Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Confirmed Royalty

CONFIRMED ROYALTY
1Corinthians 6:12-20


The Message vv.19-20: “Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.”


Keith and his family began sitting next to Shakira and her family during church service (see Begun Here, to be Finished…There devotion). The kids who were being confirmed wore white robes, and sat in a pew up front. Keith elbowed Shakira, “What’s confirmation, Shak?” he whispered. (Kon-fir-MA-shon means verified, approved).

“After a couple years of studying our faith, we get confirmed…kind of like graduation” she whispered back.

“How come?”

“Confirmation recognizes the kids as adult members of the congregation.”

“There’s so much to learn! I thought believing in Jesus was the end-game. You told me there weren’t any rules, remember?” (See Rules? devotion).

Keith’s just like countless believers. Why do so many people think that the road ends at salvation? Do we take salvation—and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling—for granted? News bulletin: the Lord’s not just passing through. Royalty (God’s Holy Spirit) indwells believers. Invisible changes are happening inside, while our outsides look unchanged. The Holy Spirit transforms people from the inside out, and it’s day by day (Romans 12:2, 2Corinthians 3:18). Do we grow so accustomed to having the best gift of salvation, that we forget how special we are to God?

Learning more about our spiritual growth will help us to remember that we’re being groomed for the family business. (God’s family business: His kingdom).

Refer to Every Believer is Special devotion to remind you how extraordinary you are to God. With Jesus as our big Brother, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are confirmed, authentic royalty! Not in the Confirmation of Faith church practice kind of way, but rather, we’re confirmed, or established as God’s kids. We’re royalty, as children of the King! Remember, our being groomed as a Chosen Race, Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation, and God’s Own Possession is ongoing (1Peter 2:9-10).



Shakira elbowed Keith, “Ok. If growing and learning is a rule, I guess I lied to you. But isn’t it cool how we’re being changed without even knowing it?” she whispered.



Take Home Nugget
Has anything changed since King Jesus came into your life, claiming your heart? Would others know whose you are, who you serve?



Strive for everyone to know that you serve God above,
His Holy Spirit dwells inside, and fills us with His love.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
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Friday, May 27, 2011

Selfless Devotion Honor

SELFLESS DEVOTION HONOR
Matthew 6:1-6


The Message v.1: “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God Who made you won’t be applauding.”





Celebrating Memorial Day in the USA is citizens’ appointment to applaud the selfless acts of those who’ve gone before. When at war, our immediate attention is focused on our devoted troops. Their selfless acts of bravery and courage allow us to enjoy freedom without worry. Gratefully, we honor them, and remember them in our prayers for safe return to the homeland.


Hurricane Isabel bore down on Washington, D.C. in September, 2003. The guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington National Cemetery, were advised to seek shelter. Not one guard ducked the raging storm. They selflessly stood post. The Changing of the Guard clicked heels precisely on time. Honoring their fallen comrades—even in the face of a hurricane—was their highest devotion.


We also honor departed cherished loved ones this holiday. Their selfless devotion continues to show us, guiding us forward on our paths today. Our memories shine warm, welcome reminders of who they were, and what they still mean to us.


But sometimes death comes unexpectedly, shocking those who remain alive. How can children say, “Good-bye” to a parent? Parents are numb when having to bury a child. Sometimes we must do stuff that we don’t want to do. We just don’t understand. It’s so painful. Sometimes, life’s too hard! Enter Jesus. He calms mournful hearts, laying down a blanket of peace. Our loved ones are in His arms, free from heartache and pain. That calm energizes us to go on.


Selfless devotion honors both the giver and the receiver. In the opening Scripture, Jesus teaches anonymous (an-ON-i-mus means secret) serving. He urges us to act without calling attention to ourselves. No one needs to see our good deeds; no one needs to learn of them. Jesus desires our consistent, selfless devotion to Him, this way. Every good deed, every obedience, every act of service is how we worship God each day.

Take Home Nugget


Envision private (and public) moments as gifts to the Lord. Remember times when you didn’t have to be asked twice before obeying a request? (Willing service to God). How about when you weren’t even asked, and did something nice? (Enthusiastic acts of worship). Jesus honors you in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”

O Lord, help me to persevere this day:
Grant me strength to serve in Your name.
Giving myself in selfless devotion, I say
Thank You for loving me every day the same!



