SUBSTITUTION=DISOBEDIENCE
1 Samuel 15:1-23
V. 16: “‘Stop!’ Samuel said to Saul. ‘Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.’”
“But I was going to put the candy back,” six year old Levi—dressed as a dragon caught in the act of stuffing a handful of candy in his dragon pocket—said to Ms. Busby, his first grade teacher. “I was just playing!” he insisted.
“Keep just one, and return the rest, now.” Ms. Busby ordered.
A clown’s smiling-face barrel, filled with candy, marked the return-to-school point for the elementary school’s Halloween two-block parade. Costumed students waved and laughed, walking the parent-lined street.
The students were so pumped up with showing off their costumes during the parade, that many tried disobeying the rule of taking only one piece of candy. Levi got caught.
While everybody must live with rules, some try substituting their own. Humans want to make deals better—or at least better-suited to their own agenda. Levi just wanted to see if he could get more than one piece of candy. Who would see, who would care? The barrel was full of candy. The candy was the kids’ Halloween treat. It was the kids’ parade, after all!
Levi is like most people. His deal swap sounded pretty good in his head, before he carried out the act of taking more candy. Levi thought, if I may have one piece of candy, why not ten?
Since God created people in His own image (Genesis 1:27), He also knew that His kids would eventually disobey. First Adam and Eve sinned. And every person since then has sinned. God’s always been wise to His kids’ pranks.
Whenever God commands something, our first reaction is usually, “I don’t want to.” People hate commands. “You must” or “you have to” rubs people the wrong way. We wonder, is this a suggestion? Did we hear God correctly? We conveniently “forget,” or deny His call. Some people, like Jonah, run away.
The most subtle [SUT-l means delicately sly] refusal to obey is to “appear to obey.” When we do this, we don’t obey totally. We substitute something, changing the command to something we like better. Usually, we don’t even admit disobedience.
How do you respond to God’s commands?
Take Home Nugget
We just finished Master Class devotion series, where we learned to surrender our individual lives to Jesus’ Lordship. Check out the lesson part of this devotion to see how Saul, God’s anointed king of Israel, disobeyed. God stripped Saul’s kingdom away, and gave it to another. Is our disobedience as obvious?
Help me Lord, when I don’t understand
Where You send me as You lead.
In faith, I grip Your outstretched hand;
Help me to trust you for every need.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Master Plan for Victory
MASTER PLAN FOR VICTORY
Seventh of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
This Master Class series was designed to show how we can overcome whatever obstacles are hindering our lives from achieving victory. While people usually try to work things out on their own, Christians have a distinct advantage.
Many people know about God’s Son Jesus (head knowledge). It’s common for humans to think that they are captains of their lives, and directors of their own fates. This attitude is wrong, however. While there are many Christians who believe in Jesus—and have received salvation and eternal life—their lives are far from victorious. Victorious Christians make Jesus Master of their lives.
The word, “master,” suggests one thing for those whose ancestors were slaves, and quite another for those who’re apprentices. Apprentice [ap-PREN-tis] means a beginner, someone who is training, or learning something—from another—who is teaching. The teacher is labeled the master. That’s why Jesus’ disciples often referred to Him as “Master,” and rightly so.
Jesus offers gifts of forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life to every person—but these gifts cost Jesus His life. Christians who are serious about living the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10, will cost them their (perceived) independence. Victorious Christian lives are surrendered to Christ.
Surrendered Christians enter Jesus’ Master class—a lifetime of learning. Far different from students packed into an auditorium, where the teacher doesn’t know the students, Jesus’ Master class is one-on-one student-to-teacher ratio. This face-to-face personal tutoring allows for give and take, or questions and answers, between master and student (apprentice).
Doctors, lawyers, and other “professionals” start out learning alongside a master. Disciples of Jesus learn from their Master—Jesus of Nazareth. Master class isn’t just for beginners, either. For whoever hungers to grow, Jesus will never stop teaching; Jesus is one master who’ll never be mastered! Master Jesus accepts surrendered students’ hearts, minds, time, and talents. (Everything we are came from Him, anyway).
If this seems radical, it is! The Master of our salvation and commander of our kingdom deserves nothing less than our all.
