Does God Care About Obedience?

Does obedience matter to God? We will explore that more in a moment. There is a beautiful wildflower native to eastern North America that has the common name of obedience plant (Physostegia virginiana). It blooms in summer with showy, pink, bell-shaped flowers. It resembles foxglove. Each stalk can have ten to twenty flowers in a cone formation. It has a faint odor some describe as mint-like.

Why would a wildflower have a name like obedience? The essence of a wildflower is that it grows when and where it wants and is not subject to the gardener. The obedience plant has an bizarre trait. You can easily bend and manipulate the stem any way you want. When you let go, it stays in that shape. The stems have a malleable quality like wire.

With most plants, if you gently twist the stem, it will return to its original shape as soon as you let go. Not so with the obedience plant. The stem bends to your will and dutifully faces in the direction it is placed when released.

That is the model of obedience Christ left for us. Jesus followed the will of the Father all the way to the cross. God certainly cares about our obedience. He has left plain instructions in his Word on how we are to live and conduct ourselves in this life. God rarely speaks directly to his children to give additional instructions. It is not hard to know the will of God or what he expects of us. To know what God expects is as simple as opening the Bible.

The hard part is following it. The Bible tells us it is impossible for us to be perfectly obedient to the will of God, on our own. Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience following God’s instruction as faithfully as the obedience plant. He did that in our place because we cannot. The Bible promises to make us more like Christ every day we live. God expects us to become more obedient each day we follow him. If we ask God, he will give us the strength to follow his will even when it is hard.

by David F. Garner

Questions to discuss or ponder:

1: What can you do today to show God your desire to be obedient?

2: Does God expect that we will be able to live in perfect obedience here on earth?

3: What does God desire, outward obedience or our desire to submit to his will? Explain.

4. What part does grace play in our obedience to God?

Does obedience matter to God? We will explore that more in a moment. There is a beautiful wildflower native to eastern North America that has the common name of obedience plant (Physostegia virginiana). It blooms in summer with showy, pink, bell-shaped flowers. It resembles foxglove. Each stalk can have ten to twenty flowers in a cone formation. It has a faint odor some describe as mint-like.

Why would a wildflower have a name like obedience? The essence of a wildflower is that it grows when and where it wants and is not subject to the gardener. The obedience plant has an bizarre trait. You can easily bend and manipulate the stem any way you want. When you let go, it stays in that shape. The stems have a malleable quality like wire.

With most plants, if you gently twist the stem, it will return to its original shape as soon as you let go. Not so with the obedience plant. The stem bends to your will and dutifully faces in the direction it is placed when released.

That is the model of obedience Christ left for us. Jesus followed the will of the Father all the way to the cross. God certainly cares about our obedience. He has left plain instructions in his Word on how we are to live and conduct ourselves in this life. God rarely speaks directly to his children to give additional instructions. It is not hard to know the will of God or what he expects of us. To know what God expects is as simple as opening the Bible.

The hard part is following it. The Bible tells us it is impossible for us to be perfectly obedient to the will of God, on our own. Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience following God’s instruction as faithfully as the obedience plant. He did that in our place because we cannot. The Bible promises to make us more like Christ every day we live. God expects us to become more obedient each day we follow him. If we ask God, he will give us the strength to follow his will even when it is hard.

by David F. Garner

Questions to discuss or ponder:

1: What can you do today to show God your desire to be obedient?

2: Does God expect that we will be able to live in perfect obedience here on earth?

3: What does God desire, outward obedience or our desire to submit to his will? Explain.

4. What part does grace play in our obedience to God?

Photo:

Hardyplants at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Outdoor Object Lesson 104: Renewed By Water

Key Text


"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16 (KJV)


Lesson


The blue mahoe tree (Hibiscus elatus*), also known as the majagua, is the national tree of Jamaica. This beautiful tropical tree has wide, round-shaped leaves and flowers that resemble a hibiscus. They come in lovely orange-red and yellow-orange shades. The bark is coarse and thick. It grows from 60 to 80 feet (18-25 m) tall. Because of its wide leaves this mighty tree provides ample shade from the hot tropical sun. It has a straight trunk and thick wide branches that are fantastic for climbing. This tree is indigenous to Cuba and Jamaica. The blue mahoe is popular as an ornamental tree because of its beauty and shade. It is also popular for its resources. The sub-layer of the bark is strong and fibrous for making rope. The wood is the most sought after part. The outer wood is light similar to pine. The inner section, known as the heartwood, is a grey-blue and contrasts sharply with the outer wood.

