Money - Part 2

Widows in the Bible

In Israel there was no welfare grant or help from the government for widows. You were financially destitute and reliant on the goodness of others. Here are some verses to show us how widows were cared for:

Deuteronomy 24:19 "When you gather your crops and fail to bring in some of the grain that you have cut, do not go back for it; it is to be left for the foreigners, orphans, and widows, so that the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do." GNB

Deuteronomy 24:20 "When you have picked your olives once, do not go back and get those that are left; they are for the foreigners, orphans, and widows." GNB

Deuteronomy 24:21 "When you have gathered your grapes once, do not go back over the vines a second time; the grapes that are left are for the foreigners, orphans, and widows." GNB

Deuteronomy 26:12 "Every third year give the tithe---a tenth of your crops---to the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, and the widows, so that in every community they will have all they need to eat." GNB

So, if you were a widow you were alone. And if people did not leave you some food in their fields and orchards you would starve.

Money - Part 1

Money is a very serious subject. Some beg for it, others pursue obtaining more with almost every breath they breathe. We currently live in desperate times for many. In this short series we are going to have a look at what the Bible has to say about money.

Money features as a prominent theme in the Bible. Many "religious" people do not discuss money, but what if the way you looked at and spent your money reflected your relationship with God? What if you could bring honour or dishonour to God based on the way that you managed your finances? Would you then be interested to see what the Bible says about money?

Before there were coins, paper money or credit cards; people used silver or gold as currency. The period of mere barter had passed before Abraham walked the earth (Genesis 23:15-16). Although they did not have coins, the precious metals were cast in bars or rings to facilitate easy movement.

The purpose of trials and obstacles

Ice breaker: What is the greatest obstacle that you have had to overcome?

Quotes:

• The same sun that melts ice, hardens clay.
• God will take care of what you go through, you take care of how you go through it.
• The things that Satan throws in our path to defeat us can be stepping stones to victory (Romans 8:28)

Obstacles can make a trip a lot more difficult. Strong winds and currents can make a journey by sea a lot more difficult. Smooth sailing is easy, a gentle breeze is a pleasure. When the weather changes, your skill as a captain are tested.

James 1:2-4 ”Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” ESV

Psalm 91 - Pat van Wyk

Introduction:

Scriptures are powerful when and if you use them. We don't seem to grasp just how powerful they are. Our Bibles lay on the table next our beds and when you eventually pick it up it is full of dust. Why do we only turn to God when we can't carry on any more, because we have to do it ourselves.

To let God, means to let go. Yet we still have a back up plan. I have been testing my day without Bible reading, worship and prayer and found a very emptiness in my inner being. When I talk to God all the time, I feel His very presence and peace in my inner being and came to a decision that it is my choice (my will) to stay in God's presence all the time. That simply means in the good and bad times.

You might be asking, how? By praising God in bad times because He gives me the strength to get through as I can't do it, but with the Holy Spirits' strength I can (Philippians 4:13).

You are precious - Puppet show - Pat van Wyk

Foreword

This Bible study is going to help you see yourself as God sees you. Reading the Word of God goes hand in hand with prayer. They are two sides of a coin. You cannot do the one without the other. I hope you are going to enjoy doing the Bible study and enjoy finding out just how precious you are. My name is Pat and I have enjoyed writing this book just for you.

A special thank you to my precious son, Tienie, for editing and formatting this book.

We are going to concentrate on the book of Isaiah 43.

Here God is talking to the Israelites through the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. When we read the Bible we are going to look at it as if God is also talking to us.

In the name of Jesus - Pat van Wyk

CONTENTS

• A Word from the Author
• Chapter One – Believe in His Name
• Chapter Two - Authority in His Name
• Chapter Three – Life through Jesus
• Chapter Four – Jesus is Our Inheritance
• Chapter Five - Trust
• Chapter Six – Jesus the Supreme Power
• Chapter Seven – No other Name
• Chapter Eight – Reigning in the Power of the Name

A Word from the Author:

In the name of Jesus study guide will give you new boldness and confidence and as you experiment in the name, you will be using the authority already given to by Jesus.

I pray you will learn to use the name of Jesus with authority and that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to new revelation knowledge.

A special thanks to my sons Tienie and Johnathan.

Jesus the light of the world - Pat van Wyk

Foreword:

This puppet show is meant for children from Preschool to Grade 2.

Here we are teaching the children that we need to be born again. It is a difficult concept for small children to understand, but is such an important part of our faith – that we cannot neglect to teach them about it.

JESUS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Dolls enter and greet:

Tinky: I would like to read you a piece of Scripture.

Pinky: Yes, read to us please, Tinky!