Webster defines distortion as follows: “To twist something out of its original shape.” As we come to the Book of First Samuel in The Story, we will examine the distortions of the perfect picture God set before His people. This week, as we read about the lives of Eli, Samuel and Saul, we will see three major distortions—the distortions of phoniness, conformity, and misrepresentation

The key idea this week is “distortion.” Webster defines distortion as follows: “To twist something out of its original shape.” As we come to the Book of First Samuel in The Story, we will examine the distortions of the perfect picture God set before His people. This week, as we read about the lives of Eli, Samuel and Saul, we will see three major distortions—the distortions of phoniness, conformity, and misrepresentation

The Story this week is about Ruth. Ruth had the same need as we do—the desire to be accepted. We will see that being accepted and knowing where you are going comes at a high price. Ruth was a Moabite living in Bethlehem. She ended up there with her mother-in-law Naomi when her husband died. She found herself picking up the leftovers after the harvest in a field owned by Boaz. Boaz discovered she was an outsider—a Moabite—the same people who would oppress his nation for eighteen years. Instead of treating her harshly or turning her away, he welcomes her into his family. God’s acceptance came to Ruth through Boaz and your acceptance did too.

The Story this week is about Ruth. Ruth had the same need as we do—the desire to be accepted. We will see that being accepted and knowing where you are going comes at a high price. Ruth was a Moabite living in Bethlehem. She ended up there with her mother-in-law Naomi when her husband died. She found herself picking up the leftovers after the harvest in a field owned by Boaz. Boaz discovered she was an outsider—a Moabite—the same people who would oppress his nation for eighteen years. Instead of treating her harshly or turning her away, he welcomes her into his family. God’s acceptance came to Ruth through Boaz and your acceptance did too.

Seven hundred years after God’s promise to Abraham, the people of God are in their own land, God is present in the tabernacle, laws guide their lives and a sacrificial system exists for forgiveness of sins. The people were truly blessed by God, but there is a problem—sin. Sin still reigns in the hearts of the people. God’s people kept putting themselves into a never-ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance. Judges like Deborah and Gideon and Samson helped them find their way back to God. What were the people doing that was so bad they needed judges? Two things: first, they failed to put God first in their lives; and second, they did not teach their children to know God. These two sins led to their downfall and ruin.

Seven hundred years after God’s promise to Abraham, the people of God are in their own land, God is present in the tabernacle, laws guide their lives and a sacrificial system exists for forgiveness of sins. The people were truly blessed by God, but there is a problem—sin. Sin still reigns in the hearts of the people. God’s people kept putting themselves into a never-ending cycle of disobedience, discipline, declaration of wrong, and deliverance. Judges like Deborah and Gideon and Samson helped them find their way back to God. What were the people doing that was so bad they needed judges? Two things: first, they failed to put God first in their lives; and second, they did not teach their children to know God. These two sins led to their downfall and ruin.

After 600 years from God’s promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, the children of Israel are ready to advance into the Promised Land—but there is a big problem. There are wicked people already living in the land, including some literal giants. The children of Israel under a new leader, Joshua, are at Kadesh-Barnea where 40 years earlier they took a major wrong turn. Under Joshua, God tells the new generation to take the land. Joshua is told four times by God to “be strong and courageous.” Now is the time for courage!

Leading Israel was like herding cats. Moses had over 3 million kids on a road trip who were complaining and asking, “Are we there yet?” Just like a long car ride with the kids, there was one thing Moses could count on happening as they wandered through the desert, grumbling and complaining. Grumbling does not set well with God. In fact, our grumbling can lead to our wandering. The Israelites failed to believe that God could be trusted, and their unbelief cost them forty years of wandering; they would wander until the unbelieving generation died out. The decisions you make affect those around you, just like the Israelites. You can decide to wander without purpose through life or follow God’s vision for your life. Just don’t forget that those in the backseat will be affected by your decisions.

Leading Israel was like herding cats. Moses had over 3 million kids on a road trip who were complaining and asking, “Are we there yet?” Just like a long car ride with the kids, there was one thing Moses could count on happening as they wandered through the desert, grumbling and complaining. Grumbling does not set well with God. In fact, our grumbling can lead to our wandering. The Israelites failed to believe that God could be trusted, and their unbelief cost them forty years of wandering; they would wander until the unbelieving generation died out. The decisions you make affect those around you, just like the Israelites. You can decide to wander without purpose through life or follow God’s vision for your life. Just don’t forget that those in the backseat will be affected by your decisions