NEW CREATION
Part 3 of 3 in Will of God Series
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
“Screw you!” Ten year old Scotty yelled, and punched nine year old Greg in the face. Ms. Busby jogged to the open field during recess and separated the boys.
“What’s going on here, guys?” she asked.
“Greg won’t throw me the softball,” Scotty said.
“I’m playing with Bobby and Jules, Ms. Busby,” Greg defended himself, rubbing his jaw. “If I throw the ball to Scotty, he’d just run away with it, and mess up everything.”
“Scotty, you know that these fourth graders are in training for spring softball.” Ms. Busby scolded. “Now leave them alone, and find someone else to play with.”
Scotty’s back on the playground during recess, after being disciplined for not obeying the recess monitor (see Determined Will devotion). But he seems to stay in trouble. Why is that? Whenever Scotty gets angry, he yells bad names, and does bad things. Apostle Paul had a hard time with early Christians’ speech and actions, too. Because God gives His kids limited free will, He allows us to choose our behavior. But He still corrects and punishes sinful behavior—the same as recess monitors, and people in authority do.
We can learn from Paul’s handling the early Christians’ wrong behavior how to clean up our own act. He reminded them in Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Lewd jokes, vulgar language, bawdy and rude behavior is from our “old natures,” and are not who we are today. I ask you the same question I asked in Determined Will devotion, “Are you Scotty?” Or are you a person who learns from others, and determines for yourself not to rebel against God, or other people in authority?
Take Home Nugget
Wholesome speech benefits those who overhear our words to others. Colossians 3:9-10 says, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and having put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Instead of filth, slander and obscene speech, may our words spring beautiful thanksgiving and praise to God.
New creations in Christ respect and dignify others simply because fellow human beings are created in God’s image, too.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for New Creation
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Desired Will
DESIRED WILL
Part 2 of 3 in Will of God Series
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Verse 11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Determined Will (of God) devotion showed what will happen. Our sovereign God can do anything He wants, and He made up His mind about our future before the creation of the world. He never asked permission, nor did He ask any person’s opinion.
But God wants way more from His created beings than robots that fall obediently in line. Scotty showed us (in Determined Will devotion) that humans have limited free will to resist, even rebel against the determined will of people. While no one can escape God’s judgment, or any of God’s determined will, people have wiggle room in His desired will for us. He desires His kids to have peace and joy, for instance. How we get there is where we play around the fringes.
The opening Scripture paints a loving picture of God’s desired will for His people. Hope and a future—isn’t that the same thing that people want for themselves? That’s why God gave us His Ten Commandments. He knows that following His moral law bring people joy and peace. His Word is full of other goodies where we discover that thankfulness and forgiveness add other dimensions of meaning and satisfaction to our lives. Obtaining the fullness of God’s blessings is where humans can play around the fringes, depending on how we choose to live.
What do you WANT to do? God seeds every person with specific talents and skills which are different from everyone else. God predestined—yes—He pre determined every person’s life. Your work, job, or career was always God’s desired plan for your life. Are you surprised? Even when we switch gears and head down a different path, with divine guidance, our work will still “fit” the person we were created to be.
Oh. What about daily hum-drum? Yes, that too. Ask God to show you where you misplaced something, and He’ll lead you directly to it. He’s that invested in your personal life!
Take Home Nugget
Do you have a different opinion about God’s sovereignty now? Being all-knowing AND all-powerful is an unbeatable combination for our heavenly Father. Check out the lesson, linked below, to discover ancient truths how God assured His kids of His plans in the opening Scripture.
Holy sovereign Lord, You are awesome! I often forget who’s in charge, and sit behind the wheel in the driver’s seat of my life. Forgive my arrogance, and accept my surrender now. The view from the passenger seat is bright and free! Hallelujah! Amen.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Desired Will
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 2 of 3 in Will of God Series
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Verse 11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Determined Will (of God) devotion showed what will happen. Our sovereign God can do anything He wants, and He made up His mind about our future before the creation of the world. He never asked permission, nor did He ask any person’s opinion.
But God wants way more from His created beings than robots that fall obediently in line. Scotty showed us (in Determined Will devotion) that humans have limited free will to resist, even rebel against the determined will of people. While no one can escape God’s judgment, or any of God’s determined will, people have wiggle room in His desired will for us. He desires His kids to have peace and joy, for instance. How we get there is where we play around the fringes.
The opening Scripture paints a loving picture of God’s desired will for His people. Hope and a future—isn’t that the same thing that people want for themselves? That’s why God gave us His Ten Commandments. He knows that following His moral law bring people joy and peace. His Word is full of other goodies where we discover that thankfulness and forgiveness add other dimensions of meaning and satisfaction to our lives. Obtaining the fullness of God’s blessings is where humans can play around the fringes, depending on how we choose to live.
What do you WANT to do? God seeds every person with specific talents and skills which are different from everyone else. God predestined—yes—He pre determined every person’s life. Your work, job, or career was always God’s desired plan for your life. Are you surprised? Even when we switch gears and head down a different path, with divine guidance, our work will still “fit” the person we were created to be.
Oh. What about daily hum-drum? Yes, that too. Ask God to show you where you misplaced something, and He’ll lead you directly to it. He’s that invested in your personal life!
Take Home Nugget
Do you have a different opinion about God’s sovereignty now? Being all-knowing AND all-powerful is an unbeatable combination for our heavenly Father. Check out the lesson, linked below, to discover ancient truths how God assured His kids of His plans in the opening Scripture.
Holy sovereign Lord, You are awesome! I often forget who’s in charge, and sit behind the wheel in the driver’s seat of my life. Forgive my arrogance, and accept my surrender now. The view from the passenger seat is bright and free! Hallelujah! Amen.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Desired Will
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Determined Will
DETERMINED WILL
Part 1 of 3 in Will of God Series
Ephesians 1:1-14
Verse 4: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Ms. DeTurk glared at her fifth grade student, Scotty. She said, “You’ll stay inside tomorrow during recess. AND, I assign you a three-page explanation about why you won’t obey the recess monitor.”
Scotty frowned, and shot angry looks at Ms. DeTurk the rest of the day. When the school ending-bell rang, he shot straight out of the class like a dart.
At home, Scotty defiantly tore out three pages from his notebook, and wrote across the three: “I don’t want to!” This is what he handed Ms. DeTurk the next day.
Ms. DeTurk was determined to punish Scotty for his disobedience. Scotty stayed inside during recess the rest of the week.
God’s determined will for His kids gives us the choice to obey—or not. People resist because of two things: we don’t know what God wants, and we’re not sure how to get what God wants. What God wants was determined before the creation of the world—and never changed.
While God doesn’t spill the plans that He’s determined to carry out freely to His creation, we dig up those treasures with Bible study. For instance, Revelation 19:11 says, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them.”
Even the earth and sky understand God’s determined will—and they flee! What can humans do? Well, we know that God gave humans free will. While our free will is limited, we get to choose how to act. Another plan the Bible reveals that God determined was how to redeem human beings from our sin.
Whether we believe God is sovereign to do whatever He determines—or not—doesn’t change the facts of His determined will.
Take Home Nugget
The opening Scripture shows that God’s determined will for the people whom He chose would be holy and blameless in His sight. There’s only one way we can achieve that: believe in Jesus as Lord of our lives.
1 Peter 2:9a says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God...” And, 1 Corinthians 1:8 says, “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
That answers both questions why people resist God’s determined will. How will you respond—or are you a Scotty? Check out the lesson link, below, to learn more.
Every child of God has a special place in His plan.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Determined Will
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 1 of 3 in Will of God Series
Ephesians 1:1-14
Verse 4: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”
Ms. DeTurk glared at her fifth grade student, Scotty. She said, “You’ll stay inside tomorrow during recess. AND, I assign you a three-page explanation about why you won’t obey the recess monitor.”
Scotty frowned, and shot angry looks at Ms. DeTurk the rest of the day. When the school ending-bell rang, he shot straight out of the class like a dart.
At home, Scotty defiantly tore out three pages from his notebook, and wrote across the three: “I don’t want to!” This is what he handed Ms. DeTurk the next day.
Ms. DeTurk was determined to punish Scotty for his disobedience. Scotty stayed inside during recess the rest of the week.
God’s determined will for His kids gives us the choice to obey—or not. People resist because of two things: we don’t know what God wants, and we’re not sure how to get what God wants. What God wants was determined before the creation of the world—and never changed.
