May 6, "I’m Achan All Over"
Lesson 53: Sin Cuts Us Out of God's Blessings
Ol’ Gus tells the Bible story of Achan, a man who disobeyed God and suffered for it. Meanwhile, Marsha’s food and blanket drive for the needy in Wildwood is coming together nicely. But when Marsha falls to temptation, she finds herself in Achan’s place!
“Sin’s losers”
David Carl writes, “The story of Achan is one of the lesser known jewels of the Old Testament. This story also tells us about the nature of God. It is utterly shocking that God demands death for Achan and his entire family for this seemingly minor bit of shoplifting. We are inclined to tell Achan not to do it again and give him a time out. God sees this sin as it really is—a threat to the very lives of his chosen people.” Discover why there are some major problems with what we might think are minor issues in this week’s Director’s Notes.
May 13, "The Captain of My Destiny"
Lesson 54: We Should Let God Direct Our Plans
Staci welcomes a new arrival to Wildwood and her whole world is turned upside down! Eunice McGruff convinces Staci that if you want anything in this world you have to make it happen for yourself. Staci likes what she hears, but is that what God tells us to do?
“Treasure hunters”
David Carl writes, “There is a treasure out there for you. There's one for me too. So let's go get it. Why haven't you left yet? If you have any common sense you're waiting for more information. Things like, what exactly is the treasure? Where is the treasure hidden? What will I need to take with me and what obstacles will I have to overcome? For some reason this kind of good thinking rarely gets applied to spiritual things.” Discover what tools spiritual treasure hunters need to be equipped with in this week’s Director’s Notes.
May 20, "Let It Go, Let It Go, Let It Go"
Lesson 55: Desiring God’s Best for Us
C.J. befriends a group of weak and pitiful creatures. He gets the surprise of his life when he discovers they don't want his help! Meanwhile, Tiffany learns that she has a terrible illness that can only be cured if she changes who she is from the inside out!
“Desperado”
David Carl writes, “There is a song made famous by the Eagles called 'Desperado.' In it there is a lyric that has haunted me since high school: ‘You got to let somebody love you before it’s too late.’ This is why we need artists and poets in the world. This writer knew in his soul (even if he was not a believer) that letting somebody love you can be one of the most difficult and terrifying things a person can do. He also knew that until this is done we are all desperate and incomplete.” Learn about God’s prescriptions for “real living” in this week’s Director’s Notes.
May 27, "The Problem with Purity, Part 1"
Lesson 56: Sharing Jesus with Others in a Simple Way
Paw Paw Chuck and C.J. make a delivery to a local church in Pleasant Valley, a town that sounds like . . . well, a pleasant place to visit. But when the townspeople mockingly describe the members of "The Big White Church," it doesn't sound like any group of Christians Paw Paw Chuck and C.J. have ever heard of.
"Legally pure"
David Carl writes, "Legalism is the conviction that our good behavior is the way to earn God's approval and acceptance. Legalism is deceptive because at first blush that is a statement that seems so true. Our behavior is indeed important to God; that is true. The lie is that our behavior, even our near-perfect behavior, will make God like us more. Our souls are broken beyond our ability to repair." Learn about the problem with pursuing legalism in this week's Director's Notes.