Availability Character Lesson by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Availability INTRODUCTION

“H

ere I am,” responded heroes of faith such

as Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah when God called. They were willing to serve God, even before they knew what needed to be done. Readiness means being responsive to the Lord and prepared to drop whatever you are doing when He directs you. How can you be ready to serve? One way is to complete your schoolwork early so you can help your mom prepare dinner. If your room is tidy, you will be ready to host a friend. When you simplify and organize your personal life, you will have more time, energy, and resources to offer others. God is looking for those who are readily available to Him and to the opportunities He brings to love others. (See Galatians 5:13–14.) Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

AVAILABILITY Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving 1

Availability Overview What Is Availability? Read aloud and discuss what availability means and how it applies to life.

The opposite of availability is self-centeredness. A self-centered person considers his own interests first and is hardly mindful of the needs of others. The Apostle Paul observed: “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Philippians 2:21). If one is focused on himself, he may expect others to always accommodate him. When he actually does

help someone, he probably will expect that person to repay him for his good deed. A self-centered child may respond, “I’m busy!” when asked to help, even if he is not really busy but only playing. He may hide in his room to avoid being asked to do something or wait for others to respond first. Until he turns his focus from himself to Christ and His example, he will not experience the joy of serving others. Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant . . .” (Philippians 2:7). Availability involves having Jesus’ servant mindset, which includes a willingness to be inconvenienced. (See Matthew 20:26.) However, this attitude does not mean abandoning responsibilities or scheduled commitments. Being available means that when you are able to rearrange your schedule, you are willing to move tasks to another time A self-centered person ignores the needs of so you can be others and shuts them out of his life. present at the moment. Recognize that you are a steward of God’s resource of time. Since your time is His, do you ask Him how He wants you to use it, trusting His promise to enable you? A servant of Christ is available to his Master at any time for any reason. As you are available to God, He will bring situations into your life that can advance His kingdom and glorify Him.

he operational definition of availability is “making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.” To be available means that, when God leads, you are willing to set aside at a moment’s notice whatever you are doing or planning so that you can help someone. Those you serve include your own family as well as anyone around you who needs assistance. By making yourself available to the people God has placed in your life, you are serving Him. (See Matthew 25:40.) Faithfully following a schedule, setting priorities, and making plans are wise habits, but you should be ready to put your activities aside temporarily when the Lord Availability means I am present and ready to leads you to help offer my time, even when it is inconvenient. someone else. However, before making a regular commitment to help outside your home, check with your parents. They can help you discern if this is the right opportunity and time for you in light of other factors or family activities.

Availability in Scripture

s you read and study God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work

in you, your life will become a radiant expression of Him. God will be glorified

AVAILABILITY KEY VERSE “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” PHILIPPIANS 2:20–21

as His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

Availability in My Life

We see examples of availability in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out availability daily.

God was pleased to dwell in the Tabernacle in order to be with His people.

•

(See Exodus 25:8–9.) •

God is our refuge and strength, always available to His people in their times of need.

(See Matthew 25:40.) •

(See Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:17.) •

The Father made Himself accessible to mankind through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Jesus willingly laid aside His deity to become a servant to mankind.

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Jesus made time to receive children, despite the objections of His disciples.

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Jesus, our great High Priest, has made His throne approachable so that believers may obtain mercy and grace in times of need. (See Hebrews 4:14–16.)

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The Holy Spirit is ready to help a believer, when he is delivered up, to declare his faith before authorities. (See Matthew 10:19–20.)

How can I be ready and available to follow Jesus? (See Luke 9:23.)

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(See Matthew 19:13–15.) •

What can I do on behalf of my fellowman and authorities? (See I Timothy 2:1–2.)

(See Matthew 20:28, Luke 4:18, Philippians 2:5–7.) •

What in my life needs to be set aside so that I can be wholly available to God? (See Hebrews 12:1.)

(See Ephesians 2:18.) •

Whom am I really serving when I help someone in need?

Am I able to serve the Lord and myself at the same time? (See Matthew 6:24.)

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For Whose sake do we serve others? (See II Corinthians 4:5.)

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What is the purpose of good works? (See Matthew 5:16.)

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How can I be available to others with a right attitude?

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(See Galatians 5:16, 22–26.)

Bible Story Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

tried to pacify the Syrians by paying their high

delivered God’s messages during the reigns of four

demands for gold and silver, but Assyria still threat-

different kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and

ened to overtake Judah. King Hezekiah sent his

Hezekiah. When Syria, an enemy of Judah, besieged

servants to Isaiah. When they arrived at the prophet’s

the capital city of Jerusalem, God gave Isaiah a message

door, God had a message of hope and direction for

for King Ahaz: trust the Lord for help. Ahaz, however,

them. Whether or not kings liked him, and whether

did not listen. Instead, he asked Assyria, a former

or not his message was pleasant, Isaiah continued to

enemy, for help. Taking silver and gold from the

obey God’s call. How had this faithful prophet begun

Temple, King Ahaz paid the king of Assyria to fight

his ministry? What did he see and hear when God

Judah’s enemies. The people of Judah continued to

called him? How did he respond?

sin. After King Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah became

Let’s read the Bible story in Isaiah 6:1–12 and then discuss the following questions.

king. When Assyria conquered Samaria and Israel

1. What vision did Isaiah see? (See Isaiah 6:1.) Why is God worthy and deserving of your worship and service? (See Revelation 4:11, 5:9.) 2. What heavenly beings stood above the throne? How many of their wings were used to demonstrate reverence before God, and how many were for flying? (See Isaiah 6:2.) What actions can communicate humility and worship? (See James 4:7–10, Psalm 97:12, 100:4.) What heart attitudes does God require of those who serve Him? (See Micah 6:8.) 3. How many times did the seraphim say “holy”? What happened as a result of their praise? What effect did God’s holiness have on Isaiah? (See Isaiah 6:3–5.) When you become aware of God’s holiness, what is an appropriate response? (See Psalm 96:9–10, 99:5.) 4. Why did one of the seraphim put a hot coal to Isaiah’s lips? (See Isaiah 6:6–7.)

and then attacked Judah, Hezekiah was afraid. He

How does God enable and prepare you to serve Him? (See II Corinthians 9:8, Titus 2:11–14.) What might you need to forsake to be more readily available? 5. What question did the Lord ask? How did Isaiah respond? (See Isaiah 6:8.) What is God’s call to all believers today? (See Matthew 28:18–20.) What can you be doing now to be ready to fulfill this call? 6. What difficult task was Isaiah given? Were the people receiving God’s Word with understanding? (See Isaiah 6:9.) Why will serving God not always be easy? Despite opposition and hardships in this life, what promise does Jesus give? (See John 16:33.) 7. How would the people respond to God’s message? How long was Isaiah to continue to deliver the message? (See Isaiah 6:11–12.) Whom should you seek to please when you deliver God’s message? (See I Thessalonians 2:4.)

uring a time of spiritual wickedness in Judah, God raised up several prophets. One prophet, Isaiah,

Memory Verse Philippians 2:20–21

“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

Memory Verse Game: Pass the Ball

Doers of the Word: Philippians 2:20–21

Say the verse together several times before playing this

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

game. Then have everyone form a circle. As the children

applied in your life, e.g., “see if my brother needs a

pass the ball around the circle, lead them in reciting the

jacket,” “look for ways to help Mom,” or “let someone

verse aloud together. As each word is spoken, the ball passes

else have the last serving of food.”

from one person to the next. At the end of the Scripture recitation, whoever has the ball attempts to say the entire verse by himself. Help him as needed. Then start the ball around the circle again, with everyone reciting the verse together until each child has had an opportunity to say the entire verse by himself.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________________________ _______________________________________________ �� . I ask that You would develop availability in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

PHILIPPIANS 2:20–21

working in your life.