While God doesn’t spill the plans that He’s determined to carry out freely to His creation, we dig up those treasures with Bible study. For instance, Revelation 19:11 says, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them.”
Even the earth and sky understand God’s determined will—and they flee! What can humans do? Well, we know that God gave humans free will. While our free will is limited, we get to choose how to act. Another plan the Bible reveals that God determined was how to redeem human beings from our sin.
Whether we believe God is sovereign to do whatever He determines—or not—doesn’t change the facts of His determined will.
Take Home Nugget
The opening Scripture shows that God’s determined will for the people whom He chose would be holy and blameless in His sight. There’s only one way we can achieve that: believe in Jesus as Lord of our lives.
1 Peter 2:9a says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God...” And, 1 Corinthians 1:8 says, “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
That answers both questions why people resist God’s determined will. How will you respond—or are you a Scotty? Check out the lesson link, below, to learn more.
Every child of God has a special place in His plan.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Determined Will
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, February 15, 2013
FUSS
FUSS
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Why all the fuss about love?
February is the month for Valentine’s Day. Love drives people to do pretty much everything, in one way or another. One’s age determines how he loves others. As people mature, young love grows into the different loves of tomorrow. Check out the different forms of love every person evolves through during life, below:
For example, the fourth graders who throw softball to each other during recess, Bobby, Greg, and Jules, are innocent about Eros love. (See Mistaken Beliefs devotion). [ER-ose is passionate love, the heart-pounding desire for intimacy with another human being. It does not have to be physical or sexual; it can also mean appreciation for outer or inner beauty]. Eros romantic affection love attracts people to one another, like in dating or marriage.
The nine year olds happily share Philae love. [FIL-e-a means friendship, or fondness type of love]. This love includes loyalty to friends, family, or community. Philae love requires honesty, goodness, and reliability. Philae love is between equals, characterized by easy friendliness, and often includes enjoying activities with each other.
Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthians—especially 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the Bible’s ”love chapter”—is about Agape love. [a-GOP-ay literally means, I love you]. This love describes charity. Agape love is defined by how God loves people: unconditionally and sacrificially. Agape love puts up with, kindly tolerates—even holding in high regard—and shows good will towards all people.
Storge, [storj-AA] is the most natural affection of familial love]. Most commonly, storge is the cherishing love parents have for children
The Four Loves is a book by C. S. Lewis which explores the nature of love from a Christian perspective through thought experiments. 1/28/2013. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Take Home Nugget
Another acronym, FUSS, can help us remember love qualities. Remember that P.S. I Love You devotion defined the acronym grace spelled out as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense?” FUSS defines perfect love, as Forgiving, Unconditional, Selfless, and Sacrificial.
Substitute “Jesus” each time the word “love” appears in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, and see if the definitions don’t fit the FUSS acronym. (How Christians are called to love others).
“Love is patient. Love is kind. It [love] does not envy, it [love] does not boast, it [love] is not proud. It [love] is not rude, it [love] is not self-seeking, it [love] is not easily angered, it [love] keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...Love never fails.”
Jesus shows us His perfect love, how we’re to love one another perfectly.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for FUSS
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Why all the fuss about love?
February is the month for Valentine’s Day. Love drives people to do pretty much everything, in one way or another. One’s age determines how he loves others. As people mature, young love grows into the different loves of tomorrow. Check out the different forms of love every person evolves through during life, below:
For example, the fourth graders who throw softball to each other during recess, Bobby, Greg, and Jules, are innocent about Eros love. (See Mistaken Beliefs devotion). [ER-ose is passionate love, the heart-pounding desire for intimacy with another human being. It does not have to be physical or sexual; it can also mean appreciation for outer or inner beauty]. Eros romantic affection love attracts people to one another, like in dating or marriage.
The nine year olds happily share Philae love. [FIL-e-a means friendship, or fondness type of love]. This love includes loyalty to friends, family, or community. Philae love requires honesty, goodness, and reliability. Philae love is between equals, characterized by easy friendliness, and often includes enjoying activities with each other.
Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthians—especially 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the Bible’s ”love chapter”—is about Agape love. [a-GOP-ay literally means, I love you]. This love describes charity. Agape love is defined by how God loves people: unconditionally and sacrificially. Agape love puts up with, kindly tolerates—even holding in high regard—and shows good will towards all people.
Storge, [storj-AA] is the most natural affection of familial love]. Most commonly, storge is the cherishing love parents have for children
The Four Loves is a book by C. S. Lewis which explores the nature of love from a Christian perspective through thought experiments. 1/28/2013. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Take Home Nugget
Another acronym, FUSS, can help us remember love qualities. Remember that P.S. I Love You devotion defined the acronym grace spelled out as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense?” FUSS defines perfect love, as Forgiving, Unconditional, Selfless, and Sacrificial.
Substitute “Jesus” each time the word “love” appears in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, and see if the definitions don’t fit the FUSS acronym. (How Christians are called to love others).
“Love is patient. Love is kind. It [love] does not envy, it [love] does not boast, it [love] is not proud. It [love] is not rude, it [love] is not self-seeking, it [love] is not easily angered, it [love] keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...Love never fails.”
Jesus shows us His perfect love, how we’re to love one another perfectly.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for FUSS
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
P.S. I Love You
P.S. I LOVE YOU
Part 3 of 3 in Loving God Series
Ephesians 2:6-9
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Emphasis added).
Grace can be summed up as a simple acronym [AK-ro-nim is short term] for God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace reminds God’s kids how precious and greatly-loved co-heirs-with-Jesus-to-God’s-kingdom we are. Grace should awaken depths of gratitude in our hearts. This Loving God series was designed to shake people up about mistaken beliefs of God’s love.
It’s so simple. God created people to be His partners and companions on earth. Jesus shows us the Father, our invisible God (John 14:6-11). Jesus came to earth so that humans could be adopted into God’s family: Jesus lived a sinless life. Then Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. Jesus sacrificed Himself on purpose so that our sins could be forgiven. He offers us eternal life with Him in heaven.
It really is simple to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation. So, what’s the problem? Many people don’t know God. Many are afraid of God, like Bobby in Mistaken Beliefs devotion. God makes people uncomfortable. Upset people cling to their comfort zone of mistaken beliefs about God. They justify not accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation because He’d change their lives.
DUH! The future is uncertain territory for us all. Why not trust the One who guarantees victory? Whoever dares to surrender lives to Christ is born again. Then lives zoom forward! Immediately, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside believers. His presence seals believers as God’s children until the day of our redemption (Ephesians 4:30). He empowers believers to do immeasurably more than all se ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
The incomparable riches of God’s grace are expressed in His kindness to us in Jesus. We were chosen (John 15:19), redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), justified (Romans 8:30), sanctified (2 Thessalonians 2:13), and united with the Father through faith in God’s Son Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Whew! This “Valentine’s Day” brings special greetings from God to His children: “P.S. I love you!”
Take Home Nugget
God whispered love to His kids throughout the ages, from “The Garden” (Genesis 1-3), until today. Jesus died for us so that we might join God’s family. When will God’s kids whisper back, “P.S. I love You, too?”
Happy Valentine’s Day, God!
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for P.S. I Love You>
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 3 of 3 in Loving God Series
Ephesians 2:6-9
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Emphasis added).
Grace can be summed up as a simple acronym [AK-ro-nim is short term] for God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace reminds God’s kids how precious and greatly-loved co-heirs-with-Jesus-to-God’s-kingdom we are. Grace should awaken depths of gratitude in our hearts. This Loving God series was designed to shake people up about mistaken beliefs of God’s love.
It’s so simple. God created people to be His partners and companions on earth. Jesus shows us the Father, our invisible God (John 14:6-11). Jesus came to earth so that humans could be adopted into God’s family: Jesus lived a sinless life. Then Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. Jesus sacrificed Himself on purpose so that our sins could be forgiven. He offers us eternal life with Him in heaven.
It really is simple to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation. So, what’s the problem? Many people don’t know God. Many are afraid of God, like Bobby in Mistaken Beliefs devotion. God makes people uncomfortable. Upset people cling to their comfort zone of mistaken beliefs about God. They justify not accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation because He’d change their lives.
