Overcomers' Hallelujah

OVERCOMERS’ HALLELUJAH

(Number 3 of 3 devotion series)

1John 5:4-5
“…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Signs of the Times devotion showed that disasters are happening faster—and more intense today—compared to years past. But this is not scary for believers, it’s an adventure! Sitting in front-row seats, witnessing Bible prophecy first-hand ought to get our attention. The opening Scripture assures our victory. Is your faith strong enough for the adventure of conquering the world’s ways? (If not, ask God to increase your faith! Matthew 9:24.)

That’s what overcomer means.

We—who believe that Jesus is the Son of God—are victors. Our power comes from faith in God, believing that what the Bible says is true. The signs end times, Matthew 24, point to how close we are to Jesus’ return. But instead of freaking out, or hanging out, we have work to do!

As living water, we can reach out with kindness and love to those who cling to the world, because we’re overcomers. Let me share Corrie Ten Boom’s words with you:

“Christians are ambassadors for Christ. They are representatives from Heaven to this dying world. And because of our presence here, things will change. My sister, Betsie, and I were in the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbruck because we committed the crime of loving Jews. Seven hundred of us from Holland, France, Russia, Poland and Belgium were herded into a room built for two hundred. As far as I knew, Betsie and I were the only two representatives of Heaven in that room.

“We may have been the Lord's only representatives in that place of hatred, yet because of our presence there, things changed. Jesus said, ‘In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33). We too, are to be overcomers—bringing the light of Jesus into a world filled with darkness and hate.

“Sometimes I get frightened as I read the Bible, and see the tribulation and persecution promised by the Bible coming true. Now I can tell you, if you too are afraid, the last two pages make me want to shout, ‘Hallelujah! Hallelujah!’ for I found where Jesus said, ‘He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be His God, and he shall be My son.’ (Revelation 21:7)."

This is the future and hope of this world. Not that the world will survive—but that we shall be overcomers in the midst of a dying world.”

Take Home Nugget

WOW! If Corrie Ten Boom do this, so can we!

Christ is coming—perhaps today?

J.D. Griffith

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Signs of the Times

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

(Number 2 of 3 devotion series)

PARENTS: PLEASE REVIEW CONTENTS TO DETERMINE IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS DEVOTIONAL STUDY—Biblestudyforkids.com staff

Matthew 24:7-11

Verse 7: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”

This earth is deathly ill. In fact, it’s dying. Jesus is poised to return soon to put an end to our foolishness. I am convinced that the Lord’s Spirit is crying out—to all who are tuned in—to pay attention. We just learned about idols in They’re Make From Wood! devotion. What people worship today broadcasts that our world’s in very bad shape.

The earth has become a global community. No one is immune to the heartache of world disasters, regardless of where they happen. Recent years’ disasters show that the Earth’s birth pains (Matthew 24:8) are growing more intense:


September 11, 2001: The worst terrorist attack in America's history was waged on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Washington, DC, U.S.A.


March 1, 2002: U.S.A. invaded Afghanistan to halt the spread of al-Qaeda's and the Taliban's influence. On May 1, 2011, the U.S.A. shot and killed Osama bin Laden in his mansion in Abbottabad, Pakastan.

March 20, 2003: U.S.A. went to war against ancient Babylon (Iraq.)

December 26, 2004: A magnitude 9.1-9.3 earthquake caused a tsunami that devastated countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

August 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern coast of the U.S.A.


December 2007: The world entered a major recession with untold home foreclosures and bank closures.


January 12, 2009: A massive earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.

February 27, 2010: An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile

April 14, 1010: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake thumped China.


March 11, 2011: A 9.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan. It was followed by a tsunami and a nuclear crisis unlike anything since Chernobyl in April 1986.


April 7, 2011: A 7.6 earthquake rumbled Japan again. The nuclear reactor crisis was raised to 7—equal to Chernobyl.



Earth’s been in labor for thousands of years, and her pains are more frequent these days. They will only end when Jesus returns.


Luke 21:28 gives believers courage: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Jesus promises His brothers and sisters, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3).

Take Home Nugget

Upon the heels of these Scripture passages, John 14:27 comforts us with: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”

We’re in God’s care with every breath we take.

J.D. Griffith

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They're Made From Wood!

THEY’RE MADE FROM WOOD!

(Number 1 of 3 devotion series)

Isaiah 46:1-9

The Message vv.1-2: “The god of Bel falls down, god Nebo slumps. The no-god hunks of wood are loaded on mules and have to be hauled off, wearing out the poor mules—Dead weight, burdens who can’t bear burdens, hauled off to captivity.”

Bel is another name for Marduk, the deity of Babylon. Bel was the equivalent of the Canaanite Baal, meaning lord. Nebo, or Nabu was the god of learning and writing…the son of Marduk. Nebo slumps, or is in disgrace. Babylon fell in year 689 B.C., and again in 539 B.C. (Before Christ—50 years part). The prophet Isaiah is warning his people to worship the Lord God—and serve Him only—by hauling away these wooden ‘gods.’ Isaiah must have preached this warning after Babylon’s first fall, since his book was written between 740 and 680 B.C.

What a victory for the Israelites! The Babylon gods were carted away in front of those who serve the living God. Can you hear the masses cheer and dance as the wooden idols were dumped and burned?


Whether made of wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic, idols are just that—IDOLS! Whatever consumes people’s attention— including TV, iPod, or computer—are taking the place of what is supposed to be our first love. Revelation 2:4 states only one thing against the church of Ephesus. While they’ve scored highly, they had forsaken their first love—God Almighty!

Nothing, and no one is God except our Creator, Yahweh. Not even His creation is worthy of reverence and adoration. The TV program, American Idol (rightly named), makes people instant stars. Suddenly people adore the winners, overnight sensations. This shows how far we have sunk into sin and idol worship.

Everyone has ambitions, dreams, jobs. While these are all worthwhile, how do we rank their importance—compared to worship—in our lives? Where do we invest most of our time and energy? What, or who holds our attention?


Earthy pursuits, responsibilities, and relationships are vital for humans to thrive. Our heavenly Father keeps His eyes on His kids, wooing us to seek Him! He pursues us to build a relationship with, and draw closer to Him after our salvation. Oh the treasures God has in store—available in Jesus—for those who are interested! (Colossians 2:3).


Take Home Nugget

What could be more comforting to God’s kids than to sleep in sweet peace that the God Who made us, loves and cares for us? “I will carry you” He promises in Isaiah 46:4. This includes every care and worry that we face throughout our entire lifetimes!

Our job is to cast upon Him our cares; God’s work is to take care of us!

J.D. Griffith

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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