J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Every Believer is Special

EVERY BELIEVER IS SPECIAL



1Peter 2:9-10


The Message: “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for a high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people. God’s instrument to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night and day difference He made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”







Begun Here, to be Continued…There devotion shows God’s kids the lifetime work of the Holy Spirit to transform us into people resembling Jesus, Himself. It discusses the physical change that radiates from the face of someone who makes God the main objective of life. Let’s listen to our third-grade friends as they exit their Sunday school classroom.




“Do you believe that the Holy Spirit makes it possible for Jesus to live through us?” Keith asked



Shakira as they walked into the sanctuary.



“I wonder how often I make Jesus mad by how I act, or the things I say?” Shakira said, shaking her head.




These kids will be blown away when they learn four things that make every believer special:




1.) Chosen Race. God chooses you and me to be part of His family, and kingdom! Why? Because He wanted us. He created us with this in mind. No one who’s been specially selected by God Almighty is insignificant (in-sig-NIF-i-kant means of no value or importance).






2.) Royal Priesthood. As God’s kids, we’re part of His royal family: heirs of God, and fellow heirs of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). Our Brother Jesus fulfills two roles. He’s both King and Priest. Our Father entrusts us with two roles, too: worship and intervention (in-ter-VEN-shon means to speak out to God) for others. (1Peter 2:9). Our jobs may freak us out, but in Christ, they’re do-able.






3.) Holy Nation. A group of believers, otherwise known as the church, is the body of Christ. We are holy, set apart for the Father’s purpose. (See Universal Church of Individuals devotion). Nothing we do is meaningless. Living for the Lord is our greatest ambition.




4.) God’s Own Possession. Our heavenly Father values each of us so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus, to die for our salvation. This was an expensive gift. God cherishes His kids so much that there isn’t anything that’s too much trouble for Him to be involved with in our lives.




“I wonder how comfortable the Holy Spirit is living inside of me?” Keith pondered.




Take Home Nugget




Satan interrupts our peace—saying that we’re too bad—unworthy of salvation. Don’t believe Satan’s lies! Always remember that your true identity and calling come from the Highest Authority—the One Who created you!





Oh the changes we’d love to make In our lives for Jesus’ sake! God watches over His own— Kids He’ll never disown.





J.D. Griffith









A personal, private lesson experience with our staff Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/




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Friday, May 20, 2011

Begun Here, to be Continued...There

BEGUN HERE, TO BE FINISHED…THERE
2Corinthians 3:15-18
The Message vv. 17-18: “And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him.”







Keith had a question in the third/fourth-grade Sunday school classroom he attends with Shakira. (See Rules? devotion). “I was wondering—when will we be done, you know—grow into being more like Jesus?”



Mr. Shaffer, said, “Good question, Keith. Why do you think you’re here, in the first place?”



Will Keith learn who chooses his future? Will he understand that sanctification (sank-tif-i-KA-shon, means becoming righteous) takes a lifetime, and beyond? Will he get it that God has a specific purpose for him? Will he discover that his God-given gifts will decide his wants, determine his work, and define his life?



“Uh, I don’t know.”





Mr. Shaffer closed his lesson book. “OK. We’ll tackle Keith’s question first. Our heavenly Father has a unique (un-EEK means one-of-a-kind) plan for every person’s life. But He intends for His kids to share one goal—and that’s to be conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. Keith wonders how close he’s getting…well, he’s still got a lifetime to go!”



“Uh?” the class uttered, as one.



“This process perfects our moral (MORE-al means good, right, honest) compass. It tunes our spiritual minds and hearts towards God. The Holy Spirit works nonstop—24/7—on tweaking believers’ character while we’re on earth. His goal is for us to become as loving, kind, and at peace as Jesus.”



Every kid’s head was shaking, “No.”



“You’re disagreeing with me?”



Courtney spoke up, “No one can be like Jesus, Mr. Shaffer!”



“You’d think that, wouldn’t you? I’ve got news for you: this is do-able!” Every eye was on Mr. Shaffer as he continued, “The Holy Spirit, living inside each of you, lives the life of Jesus through you!"




“No way!” Keith surprised himself, speaking up.



“Are you calling me a liar?”


No one spoke.


“Are you saying the Bible is a fairy tale?”



Heads shook, “No.”




“Our one job is to work with the Holy Spirit, not against Him. Relax, kids. Most of us won’t be done until we’re in heaven—if then.”




Take Home Nugget




The sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler) God is concerned with every single thing involving our lives. Both good and bad stuff fulfill God’s purpose for His kids, lovingly shaping us into His masterpieces.




When we think we cannot reach the divine, hear God whisper, “Thou art mine!”




J.D. Griffith




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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Rules?

RULES?
Proverbs 9:7-12
V. 10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."



Playing 4-Square during recess from their third-grade classroom, Shakira blew Keith’s mind. Hitting the ball, she said, “You wanted to know the rules of being a Christian, Keith? There aren’t any.” (See What Happens When I Sin? devotion).

“Your first rule was for me to repent” Keith challenged, returning the ball.

“Yeah, well, repenting is the only way I know that’ll stop your yelling at Nina.”


“I’m confused” Keith admitted.


Shakira’s correct—sort of. God laid down many rules for His people in the Bible’s Old Testament. There were festivals to be observed, forbidden foods, commanded sacrifices. But Jesus changed all that. Ephesians 2:14-15 says that Jesus destroyed the dividing wall of hostility and abolished “in His flesh the law and its commandments and regulations.” The cross reconciled OT laws with the NT sacrifice in one body (Jesus). Only one rule remains. John 3:16 states that whoever “believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life.”


Since Keith already trusts Jesus as his Savior, he’s Shakira’s brother-in-Christ. He’s a new person (2Corinthians 5:17), growing in righteousness from the inside out (2Thessalonians 2:13). The indwelling Holy Spirit directs his growth, reminds him of sin that needs repenting, and supplies him supernatural strength (Ephesians 3:19). So, strictly speaking, there aren’t more rules.


But…there’s always a but, isn’t there? The opening Scripture offers wisdom and understanding to those who fear God. Fearing God can be more accurately described as awed reverence. Can we acknowledge God as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth? Do we agree that God makes all things turn out for good, for those who love Him, and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)? Why then, is it difficult to submit to and obey His will? No wonder Keith is confused…this is a lot to get at one time.

Believers are offered, and advised to make life choices that enhance their walk. Gaining stuff like wisdom, empowerment to obey, or understanding from a divine perspective only come from surrendering to God’s will. Sheer will power isn’t enough. Human efforts always fall short of the goal. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we live victoriously.


Who else empowers confidence for a person to live in joy, security, and achieve victory in both good times and bad?



Take Home Nugget



Beginning each day by confessing dependence on God makes the Holy Spirit accountable. Now it’s His job to lead us through everything we think, say, and do. Talk about awesome assurance and might!


Lord, thank you for my salvation,
Your grace and mercy, all for free!
Take charge of my sanctification,
Glorify Yourself through me.



J.D. Griffith





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Friday, May 13, 2011

What Happens When I Sin?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SIN?
Jeremiah 15:19
The Message: “This is how God answered me [Jeremiah]: ‘Take back those words, and I’ll take you back. Then you’ll stand tall before Me. Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for Me. Let your words change them. Don’t change your words to suit them.’”





Keith tapped Shakira’s shoulder. “What?” she whispered, turning around.


“Uh” Keith began, “not sure what to say, Shak.” He looked down at the paper on his desk.


“Do you want to play 4-Square at recess?” Shakira asked.


“I really want to ask you something.”


“Ms. Temple’ll return soon…and our papers better be done, Keith.”


“I know…but I’m curious about…what happens…when we sin?"


“Did you hit your little sister, again?” (See Permanence devotion).


“No, I just yell at her all the time. I want to stp doing that, but..."

“Oh. I get it. You’ve got to repent, Keith.”


“I say, ‘I’m sorry’ a lot, but it’s not working.”



“Repent is more than you’re being sorry. It means to agree that your actionn is wrong, turn away, determined not to repeat it.”



Shakira’s correct. God’s love is not dependant on strict obedience to the Ten Commandments. But many people would rather continue doing wrong than change their ways. Repentance means to change one’s mind and attitude—from sin—towards God. This dominoes into changed actions and decisions. Repentance confesses sin with godly sorrow (2Corinthians 7:10), then forsaking it. John the Baptist preached that people should turn away from one way of living to embrace God-honored living. (Matthew 3:8).


Did you know that Moses killed a man? (Exodus 2:11-13). Yet God blessed him mightily. God loves us through sin—even when we disobey. His love is limitless. That’s called grace. Grace covers sin for those who trust in Jesus, enabling us to respond with fruits worthy of repentance. Galatians 5:22 tells us what fruit God’s expecting from His kids. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, kindness, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, self-control, and faithfulness.


The best part? No one can sin beyond our Lord’s forgiving grace.


Keith tapped Shakira’s shoulder.




“What now?” she whispered.


“Why are there so many rules to being a Christian?”


“Shhhhh. That’s for another day, Keith.”


Take Home Nugget


But grace is not a license to sin, either. You can think of grace as a time out. It covers God’s kids until they figure out what’s wrong, and remember to repent. But when time out is over, God allows us to experience the consequences of our sin—just like parents often do. But don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will help us to turn away from any sin we just repented.


Repent and leave the sin

That we loved before.
Display our sure win
Repeats the sin no more.


J.D. Griffith



Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for What Happens When I Sin?
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Heat to Holiness

HEAT TO HOLINESS
Isaiah 43:1-13
V. 2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”



Who’s in Charge Here? devotion showed Moses’ three mistakes that led to his sin of murder. The devotion mentions that God took control of his life from then on, and refined the guy into a future leader. Moses’ vast experience walking where God led (forty years through the desert) brought him victory—but his trials required perseverance (per-se-VERE-anc means determination). Does anyone think this refining process is easy? Will you have to go through your own refining process, one day?


Why does heat dry one’s hair quicker than room temperature? The heat evaporates (e-VAP-or-ates means to change liquid to steam that rises into the air) the hair’s water. Gold is refined with extreme heat that burns impurities away, leaving only pure metal behind. The same is true for silver. Every refining process includes heat, burning away whatever contaminates (con-TAM-in-ates means pollution or corruption) are present. People are no exception.


Just as we cannot control the physics of refining, we have no control over our own process. Certainly no one would choose heat to separate impurities from their lives. But holiness means be set apart—and isn’t that what our life-long process of sanctification does? (Sank-tif-i-KA-shon means to be made holy…See House and Sanctification devotions—about 12 devotions ago—to learn more). Heat is necessary to drive the process to completion, or holiness.

Heat is just trials. Everyone is challenged with trials, almost daily. So, it’s not scary to understand that God uses them to shape His kids. Notice Isaiah never says if in Scripture when God’s talking about trials. God’s giving us fair warning that we will go through trials when He uses the word, when. The trials mentioned are water and fire. The bright spot is that no one drowns in the water, and no one burns up in the fire. Water and fire are metaphors (met-a-FORS means symbols) for trials.

No one knows when we’ll be called to walk through the fire, or how hot the furnace will be. But we know for sure that God’s flames are to purify, not to destroy. Our victory is holiness.


Take Home Nugget




Returning from Mt. Sinai, Moses’ face glowed so brilliantly that he had to hide behind a veil (Exodus 34:33). Moses’ victory was close encounter with God. If you were to ask him if his trials were worth his victories, aren’t you sure he’d say, “Yes!”



The only way God hurries holiness is by turning up the heat.


J.D. Griffith



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Friday, May 6, 2011

How Well Do You Know Your Mother?

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR MOTHER?
1samuel 2:19
“Each year his [Samuel’s] mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.”




Do you know the story of Samuel? His Mom, Hannah, wanted a child so badly that she stayed in prayer, crying day and night (1Samuel 1:7, 8, 10). Around the year 1000 B.C., mid(millennium)way between when God called Abraham, the father of Israel (around 1800 B.C.), and the birth of Jesus (around year 3 A.D.), we find the story of an exceptional woman.