DUH! The future is uncertain territory for us all. Why not trust the One who guarantees victory? Whoever dares to surrender lives to Christ is born again. Then lives zoom forward! Immediately, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside believers. His presence seals believers as God’s children until the day of our redemption (Ephesians 4:30). He empowers believers to do immeasurably more than all se ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
The incomparable riches of God’s grace are expressed in His kindness to us in Jesus. We were chosen (John 15:19), redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), justified (Romans 8:30), sanctified (2 Thessalonians 2:13), and united with the Father through faith in God’s Son Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Whew! This “Valentine’s Day” brings special greetings from God to His children: “P.S. I love you!”
Take Home Nugget
God whispered love to His kids throughout the ages, from “The Garden” (Genesis 1-3), until today. Jesus died for us so that we might join God’s family. When will God’s kids whisper back, “P.S. I love You, too?”
Happy Valentine’s Day, God!
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for P.S. I Love You>
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Mistaken Beliefs
MISTAKEN BELIEFS
Part 2 of 3 in Loving God Series
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”
Bobby shared something with his fourth grade classmates at recess, “I think that I love God because He’s so powerful. I fear Him.” Bobby threw a softball to Jules.
Catching the ball, Jules replied, “So you’re afraid of God!” She dropped the ball in her gloved hand, and paused, thoughtful. “I’m not sure that fearing God is the same as loving Him,” She said, and threw the ball to Greg.
Greg caught the ball, adding, “God gave us lots of commands. We shouldn’t fear Him when He punishes us for sins (Hebrews 2:2). I love God because He sent Jesus to save me from my sins,” he said as he threw the ball back to Bobby.
These nine year olds have stumbled on the first mistaken belief. Fearing God is not the same thing as loving Him. The opening Scripture advises believers to fear God, and love God with our whole beings. But the word "fear" does not mean terror or dread, fright or panic.
For our awesome God, whom humans cannot fully grasp, "fear" means reverence, or respect. God is omnipotent. [Om-NIP-o-tent means all-powerful, invincible, supreme]. God is omniscient. [Om-NEESH-ent means all-knowing]. God is omnipresent. [Om-ni-PRES-ent means that He’s everywhere]. God is also infinite. [IN-fin-it means having no end. He’s unlimited, immeasurable, boundless]. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last (Revelation 1:8).
Acknowledging these attributes about God is different than loving Him. (But it does promote reverence and respect for Him). Needing God does not equal loving God. Serving others, telling people about God and how Jesus offers us eternal life show believers’ gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. Service does not earn God’s love nor show our love for Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
What is true love for God?
Take Home Nugget
People want to spend time with those they love. We want to be near and see their faces. We speak to them on the phone, or write them letters when we’re far away. We want the same things for loved ones that they want.
Those who seek God’s face are those who love Him. Those who love God pray to Him, rest in Him, obey Him, and strive for the same things He wants.
Loving God is striving to live obediently, so that we spend eternity with Him in heaven.
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Mistaken Beliefs
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 2 of 3 in Loving God Series
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”
Bobby shared something with his fourth grade classmates at recess, “I think that I love God because He’s so powerful. I fear Him.” Bobby threw a softball to Jules.
Catching the ball, Jules replied, “So you’re afraid of God!” She dropped the ball in her gloved hand, and paused, thoughtful. “I’m not sure that fearing God is the same as loving Him,” She said, and threw the ball to Greg.
Greg caught the ball, adding, “God gave us lots of commands. We shouldn’t fear Him when He punishes us for sins (Hebrews 2:2). I love God because He sent Jesus to save me from my sins,” he said as he threw the ball back to Bobby.
These nine year olds have stumbled on the first mistaken belief. Fearing God is not the same thing as loving Him. The opening Scripture advises believers to fear God, and love God with our whole beings. But the word "fear" does not mean terror or dread, fright or panic.
For our awesome God, whom humans cannot fully grasp, "fear" means reverence, or respect. God is omnipotent. [Om-NIP-o-tent means all-powerful, invincible, supreme]. God is omniscient. [Om-NEESH-ent means all-knowing]. God is omnipresent. [Om-ni-PRES-ent means that He’s everywhere]. God is also infinite. [IN-fin-it means having no end. He’s unlimited, immeasurable, boundless]. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last (Revelation 1:8).
Acknowledging these attributes about God is different than loving Him. (But it does promote reverence and respect for Him). Needing God does not equal loving God. Serving others, telling people about God and how Jesus offers us eternal life show believers’ gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. Service does not earn God’s love nor show our love for Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
What is true love for God?
Take Home Nugget
People want to spend time with those they love. We want to be near and see their faces. We speak to them on the phone, or write them letters when we’re far away. We want the same things for loved ones that they want.
Those who seek God’s face are those who love Him. Those who love God pray to Him, rest in Him, obey Him, and strive for the same things He wants.
Loving God is striving to live obediently, so that we spend eternity with Him in heaven.
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Mistaken Beliefs
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
WHY LOVE GOD?
Part 1 of 3 in Loving God Series
Psalm 139:9-16
“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
“How weird that we can throw softball to each other in February!” nine year old Bobby said to his fourth grade classmates at recess. “We’ll be ready for softball next month!”
Jules caught Bobby’s throw, and said, “This has been the warmest winter I can remember,” tossing the ball to Greg.
Greg caught the ball. “You can throw harder than that, Jules! But it’s good to start somewhere,” he said. “God is so good that He’s letting us start spring training in February!” He threw the ball to Bobby, saying, “Don’t you love God so much, that it’s sometimes scary?”
Bobby caught Greg’s throw, and said, “I know tons of kids who don’t even know Him! Why do you love God?”
Good question, Bobby. The opening Scripture shows God tenderly creating people, one reason why we love Him. Jesus’ coming to earth showed us the invisible Father (John 14:7, 10). Jesus willingly died in our place, taking our sins to the cross. Whoever accepts Jesus’ gift of forgiveness—and welcomes Him as Lord—becomes God’s child.
It’s sometimes scary to think that God sacrificed His only Son so that we could be His beloved children...called, predestined, justified, and glorified (Romans 8:30!
God keeps every promise He makes (See Promises of God devotional series, ten devotions before this one). He will never fail, nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). He forgives every confessed sin, and purifies us from all unrighteous (1 John 1:9). God gives His kids the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
John 14:1-2 says that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven. Philippians 3:21 assures us that we’ll be raised with glorified bodies.
What’s not to love about God?
Take Home Nugget
Greg answered Bobby, “I probably love God because He first loved me (1 John 4:19). Or maybe because He makes all things work for my good (Romans 28:8). Or maybe because we can play outside in winter on this beautiful planet!”
Check out the lesson link to see gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Appreciating the beauty of God’s creation
Fills us with love for its powerful creator.
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Why Love God?
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 1 of 3 in Loving God Series
Psalm 139:9-16
“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
“How weird that we can throw softball to each other in February!” nine year old Bobby said to his fourth grade classmates at recess. “We’ll be ready for softball next month!”
Jules caught Bobby’s throw, and said, “This has been the warmest winter I can remember,” tossing the ball to Greg.
Greg caught the ball. “You can throw harder than that, Jules! But it’s good to start somewhere,” he said. “God is so good that He’s letting us start spring training in February!” He threw the ball to Bobby, saying, “Don’t you love God so much, that it’s sometimes scary?”
Bobby caught Greg’s throw, and said, “I know tons of kids who don’t even know Him! Why do you love God?”
Good question, Bobby. The opening Scripture shows God tenderly creating people, one reason why we love Him. Jesus’ coming to earth showed us the invisible Father (John 14:7, 10). Jesus willingly died in our place, taking our sins to the cross. Whoever accepts Jesus’ gift of forgiveness—and welcomes Him as Lord—becomes God’s child.
It’s sometimes scary to think that God sacrificed His only Son so that we could be His beloved children...called, predestined, justified, and glorified (Romans 8:30!
God keeps every promise He makes (See Promises of God devotional series, ten devotions before this one). He will never fail, nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). He forgives every confessed sin, and purifies us from all unrighteous (1 John 1:9). God gives His kids the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
John 14:1-2 says that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven. Philippians 3:21 assures us that we’ll be raised with glorified bodies.
What’s not to love about God?
Take Home Nugget
Greg answered Bobby, “I probably love God because He first loved me (1 John 4:19). Or maybe because He makes all things work for my good (Romans 28:8). Or maybe because we can play outside in winter on this beautiful planet!”