The beautiful colors of the wood make it a popular choice for building cabinets and furniture. The grain of the wood is very straight which makes it ideal for tool handles. It is very durable and resists moister damage and fungus growth.1 This makes it a perfect choice for axe handles. In Cuba it is also a popular wood for making baseball bats. Craftsmen are experts at selecting various woods for specific applications based on its properties. That is why they often use the blue mahoe for axe handles and baseball bats.2 It is strong enough to withstand the stresses of repeated impacts.

Any wood, no matter how strong, will deteriorate over time. Wood that is used as a tool handle will be treated very roughly. It will be used and abused. It may be left in the sun and rain. Over time it will dry and crack especially if it is not taken care of. It will get covered with dirt and grime so thick it may be hard to determine what type of wood it is. A good craftsman knows how to restore an old and battered tool handle. It does not matter how rough the surface or how many cracks, a true craftsman can restore a tool handle to its original beauty. There is a special process that must be followed.

The first step is to remove all the dirt and grime. Water and a little soap are used to wash away the hardened dirt and grime that has built up over years of use and abuse. Next, a course sandpaper is used to smooth out any damage or surface cracks. Then the deeper cracks are repaired with special filler putty and the whole thing is sanded with a fine sandpaper until it is as smooth and bright as when brand new. Finally, a sealer is applied to defend the wood against dirt and grime and to keep it from cracking.

This process of renewal is similar to the spiritual renewal Jesus offers. When you were created in the womb, God, the Great Craftsman, formed you for a special purpose. He gave you specific traits and talents suited to the plan he had for your life. Just like the blue mahoe is suited for axe handles because of its properties, you were suited to the plan God has for your life because of the properties he gave you. But at birth you entered a world filled with sin. You have been used and abused. You are filled with cracks and covered with dirt and grime. You no longer have a new shiny finish. But the Great Craftsman can restore you.

First, he will wash away all the old dirt and grime. This process happens inside the mind of each person that accepts him as Savior. He asks us to be publicly baptized by submersion in water as a symbol of the washing that is taking place on the inside. Then he will sand away the cracks and defects in our character. He will fill and repair any damage we have. This happens over a lifetime. Finally, he will seal his work so that no dirt or grime can mar his beautiful masterpiece.

Questions

Do you feel like you have been used and abused in this rough life?

Do you think there is something in your life that cannot be fixed?

Are you ready to ask God to begin this process in your life right now and then get baptized?

If you have already been baptized will you ask God to continue fixing the cracks and defects in your life until you are his masterpiece?

Sources

1.  Julissa Rohas-Sandoval, "Hibiscus Elantus (Blue Mahoe)", Invasive Species Compendium online, (September 27, 2018), accessed July 3, 2019 from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/27120#tocontributors.

2.  Expert wood craftsman in interview with the author, June 26, 2019, Majagua Cuba.

Written by David F. Garner
Photo credit: David F. Garner (taken in Majagua, Cuba, 2019)

SDA Belief Series #15

Outdoor Object Lesson 85: Better Than Metal Bones

Key Text

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Lesson

Have you ever wished that you were made of metal? That your bones were as strong as steel and could never be broken, or perhaps that you had your own metal armor? This is a dream shared by many boys but probably few girls. It is an interesting thought and one contemplated by biologists. Not long ago biologists discovered one creature that does have a metal skeleton. It is called the scaly-foot gastropod (Crysomallon squamiferum). This odd creature is a snail-like animal that lives deep in the ocean near hydrothermal vents where it is warm. They live at depths of 1.5-1.7 miles (2.4-2.8 km). Scaly-foot gastropods grow their own shell which they use as a defense from predators.

