Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Introductory Thoughts
Christians are supposed to strive to be Christlike. For this reason, today’s lesson will involve searching the scriptures to learn about the nature of God. One constant theme concerning the Lord’s nature is that He endures. The Bible not only proclaims that the LORD will personally endure for ever (Psalm 9:7; Psalm 102:12), but the scripture declares forty-two times that His mercy “endureth for ever.” God’s enduring mercy means that man does not always receive the bad that he deserves. The Bible also proclaims that many other things directly associated with God will endure. These include God’s “goodness” (Psalm 52:1), “name” (Psalm 135:13), “truth” (Psalm 100:5), “glory” (Psalm 104:31), “righteousness” (Psalm 111:3), “dominion” (Psalm 145:13), and “word” (1 Peter 1:25). In other words, the God of the Bible and all things directly associated with Him will endure for ever.
Devotional Thoughts
· (For children): You are playing outside with some close friends. Your mother calls and says it’s time to come in and get ready for church. Your friends want you to stay and play a little more, but you leave immediately. How have you helped them and truly been a good friend?
· (For everyone): As children of God, we are to be like our Father. The changing world does not change who and what God is and how He interacts with others. Could the same be said of you?
· God’s endurance enables us to consistently depend upon Him. He provides for us an anchor on which we can rest in troublesome times. What kind of an effect does your endurance or lack of endurance have upon others?
Prayer Thoughts
· Ask God to help you to be the same regardless of your changing surroundings.
· Ask God to strengthen your level of endurance especially as the world’s morals continue to deteriorate.
SONG: Great Is Thy Faithfulness