Author Archives: rachelwhitson

Day 99: Freedom

Daily Sheet: Day 99: Freedom

Family Book: “Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation”

Family Book: “You Are Special”

51CTk3ekyWL._SX396_BO1,204,203,200_ Unknown-1

Travel: Nebraska; Kansas

Video: “Set You Free” – Nomos

If you did, if you did, even if you did…  Been where you shouldn’t have been, Seen what you shouldn’t have seen, Dreamed what you shouldn’t have dreamed, that doesn’t mean you have to be locked up here forever.  I’m going to set you free.
—
And if you did, if you did, even if you did…  Done what you shouldn’t have done, Run when you shouldn’t have run, Lost when you shouldn’t have won, that doesn’t mean you have to be paying the price forever.  I’m going to set you free.
—
And if you did, if you did, only if you did…  Strayed from the beaten track, Maybe you never got back, Went in off the black, that doesn’t mean you have to be lying around here forever.  I’m going to set you free.
—
Ah if you did, if you did, even if you did…  Suffered from a broken heart, Got off to a poor start, Maybe you fell apart, that doesn’t mean you have to be paying the price forever.  I’m going to set you free.
—
And if you did, if you did, even if you did…  Known what you shouldn’t have known, Shown what you shouldn’t have shown, Thrown what you shouldn’t have thrown, that doesn’t mean you have to be lying around here forever.  I’m going to set you free.
—
Ah if you did, if you did, even if you did…  Been where you shouldn’t have been, Seen what you shouldn’t have seen, Dreamed what you shouldn’t have dreamed, that doesn’t mean you have to be locked up here forever.  I’m going to set you free.

Video: “Deliverer” – Audrey Assad

You are not possessive, You respect all things
You are not invasive, You have no envy
You are not insistent, You do not force me
You are not controlling, You make me free indeed

You’re my deliverer, You’re my deliverer.  You won’t pass me by.

Your law is freedom and mercy is Your rule
Though You dwell within me, I can’t contain You

In the ruins of my heart, You preach to the poor
Turning over stones to show me there is more
More than all I ask, more than I’m looking for
In the ruins of my heart

Video: “Land of the Living” – Roo Panes

Where they go
That we shall cherish and that I wrestle
Don’t want to be like the dust that settles
This empire of nothing
I find that I’m king of all these empty homes
That are ruled by my own flaws
But you can’t be an old fire
If you are burning with a new flame

So remember that, you are never a forgotten name
Cause I know a land called the land of the living
It’s the world beyond those curtains where we learned to play
I hear the voices of my childhood singing it’s the world beyond those doorways
Where we use to play

Cause every moment
Is a chance to define what you want to become
You’re not a slave to things you’ve done
Be brave and be bold
Be childish and old it’s the same old story
Every life needs a hope of glory
But you can’t be an old fire
If you’re burning with a new flame

I was born to be free, you were born to free me

Cause I know a land called the land of the living
It’s the world beyond those curtains where we learned to play
I hear the voices of my childhood singing it’s the world beyond those doorways
Where we use to play
I know a land called the land of the living
It’s the world beyond those curtains where we learned to play
Oh we’ll go back, we’ll go back to the beginning
And we’ll pick up on the trails of forgotten ways

Song: “Finally” – Gungor

Call me back into the silence, into the sunlight.

Every breath a standing defiance of death and of clamor; Let darkness be scattered now.

I’ll be here waiting in silence, waiting for sunlight to make all the world shine bright.

All the stars fall in line and the seas bow their heads.  We remember our dead and we sing another day.

As the silence, it grows and the worlds fade away; All the sons empty their graves.

We will sing another day.

Questions:

  • Compare and contrast physical, emotional and spiritual freedom
  • Can you find examples in today’s lesson where faith in Christ has brought each of these types of freedom to someone?
  • Explain what you think is meant by the line, “I was born to be free; you were born to free me.”
Standard

Day 98: Loyalty

Daily Sheet: Day 98: Loyalty

Family Book: “The Last Brother”

Unknown

Travel: New Zealand

Video: “My Sweet Refuge” – Roo Panes

I don’t think You want grand gestures, just a simple faithful friend, someone who will walk it with You all the way to the end, someone who can live and love You, singing how I’ve come to know

You’re like the sun that gives the moon its glow

You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge.  You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge and I know the wolves keep circling but we’ll leave them chasing tails ’cause You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge.

So I kiss farewell to drama; My everything is You, and after all the things that You’ve done, oh, Your love’s been proved.  I’m not going back there; no, I’ve come to know

You’re like the sun that gives the moon its glow

You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge.  You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge and I know the wolves keep circling but I’ll be safe with You ’cause You’re my, oh, You are my, my sweet refuge.

I need you, I need You, I need You, I need You, I need You Lord, every day.  I need You, I need You, I need You, I need You, I need you.

Song: “Stay Close to Me” – Margaret Becker

Lately I’ve been finding comfort in this truth: I am just a child of need who’s found her hope in You.  Stay close to me.

Video: “Abide With Me” – Audrey Assad

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.  The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.  When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.  Heaven’s morning breads, and earth’s vain shadows flee.  In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Video: “Stay With Me” – Roo Panes

Well I’ve been everywhere, but I’ve been nowhere; It was all viridian in permission blood.  There was a void before me; it was as deep as truth, because all the world couldn’t hide the view of you.

Stay with me!  Oh stay with me; you’re right where you are supposed to be!

You’re y Eldorado; you’re my holy grail; I found my treasure through the rain and hail, knowing I was taller when upon my knees, knowing you’d come back to me if I just said please!

Oh you take me back to the morning light; You take me back to the morning light, the very moment that I found my sight, You’re forever by my side.

Questions:

  • Why do you think Gabe made the decisions he did?
  • Do you think he made the right decisions?
  • How did he remain loyal to his brother and to Orly?
  • How are these four songs similar?
Standard

Day 97: Tolerance

Daily Sheet: Day 97: Tolerance

Family Book: “The Relatives Came”

Unknown.jpeg

Travel: Seychelles; Mauritius

Song: “When It Was Over” – Sara Groves (with lyrics)

Oh love wash over a multitude of things, love wash over a multitude of things, love wash over a multitude of things; Make us whole.

There is love that never fails; There is a healing that always prevails; There is a hope that whispers a vow, a promise to stay while we’re working it out, so come with your love and wash over us.

Questions:

  • What are some different meanings of the word “tolerance”?
  • What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance?
  • What are some things we should not tolerate?  Why not?
Standard

Day 96: Gentleness

Daily Sheet: Day 96: Gentleness

Family Book: “Handa’s Surprise”

Unknown.jpeg

Travel: Comoros; Madagascar

Video: “Childhood Summer” – Sara Groves (official music video)

I miss innocence.  I miss the arms of my mother.  I miss feeling light like a childhood summer.  Childhood summer.

Standard

Day 94: Discernment

Daily Sheet: Day 94: Discernment

Family Book: “Babu’s Song”

51t+TfaMLOL._SY439_BO1,204,203,200_

Travel: Mozambique; Malawi

Song: “Turn Your Eyes” – Jadon Lavik

O soul are you weary and troubled?  No light in the darkness you see?  There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion – for more than conquerors we are!

Video: “Painting Pictures of Egypt” – Sara Groves

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt, leaving out what it lacks, and the future feels so hard and I want to go back but the places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I’ve learned.  Those roads were closed off to me while my back was turned.

If it comes too quick, I may not appreciate it.  Is that the reason behind all this time in the sand?  And if it comes too quick, I may not recognize it.  Is that the reason behind all this time in the sand?

Verses about the Will of God:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  -1 Thessalonians 5:18

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.  -1 Peter 2:15

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  -2 Peter 3:9

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  -Micah 6:8

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  -Jeremiah 29:11-13

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  -Matthew 6:33

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  -Proverbs 3:5-6

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  -Romans 8:28

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!  -1 Chronicles 16:11

“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”  -John 6:40

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.  -1 Peter 3:17

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  -1 Corinthians 10:13

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  -Psalm 37:4

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: …that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust…  -1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, …but be filled with the Spirit.  -Ephesians 5:15-19

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  -Luke 9:23

“Peace I lead with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  -John 14:27

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”  -Matthew 28:19

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  -1 Timothy 2:3-4

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  -Philippians 4:8

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  -James 5:16

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.  -Colossians 3:23

In Christian circles, people like to talk about “discerning God’s will for their lives,” as if God has a very specific itinerary mapped out for each of us and it is our job to guess correctly what we are to do next.  This theology is largely based on the above passage from Jeremiah (“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord!”…)  However, if you continue reading that passage, you come across the following promise, if you are calling upon Him and coming and praying to Him:  “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”  The emphases there are mine.  Note that the passage does not read as follows: “You will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you.  You will seek the correct path and find it, when you seek it with all your heart.”  Nope, God tells us that we will find him!  Read over the above verses again and look for the answers to these questions:

  • God’s will is for us to thank him when?
  • God’s will is for us to do what?
  • God’s will is for us to seek what?
  • God’s will is for us to trust what?
  • God’s will is for us to love what?
  • God’s will is for us to think what?
  • What is God’s will for us when we are tempted?
  • What is God’s will for our bodies?
  • What is God’s will for how we use our time?
  • What is God’s will for us when we are feeling fearful?
  • What is God’s will for us when we sin?
  • What is God’s will for us when we are working?
  • Is it God’s will for people to perish?
  • Is repentance always in God’s will?
  • Is it ever in God’s will for us to do evil?
  • God requires a few specific things of us.  What are those things?

It is interesting to note that in nearly all of the above verses, God explains that there are good consequences attached to doing His will.  Only the passage in Micah uses the word “require.”  God is specific about His will but he gives us the freedom to choose our response.

Standard

Day 93: Kindness

Daily Sheet: Day 93: Kindness

Family Book: “The Watcher”

61M8blyLL5L._SY498_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Travel: Zimbabwe

Video: “All the Ways You Wander” – John Spillane

…And if you take the long way, if you take the long way home, down where the magicians and the dreamers roam, through the mountains of morning, through the valleys of night, searching for the island of your heart’s delight,

I’ll wait for you, like a true friend.  I’ll wait for you, ’til the very end.

Video: “Kindness”

Video: “12 Year Old Boy Helps Homeless People in Los Angeles”

“I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion.”

Video: “12 Year Old Boy Helping More Homeless People in L.A.”

Video: “14 Year Old Boy Helping More Homeless People in L.A.”

Elliot Katz, the boy in the last three videos above, was inspired in part to form his charity organization, ReachingOutCalifornia, by the following verse:

“And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” – Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9; Yerushalmi Talmud.  

Put in context, the passage reads as follows: 

…We find in regard to Cain, who killed his brother, “The bloods of your brother scream out!” (Genesis 4:10) – the verse does not say blood of your brother, but bloods of your brother, because it was his blood and also the blood of his future offspring [screaming out]!  [The judges’ speech continues] “It was for this reason that man was first created as one person [Adam], to teach you that anyone who destroys a life is considered by Scripture to have destroyed an entire world; and anyone who saves a life is as if he saved an entire world.”

Questions:

  • The Talmud, from which the Mishnah Sanhedrin passage is taken, is a Jewish writing.  Compare these verses to Jesus’s words as recorded in Luke 9:24: 

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  (New Living Translation – NLT)

  • “The Watcher” is written as a poem.  Describe the format.

 

 

Standard

Day 92: Friendliness

Daily Sheet: Day 92: Friendliness

Family Book: “Meet Danitra Brown”

Unknown-1.jpeg

Travel: Namibia

Video: “Twice As Good” – Sara Groves (official music video)

Life with you is half as hard and twice as good.

Video: “Where I Want to Go” – Roo Panes

Well I’ve found what I need, in your arms.  And there’s nothing for me outside your arms.

Because your love takes me where I want to go!

Further than the eye can see, but nearer than the air I breathe.  I don’t need to see the end, to follow you all the way my friend.

 

Standard

Day 91: Acceptance

Daily Sheet: Day 91: Acceptance

Family Book: “Leo the Lop”

Unknown

Travel: Botswana

Video: “One Faith” – John Michael Talbot & Michael Card

He is the good Shepherd and He’s laid down his life for His sheep, so out of many nations He’s gathered one fold and one faith;

And He has built His church on the rock foundation of faith, on apostles and prophets who shepherd the people in His place.

And He gave to Simon Peter and to all the twelve the keys of the Kingdom so darkness shall never prevail

But some of the shepherds have pastured themselves on their sheep, so He has come out against them and scattered His people of faith.

In good pasture He will shepherd His people; On the mountain top He feeds His sheep.  He will heal the poor and afflicted; To the prisoner He brings release.

Yet He’ll not forsake His people; He’ll claim His sheep for His own.  He’ll send out His Word to the nations, regather His people back home,

For He is the good Shepherd.  He’s laid down His life for His sheep, so out of many nations He’s gathered one fold and one faith.

There is one faith, one hope, and one baptism, One God and Father of all.  There is one church, one body, one life in the Spirit now given so freely to all.

Questions:

  • What does it mean to “Accept one another… just as Christ accepted you”?
  • Put Leviticus 19:34 into today’s terms.
  • What does John Michael Talbot’s song, “One Faith,” have to do with acceptance?
  • Discuss the significance of John Michael Talbot’s (biography here) and Michael Card’s (biography here) collaboration on this project.

 

Standard

Day 90: Contentment

Daily Sheet: Day 90: Contentment

Family Book: “Last Stop on Market Street”

51hEdFjUgNL._SX405_BO1,204,203,200_

Travel: Ireland

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” – Joey + Rory Feek

Amazing grace!  How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.  How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.

Video: “Give Me Jesus” – Fernando Ortega (live)

In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.

And when I am alone, give me Jesus.

And when I come to die, give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus.  You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.

 

Standard