Their shell is made of a trilayered composite structure that resembles modern armor. It is made of a highly calcified inner layer, an organic middle layer, and coated with an iron-sulfide outer layer. This deep-sea snail has iron armor! It is currently the only known animal to achieve this. This metal armored shell also acts as an exoskeleton for the snail. It serves to protect it from the harsh corrosive water it lives in as well as to stop predators from eating it. This unique creature is providing researchers with new insights that may lead to better designs for materials to use in armor and all sorts of applications.1

Researchers have studied metal and other materials as possible substitutes for bone in humans. Metals and other composite materials are used to replace bones in some surgeries such as hip replacements. These materials are in many ways stronger and more resilient than bone. One critical barrier remains to replacing our bones with other materials—self healing. Our bodies are designed to heal injuries using the materials and molecules we had at birth. Our bodies are simply not designed to heal metal bones.

Humans may devise a way to replace their bones with stronger materials one day. It may seem better to never have to worry about having a broken bone. But metal bones or armor will not stop all pain or harm. It cannot prevent death. God has given us something better than metal armor. He has provided a shield for us. As it says in the key text, those who trust in God will have him as their protector, as their rock. When we submit to God and trust him to provide our protection then we can have peace. God has outlined his armor for us in Ephesians 6:10-18: righteousness, faith, truth, and salvation. With these tools we have the protection of the Almighty King, much better than any metal. The scaly-foot gastropod can go about its business, without worry of danger, confident in the armor God has provided for it. How much more can we live free from worry, confident in the protection God provides us? Are we not more valuable than a sea snail? Jesus died to redeem us, our salvation is assured. We may suffer broken bones here on this earth, but that is nothing compared to the hope we have in Jesus!

Questions

If you have had a broken bone, how did it happen?

Would you choose between metal bones or metal armor? Why?

What do we do when we trust God’s protection but still worry?

Sources

1. Yao, Haimin, Ming Dao, Timothy Imholt, Jamie Huang, Kevin Wheeler, Alejandro Bonilla, Subra Suresh, and Christine Ortiz. “Protection Mechanisms of the Iron-Plated Armor of a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Gastropod.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107, no. 3 (January 19, 2010): 987 LP-992. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0912988107.



Written by David F. Garner

Photo credit:  Kentaro Nakamura, Hiromi Watanabe, Junichi Miyazaki, Ken Takai, Shinsuke Kawagucci, Takuro Noguchi, Suguru Nemoto, Tomo-o Watsuji, Takuya Matsuzaki, Takazo Shibuya, Kei Okamura, Masashi Mochizuki, Yuji Orihashi, Tamaki Ura, Akira Asada, Daniel Marie, Meera Koonjul, Manvendra Singh, Girish Beedessee, Mitrasen Bhikajee, Kensaku Tamaki via commons.wikimedia.org. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license.

Outdoor Object Lesson 84: Almonds For You

Key Text

“Moreover God’s word came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then God said to me, “You have seen well; for I watch over my word to perform it.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭(WEB‬‬ paraphrased)

Lesson

Almonds are a spectacular nut. They offer great health benefits. They are high in vitamins E and B2, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They offer a high level of antioxidants and are beneficial for the cardiovascular system.1 These nuts have a mild taste that is great alone and with many other foods. They make a great nut butter. They can even be used to make a tasteful milk substitute.

They grow on trees and are native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. They grow well in warm regions such as California which produces 80% of the world's almonds. Although almonds are normally called a nut they are technically a seed which grows inside a hard fruit covering called a drupe. There are two varieties of almonds, sweet and bitter. As you likely guessed the sweet almond is the one that is eaten as a nut. The bitter almond variety is used to produce oil.2 The most striking aspect of the almond tree is the flowers. When in full bloom they are beautiful with five white to light pink petals. They have a rich fragrance that smells of honey butter.

