Friday, June 17, 2011

Lost Child

LOST CHILD


Luke 15:11-31


Vv. 23-24: “Bring me the fatted calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”



Amariah went to his Dad with a burning question.


“Hey Dad, I was wondering…may I have the share of my inheritance now? I want to see the world, and find out who I am.”


Amariah’s Dad looked into his son’s eyes. “Let me get this straight. You want your share of the estate before I die?”


“Uh, yeah, that’s right. I am trying to figure out what I want to do the rest of my life.”


“So, you want to ‘discover yourself’ away from me?”


“Yeah, that’s about it.”


“Ok, then. I’ll bring you your share of my estate tomorrow.”



“Thanks, Dad!” Amariah said, hugging his Dad tight. Then he ran off to collect his personal things. He tied his stuff on a donkey. He waited, pacing the ground.

“You’re loafing, Amariah! Why aren’t you helping with our chores?” his brother asked.


“Dad’s going to give me my share of the estate, so I can leave here tomorrow.”


The next day dawned bright, and Amariah stuffed his money inside the pack on the donkey’s back. He kissed Dad Good-Bye, waved to his brother, and set off. First night found Amariah at a tavern ten miles out, chugging one beer after another. He awoke beside a woman whose name he’d forgotten. He set out again.


Going ten miles every day, following this same routine, finally found Amariah waking alone on a straw mattress. He searched in his pack for money for this day’s travel.


Amariah was broke!


Oh my goodness, how will I eat? he thought. He walked to a farm, and asked the farmer, “Please give me work, so I can earn money for food, sir.”


“You can slop the hog pen, son” the farmer said.


Amariah, muddy and wet, saw the corn cobs the hogs were munching on. He licked his lips. Dad would give me corn cobs to eat, he thought. So Amariah hopped on his donkey and headed home.


Amariah’s Dad saw a donkey approaching. Is that my son, Amariah? It IS!! his Dad thought. He ran full speed towards the donkey, stopping for Amariah’s hug. “You’re HOME, son! I am so glad to see you. Get ready for a feast tonight. I’m going to throw you a welcome-home party.”


Take Home Nugget


You are Amariah. Think about it. His Dad represents our heavenly Father, Who loves you forever, unconditionally, regardless of your sins. Heaven throws a party whenever a lost child returns home! The Prodigal Son is fictitiously named Amariah in this devotion.




HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!


J.D. Griffith





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


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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Father Elohim

FATHER ELOHIM

Nehemiah 1:1-11


V. 11: “They [Jews exiled to Babylon, now living back in Jerusalem] are Your servants and Your people, whom You redeemed by Your great strength and Your mighty hand. O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give Your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”


Nehemiah worked with stones and cement as a building contractor. But during his exile to Babylon, he worked as cupbearer for King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah knew many names for God. He knew: Eliohim—God’s name that shows His sovereignty (SOV-rin-tee means power, rule, control). Elohim is a Greek noun that’s plural, but the verb used with it is singular. This shows how our Triune God—3 persons—is 1 God. Nehemiah depended on God’s power, and never doubted.

As cupbearer, Nehemiah tasted the food and drink before the king ate and drank (in case it was poisoned). He had to be cheerful all the time. If he acted differently, the King would likely suspect danger and punish him.

One day, bad news arrived from Jerusalem. The city was totally destroyed! Nehemiah so wanted to supervise its rebuilding, and couldn’t hide his sorrow. The king got suspicious.

“Nehemiah, are you sick?”

Nehemiah gulped. He thought quickly, "Uh-oh! How can I explain?" He said aloud, “I’m sorry, great King. How can I be cheerful when Jerusalem lies in ruins, its gate destroyed by fire?” (Nehemiah 2:1-3).

“Oh. How can I help?”

“If you’re pleased with me, O king, please let me go there and help rebuild the city.” (Nehemiah 2:5).

“How long will it take?”

Nehemiah and the King agreed on the details, and Nehemiah was released to rebuild Jerusalem—materials in hand! God performed a miracle for Nehemiah! But that’s not all—Nehemiah was successful at everything! He got the walls rebuilt (chapters 2, 3, 4), helped the poor (chapter 5), and helped resettle people (chapter 11). Twelve years later Nehemiah returned to Babylon and King Artaxerxes (2:1, 13:6).