Take Home Nugget
The Father announced His Master plan of victory for every believer-in-Christ in the opening Scripture. “Plans to prosper you” for “hope and a future” sounds victorious to me. Are you ready to make this radical lifelong learning journey to victory? We’ll never stop learning!
So much pulls at my heart.
But O Lord, help me start;
Help me see where my life’s going,
May I reap victory from endless growing!
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Master Plan for Victory
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Seventh of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
This Master Class series was designed to show how we can overcome whatever obstacles are hindering our lives from achieving victory. While people usually try to work things out on their own, Christians have a distinct advantage.
Many people know about God’s Son Jesus (head knowledge). It’s common for humans to think that they are captains of their lives, and directors of their own fates. This attitude is wrong, however. While there are many Christians who believe in Jesus—and have received salvation and eternal life—their lives are far from victorious. Victorious Christians make Jesus Master of their lives.
The word, “master,” suggests one thing for those whose ancestors were slaves, and quite another for those who’re apprentices. Apprentice [ap-PREN-tis] means a beginner, someone who is training, or learning something—from another—who is teaching. The teacher is labeled the master. That’s why Jesus’ disciples often referred to Him as “Master,” and rightly so.
Jesus offers gifts of forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life to every person—but these gifts cost Jesus His life. Christians who are serious about living the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10, will cost them their (perceived) independence. Victorious Christian lives are surrendered to Christ.
Surrendered Christians enter Jesus’ Master class—a lifetime of learning. Far different from students packed into an auditorium, where the teacher doesn’t know the students, Jesus’ Master class is one-on-one student-to-teacher ratio. This face-to-face personal tutoring allows for give and take, or questions and answers, between master and student (apprentice).
Doctors, lawyers, and other “professionals” start out learning alongside a master. Disciples of Jesus learn from their Master—Jesus of Nazareth. Master class isn’t just for beginners, either. For whoever hungers to grow, Jesus will never stop teaching; Jesus is one master who’ll never be mastered! Master Jesus accepts surrendered students’ hearts, minds, time, and talents. (Everything we are came from Him, anyway).
If this seems radical, it is! The Master of our salvation and commander of our kingdom deserves nothing less than our all.
Take Home Nugget
The Father announced His Master plan of victory for every believer-in-Christ in the opening Scripture. “Plans to prosper you” for “hope and a future” sounds victorious to me. Are you ready to make this radical lifelong learning journey to victory? We’ll never stop learning!
So much pulls at my heart.
But O Lord, help me start;
Help me see where my life’s going,
May I reap victory from endless growing!
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Master Plan for Victory
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Master Jesus
MASTER JESUS
Sixth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Luke 8:24-25a
“The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are going to drown!’
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples.”
Jesus’ disciples were so scared that they awoke Him from a sound sleep during a powerful storm. Fright is a created-being emotion. The creator has nothing to be frightened about from His creation. What security we have believing in the One who’s never scared! We’re always safe in Christ, regardless of the squalls that storm our lives.
Even when one storm is named, Labron.
Sometimes Jesus asks someone to help out.
During recess, fifth grader, Jeremy, asked fourth grader, Miguel, “Hey buddy, what’s the problem?” (See Greatest Supernatural Strength devotion).
Miguel’s shame misted his eyes in embarrassment. He looked at Jeremy, and blurted out, “Nothin!”
“So Greg pinned your arms down for ‘Nuthin?’ You wanted to punch someone, didn’t you?”
Jeremy looked around, and suddenly understood. “Am I correct that Labron’s giving you a hard time?”
Miguel and Greg’s fourth grade classmate, Jules, chimed in, “Labron made fun of how Miguel throws the football. He called him ‘pathetic.’ He was so rude!”
“Throwing a football is harder than throwing a baseball,” Jeremy admitted.
Miguel brightened up, “I can throw a baseball, easy!” he said.
“Here, Miguel.” Jeremy said, showing him how he grasps the football. “See how my fingers cross the threads? As I bring it from the back—past my ear—aiming towards a receiver, I release the football feeling those threads.” He handed the football to Miguel. “Your turn.”
Miguel copied how Jeremy held the football, and pointed to Greg. Greg backed up a bit. He looked to Jeremy, who nodded his head. “That’s right, Miguel. Now complete your motion, and let it rip.”
Miguel threw a weak spiral to Greg. The football didn’t flutter back and forth, like it used to. “Yah!” Greg and Jules cheered.
Jules said, “Practice makes perfect!”
Who’s your master? Everyone has one. We serve whoever is our master. While there are “master switches” that operate electrical systems, master keys that unlock every door, and master files that contain all our data, there’s only one master for Christians.
Jeremy’s master is Jesus. All Jesus’ disciples know Him as Master. Jesus’ take-charge of scary, impossible, or weird situations always calms Christians.
Take Home Nugget
Our creator, redeemer and Savior, Master Jesus, has a plan for your eternity. When you trust in Jesus as Lord, everything changes. You’ll have a new life, a new family, and a new future—eternally secured.
When storms rage, let master Jesus master your fears.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Master Jesus
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
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Sixth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Luke 8:24-25a
“The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are going to drown!’
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples.”
Jesus’ disciples were so scared that they awoke Him from a sound sleep during a powerful storm. Fright is a created-being emotion. The creator has nothing to be frightened about from His creation. What security we have believing in the One who’s never scared! We’re always safe in Christ, regardless of the squalls that storm our lives.
Even when one storm is named, Labron.
Sometimes Jesus asks someone to help out.
During recess, fifth grader, Jeremy, asked fourth grader, Miguel, “Hey buddy, what’s the problem?” (See Greatest Supernatural Strength devotion).
Miguel’s shame misted his eyes in embarrassment. He looked at Jeremy, and blurted out, “Nothin!”
“So Greg pinned your arms down for ‘Nuthin?’ You wanted to punch someone, didn’t you?”
Jeremy looked around, and suddenly understood. “Am I correct that Labron’s giving you a hard time?”
Miguel and Greg’s fourth grade classmate, Jules, chimed in, “Labron made fun of how Miguel throws the football. He called him ‘pathetic.’ He was so rude!”
“Throwing a football is harder than throwing a baseball,” Jeremy admitted.
Miguel brightened up, “I can throw a baseball, easy!” he said.
“Here, Miguel.” Jeremy said, showing him how he grasps the football. “See how my fingers cross the threads? As I bring it from the back—past my ear—aiming towards a receiver, I release the football feeling those threads.” He handed the football to Miguel. “Your turn.”
Miguel copied how Jeremy held the football, and pointed to Greg. Greg backed up a bit. He looked to Jeremy, who nodded his head. “That’s right, Miguel. Now complete your motion, and let it rip.”
Miguel threw a weak spiral to Greg. The football didn’t flutter back and forth, like it used to. “Yah!” Greg and Jules cheered.
Jules said, “Practice makes perfect!”
Who’s your master? Everyone has one. We serve whoever is our master. While there are “master switches” that operate electrical systems, master keys that unlock every door, and master files that contain all our data, there’s only one master for Christians.
Jeremy’s master is Jesus. All Jesus’ disciples know Him as Master. Jesus’ take-charge of scary, impossible, or weird situations always calms Christians.
Take Home Nugget
Our creator, redeemer and Savior, Master Jesus, has a plan for your eternity. When you trust in Jesus as Lord, everything changes. You’ll have a new life, a new family, and a new future—eternally secured.
When storms rage, let master Jesus master your fears.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Master Jesus
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Greater Supernatural Strength
GREATER SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH
Galatians 5:22-23
The fifth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
“But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Those who believe in Jesus Christ, making Him master of their lives, begin a life-long journey of wonder. Words like new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), redemption, forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), predestined, called, justified, glorified (Romans 8:30), inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14), and sanctified (Romans 14-16) come alive with supernatural meaning.
Sanctification=God in us. What?
Jesus says in John 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”
We learned in the previous devotion, Greatest Human Strength, that people need something greater than human power to control ourselves. Human lack of self-control gets us into trouble, usually with suffering. But believers-in-Christ can live successful victorious lives. Our secret is the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Sixth grader Labron pushed every one of fourth grader Miguel’s buttons by ridiculing the way he threw a football at recess. Miguel had heard enough. Fists up, Miguel intended to deck Labron. But Miguel’s classmate, Greg, stopped Miguel, (probably saving him from being suspended from school for fighting). Sanctification—transforming Christians into Christ likeness—is the Holy Spirit’s job.
Miguel needed help to control his anger, and Greg physically stepped in. Since Miguel believes in Jesus, his indwelling Holy Spirit was blaring a warning. But Miguel’s anger roared louder. We all need the Holy Spirit’s supernatural strength, that’s greater than our own, to control ourselves. But we need to “hear” (one’s conscience) Him.
The indwelling Holy Spirit enables believers to live a defended life. He protects us from the powers, like anger, that seek to control us. The opening Scripture lists fruit of the Spirit—of which self-control is one. Our job is to obey—when the Holy Spirit’s empowering us to do what’s right. Let’s avoid grieving Him who seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? When we break any of God’s commandments, such as lying, stealing, or cursing in God’s Name, we upset the supernatural Spirit.
Take Home Nugget
Self-control doesn’t come from human intellect, willpower, determination, or resolve. The Holy Spirit’s greater supernatural strength trumps the weaker human greatest strength. Allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us with supernatural strength isn’t luck. It’s believers’ choice to live triumphantly with the Holy Spirit’s power and protection.
My strength overpowers the world’s strength when I allow my inner power to be my supernatural strength.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Greater Supernatural Strength
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Galatians 5:22-23
The fifth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
“But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Those who believe in Jesus Christ, making Him master of their lives, begin a life-long journey of wonder. Words like new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), redemption, forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), predestined, called, justified, glorified (Romans 8:30), inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14), and sanctified (Romans 14-16) come alive with supernatural meaning.
Sanctification=God in us. What?
Jesus says in John 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”
We learned in the previous devotion, Greatest Human Strength, that people need something greater than human power to control ourselves. Human lack of self-control gets us into trouble, usually with suffering. But believers-in-Christ can live successful victorious lives. Our secret is the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Sixth grader Labron pushed every one of fourth grader Miguel’s buttons by ridiculing the way he threw a football at recess. Miguel had heard enough. Fists up, Miguel intended to deck Labron. But Miguel’s classmate, Greg, stopped Miguel, (probably saving him from being suspended from school for fighting). Sanctification—transforming Christians into Christ likeness—is the Holy Spirit’s job.
Miguel needed help to control his anger, and Greg physically stepped in. Since Miguel believes in Jesus, his indwelling Holy Spirit was blaring a warning. But Miguel’s anger roared louder. We all need the Holy Spirit’s supernatural strength, that’s greater than our own, to control ourselves. But we need to “hear” (one’s conscience) Him.
The indwelling Holy Spirit enables believers to live a defended life. He protects us from the powers, like anger, that seek to control us. The opening Scripture lists fruit of the Spirit—of which self-control is one. Our job is to obey—when the Holy Spirit’s empowering us to do what’s right. Let’s avoid grieving Him who seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? When we break any of God’s commandments, such as lying, stealing, or cursing in God’s Name, we upset the supernatural Spirit.
Take Home Nugget
Self-control doesn’t come from human intellect, willpower, determination, or resolve. The Holy Spirit’s greater supernatural strength trumps the weaker human greatest strength. Allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us with supernatural strength isn’t luck. It’s believers’ choice to live triumphantly with the Holy Spirit’s power and protection.
My strength overpowers the world’s strength when I allow my inner power to be my supernatural strength.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Greater Supernatural Strength
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Greatest Human Strength
GREATEST HUMAN STRENGTH
Fourth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, [participate in the divine nature and escape corruption], make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness: and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
We’ve been watching five kids throw football, overhearing their banter during recess from fourth and sixth grade school classrooms. (See Masterpiece, Real Deal Christians, and Original Jesus devotions). Let’s turn up the heat.
“You guys don’t deserve to have Jules on your side, she throws a football better than either of you...and can catch it better, too!” Labron yelled.
“We’re just having fun, Labron. Mind your own business!” Greg countered.
“Besides, you can’t get better at stuff if you don’t practice,” Jules said.
“Naw. Miguel’s just pathetic at throwing a football!” Labron picked.
“I’ll show you who’s pathetic!” Miguel growled, walking toward Labron, fists in the air.
“Hold on, Miguel, Labron’s not worth getting in trouble over,” Greg shrieked, running towards Miguel. He threw his arms around Miguel, restraining him from attacking Labron.
Self-control enables people to resist urges. When others mock us, it’s hard to hold our tongue. Wanting to fight is a normal “get even” reaction when someone injures our pride. Egos bruise easily. No one likes feeling less than another person. It’s human nature to want to seize control over situations, especially painful ones.
Most problems happen because people fail to control themselves. Impulsive spending causes financial setback. Scratching the “I want” itch leads to violence, drug abuse, stealing, and every other crime. Poor self-control is responsible for most individual suffering.
Why don’t we develop greater self-control? Clearly, that’s not easy to do. So, who’s controlling us? There are infinite powers at work that seek to control, or at least influence people’s thinking and behavior. TV and written ads tempt us with better toys, ways to look better, even hollow promises trying to get our vote.
Satan tries to control human beings. When he wins, that person is ineffective at testifying for Christ. If it isn’t possible to not be controlled by anyone or anything in life, what’s the secret to self-control? Lack of self-control comes from fallen (sinful) nature. So, it requires something stronger than human power to fix it.
Take Home Nugget
Powerful self-control is the greatest human strength powered by the divine. Every believer-in-Christ has an invisible “Greg,” who restrains us from trouble. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides us divine strength that guards us against our fallen human nature. His power is critical for human victory.
Slow down, don’t go so fast.
Remember whose you are.
Surely, trouble won’t last.
Help isn’t very far.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Greatest Human Strength
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Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
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Fourth of seven devotions in Master Class Series
2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, [participate in the divine nature and escape corruption], make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness: and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
We’ve been watching five kids throw football, overhearing their banter during recess from fourth and sixth grade school classrooms. (See Masterpiece, Real Deal Christians, and Original Jesus devotions). Let’s turn up the heat.
“You guys don’t deserve to have Jules on your side, she throws a football better than either of you...and can catch it better, too!” Labron yelled.
“We’re just having fun, Labron. Mind your own business!” Greg countered.
“Besides, you can’t get better at stuff if you don’t practice,” Jules said.
“Naw. Miguel’s just pathetic at throwing a football!” Labron picked.
“I’ll show you who’s pathetic!” Miguel growled, walking toward Labron, fists in the air.
“Hold on, Miguel, Labron’s not worth getting in trouble over,” Greg shrieked, running towards Miguel. He threw his arms around Miguel, restraining him from attacking Labron.
Self-control enables people to resist urges. When others mock us, it’s hard to hold our tongue. Wanting to fight is a normal “get even” reaction when someone injures our pride. Egos bruise easily. No one likes feeling less than another person. It’s human nature to want to seize control over situations, especially painful ones.
Most problems happen because people fail to control themselves. Impulsive spending causes financial setback. Scratching the “I want” itch leads to violence, drug abuse, stealing, and every other crime. Poor self-control is responsible for most individual suffering.
Why don’t we develop greater self-control? Clearly, that’s not easy to do. So, who’s controlling us? There are infinite powers at work that seek to control, or at least influence people’s thinking and behavior. TV and written ads tempt us with better toys, ways to look better, even hollow promises trying to get our vote.
Satan tries to control human beings. When he wins, that person is ineffective at testifying for Christ. If it isn’t possible to not be controlled by anyone or anything in life, what’s the secret to self-control? Lack of self-control comes from fallen (sinful) nature. So, it requires something stronger than human power to fix it.
Take Home Nugget
Powerful self-control is the greatest human strength powered by the divine. Every believer-in-Christ has an invisible “Greg,” who restrains us from trouble. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides us divine strength that guards us against our fallen human nature. His power is critical for human victory.
Slow down, don’t go so fast.
Remember whose you are.
Surely, trouble won’t last.
Help isn’t very far.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Greatest Human Strength
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, October 12, 2012
ORIGINAL JESUS
ORIGINAL JESUS
Third of seven devotions in Master Class Series
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
Sixth graders, Liam and Labron, began throwing a football to each other next to where the three nine year olds began this autumn recess play (see Masterpiece and Real Deal Christians devotions).
“Heah Jules, can you catch this?” Labron teased. He sailed the football as high as he could overtop her head.
“Not funny, Labron. You know I’m not that tall!” Jules shouted.
The kids watched the football land in the corner of the fence that separated the school playground from the street.
“Throw it back to me, Miguel, if you can,” LaBron challenged.
“You threw it. You get it!” Miguel snapped.
There will always be those who throw obstacles in our life’s path. It’s not important what causes life to get hard, but we can be sure that it will. That’s why it’s important that believers keep eyes focused on Jesus in every situation. We know that Jesus is the real-deal original God’s Son.
Jesus will never lie to us or lead us astray. We can trust Jesus. His disciples, (you and me), follow wherever He leads. He’ll never lead us in darkness (John 8:12).
But authentic, genuine, original real deals are copied. That’s why false prophets teach wrong gospel. They cannot successfully imitate the original Jesus. God’s plan of forgiveness of sins and redemption, through faith in Jesus, is the only way to receive eternal life.
While we can usually spot a wise guy, like LaBron, all phonies aren’t so obvious. They pretend to be your friend. Their intent is to bring harm through deception and trickery. Just for fun. Apostle
Paul warns us in the opening Scripture that false prophets, (or everyday people who aren’t really what they appear to be), are untrustworthy. They will lie, cheat, or steal to get ahead in life.
They usually wear nice clothes and a smile, pretending to offer friendship.
Everyone who falls for devils’ lies of unrighteousness isn’t following the original Jesus. Those who follow false doctrines are false Christians!
Take Home Nugget
The original Jesus teaches His disciples God’s truth. Christ followers are signed with His signature, written in His blood. His indwelling Spirit is believer’s deposit forever guaranteeing whose we are (Ephesians 1:14). Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is proof for our inheriting eternal life.
What’s sad is people believing lies. What’s worse is people living lies. How sad for them when Jesus says, “I don’t know you!”
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Original Jesus
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.a>
Third of seven devotions in Master Class Series
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
Sixth graders, Liam and Labron, began throwing a football to each other next to where the three nine year olds began this autumn recess play (see Masterpiece and Real Deal Christians devotions).
“Heah Jules, can you catch this?” Labron teased. He sailed the football as high as he could overtop her head.
“Not funny, Labron. You know I’m not that tall!” Jules shouted.
The kids watched the football land in the corner of the fence that separated the school playground from the street.
“Throw it back to me, Miguel, if you can,” LaBron challenged.
“You threw it. You get it!” Miguel snapped.
There will always be those who throw obstacles in our life’s path. It’s not important what causes life to get hard, but we can be sure that it will. That’s why it’s important that believers keep eyes focused on Jesus in every situation. We know that Jesus is the real-deal original God’s Son.
Jesus will never lie to us or lead us astray. We can trust Jesus. His disciples, (you and me), follow wherever He leads. He’ll never lead us in darkness (John 8:12).
But authentic, genuine, original real deals are copied. That’s why false prophets teach wrong gospel. They cannot successfully imitate the original Jesus. God’s plan of forgiveness of sins and redemption, through faith in Jesus, is the only way to receive eternal life.
While we can usually spot a wise guy, like LaBron, all phonies aren’t so obvious. They pretend to be your friend. Their intent is to bring harm through deception and trickery. Just for fun. Apostle
Paul warns us in the opening Scripture that false prophets, (or everyday people who aren’t really what they appear to be), are untrustworthy. They will lie, cheat, or steal to get ahead in life.
They usually wear nice clothes and a smile, pretending to offer friendship.
Everyone who falls for devils’ lies of unrighteousness isn’t following the original Jesus. Those who follow false doctrines are false Christians!
Take Home Nugget
The original Jesus teaches His disciples God’s truth. Christ followers are signed with His signature, written in His blood. His indwelling Spirit is believer’s deposit forever guaranteeing whose we are (Ephesians 1:14). Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is proof for our inheriting eternal life.
What’s sad is people believing lies. What’s worse is people living lies. How sad for them when Jesus says, “I don’t know you!”
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Original Jesus
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.a>
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
REAL DEAL CHRISTIANS
REAL DEAL CHRISTIANS
Second of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Jude 1:3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.”
A couple sixth graders watched three fourth graders throw football to each other during recess from school. (See Masterpiece devotion).
Labron snickered, mocking them, “Heah Miguel, you throw the football like a girl!”
Liam—bent over in laughter—asked, “Heah Jules, do you want to play quarterback on my team?”
Greg yelled back to the upperclassman, “You wish, Liam! Jules is MY quarterback!”
It’s getting harder to weed out the sleaze from the pure-in-heart. Not everyone’s disrespect is as obvious as these upperclassmen’s. Jesus’ advice for telling apart good from evil dates over 2,000 years ago in Matthew 7:15-16: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from a thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
Greg shows us how to deal with mockers. Stand firm and embrace what’s true. Sometimes people are fooled by good looks and popularity, but it’s important to identify what’s the real deal. Genuine believers-in-Christ are real deal Christians because Jesus—whom they follow—is the real deal.
We’re the real deal because God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). Jesus’ blood saved us (Ephesians 1:7). God’s Spirit indwells us (1 Corinthians 6:19), sculpting us into Christ likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Heaven awaits us (John 14:2).
Real deal Christians show love for others (John 13:35), marking us as Jesus’ disciples. As soon as real deal Christians sin, we immediately confess it to God. This keeps hearts pure from evil. Proverbs 4:23 advises real deal Christians, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
We guard ourselves against the world’s assault of sinful temptations. Real deal Christians—like Greg claiming Jules as his quarterback—proudly proclaim to the world whose we are.
Take Home Nugget
But many Christians are deceived. Jude’s warning in the opening Scripture uses the word, “contend.” Contend means to challenge, to assert one’s position on the gospel of Christ. Some churches are filled with false prophets who’re teaching wrong gospel. They don’t produce real deal Christians. Test yourself. Is your church’s teaching from the Bible?
Real deal Christians follow the Jesus proclaimed in the Bible.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Real Deal Christians
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Second of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Jude 1:3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.”
A couple sixth graders watched three fourth graders throw football to each other during recess from school. (See Masterpiece devotion).
Labron snickered, mocking them, “Heah Miguel, you throw the football like a girl!”
Liam—bent over in laughter—asked, “Heah Jules, do you want to play quarterback on my team?”
Greg yelled back to the upperclassman, “You wish, Liam! Jules is MY quarterback!”
It’s getting harder to weed out the sleaze from the pure-in-heart. Not everyone’s disrespect is as obvious as these upperclassmen’s. Jesus’ advice for telling apart good from evil dates over 2,000 years ago in Matthew 7:15-16: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from a thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
Greg shows us how to deal with mockers. Stand firm and embrace what’s true. Sometimes people are fooled by good looks and popularity, but it’s important to identify what’s the real deal. Genuine believers-in-Christ are real deal Christians because Jesus—whom they follow—is the real deal.
We’re the real deal because God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). Jesus’ blood saved us (Ephesians 1:7). God’s Spirit indwells us (1 Corinthians 6:19), sculpting us into Christ likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Heaven awaits us (John 14:2).
Real deal Christians show love for others (John 13:35), marking us as Jesus’ disciples. As soon as real deal Christians sin, we immediately confess it to God. This keeps hearts pure from evil. Proverbs 4:23 advises real deal Christians, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
We guard ourselves against the world’s assault of sinful temptations. Real deal Christians—like Greg claiming Jules as his quarterback—proudly proclaim to the world whose we are.
Take Home Nugget
But many Christians are deceived. Jude’s warning in the opening Scripture uses the word, “contend.” Contend means to challenge, to assert one’s position on the gospel of Christ. Some churches are filled with false prophets who’re teaching wrong gospel. They don’t produce real deal Christians. Test yourself. Is your church’s teaching from the Bible?
Real deal Christians follow the Jesus proclaimed in the Bible.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Real Deal Christians
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Masterpiece
MASTERPIECE
First of seven devotions in Master Class Series
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Nine year-old Miguel tossed the football to classmate Greg at recess. Then he sighed. “Sorry, Greg,” he said. “I throw baseballs way better.”
Greg laughed at the waffling football floating towards him. He caught it, and replied, “No problem, Miguel. Throwing a perfect-spiral football isn’t easy—unless you’re Warren Moon!”
“Yeah, but I ought to throw it better than a girl!” Miguel confessed, embarrassed.
“Heah, what’s that about a girl?” classmate Jules challenged, joining them. “I can throw a football as well as I can throw a softball!”
“Right. I’m sure you can,” Miguel admitted. “You can throw—and catch—footballs as well as, maybe better, than me!” Miguel handed the football to Jules. She threw a tight perfect spiral to Greg—right on target.
“Don’t feel bad, Miguel,” Greg said. “Jules is one girl who loves playing sports.”
When we do what we love, we have passion is to get it right. And while not everyone can throw a football in a perfect spiral, like the professional quarterbacks can, we’re still a masterpiece in God’s eyes. After all, God created each one of us in His image (Genesis 1:27).
When people fall short in their own eyes, we often forget how valuable we are in God, or to Him. God showed us how valuable we are to Him when—out of love—He sent Jesus. Jesus willingly came to earth as a human baby to demonstrate righteous living, and then die for our salvation (Romans 5:8). We are masterpiece children, so important to God that Jesus died for each one of us!
We’re challenged to recognize how valuable to God is our work as His servants here on earth. The gospel of Christ has been passed down to us from centuries of ancestors: God’s family through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are rooting for our every victory.
Take Home Nugget
As we read and study the Bible, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit transforms us into Christ’s image. That’s sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon means make holy]. As one of God’s masterpieces, you’re stamped as His, if you’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Master of your life. Jesus signed you up for an eternal home in heaven with His blood, shed on the cross for your sins.
Time to get to work!
Holy Father in Heaven, thank You for choosing me as Your child. Help me to never forget my worth to You. May I never take for granted my life’s gifts, that give me passion for serving You. May I bring you glory in all my work.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.BibleStudyForKids.com
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
ABC Christian
ABC Christian
Ephesians 4:11-16
Vv. 11-12a: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare the way for God’s people for works of service,”
This devotion hopes to “kick start” stalled Christians into growth. Many believers think that after they invite Jesus into their hearts—as Master of their lives—they’re done. They figure that spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit’s job. After all, Philippians 1:6 says, “...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Newly-saved Christians usually carry a blazing torch for Christ. While every Christian starts at the beginning (even adult new Christians), believers’ paths are never the same. Many stall at the beginning, or in the “ABCs” of Christian life. They steadily—and happily—lap up spiritual milk as infant Christians all their lives.
But 1 Peter 2:2 advises, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,..” regretfully, many never do. These believers never taste solid-food maturity in Christ. They’re content with stalled, stagnant faith.
Carnal [KAR-nal means worldly, fleshly] Christians stop growing in their faith, too. Apostle Paul urged the Corinthian church: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). Both “ABC” and carnal Christians never advance past infancy.
Unfortunately, infant Christians never grasp the mysteries of Christ. While they do not lose salvation (1 Corinthians 3:15), they do miss out on vibrant living for Jesus. They never reap privileges that vigorous believers enjoy: such as partnering with Christ to bring God’s will from heaven to earth. (See Keys of the Kingdom devotion). They refuse to think biblically. They never mature into righteous living. They usually fall apart when facing life’s trials.
If believers’ torch-for-Christ isn’t stoked—fire stirred and fanned with fresh oxygen (eye-opening truths)—it’ll eventually snuff out. Hearts, once gasping for air, will suffocate. Cold hard hearts don’t naturally serve God. The opening Scripture lists faith mentors. Their job is to encourage Christians to grow up in their faith. (Complete the lesson, linked below, for more on growing up in faith).
Take Home Nugget
Carnal and “ABC” Christian are like stalled cars. Stalled cars only attend church for entertainment. Nothing’s wrong with their cars’ engines. Spiritual lives crave gas (maturing in faith) to grow and thrive.
Growing Christians purposely mature from Biblical milk to solid food, so their faith zooms ahead, instead of stalling out.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.BibleStudyForKids.com
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