In the Bible, almonds are mentioned several times. In Genesis 43:11 Jacob tells his sons to take almonds with them into Egypt as one of the best foods of the land. These are to be a present to Joseph, probably because the almond was not a native to the region of Egypt. In Exodus 25:33-34 Moses was directed to decorate parts of the candlestick for the wilderness Tabernacle with carvings resembling branches and blossoms of the almond tree. Aaron's rod yielded almond blossoms and ripe almonds to prove he was God’s choice for high priest (Numbers 17:8). The most unusual mention of almonds is in the key text where Jeremiah sees an almond branch in vision. It is an odd verse the first time it is read. God asks Jeremiah "What do you see?" and Jeremiah says, "the branch of an almond tree." Then God seems to congratulate him on his powers of observation then completely change the subject.

While God may seem absent minded at first, when reading the verse in context, it makes more sense. Throughout the chapter of Jeremiah 1 God repeatedly asks Jeremiah what he sees in vision, then makes an important statement. God uses these images as symbols. He is trying to help Jeremiah understand the crucial points of His message. Almond buds are usually the first to appear after the long winter. They usually start growing in late January before winter is completely gone.2 The Hebrew word for almond (shaked) means the tree that "hastens to awake." Here God is emphasizing his hast to fulfill his promises to his people. God would not delay in fulfillment of his gracious and divine promise. His message is the same to us today. Look at the bare branch of the almond tree, watch as I fulfill my promises in your life and make them bloom into a beautiful flower and bear delicious fruit.

Questions

What is your favorite nut?

What can you do when you read something in the Bible, like the key text, that doesn't make any sense?

Is it significant that God compares the fulfillment of his promises to a flower that blooms towards the end of winter?

What promises has God given for your life that he has yet to fulfill?


Sources
1. Joe Leech, "9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds," Healthline online, last modified September 6, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-proven-benefits-of-almonds.

2. Melissa Petruzzello, "Almond," Encyclopædia Britannica online, last modified September 20, 2018, https://www.britannica.com/plant/almond.


Written by David F. Garner
Photo credit: LinArt via www.pixabay.com

Outdoor Object Lesson 72: Limb for Life

Key Text

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24-25‬ ‭(WEB‬‬)


Lesson

Salamanders are some of the most amazing creatures on earth. When full grown they can be as small as 0.6 inches (1.7 cm) or as long as 6 feet (1.8 m). Some grow to be nearly 140 pounds (63 kg)! However most are around 6 inches (15 cm) long. They live all over the world and there are about 600 known species. One species has no legs and looks like a giant worm. Newts, mudpuppies, and sirens are all considered salamanders.

Salamanders are usually brightly colored. This acts as a warning to predators that they are dangerous to eat. It also makes them pretty for we humans. They live in a wide variety of environments from jungles, to mountains, to caves. Those that live in caves are pale and have large eyes. One mountain dwelling species, the Iranian harlequin newt, lives in the mountains of western Iran where there is only water for a few months each year. During the wet times it mates and feeds. In the long dry months it goes into a deep sleep in a burrow until the rain comes the next year.1

There are two important aspects that set salamanders apart from other animals. These two things offer an important lesson for us as Christians. The first is that they must live very close to water to keep their skin moist and to reproduce. Jesus said that he is the water of life and we must live close to this Water in order to survive. The second and perhaps most unique aspect of salamanders is that they are able to lose and regrow their limbs. This is a defense mechanism that allows them to escape when under attack. This is similar to what Jesus meant when he said whoever wants to save his life will lose it. In order to save our life and have eternal life, we must be willing to sacrifice our old life. By old life Jesus meant our old habits and thoughts. It may seem like giving up a whole limb when we leave that old life behind, but Jesus promised to give us a better one in its place and it will be worth it!


Questions

What does it mean to lose or give up your old life?

Doesn’t Jesus want us to have fun? Can we still have fun with this ‘new life’?

What if I have accepted Jesus’ new life but my life hasn’t really changed, it doesn’t feel better?

What does it mean to take up your cross?


Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: StefanHoffmann via www.pixabay.com


Sources:
1. Alina Bradford. Facts About Salamanders. October 29, 2015 Accessed July 31, 2018 from https://www.livescience.com/52627-salamanders.html.

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 70: A Well Worn Saddle

Key Verse

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 WEB

Lesson

A horse and saddle are perhaps the oldest form of transportation besides going about on two feet. Little thought is given to the saddle beyond its name. Yet every horse rider can testify to its importance. The saddle is second in importance only to the bridle. The purpose of the saddle is to make the ride easier for the horse and the rider and to aid the rider in maintaining proper position astride the horse. A good saddle must fit both the horse and the rider, or it will cause injury.

An experienced rider has a worn and broken-in saddle. But it is not neglected, it must be oiled and tended regularly. A saddle well cared for can last a lifetime. All saddles may look similar to the untrained eye. But there are many types of saddles all suited for various types of riding. Yet they all perform the same important function – to link the horse and rider and to aid them in whatever quest they may find.1

The saddle is like the Bible in many regards. Any experienced Christian can tell of its importance. Far too many Christians let it sit on a shelf new and shiny like an unused saddle. The experienced Christian will have a broken-in, yet well-tended Bible. Other Christians will say they believe in the Bible, thinking salvation is in its pages. They place the Bible above its Author, yet can a saddle provide transport without a horse? The Bible is only a link connecting us to its Author in whom we find help (John 5:39-40).

The purpose of the Bible is to make our ride on this earth easier and to aid us in our connection to Jesus. It was especially designed for this purpose and we need it to maintain our relationship with him. As Paul the Apostle stated so eloquently in the key verse, every verse in the Bible is for our instruction and growth as sons and daughters of God so that we may be ‘thoroughly equipped’ for our quest of his Kingdom!

Questions

What does it mean to have a broken-in, yet well-tended Bible?

When asked if we believe in the Bible, what would be a good response?

Can those who never know of the Bible be saved?

Sources

1. Deborah Burns, (ed). Storey’s Horse-Lovers Encyclopedia. (North Adams, MA: Storey Communications, 2001): 343.



Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: Bhakti2 via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 68: Spiritual Refuse

Key Verse

“He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."” Mark 7:20-23 WEB

Lesson

Walking down a trail or along the beach and seeing a trash everywhere is annoying. No one likes to see trash and litter strewn among the beauty of nature. Sadly, many people are indifferent to it, but no one likes it. It takes away from the natural beauty, it is ugly. It also damages the area over time. There are many types of trash and they are all ugly and damaging. Trash takes a very long time to decompose and will harm the animals and plants in the process.

We try hard to keep trash from getting into these natural places. Even with all the trash cans and recycle bins, some trash will inevitably escape. The only way to take care of the unsightly trash is to get someone to carefully remove each little piece. They must keep coming back to remove new litter. It requires constant maintenance to ensure that our natural places stay free of contamination.

Litter is a lot like sin. It defiles our hearts and is rather ugly. Over time it causes great damage to each person and those around them. Sin has many forms, but it all has the same effect. We can try to keep sin from getting into our hearts. However, as Jesus pointed out, it is already there. The only solution is to have someone carefully remove it, then keep going back to them to ensure new sins are removed. The only person who can do this is Jesus. No mater what type of sinful trash is in your life, Jesus can remove it, and he wants to!

Questions

Can you think of other types of sin not listed in the key verse?

Will our sin decompose or go away with time?

Why did Jesus say that evil comes from within?

How does Jesus remove the spiritual refuse or trash in our lives?



Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: bilyjan via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 57: Keep The Flame Burning

Key Verse

“So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 WEB

Lesson

The Protestant Reformation was about telling people about salvation by faith alone. John 3:16 clearly states that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. So why is there a verse in Philippians talking about working out your own salvation? We can not earn salvation, right? This is true, but there is more to it.

If you have ever built a fire, or seen one built then you know it takes some work. First you need a safe place to build a fire such as a fire ring. Next you need to gather all the materials. You will need to gather several different sizes of wood, some tinder, and a fire source such as a match. Once you gather all the wood you need to separate it into different sizes and make sure it is dry. Once this is done you are ready to begin building your fire.

First put the tinder down in the center. Tinder can be things such as lint, wood shavings, or dry grass. Next add the kindling. Kindling are small twigs and sticks that will catch fire quickly. Finally, you can position the fuel wood around the kindling. This is the big pieces that will keep the fire going for a long time. Now you can strike the match and light the fire. But as you probably already know, your job is still not done. Once the tinder is lit, you must blow and fan the flame so it can grow. You must constantly tend the fire to keep it alive or it will go out. Once you have a roaring fire you must still stoke it and add more fuel.

Following Christ is a lot like building a fire. We receive salvation in an instant and we can do nothing to earn that gift. It is a spark that sets a spiritual fire in our hearts. But as Paul says in Philippians 2:12 we must work to keep the flame alive. We must fight against the temptations of our sinful nature. We must make it a priority to spend time with Jesus. We cannot earn God’s forgiveness. It is free. But we must work to live the way God asks us after we receive salvation to keep the fire in our hearts alive as long as we live. The best part is God will freely give us the strength to do so!

Questions

What did Jesus mean when he said, “take up your cross and follow me” in Matt. 16:24?

How do we receive God’s free gift of salvation?

What is the spark that sets a spiritual fire in our hearts?

What happens if we die before we have a chance to work on living the way God expects?



Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 52: River Of Life

Key Verse

"but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again;" John 4:14a WEB


Lesson

Throughout the Bible water is used as a metaphor or example. Phrases like water of life, river of life, and living water appear often. Of course we need water to live, but what is so unique about water? Why did Jesus compare his gift of salvation to it? Because water is the single most important ingredient to life.

We often take water for granted. It is plumed right into our house so we only need to turn a knob to get it. But venture only a short distance from a water source and you will soon realize how much you depend on it. If you have ever been thirsty on a hot day, or waded into a cool stream after a long hike than you can appreciate how necessary water is. Every civilization and tribe in history has made their home near a water source such as a river. This is so common that experts say if you are lost outdoors, just follow a river downstream and you will eventually find people.

Water is not just something we need to drink, it is in our food, and in the air we breath. Water is needed to grow our food and also to produce almost everything we use each day from glass to metal! Try to imagine a world without water. Your food is hard and sticks to the roof of your mouth, no water to wash it down. Your hands and clothes get dirty, no water to wash it away. That would be miserable.

Not only do we need water to eat and clean, but our own bodies consist of about 50% water. Your sweat, tears, stomach bile, mucous, blood, and brain are mostly water. Water is the essence of life. Perhaps Jesus was onto something when he compared salvation to water.

You have probably enjoyed the sweet relief of a cool glass of water when you are extremely hot and thirsty. That is exactly how salvation feels when we receive it. Maybe you have had the privilege of jumping in a cool stream on a hot day. That's what it is like when the peace of salvation washes over us after feeling the heat and pressure of life. I hope you have had the pleasure of getting into a hot tub after being out in the freezing cold. That is what it is like to feel God's salvation after being in the cold hostility of the world.

Questions

What is it that makes us 'thirsty' for the salvation Jesus offers?

What are some other things Jesus compared salvation to?

Have you experienced the refreshing effects of excepting Jesus as your Savior?

Written By David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Activity Lesson: Rescue

Key Verse

“Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says Yahweh.” Jeremiah 1:8 WEB

Activity Type:

Initiative


Time:

30 minutes - 1 hour


Goal:

Participants will be in teams of two and one cannot see. The second person guides the first through the obstacle course. Requires communication and trust and helps foster empathy.


Material:

Some basic objects that can be used as part of a short obstacle course. For example a hula hoop, bench, log, rope, tarp, mat, etc. Blindfolds are useful but optional.