God’s original name for Himself is I AM, or Yahweh, which means the One Who never changes. Another name for God is Adonai (a-DON-i means majesty and Lordship). Nehemiah was certain of God’s qualities, and stood firm on them. He was victorious in everything he attempted.

The miracle God worked for Nehemiah isn’t unusual; He’s still in the miracle business today.

Take Home Nugget

God can, and will do awesome things for you, too. Understanding all of God’s names gives His kids confidence in His abilities and power.


I can always depend on my heavenly Father, Elohim

Yesterday, today, tomorrow He remains the same.

Always faithful, forever in control

He loves me! Praise His holy Name!


J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


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Friday, June 10, 2011

Ego-Trip or Worthy?

EGO-TRIP OR WORTHY?


Jeremiah 32:17



“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.”




Cassie and her fifth grade classmates recessed in the downstairs gym one stormy afternoon (see Exalt devotion). Bounding up the jungle gym, Cassie sat on the top bar and looked down. “I see your cartwheel Missy!” she yelled. “I see you made a basket, Scotty!”


“Quit telling us what you see up there, and come down to earth!” Missy yelled back. “You’re not god-in-the-sky!”


Cassie smiled as she leaned back and hung upside down from the bar by bent knees. “I still see you guys!”


Exalt devotion showed God’s kids life purpose. The more we love God, obey Him, and seek better understanding of Who He is, He’s thrilled. And we’re blessed. God made people in order to form relationships with them. Why then, does He allow tragedy? Why was Japan hit with two major earthquakes in March and April, 2011? The tsunami (su-NAM-ee is a giant wave) wreaked havoc in that island country. Thousands dead, homes demolished, power out, and 6 nuclear reactors spewed radiation disaster.


Who’s in charge here?


Does God just eat up our adoration and praise, than fail to protect us when disaster strikes? Is He on an ego-trip? Is He worthy of our praise? Don’t look now, but YES, He is worthy! He is sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler) of heaven and earth. Nothing is beyond His control.


He’s still in charge.


Here are new terms that describe our awesome God: omnipotent (om-NIP-o-tent) means all-powerful. Omnipresent (om-ne-PRES-ent) means everywhere at once. Omniscient (om-NEESH-ent) means all-knowing. In other words, our God has power over everything, exists everywhere (even in dark places), and knows every secret. There is nothing that’s beyond His knowledge or ability.


Is this your idea of being in charge?


This limitless, fully in control, unfathomable God (who can understand Him?) wants you as His child. With all His credentials (kre-DEN-shalls means qualifications), won’t you agree that He’s worthy of praise?


So when life gets screwy, and we wonder why…perhaps we can trust that He knows what He’s doing. Being unfathomable, we will never understand this bottomless over-the-top God. But we CAN trust Him. Sinking this “head knowledge” into our hearts floods our souls with peace.


Take Home Nugget


Regardless of what happens to us, our lives are firmly in His grasp. God’s not on any ego-trip; (He invented ego). He truly is worthy of our praise. Even though Cassie could see everything her classmates did at recess just by hanging from a high bar, doesn’t compare to our God’s omnipresence.


Trusting God sometimes challenges human egos to thank and praise Him.



J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Exalt

EXALT


Psalm 150:6


“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”



Exalt (eks-ALT means praise, applaud) the Lord, all the earth! We can be sure that Jesus’ disciples felt like clapping their appreciation and admiration for Him after He calmed the wind and waves with a single command. (See Seismos devotion).

Lightning’s fire ball seized the attention of the fifth-graders as it blazed a trail through the dark afternoon sky. A second later, BOOM thundered through the entire school. “Everyone, let’s file downstairs now” their teacher said as the recess bell sounded.


Cassie was the first one to get to the classroom door. Opening it, she giggled to Missy who followed behind, “How exciting—I love thunderstorms!”



“Yeah, but we can’t play much inside during recess” Scotty whined. “How come you’re always so happy—even when it’s raining, Cassie?”


Missy answered, “Because it’s recess!



Cassie giggled again. “It’s no use to be sad because it’s raining, Scotty. We need rain. I just planted flowers in my garden last night. They’re smiling right now.”


Cassie’s got the right attitude. How can God’s kids appreciate whatever’s happening every minute of every day? As we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, complaining doesn’t make sense. Even when things get screwy, we know Who’s in charge. We trust our security in Jesus, regardless of what’s happening—inside or out. That confidence comes from our certainty that God is sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler). Nothing happens outside of His control.


With happy hearts, we can obey Psalm 118:24’s command. It says, “This is a day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Just with smiling faces, and cheerful attitudes, we exalt our Lord. Worshipping our awesome God becomes fun instead of a task when we consider His many outstanding qualities.


Before getting depressed, it’s advisable to consider Jesus. He is faithful, eternal, all-knowing, just, merciful, gracious, impartial, infinite. He’s the same every day. In a word, He’s perfect! Now are you smiling? Good! Keep it up, when you realize that He’s all powerful, almighty, righteous, wise, accessible, compassionate, all wise. He knows every star by name. He’s also personal.


He knows your name (Isaiah 43:1-2).


We can adore Him, respect Him, love Him. He’s honored when we strive to know Him better.


Take Home Nugget


Meditation (med-i-TA-shon means to purposefully think hard and long about something) is another way for God’s kids to exalt Him. Think of God’s names: Creator, Love, Redeemer, Shepherd, Savior, Lord, Father, Comforter, Teacher. I AM.


Of course He is!!!


Applauding God becomes our life’s purpose. The more we exalt the Lord, the more we’re blessed.


Let us worship our King Amazing, glorious above! Gratefully, boldly we sing His power and His love.



J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff




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Friday, June 3, 2011

Seismos

SEISMOS
Matthew 8:23-27


V. 27: “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of a man is this? Even the winds and waves obey Him!”




Peter and Andrew dipped and pulled the oars getting Jesus and the disciples across the Sea of Galilee. No stars lit up the dark night. “Can you tell the waves are picking up, Andrew?” Peter asked.


“Yeah, but keep rowing.”


The wind blew Andrew’s hair straight back, and he gripped his oar tighter.


Peter squinted his eyes to view those in the boat. Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the front (Mark 4:38), the disciples behind. “Hang on folks, it’s getting rough” he warned.

A wave splashed inside the boat, drenching Philip. “Ohhhh-COLD!”


The disciples sat up, grabbling something to hang onto. The wind howled, changing directions. Their hair, first blowing east, blew south. More waves crashed inside the boat, soaking everyone. The boat heaved one way, then pitched the other way, juggling the load. Water continued splashing inside the boat, as the wind shrieked. The disciples’ wide eyes saw only shadows, their hands clinging onto something for dear life. “Wake Jesus!” Peter ordered.


James cried, “Seismos!” (SIZE-mos is a Greek word meaning large disorder—like seismic activity).


James shook Jesus’ shoulder. “Master, there’s a problem.”


Peter’s scream, “Lord, save us—we’re going to drown!” was barely heard against the wind.


Jesus looked at James wrinkling His brow. Shaking His head to wake up, He stood up in the lurching boat, then chuckled. Raising His arms, He said, “Quiet! Be still.” (Mark 4:39). Immediately, the wind and waves stopped being rowdy. The sea became still as glass. Jesus asked James, “There’s a problem?”


“Master, many of us are seamen, and yet have never weathered a storm like this! It appeared so suddenly, and grew violent—without warning. We were sure we were going to die!” Peter babbled. Standing up, he threw down his oar. “And You just stand up and order nature to stop? Cut me a break, Jesus! Who could do such a thing?

“You of little faith” Jesus said, looking around. “Why were you so afraid? Are we to Gadarenes yet?” (Matthew 8:28).


Take Home Nugget


Right. Who could do such a thing? Who calms the wind and water with one sentence? Who calms you and me with His peace, sympathizes with our weaknesses, negotiates with the Father on our behalf? Philippians 4:7, Hebrews 7:15, and verse 25 answer: Jesus.


Only one Man, the One Who’s divine can do these things. Jesus: Creator, Lord over the universe has all power and authority to do such things (Matthew 28:18). This is the big picture behind all the Biblical stories about Him. ... Pretty awesome, huh?


Depending on Jesus brings us strength in our weakness.


J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
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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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