BCIC Availability Sample

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

“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

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

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

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CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Availability in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Be Ready to Serve

ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Isaiah 6:8

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Help Is on the Way!

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Consider the Needs of Others

11 Bible Story: Fervent Prayer for the Imprisoned Apostle

12 Memory Verse: Philippians 2:20–21

13 Activity: Word Search

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would

14 Lesson 3: Respond Promptly When I Am Called

be wise to learn from the testimonies God

15 Bible Story: A New Calling for Twelve Men

16 Memory Verse: Mark 1:20

Illustrated in Life

17 Activity: Balloon Rockets

18 Lesson 4:

Serve Cheerfully

19 Bible Story: The Unwilling Prophet

20 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:1–2

21 Activity: Be a Ray of Sunshine!

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Additional Resources

22 Availability GEMs

23 Journal and GEM

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Take My Life and Let It Be”

25 Hymn History: “Take My Life and Let It Be”

by Frances Ridley Havergal

26 Explaining Salvation to a Child

27 Reproducible Coloring Pages

31 Recommended Resources

has given us in Scripture.

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

Mine

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Availability?

Read aloud and discuss what availability means and how it applies to life.

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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.

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

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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. Other times he may hide in his room to avoid being asked to do something or wait for others to volunteer 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.

Availability in Scripture

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AVAILABILITY KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to

be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

“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

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.

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

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(See Exodus 25:8–9.)

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

(See Matthew 25:40.)

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(See Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:17.)

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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 believers who are facing persecution to declare their faith before authorities.

(See Matthew 10:17–20.)

How can I be ready and available to follow Jesus?

(See Luke 9:23.)

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(See Matthew 19:13–15.)

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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.)

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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.)

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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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Serving others is for Whose sake?

(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?

(See Galatians 5:16, 22–26.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Be Ready to Serve INTRODUCTION

“H

ere I am,” responded heroes of faith such

as Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah when God called.

They were willing to change their plans and be ready to serve Almighty God. 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 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Be Ready to Serve

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

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

and then attacked Judah, Hezekiah was afraid. He 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.)

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.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

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

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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M

Philippians 2:20–21

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P

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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O

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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S

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

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OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

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Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

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