Instructions:

Set the obstacle course ahead of time. Then tell the participants they are lost in a snow storm (or sandstorm) and are trying to get to shelter. One person in your pair has been blinded by the snow (or sand) and the other can see. The seeing person must guide the blind through the storm safely. In pairs the participants proceed through a tunnel (hoop), over a log, under an overhang (tarp), over a creek (mat), across a bridge (bench) to safety. Partners can maintain contact through their journey. Once the pair reaches safety they can switch places and try again. As a variation partners cannot touch but only communicate verbally or perhaps by singing or by clapping or humming. Alternatively, have partners communicate with a code.

Possible Lessons:

As lost humans we need rescue by our Savior. He has promised to do so in the verse above. Compare and contrast our spiritual journey to the obstacle course and the guide.

Sometimes we go astray in life and need to be rescued by others. Sometimes friends or family may try to rescue us. Discuss how our recognition of our waywardness impacts our reaction. Sometimes we don't think we are astray or don't want rescue. Or perhaps we see a friend making a bad choice but they do not see it. Discuss how this activity relates to learning how to help guide others who may or may not realize they need help.



Written by David F. Garner

Photo credit: Unsplash via www.pexels.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 18: Resting Soundly

Key Verse

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭WEB‬‬

Lesson

Humans do not have natural external insulation. We have no covering outside our skin like most other animals do such as fur or feathers. This requires us to wear clothes to help stay warm and dry. When we stay outside at night, our bodies need even more insulation because our bodies cool down while sleeping. Smart people a long time ago figured out the best way to stay warm outside at night is to use a sleeping bag. What thoughts does a sleeping bag bring to mind? Make a list.

Your list probably includes things like warm, cozy, or comfortable. Did your list include things like sleep, rest, or refreshing? How about heavy? We might complain about having to carry a heavy sleeping bag, but when night comes and we are tired we are always glad to have a sleeping bag to crawl into.

A sleeping bag is a perfect symbol for rest and rejuvenation. A sleeping bag provides all the parts necessary for making sleep possible outside. It provides a barrier to the outside world and it provides insulation against cold temperatures. It even provides some cushion that makes sleep more comfortable. Jesus promised in Matthew 11:28 that when we come to him he would provide rest for us. He provides all the all the things we are lacking and takes our worries and stress so that we can experience true rest from the cares of this world by trusting in him.

Questions

Do you ever fell tired from dealing with all the struggles of life?

Can we share our struggles and burdens with others? Will this help us bear them more easily?

Why do we try to carry all of our struggle on our own when Jesus promised to give us rest?

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: contributor to www.freegreatpicture.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 16: Compass Magnets

Key Text

"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)


Lesson

The compass is a relatively new invention in the history of navigation. It has only been used for this purpose for about a thousand years. People have been navigating land and water for several thousands of years. Despite its relatively recent invention it is indispensable in navigation. The compass allows navigators to stay on course even in the midst of a storm when they cannot see where they are going.

The compass has many parallels with our spiritual journey. An interesting fact about the compass is that it is a tiny magnet. All magnets are attracted to each other at opposite ends or poles. The south pole of one magnet is attracted to the north pole of another magnet. Many people don’t realize that the end of the compass needle that points north is actually the south pole of the compass magnet.

This fact is a paradox. It does not seem correct at first, but it is true. There are many teachings in the bible that seem like paradoxes or contradictions. Some examples are God’s justice and mercy, Jesus is the lion of Judah and the Lamb of the world, Jesus said he is the Son of God and the Son of Man, Jesus had to die to give us eternal life. You have no doubt come across things in the bible that are complex, confusing, or appear to be contradictions.

The comforting thing is that we don’t have to understand all these things to receive Jesus and the salvation he offers. It is important to study and understand the mysteries of the Bible. There are pastors and bible scholars who can help us understand the complex things.

Do we need to understand why or how the compass needle works to be able to follow the needle pointing north? Of course not. Similarly, God does not require us to understand everything about the bible or salvation in order to be saved. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 we must not lean on our own understanding. All we have to do is trust that God knows what he is doing and will always point us in the right direction.


Questions

Do we trust a compass more than we trust God and his Word?

What paradoxes or complex things have you found in the Bible? What did you do to understand it better?

How do we know that God can be trusted?


Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 15: Tent Stakes At Stake

Key Verse

Look at Zion the city of our appointed festivals. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, a tent that won’t be removed. Its stakes will never be plucked up, nor any of its cords be broken. Isaiah 33:20 WEB

Lesson

Tent stakes are a small piece of gear. But if you have ever spent a night without them you know how big of a difference they can make. They have a very big job. Tent stakes are used to anchor tents to the ground in one place. In the past, tents could not even stay erect without the stake to hold the fabric tight. Today a tent can be set up with out stakes but they are still necessary to make the tent secure.

Tent stake are great because they can turn almost any type of ground into a place to call home. Without this key part, the tent may not be much good. Stakes can make the difference between an enjoyable night and a miserable one. In severe weather they can even save your life. When you purchase a new tent, they come with instructions warning that the tent is not secure unless it is staked down.

In Isaiah 33:20 we read a promise God is making to the Children of Israel. He says that Jerusalem, their capital city and the place where God’s temple is, will never be removed. It will be like a tent with stakes they can never be plucked up. However, this promise is conditional. In verse 15 we see that the promise is conditional on the Children of Israel keeping their end of the covenant—they must stay faithful to God.

Throughout the bible we find instructions on how we are to keep our end of the covenant God made with us by sending his Son to die for our sins. We must follow the 10 Commandments and we should worship Him. But this is not enough. We must also love our enemies; we must show mercy to those who don’t deserve it. We must be willing to sacrifice everything to follow God. Only then will we be sure that our salvation is secure as a staked tent in a storm.

Tent stakes might make your tent look complete but don’t do much good if they are not used. Likewise, if we appear to have a relationship with God outwardly by doing all the right things, but don’t use God’s word to change our inward character, those outward actions don’t really do us much good. Tent stakes work best when used properly.


Questions

What other instructions does the Bible provide for us to keep our covenant with God?

How does a relationship with God change us on the inside?

What keys does the Bible provide to know when we are being changed by God? (Think Galatians 5:22-23)

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: Jan Uthoff via commons.wikimedia.org under a CC 3.0 License.

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 8: Lightning and Salvation

Photo Credit: Brennon Garner

Key Verse

"for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB

Lesson

Lightning can be both scary and beautiful. But have you ever wondered which direction lightning travels? Does it travel from the sky to the ground? Or does it travel from the ground to the sky? Most will likely answer from the sky to the ground. When watching lightning this is often how it appears.

Scientists tell us something slightly different. Those who answered lightning travels from the ground to the sky are not incorrect. In fact, lightning can travel either direction. The most common direction is from sky to ground. This is what we usually see. But when lightning strikes really tall things like trees or towers lightning actually travels from ground to sky.

Lightning is even more complicated than this. When lightning travels from the sky to the ground, it actually travels in both directions at the same time. One bolt of lightning travels from the sky towards the ground. As it does it attracts a small bolt up from the ground and they meet in mid air. In fact the part we see as the lightning bolt is the part traveling from the ground up to the sky.

This is an amazing example of salvation. The well-known text in Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we can never earn salvation on our own through works. It is God’s gift. But we must respond. 1 John 1:9 informs us that if we confess our sins, then God can forgive them. God reaches down like a lightning bolt to our hearts to offer us a hope and eternal life. And just as the lightning attracts a response from the ground, so God’s offer of salvation, when truly felt, attracts a response from us to confess our sins and accept his offer.

However, it does not end there. Philippians 2:12 says we must work to show the results of our salvation. This will never earn us the right to salvation. But when we have been forgiven and changed by God’s gift, we become a new creation. We long to do God’s will by following his example. Just like the lightning, the gift must go both ways. God must first offer salvation, then we must accept and offer our sins to be forgiven and change our ways. We can take comfort in knowing that God will continue to offer forgiveness even when we mess up.

Questions

How does seeing lightning make you feel?

Have you experienced God’s forgiveness and confessed your sins?

Do you think your salvation is sure even when you don't feel like your saved?

Source

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq/