September 19 - Puzzle Me This

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September 19

Puzzle Me This

 

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:32

And be kind and compassionate to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

 

Ephesians 5:1-2

1Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

 

 

GOD GAVE A lot of commands.  Everybody knows God told the Israelites, "Do not make idols of any kind" (Exodus 20:4).  And most people know that Jesus said, "I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other" (John 13:34).  But some commands are less familiar--like the one we're talking about today.

The following exercise can be done on a sheet of paper.  See if you can answer the questions below.  Letters go in the place of each space (*) or number (#).  The letters in the numbered spaces below (#) can be reorganized to spell out one of God's commands:

 

1. The Jordan River runs between the Dead Sea and the - (8)(15)(7) - of Galilee.

 

2. Jesus told the story of the Good - (9)(*)(5)(*)(*)(*)(14)(*)(12).

 

3. (*)(4)(*)(2)(6)(*)'s - father gave him a coat of many colors.

 

4. God warned - (*)(11)(*)(*) - of a flood and told him to build an ark.

 

5. (*)(13)(*)(10)(*) - killed Goliath with a sling and a rock.

 

6. (*)(*)(3)(*)(1) - had a dream of a ladder stretching between heaven and earth.

 

(1)(2) - (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)

 

So how'd you do? If you need help, consult the following Bible verses: (1) John 21:1; (2) Luke 10:25-37; (3) Genesis 37:3; (4) Genesis 6:13-14; (5) 1 Samuel 17:48-49; (6) Genesis 28:10-12.

Today's Bible reading is one of the many instances in which God gives this command to us.  He repeated it many times in his Word because He wants us to remember it--and because He wants us to obey it.

 

REFLECT: Was the answer to the puzzle above a surprise to you?  Why or why not?  Did you already know God commanded us to be compassionate to others?  Have you obeyed this command today?  If so, how?  Have you disobeyed this command today?  If so, how?  What can you do today or tomorrow to show compassion for someone?

 

PRAY: "Father, You command me to be compassionate toward others.  That's not always easy, but help me to obey You anyway and to be kind and compassionate every day."