BCIC Availability Sample

Availability

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

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

“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.”

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Illustrated in Scripture

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations 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 be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

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Illustrated in Life

“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.

Character Quality Overview

What Is Availability?

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

The 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 leads you to help 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

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 so you can be 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 means I am present and ready to offer my time, even when it is inconvenient.

A self-centered person ignores the needs of others and shuts them out of his life.

Availability in Scripture

As 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.

The Character of God

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

• 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 Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:17.)

• The Father made Himself accessible to mankind through Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

(See Ephesians 2:18.)

• Jesus willingly laid aside His deity to become a servant to mankind.

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

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

(See Matthew 19:13–15.)

• 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.)

• The Holy Spirit is ready to help believers who are facing persecution to declare their faith before authorities.

(See Matthew 10:17–20.)

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

Availability in My Life

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

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

(See Matthew 25:40.)

• What in my life needs to be set aside so that I can be wholly available to God?

(See Hebrews 12:1.)

• What can I do on behalf of my fellowman and authorities?

(See I Timothy 2:1–2.)

• How can I be ready and available to follow Jesus?

(See Luke 9:23.)

• Am I able to serve the Lord and myself at the same time?

(See Matthew 6:24.)

• Serving others is for Whose sake?

(See II Corinthians 4:5.)

• What is the purpose of good works?

(See Matthew 5:16.)

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

(See Galatians 5:16, 22–26.)

Be Ready to Serve

“HereI 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.)

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

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

During a time of spiritual wickedness in Judah, God raised up several prophets. One prophet, Isaiah, delivered God’s messages during the reigns of four different kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. When Syria, an enemy of Judah, besieged the capital city of Jerusalem, God gave Isaiah a message for King Ahaz: trust the Lord for help. Ahaz, however, did not listen. Instead, he asked Assyria, a former enemy, for help. Taking silver and gold from the Temple, King Ahaz paid the king of Assyria to fight Judah’s enemies. The people of Judah continued to sin. After King Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah became king. When Assyria conquered Samaria and Israel

and then attacked Judah, Hezekiah was afraid. He tried to pacify the Syrians by paying their high demands for gold and silver, but Assyria still threatened to overtake Judah. King Hezekiah sent his servants to Isaiah. When they arrived at the prophet’s door, God had a message of hope and direction for them. Whether or not kings liked him, and whether or not his message was pleasant, Isaiah continued to obey God’s call. How had this faithful prophet begun his ministry? What did he see and hear when God called him? How did he respond?

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

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.)

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

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

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Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set

Includes 2 bonus items: Calendar + Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Power for True Success

Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

Hymns for the Family, Volumes 1–4

Companion hymns for each character quality

Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set

Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation