COMFORT MY PEOPLE
Isaiah 40:1
“‘Comfort, comfort My people,’ says your Lord.”
Whenever Scripture repeats a command, God isn’t suggesting it; He requires it. As a loving Father, God doesn’t want His kids to wallow in misery. He commands comfort for the hurting. What can possibly comfort destroyed lives? Aching hearts? What blocks nightmares? How can devastated people find the will live?
One of the most deserving persons to dawdle in sorrow shows us how to be happy. She lived through one of the most horrific experiences, ever. Meet one hundred-nine year old Alice Herz-Sommer. She is the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor. (During World War II, over six million Jews were killed.) Let’s ask her, “What’s the secret of you feeling so good at your age?”
Alice answers, “Optimism. Look for the good. Life is beautiful, extremely beautiful. We have to be thankful that we are living. I know about the bad things, but I look only for the good things.”
You may wonder how Alice can say that, after what she survived. She must have found comfort. She wants to share her victory with others. Whenever tragedy befalls people, we grieve. Eventually, we stand up and choose to move forward. That day begins our healing. Alice chose to see the good and the beauty in life. She chose gratitude, and counted her blessings. Alice chose life.
“Look out Danny!” Benjy yelled as he crashed into him while they rode bikes on a black-topped alley. Danny fell down, and Benjy fell on top of him. “I told you to look out,” Benjy scolded.
Danny wailed loudly, holding his bloody knee. “EEOOOH!”
“I’m sorry, Danny. I couldn’t stop. I’ll get Mom.”
Eileen ran to her son’s aid. “Danny!” she said, cradling him in her arms. “Benjy, fill a bucket with some water, and bring me the first-aid kit!” She cooed, rocking Danny back and forth. “Shhhhh, honey. Everything will be all right. You’re my tough strong man. Mommy loves you soooo much. Hush, my baby.”
By the time Benjy returned with the water and first-aid kit, Danny was barely whimpering.
Moms, dads, teachers and friends know how to comfort the hurting. We received orders from our heavenly Father, who commands us to comfort His people.
Take Home Nugget
Some cry babies wallow in their pain way too long. This is not healthy. Our heavenly Father knows that self-pity is not good for our souls. He wants us to be comforted. The time for hurting ends. The time for healing begins when we count our blessings—drawing close to God.
People choose to stop whining and move forward. We’re shown that it’s best to be grateful, count our blessings and smile.
Healing after hurting isn’t an option, it’s our divine duty.
J.D Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Comfort My People
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Oak and the Reeds
OAK AND THE REEDS
Deuteronomy 29:9
“Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do.”
Moses wants his people to do well in the foreign land they’re about to enter. Foreign [FOR-en] means unknown, strange. The people there worshipped foreign (unfamiliar) gods. God sealed His terms with an oath, “to confirm you this day as His people, that He may be your God as He promised you as He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
“Make sure that there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of these nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” (Deuteronomy 29:13-14, 18).
Our heavenly Father is possessive of His people. We belong to Him. He is still jealous of us today. Let nothing take His place in Christian and Jewish hearts! This leads us to an Aesop’s fable, The Oak and the Reed, rewritten here:
Fierce winds blew a tornado into a peaceful valley. A giant oak tree watched the slender reeds at his feet bend all the way down to the ground. He asked, “Does that hurt?”
One reed answered the oak, “Not at all! I am limber as a gymnast. Does the wind bother you?”
“Not at all!” the oak said. “Nothing can hurt me!”
Rain sheets hammered down, saturating the ground. The twister aimed straight for the giant oak tree. Furious, it howled a wind gust that uprooted the oak. “Oh no!” the oak groaned, seeing his naked roots exposed for the first time. The oak tree was flung into the stream, landing with a loud crash. His branches waved “Good-bye” to the reed as the oak was swept away.
“Poor oak,” the reed cried.
“Don’t weep for the oak,” a fellow reed advised. “He deserved what he got, standing so proud and tall!”
The oak and the reed are examples of both pride and humility—necessary for victorious living. It is important for believers to be rooted in and stand firm in our belief, proud to be Christians. But we also need to bend when necessary. Humility allows us to learn and love, serving others as we grow.
Take Home Nugget
Let us pray that we know when to be firm, and when to bend. The mark of a great person is not his power, but in his love. Moses humbled himself to personally visit each tribe to bid them farewell, rather than call the nation into an assembly. This personal touch endears Moses to believers as a faith hero (Hebrews 11:24-29).
Let God’s will fill your heart;
Let God’s Spirit do His part.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Oak and the Reed
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Deuteronomy 29:9
“Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do.”
Moses wants his people to do well in the foreign land they’re about to enter. Foreign [FOR-en] means unknown, strange. The people there worshipped foreign (unfamiliar) gods. God sealed His terms with an oath, “to confirm you this day as His people, that He may be your God as He promised you as He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
“Make sure that there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of these nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” (Deuteronomy 29:13-14, 18).
Our heavenly Father is possessive of His people. We belong to Him. He is still jealous of us today. Let nothing take His place in Christian and Jewish hearts! This leads us to an Aesop’s fable, The Oak and the Reed, rewritten here:
Fierce winds blew a tornado into a peaceful valley. A giant oak tree watched the slender reeds at his feet bend all the way down to the ground. He asked, “Does that hurt?”
One reed answered the oak, “Not at all! I am limber as a gymnast. Does the wind bother you?”
“Not at all!” the oak said. “Nothing can hurt me!”
Rain sheets hammered down, saturating the ground. The twister aimed straight for the giant oak tree. Furious, it howled a wind gust that uprooted the oak. “Oh no!” the oak groaned, seeing his naked roots exposed for the first time. The oak tree was flung into the stream, landing with a loud crash. His branches waved “Good-bye” to the reed as the oak was swept away.
“Poor oak,” the reed cried.
“Don’t weep for the oak,” a fellow reed advised. “He deserved what he got, standing so proud and tall!”
The oak and the reed are examples of both pride and humility—necessary for victorious living. It is important for believers to be rooted in and stand firm in our belief, proud to be Christians. But we also need to bend when necessary. Humility allows us to learn and love, serving others as we grow.
Take Home Nugget
Let us pray that we know when to be firm, and when to bend. The mark of a great person is not his power, but in his love. Moses humbled himself to personally visit each tribe to bid them farewell, rather than call the nation into an assembly. This personal touch endears Moses to believers as a faith hero (Hebrews 11:24-29).
Let God’s will fill your heart;
Let God’s Spirit do His part.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Oak and the Reed
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Buddy Breathe
BUDDY BREATHE
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
“I went scuba diving this summer!” ten year old Brad announced to his fifth grade class.
Their teacher, Ms. Deturk said, “Tell the class how you had to train to go scuba diving, Brad.”
Brad bit his lip, and looked around at the class. “Uh, I didn’t train, Ms. Deturk.” Brad confessed. “I just jumped into the ocean with a friend, who had an oxygen tank on his back. We both wore masks and swam with flippers on our feet.”
Ms. Deturk scowled. “That wasn’t smart, Brad,” she said. “Scuba diving can be dangerous. People learn how to use special gear and breathe oxygen through a tube.”
“Yeah, right,” Brad admitted. “But my friend taught me how to buddy breathe. We were just messing around, having fun.”
“Did you dive deep?” Ms. Deturk asked. “There are rules about diving deep and how to surface correctly, you know. Scuba diving isn’t natural.”
Friends do and say all kinds of things in search of having fun. Often we don’t know enough to recognize what’s safe, or what’s dangerous. The younger we are, the more we go for it—regardless of what may happen. But those who grow up reading the Bible, God’s Word sinks into hearts and minds. The longer people study Scripture, the faster God’s teaching becomes natural.
When a friend does something that goes against God’s teaching, the believer should spot that right away. It’s up to us to point out what behaviors God approves, and disapproves. We’re to speak gently when urging our friend to do the right thing. Victorious living in a fallen world depends on following God’s instructions—which only becomes natural the longer we live in obedience to Him.
The Bible is our instruction book.
“What happened when you couldn’t hold your breath any longer, Brad?” Ms. Deturk asked.
“Simple.” Brad said, smiling. “My friend would pass the mouthpiece that was hooked up to the tank to me, so I could breathe. It’s called ‘buddy breathe,’ really cool!” Brad said.
“But you were totally dependent on your buddy!” Ms. Deturk observed.
Take Home Nugget
Everybody understands that there are times when we’re dependent on someone else. And that’s, okay. Babies grow up. As kids grow older, we become increasingly independent. We become proud of being able to do stuff on our own. That seems natural. But it’s not God’s way.
Smart Christians accept—and even cherish—that God wants His kids to be dependent on Him for every need (Philippians 4:19).
Surely, life troubles will never cease,
But our joy will always be:
That thou will keep in perfect peace
Whoever rests oneself in Thee.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Buddy Breathe
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
“I went scuba diving this summer!” ten year old Brad announced to his fifth grade class.
Their teacher, Ms. Deturk said, “Tell the class how you had to train to go scuba diving, Brad.”
Brad bit his lip, and looked around at the class. “Uh, I didn’t train, Ms. Deturk.” Brad confessed. “I just jumped into the ocean with a friend, who had an oxygen tank on his back. We both wore masks and swam with flippers on our feet.”
Ms. Deturk scowled. “That wasn’t smart, Brad,” she said. “Scuba diving can be dangerous. People learn how to use special gear and breathe oxygen through a tube.”
“Yeah, right,” Brad admitted. “But my friend taught me how to buddy breathe. We were just messing around, having fun.”
“Did you dive deep?” Ms. Deturk asked. “There are rules about diving deep and how to surface correctly, you know. Scuba diving isn’t natural.”
Friends do and say all kinds of things in search of having fun. Often we don’t know enough to recognize what’s safe, or what’s dangerous. The younger we are, the more we go for it—regardless of what may happen. But those who grow up reading the Bible, God’s Word sinks into hearts and minds. The longer people study Scripture, the faster God’s teaching becomes natural.
When a friend does something that goes against God’s teaching, the believer should spot that right away. It’s up to us to point out what behaviors God approves, and disapproves. We’re to speak gently when urging our friend to do the right thing. Victorious living in a fallen world depends on following God’s instructions—which only becomes natural the longer we live in obedience to Him.
The Bible is our instruction book.
“What happened when you couldn’t hold your breath any longer, Brad?” Ms. Deturk asked.
“Simple.” Brad said, smiling. “My friend would pass the mouthpiece that was hooked up to the tank to me, so I could breathe. It’s called ‘buddy breathe,’ really cool!” Brad said.
“But you were totally dependent on your buddy!” Ms. Deturk observed.
Take Home Nugget
Everybody understands that there are times when we’re dependent on someone else. And that’s, okay. Babies grow up. As kids grow older, we become increasingly independent. We become proud of being able to do stuff on our own. That seems natural. But it’s not God’s way.
Smart Christians accept—and even cherish—that God wants His kids to be dependent on Him for every need (Philippians 4:19).
Surely, life troubles will never cease,
But our joy will always be:
That thou will keep in perfect peace
Whoever rests oneself in Thee.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Buddy Breathe
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Fine Flour
FINE FLOUR
Leviticus 2:1a
“When someone brings a grain offering to the Lord, his offering is to be of fine flour.”
Fine flour isn’t something we talk about today. But fine flour is the symbolism of Jesus in the Bible’s Old Testament. You see, the flour we get from wheat is pounded and beaten again and again. Then it’s sifted through tiny mesh to eliminate large grains. The result is even portions of a material that is has no defect. Every particle of flour is identical to the whole batch.
Like fine flour, there’s nothing coarse, rough or unrefined about Jesus. He is the most even man who ever lived. Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be the same forever. People can be in a bad mood. People can lose their temper. People can misspeak. People make mistakes. People are often wrong. People can get up on the wrong side of the bed, and nothing goes right for them that day. People even have bad hair days!
But not Jesus.
Every word Jesus spoke, every one of Jesus’ thoughts, everything He did was perfect—just like fine flour. Jesus wasn’t easy, but He was gentle. He was kind, although assertive. While Jesus wasn’t overbearing, He was firm as steel and meek as velvet. Humble, but not timid. Modest, yet confident. Jesus was assured, but not pushy. Majestic, but never proud.
Everything about Jesus is even proportions. Jesus is a perfect diamond every way you encounter Him. Jesus is flawless, beautiful and brilliant.
Jesus is fine flour, altogether lovely.
Take Home Nugget
The flip side of the fine flour symbolism is also true. Jesus was sifted when tempted by the devil in the desert, after His baptism in Matthew 3:13-4:11. And yet, Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 say Jesus never sinned. Check it out! Jesus was beaten (to a pulp) before His crucifixion (Matthew 27:26). Despite the torture, Jesus didn’t call down twelve legions of angels to save Him, like He said the Father would in Matthew 26:53. (Aren’t you glad He didn’t?)
Jesus willingly suffered the cross out of love for us. He died as the perfect sacrifice for sins He didn’t commit. Then, Jesus was resurrected back to life. And now He offers people forgiveness of sins and eternal life! Won’t you embrace and get to know Jesus? He was the only perfect person who ever lived. He never missed the mark, (like we often do). He will never disappoint you.
The Old Testament spills Jesus prophesy, but symbolism is often overlooked. Check out the lesson, linked below, to see how people in the Old Testament dared to approach God.
Jesus, as fine flour, can smooth out all of people’s rough edges.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Fine Flour
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Leviticus 2:1a
“When someone brings a grain offering to the Lord, his offering is to be of fine flour.”
Fine flour isn’t something we talk about today. But fine flour is the symbolism of Jesus in the Bible’s Old Testament. You see, the flour we get from wheat is pounded and beaten again and again. Then it’s sifted through tiny mesh to eliminate large grains. The result is even portions of a material that is has no defect. Every particle of flour is identical to the whole batch.
Like fine flour, there’s nothing coarse, rough or unrefined about Jesus. He is the most even man who ever lived. Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be the same forever. People can be in a bad mood. People can lose their temper. People can misspeak. People make mistakes. People are often wrong. People can get up on the wrong side of the bed, and nothing goes right for them that day. People even have bad hair days!
But not Jesus.
Every word Jesus spoke, every one of Jesus’ thoughts, everything He did was perfect—just like fine flour. Jesus wasn’t easy, but He was gentle. He was kind, although assertive. While Jesus wasn’t overbearing, He was firm as steel and meek as velvet. Humble, but not timid. Modest, yet confident. Jesus was assured, but not pushy. Majestic, but never proud.
Everything about Jesus is even proportions. Jesus is a perfect diamond every way you encounter Him. Jesus is flawless, beautiful and brilliant.
Jesus is fine flour, altogether lovely.
Take Home Nugget
The flip side of the fine flour symbolism is also true. Jesus was sifted when tempted by the devil in the desert, after His baptism in Matthew 3:13-4:11. And yet, Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22 say Jesus never sinned. Check it out! Jesus was beaten (to a pulp) before His crucifixion (Matthew 27:26). Despite the torture, Jesus didn’t call down twelve legions of angels to save Him, like He said the Father would in Matthew 26:53. (Aren’t you glad He didn’t?)
Jesus willingly suffered the cross out of love for us. He died as the perfect sacrifice for sins He didn’t commit. Then, Jesus was resurrected back to life. And now He offers people forgiveness of sins and eternal life! Won’t you embrace and get to know Jesus? He was the only perfect person who ever lived. He never missed the mark, (like we often do). He will never disappoint you.
The Old Testament spills Jesus prophesy, but symbolism is often overlooked. Check out the lesson, linked below, to see how people in the Old Testament dared to approach God.
Jesus, as fine flour, can smooth out all of people’s rough edges.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Fine Flour
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Direct Access
DIRECT ACCESS
John 14:10
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you are not just My own. Rather, it is the Father, living on Me, who is doing His work.”
It’s not WHAT you know; it’s WHO you know that gets results. Relationships are built with time spent together. Jesus longs for that time with you. Building a relationship with Jesus through prayer gives direct access to God the Father. The father hears and answers prayers of those who believe in His Son Jesus. Father-son force is age-old.
One day Abraham Lincoln’s son was hanging out in a park near the White House, when he noticed a soldier crying. “Hey, mister, what’s the problem?” the boy asked.
The soldier looked up, wiping away his tears. “My brother is in jail for something he didn’t do!” he said. “I was told that the only person who could help him would be the President of the United States!” Sniff. “But no one would listen to me at the White House.”
The young Lincoln decided to try helping the soldier. “Mister,” he said, “Would you come with me?”
“Where to?” the soldier asked.
The boy pointed across the street. “Not far,” he assured the soldier. The two walked across the street and straight through the White House gate. The young Lincoln waved to the guards, who waved them through. President Lincoln’s personal secretary smiled at them as they opened the door to the President’s office.
“Hi Dad!” the young Lincoln said as he ran to the man at the big desk.
“Hey son, is anything wrong?” the President asked.
“This soldier needs to talk to you,” President Lincoln’s son said.
The President stopped writing, and motioned the soldier to approach his desk. “What can I do for you, Corporal?”
The soldier explained his problem. President Lincoln took out another sheet of paper. He asked the soldier detailed questions as he wrote down some instructions. He signed the note with a flourish, folded it and melted wax to seal it closed. “Take this to your mayor, Corporal.” the President said.
Take Home Nugget
Believers are the soldiers who follow Jesus straight into the Father’s throne room. Our relationship to Jesus gives us direct access to the Father. Every prayer we ask “in Jesus’ name,” is heard and answered with, “Yes.”
No one, not the guards, nor the personal secretary can stop you from direct access to the Father. You are encouraged to bring every and all problems to God in prayer. Whatever concerns you—concerns the Father—and He has total control over the whole universe!
Relationship with Jesus gives believers direct access to the Father
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Direct Access
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
John 14:10
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you are not just My own. Rather, it is the Father, living on Me, who is doing His work.”
It’s not WHAT you know; it’s WHO you know that gets results. Relationships are built with time spent together. Jesus longs for that time with you. Building a relationship with Jesus through prayer gives direct access to God the Father. The father hears and answers prayers of those who believe in His Son Jesus. Father-son force is age-old.
One day Abraham Lincoln’s son was hanging out in a park near the White House, when he noticed a soldier crying. “Hey, mister, what’s the problem?” the boy asked.
The soldier looked up, wiping away his tears. “My brother is in jail for something he didn’t do!” he said. “I was told that the only person who could help him would be the President of the United States!” Sniff. “But no one would listen to me at the White House.”
The young Lincoln decided to try helping the soldier. “Mister,” he said, “Would you come with me?”
“Where to?” the soldier asked.
The boy pointed across the street. “Not far,” he assured the soldier. The two walked across the street and straight through the White House gate. The young Lincoln waved to the guards, who waved them through. President Lincoln’s personal secretary smiled at them as they opened the door to the President’s office.
“Hi Dad!” the young Lincoln said as he ran to the man at the big desk.
“Hey son, is anything wrong?” the President asked.
“This soldier needs to talk to you,” President Lincoln’s son said.
The President stopped writing, and motioned the soldier to approach his desk. “What can I do for you, Corporal?”
The soldier explained his problem. President Lincoln took out another sheet of paper. He asked the soldier detailed questions as he wrote down some instructions. He signed the note with a flourish, folded it and melted wax to seal it closed. “Take this to your mayor, Corporal.” the President said.
Take Home Nugget
Believers are the soldiers who follow Jesus straight into the Father’s throne room. Our relationship to Jesus gives us direct access to the Father. Every prayer we ask “in Jesus’ name,” is heard and answered with, “Yes.”
No one, not the guards, nor the personal secretary can stop you from direct access to the Father. You are encouraged to bring every and all problems to God in prayer. Whatever concerns you—concerns the Father—and He has total control over the whole universe!
Relationship with Jesus gives believers direct access to the Father
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Direct Access
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Status Quo
STATUS QUO
2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Status quo means that things are the same today as they were yesterday. That’s not always a bad thing. People with a disease are pleased with status quo. Their health isn’t getting worse.
But other times, status quo isn’t cool. We’re created as lively, active and full-of-life beings. Status quo simply won’t do. Christ Likeness devotion taught that God loves His kids too much to allow us to remain imperfect. Only His Son Jesus is perfect. God watches us grow during the sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon] process to become more like Jesus. When believers don’t grow spiritually after salvation—they’re in status quo—and God is not pleased.
Jesus didn’t die for status quo. Jesus’ followers won’t settle for status-quo mark-time safe lives. We measure our growth in Christ likeness daily. We refuse to settle for less than what God planned for us. We rise to accept Jesus’ offer of life to the fullest (John 10:10). Our Spirit-led lives are filled with peace and joy because we’ve chosen a life of devotion to Jesus— our foundation. That means we pursue Jesus’ will instead of our own. We aspire to loving, holy and humble living.
Life of devotion to Jesus takes courage, compared to status quo living. But Jesus’ followers shatter the status quo. His followers feel dazzlingly alive. Just as flowing water carries life and oxygen downstream, Jesus’ followers are rivers of life that impact everyone in their wake. Their “salt” remains pure and potent. Their devotion to Jesus is the salt that enhances and preserves the world through action and speech—the light that illuminates the darkness. Jesus’ followers are change agents.
Jesus has a message for His followers in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Do you prefer the status quo of a safe life, or will you accept Jesus’ dare to follow Him?
Take Home Nugget
God created you with free will. That means that you can choose what life you want to pursue. The choice is clear. Jesus’ followers are people who choose to live God’s will instead of their own. Despite being edgy, the safety of status quo doesn’t interest them. They have life to the full. Check the lesson, linked below, to see what else Jesus calls His followers to be.
I choose the dare of following Jesus, instead of the status-quo safety. How about you?
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Status Quo
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Status quo means that things are the same today as they were yesterday. That’s not always a bad thing. People with a disease are pleased with status quo. Their health isn’t getting worse.
But other times, status quo isn’t cool. We’re created as lively, active and full-of-life beings. Status quo simply won’t do. Christ Likeness devotion taught that God loves His kids too much to allow us to remain imperfect. Only His Son Jesus is perfect. God watches us grow during the sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon] process to become more like Jesus. When believers don’t grow spiritually after salvation—they’re in status quo—and God is not pleased.
Jesus didn’t die for status quo. Jesus’ followers won’t settle for status-quo mark-time safe lives. We measure our growth in Christ likeness daily. We refuse to settle for less than what God planned for us. We rise to accept Jesus’ offer of life to the fullest (John 10:10). Our Spirit-led lives are filled with peace and joy because we’ve chosen a life of devotion to Jesus— our foundation. That means we pursue Jesus’ will instead of our own. We aspire to loving, holy and humble living.
Life of devotion to Jesus takes courage, compared to status quo living. But Jesus’ followers shatter the status quo. His followers feel dazzlingly alive. Just as flowing water carries life and oxygen downstream, Jesus’ followers are rivers of life that impact everyone in their wake. Their “salt” remains pure and potent. Their devotion to Jesus is the salt that enhances and preserves the world through action and speech—the light that illuminates the darkness. Jesus’ followers are change agents.
Jesus has a message for His followers in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Do you prefer the status quo of a safe life, or will you accept Jesus’ dare to follow Him?
Take Home Nugget
God created you with free will. That means that you can choose what life you want to pursue. The choice is clear. Jesus’ followers are people who choose to live God’s will instead of their own. Despite being edgy, the safety of status quo doesn’t interest them. They have life to the full. Check the lesson, linked below, to see what else Jesus calls His followers to be.
I choose the dare of following Jesus, instead of the status-quo safety. How about you?
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Status Quo
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Christ Likeness
CHRIST LIKENESS
Ephesians 4:11-13
“It was He [Jesus] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Hearing the back door slam, Eileen came to see muddy footprints of her eight year old twins lead to the basement. She sighed. “Benjy! Danny!” she yelled downstairs. “Where were you?”
She heard, “Nowhere, Mom.”
“I see ‘nowhere’ all over the floor, guys.” she commented. “I want you to take off your sneakers and toss them into the tub by the washing machine. Fill the tub half way with water, so they can soak. I’ll wash them before we go to Grandpa’s tomorrow.”
“Hot or cold water, Mom?”
“Both,” Eileen directed.
“Okay!” drifted upstairs, and water could be heard running. Eileen smiled. She loves her sons just as they are—but she refuses to leave them that way. She wants them perfect.
Our heavenly Father loves His kids just the way we are, too. But even He refuses to leave us that way. He wants us perfect. Perfect, like His Son Jesus. He is so proud of Jesus that He blasted His approval to the whole world at Jesus baptism (Matthew 3:17). “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
Eileen grooms her sons to be neat and clean, then reminds them to mind their manners. But our heavenly Father has a different approach to perfection. Both Eileen and God need kids’ cooperation to see positive growth. A parent wants to see kids grow better at handling responsibility and sensitivity toward others. After accepting Jesus as Savior, our Father wants believers to grow spiritually. He won’t be satisfied until we grow into Christ likeness. That means spiritual maturity, or growing wise and holy.
Take Home Nugget
At salvation, God begins the transformation process into Christ likeness, or sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon]. Sanctification isn’t a single event. Christ likeness is a process that takes a lifetime—managed by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.
Just like Benjy and Danny cooperated with mom to soak their sneakers, believers are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth. Amount of believers cooperate is the rate. How long we cooperate is time. Rate X Time = Spiritual growth, or distance. Spiritual adulthood is seeing the world from the Spirit’s perspective—instead of from a worldly viewpoint.
One of Spirit’s jobs is transforming believers into Christ likeness.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Christ Likeness
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Ephesians 4:11-13
“It was He [Jesus] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Hearing the back door slam, Eileen came to see muddy footprints of her eight year old twins lead to the basement. She sighed. “Benjy! Danny!” she yelled downstairs. “Where were you?”
She heard, “Nowhere, Mom.”
“I see ‘nowhere’ all over the floor, guys.” she commented. “I want you to take off your sneakers and toss them into the tub by the washing machine. Fill the tub half way with water, so they can soak. I’ll wash them before we go to Grandpa’s tomorrow.”
“Hot or cold water, Mom?”
“Both,” Eileen directed.
“Okay!” drifted upstairs, and water could be heard running. Eileen smiled. She loves her sons just as they are—but she refuses to leave them that way. She wants them perfect.
Our heavenly Father loves His kids just the way we are, too. But even He refuses to leave us that way. He wants us perfect. Perfect, like His Son Jesus. He is so proud of Jesus that He blasted His approval to the whole world at Jesus baptism (Matthew 3:17). “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
Eileen grooms her sons to be neat and clean, then reminds them to mind their manners. But our heavenly Father has a different approach to perfection. Both Eileen and God need kids’ cooperation to see positive growth. A parent wants to see kids grow better at handling responsibility and sensitivity toward others. After accepting Jesus as Savior, our Father wants believers to grow spiritually. He won’t be satisfied until we grow into Christ likeness. That means spiritual maturity, or growing wise and holy.
Take Home Nugget
At salvation, God begins the transformation process into Christ likeness, or sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon]. Sanctification isn’t a single event. Christ likeness is a process that takes a lifetime—managed by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.
Just like Benjy and Danny cooperated with mom to soak their sneakers, believers are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth. Amount of believers cooperate is the rate. How long we cooperate is time. Rate X Time = Spiritual growth, or distance. Spiritual adulthood is seeing the world from the Spirit’s perspective—instead of from a worldly viewpoint.
One of Spirit’s jobs is transforming believers into Christ likeness.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Christ Likeness
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Terrible God
TERRIBLE GOD
Shofar
Deuteronomy 10:17, 20
“For the Lord your God is a God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes....Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.”
The God of the Bible’s Old Testament appears terrible. Terrible has many definitions: awful, dreadful, horrifying, frightful, terrifying, to name a few. After God drove Adam and Eve out of heaven, “he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24). The Father grounded them away from their home!
Jude reminds us Old Testament history in vv. 5-7. “...the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—those He has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the Great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
How do you suppose God will treat you?
A different definition of terrible is formidable [for-MID-a-bl]. That means impressive, remarkable, awesome, astounding. 1 John 4:16b says, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Zechariah 7:9 shows God commanding us to show justice and mercy to others.
God is simply breathtaking: more grand and more splendid than His human creation! Fearing God is not shaking uncontrollably out of dread. His magnificence inspires honor, reverence and worship. Our Great and Terrible God destroyed the false gods of Egypt!
Working Out of Rest devotion taught that God sent His Son Jesus to show us who He is. He offers rest, peace and joy to all who believe in Jesus, our only way to salvation.
Do you appreciate our Terrible God?
Take Home Nugget
September 5th is the Jewish holy day of Rash Hashanah, symbolized by a Shofar. Rash Hashanah is all about appreciating God, crowing Him King of the universe.
The Shofar has 3 different blasts. The long straight blast of the Shofar, Tekiah, crowns God as our King.
Three medium wailing blasts of the Shofar, Shevarim, represent a sobbing heart. The theme is yearning to connect, grow, and achieve greatness. (Believers spirituality).
Nine quick successive blasts of the Shofar, Teruah, mimics an alarm clock—arousing people from spiritual slumber—to clarity, alertness and focus.
Holy God, we humble ourselves daily to stay connected to the vine of Christ.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Terrible God
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Shofar
Deuteronomy 10:17, 20
“For the Lord your God is a God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes....Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.”
The God of the Bible’s Old Testament appears terrible. Terrible has many definitions: awful, dreadful, horrifying, frightful, terrifying, to name a few. After God drove Adam and Eve out of heaven, “he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24). The Father grounded them away from their home!
Jude reminds us Old Testament history in vv. 5-7. “...the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—those He has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the Great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
How do you suppose God will treat you?
A different definition of terrible is formidable [for-MID-a-bl]. That means impressive, remarkable, awesome, astounding. 1 John 4:16b says, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Zechariah 7:9 shows God commanding us to show justice and mercy to others.
God is simply breathtaking: more grand and more splendid than His human creation! Fearing God is not shaking uncontrollably out of dread. His magnificence inspires honor, reverence and worship. Our Great and Terrible God destroyed the false gods of Egypt!
Working Out of Rest devotion taught that God sent His Son Jesus to show us who He is. He offers rest, peace and joy to all who believe in Jesus, our only way to salvation.
Do you appreciate our Terrible God?
Take Home Nugget
September 5th is the Jewish holy day of Rash Hashanah, symbolized by a Shofar. Rash Hashanah is all about appreciating God, crowing Him King of the universe.
The Shofar has 3 different blasts. The long straight blast of the Shofar, Tekiah, crowns God as our King.
Three medium wailing blasts of the Shofar, Shevarim, represent a sobbing heart. The theme is yearning to connect, grow, and achieve greatness. (Believers spirituality).
Nine quick successive blasts of the Shofar, Teruah, mimics an alarm clock—arousing people from spiritual slumber—to clarity, alertness and focus.
Holy God, we humble ourselves daily to stay connected to the vine of Christ.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Terrible God
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
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