God called Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)—Samuel (1Samuel 1:3-9)—Jesus (Luke 2:4-7)



Hannah was one of Elkanah’s two wives. One wife, Peninnah, had children. But Hannah had none. Peninnah made Hannah’s life miserable with daily taunts (1Samuel 1:6). How cruel for someone to be making fun of another—who, through no fault of her own, wasn’t able to have children! Have you ever made fun of someone when comparing them to you? How do you think that makes Jesus feel?




Let’s look closer into Hannah’s sorrow. Elkanah loved Hannah more than Peninnah, and showed it plainly. He gave double portions of food to Hannah, even though Peninnah got enough food for herself, her sons, and daughters (1Samuel 1:4-5). How do you think Hannah dealt with her husband’s sympathy because she couldn’t give him one child?


He asked her point-blank one day, “What’s so wrong, Hannah, that you’re always crying, and not eating? Am I not more important than a whole bunch of kids? (1Samuel 1:8). Finally, Hannah had enough.





Check out what The Message translation of the Bible says in 1Samuel 1:9-11: “So Hannah ate. Then she pulled herself together, slipped away quietly, and entered the sanctuary. The priest Eli was on duty at the entrance to God’s Temple in the customary seat. Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried—inconsolably.



"Then she made a vow: ‘Oh God-of-the-Angel-Armies, if You’ll take a good, hard look at my pain,





"If You’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me


"By giving me a son, I’ll give him completely, unreservedly to You.


"I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline.’”



Before the end of that year, Hannah gave birth to a son (1Samuel 1:20).



Take Home Nugget



Hannah named her son, Samuel. It means, “I asked God for him.”





Did your Mom want you so badly that she prayed for you? Why don’t you ask her? Why don’t you make your Mom’s day and ask her stuff you don’t know about her life?





Our Father’s love is plain in the way women love others—even when they’re not her children.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY




J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Who's in Charge Here?

WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?


Exodus 2:11-25



The Message vv. 11-12: “Time passed. Moses grew up. One day he went and saw his brothers, saw all that hard labor. Then he saw an Egyptian hit a Hebrew—one of his relatives! He looked this way and then that; when he realized there was no one in sight, he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand.”




Young Moses lived a dream. First, his Mom placed him inside a basket and floated him on Egypt’s Nile River (Exodus 2:1-4). Pharaoh’s daughter found baby Moses, and raised him as her own—a royal prince. Intelligent and handsome, Moses had it made! (Exodus 2:5-10). Then, as a young man, he learned the truth about himself. He wasn’t royalty at all. He was really a Hebrew—related to the slaves who worked all around him. He hated the royal lie, and wanted to connect with his brothers. The opening Scripture finds him awakening from his dream, and begin running for his life (Exodus 2:13-15).

Who was in charge of Moses’ life?


When challenged, we respond in one of two ways: God’s way, or our way. Moses acted on gut instinct. His way—taking matters into his own hands—caused him to sin, and taught him fear. Did God kill Moses because of this? No way—God had pans for Moses! Moses’ refining school began immediately, under God’s supervision. This future leader’s character was forged from persevering through many trials.

Who took charge of Moses life?

What can Moses teach us? Maybe we can avoid his three mistakes in our own lives. 1) Moses focused on the problem instead of on the Lord. A person’s gut-response when seeing injustice is to immediately lash out. 2) Moses relied on his own understanding, and strength. When problems arise, our natural instinct is to make things right as soon as possible. 3) Moses acted hastily instead of waiting on the Lord. Asking direction from God delays action.


Who was in charge when Moses sinned?


All three mistakes were the result of spontaneous (spon-TANE-e-ous means natural unplanned) action instead of thoughtful deliberation (de-LIB-er-a-shon means careful planning). If people were honest, mistakes made in life can all be rooted to haste. Prayer, and waiting on God—either for His response, or His taking charge—takes time. It takes precious time for people to back off and let God.


Who has the time to wait for God to take charge?

Take Home Nugget


Forgetting our all-powerful God when a situation demands quick thinking is natural for humans. How many times do we rush head-long into making mistakes?


So many choices we must make
That charts the life course we take:
Either in God’s wondrous light
Or wandering in darkest night.


J.D. Griffith

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