Word Puzzle Word Search

Instructions Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the availability key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards. (Answers can be found on page 12.)

F H W H A S G N I H T H R

W O E V W T M M A K I N G

H S E I I R U O Y L L N S

I D L P R I O R I T I E S

C L U F O R A P A V B Z X

H A D O W D P S R L A L L

R D E D N I M E K I L N S

I W H O A A S S S F I Y C

S J C N T O U H E O A S O

T E S O R S R R E R V G H

S T A T E O A I K S A T R

T R F J F V T V Q F I C O

Philippians 2:20–21 “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”

Availability Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “seek” and “Jesus.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words of the verse and definition instead of only the underlined words.

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

T M A N T H D F R K Y M P

Activity Be a Ray of Sunshine!

Introduction During this character study, we are asking the Lord to develop availability in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to make sunshine window clings to remind us to be cheerful as we help others,

Keep your

even if helping them was

window clings up

not in our plans!

as long as we are

•

studying availability to remind you to be a

2 tablespoons of

cheerful helper. You can brighten

white glue

someone’s day like a ray of sunshine with a smile,

2 drops of liquid

a song, or a cheerful attitude! Even if you are not

dish soap

serving someone, you can be available

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3–4 drops of yellow food coloring

simply by being present, kind, and

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A shallow dish

approachable in case others need

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A paintbrush

someone to listen or spend time

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A plastic page protector or hand mirror

with them. Your loving presence

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Instructions

can bring joy, comfort, or

Mix the glue, dish soap, and food coloring in a

matter the

shallow dish.

peace to others, no situation.

To make your window clings, use your paintbrush to paint 3" circles and multiple thick 2" long lines on the plastic page protector (or hand mirror). For each circle, paint about 6 wide lines per circle. Afterward, let’s promptly wash the brushes with hot water and dish soap. Then we will allow the circles and lines to dry for one or two days. (Later) Now that the clings are dry, carefully peel them off and stick them on the window with the circles in the middle and the lines surrounding the

Liquid Dish Soap Advanced grease cutting

formula

Supplies for 3 suns:

circles like rays of sunshine.

Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness You will need the following items: sticky notes, pen, and a white bed sheet. through Christ. (See John 17:3.) If we accept God’s gift of

Select a volunteer who would not mind standing to represent the sin of all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin? As the children answer, write their examples on sticky notes and place them onto the volunteer’s clothing (e.g., speaking unkind words, stealing, disobeying, doing good with wrong motives).

Remove the sticky notes and wrap the white sheet around

Because we have all sinned, and God is holy, we are eternally separated from Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sin and Who rose again to conquer death! Now we can have fellowship with God forever

salvation, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin, and His righteousness is put upon us! (See II Corinthians 5:21.) the volunteer to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness. Isaiah 31:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Are you trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and Christ is living in you!

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16). 2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23). 3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins to be forgiven and for

crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4). 4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). 5. We receive that gift of salvation by confessing with our mouth that Jesus

Your new, inward identity is one of righteousness in God’s eyes. The more you realize that you are a new creature in Christ and walk in the Spirit, the more your outward actions will demonstrate Christ living in you. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives

fellowship with Him to be

is Lord and believing in

us eternal life—sweet constant fellowship in the

restored (Ephesians 1:6–7).

our heart that God has

Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteous-

Jesus accomplished our

raised Him from the dead

ness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

salvation through His

(Romans 10:9–10).

he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and He is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Hymn History “Take My Life and Let It Be” Sing “Take My Life and Let It Be” and read about the availability evidenced in the life of the hymn writer, Frances Ridley Havergal.

God immediately began answering her prayer. When only one day of the visit remained, eight friends had either affirmed their commitment to Christ or been saved! After Miss Havergal had gone to bed on their final evening together, she heard a knock at her door. The two daughters who lived in the home asked if they might speak with her at that late hour. Miss Havergal eagerly made herself available, hoping her prayers for these last two might be answered with their decisions to accept Christ as Savior. Soon they were weeping in anguish over their wretched spiritual condition. With great joy, Miss Havergal led Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879) them to Christ! Afterward, Miss Havergal was too excited to sleep. Wide awake, she praised God for His answers to her prayer. Later, recalling the events of that night, she noted joyfully, “These little couplets formed themselves and chimed in

my heart one after another till they finished with, ‘Ever, only, ALL for thee’ [emphasis hers],” and that is how the words of this treasured hymn came to be written. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Miss Havergal had a beautiful voice. She often performed at concerts, including at performances by the London Philharmonic. Initially, she sang this hymn only during her personal devotions. One day, however, the following verse led to a new conviction: Take my voice and let me sing always only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee. After carefully pondering those lines, Miss Havergal believed she should stop performing at secular concerts. From that moment on, “her lips were exclusively devoted to the songs of the Lord.”¹ Availability is “making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.” Do you make your schedule and your priorities secondary to the will of God and your parents? Frequently, we want to make our personal desires our priority, yet as we become genuinely available to God, we can joyfully make this declaration: Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart—it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

¹Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul, p. 191. | Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

Laughter filled the London home! Eleven young adults were visiting each other for five days in 1874. One guest, thirty-eight-year-old Frances Havergal, although enjoying this time of fellowship with her friends, found herself especially burdened to pray for them. Kneeling in the guest bedroom, the Christian woman boldly prayed, “Lord, give me all in this house!” Some were Christians but immature believers, while the remainder were unsaved. Fervently, she prayed for her ten friends.

Hymn Sheet Music

Take My Life and Let It Be               

 

 

      





      

  

      

     

 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.



Take Take Take Take Take Take

Lord, of for I long trea -

my my my my my my

life hands voice sil will love;

to Thee. Thy love. my King. with - hold. er mine. sure store.

      



   

and and and ver and my

Take Take Take Take Take Take





  

be it let let them move me sing let my gold; and make it Thine; pour I Lord,

 

my mo my feet my lips my in my heart— my - self,

      

flow in cease - less for beau - ti - ful mes - sag - es from pow'r as Thou shalt be Thy roy - al for all on - ly,

 

ments and and tel it and

 

       



  

con - se the at al - ways a not it shall Thy at

and let let lect is I

my them them and Thine will

days; be be use own; be

     

crat im on mite be feet

 



         

 

praise, let them flow in cease - less Thee, swift and beau - ti - ful for Thee, filled with mes - sag - es from choose, ev - 'ry pow'r as Thou shalt throne, it shall be Thy roy - al Thee, for all ev - er, on - ly

   

ed, pulse ly, would no its

let swift filled ev it ev -

       

H. A. Cesar Malan (1787–1864)



 

them and with 'ry shall er,



praise. Thee. Thee. choose. throne. Thee.

 

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879)

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). 11

Word Search Answer Key

T M A N T H D F R K Y M P

F H W H A S G N I H T H R

W O E V W T M M A K I N G

H S E I I R U O Y L L N S

I D L P R I O R I T I E S

C L U F O R A P A V B Z X

H A D O W D P S R L A L L

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T R F J F V T V Q F I C O

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2021 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

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Hymns for the Family CDs (“Take My Life and Let It Be” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 2.)

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The Power for True Success

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Character Cards

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Character Cards Memory Game

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Character Sketches, Volumes I–III

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“The Lad and His Lunch” (message by Johnny Pope, available at embassymedia.com)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org Hymn History Bibliography Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC, 1986, pp. 249–251. Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN, 2003, p. 191. Petersen, Randy, Be Still My Soul, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL, 2014, p. 309.

Johnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and Their Stories,