Check out the lesson link to see gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Appreciating the beauty of God’s creation
Fills us with love for its powerful creator.
JD Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Why Love God?
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Best For Last
BEST FOR LAST
Part 10 of 10 in Promises of God Series1
John 10:28
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.”
This concludes the Promises of God series.
The first one urged God’s kids to tuck His promises inside our hearts, so that we remember them when life gets hard. We’re promised that not one of God’s words fails. Ten year olds Cassie and Jeremy share what they received for Christmas. Cassie admitted that some gifts she didn’t realize she needed. How many of God’s promises did you want after you learned them?
Eight year old twins Benjy and Danny showed that humans often break promises they make. But God is always with us, and keeps every promise He makes! Cassie tightened her eight year old cousin, Shakira’s ice skates, so that her feet wouldn’t wobble. This reminds us how God holds His kids securely in His righteous right hand, keeping our lives steady and secure.
Benjy played basketball with Danny at recess, after being rejected to play on a soccer team. This showed us how nothing separates God’s kids from His love, when we believe in His Son Jesus. Phillip shared his dad’s new job with his fifth grade Sunday school class after Mr. Robbins asked him to read Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Jeremy threw a “hail Mary” football pass to classmate Brad at recess. Brad apologized after slamming into Ms. Busby, the recess monitor. Ms. Busby, like God, always forgives every confessed—or apologized—offence. But only God cleanses us from all unrighteousness! Gideon shows us how to depend on, trust in, and communicate with an invisible God—who always leads us in straight paths.
Nine year old Miguel asked for a new iPod for his birthday. His mom said his birthday would be full of as many good gifts they can afford to give. But God isn’t limited by finances. He promises that whatever His kids ask for in His will (what God determines is good for us), He gives to us.
Take Home Nugget
The opening Scripture and Isaiah 43:1b assures God’s kids whose we are, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” The best, saved for last, guarantees us that no believer can be snatched out of Jesus’ hand. Not one will be lost. Reading the Bible reveals more God’s promises; won’t you check out the lesson, linked below?
Thank You, Father, for the super things You promise Your children. Most promises we didn’t even know enough to request! Thank You, Jesus, for not losing even one of us.
JD Griffith
1 Dr. Charles Stanley. Promises of God. (Georgia: www.intouch.org. 2012.
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Best for Last
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Part 10 of 10 in Promises of God Series1
John 10:28
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.”
This concludes the Promises of God series.
The first one urged God’s kids to tuck His promises inside our hearts, so that we remember them when life gets hard. We’re promised that not one of God’s words fails. Ten year olds Cassie and Jeremy share what they received for Christmas. Cassie admitted that some gifts she didn’t realize she needed. How many of God’s promises did you want after you learned them?
Eight year old twins Benjy and Danny showed that humans often break promises they make. But God is always with us, and keeps every promise He makes! Cassie tightened her eight year old cousin, Shakira’s ice skates, so that her feet wouldn’t wobble. This reminds us how God holds His kids securely in His righteous right hand, keeping our lives steady and secure.
Benjy played basketball with Danny at recess, after being rejected to play on a soccer team. This showed us how nothing separates God’s kids from His love, when we believe in His Son Jesus. Phillip shared his dad’s new job with his fifth grade Sunday school class after Mr. Robbins asked him to read Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Jeremy threw a “hail Mary” football pass to classmate Brad at recess. Brad apologized after slamming into Ms. Busby, the recess monitor. Ms. Busby, like God, always forgives every confessed—or apologized—offence. But only God cleanses us from all unrighteousness! Gideon shows us how to depend on, trust in, and communicate with an invisible God—who always leads us in straight paths.
Nine year old Miguel asked for a new iPod for his birthday. His mom said his birthday would be full of as many good gifts they can afford to give. But God isn’t limited by finances. He promises that whatever His kids ask for in His will (what God determines is good for us), He gives to us.
Take Home Nugget
The opening Scripture and Isaiah 43:1b assures God’s kids whose we are, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” The best, saved for last, guarantees us that no believer can be snatched out of Jesus’ hand. Not one will be lost. Reading the Bible reveals more God’s promises; won’t you check out the lesson, linked below?
Thank You, Father, for the super things You promise Your children. Most promises we didn’t even know enough to request! Thank You, Jesus, for not losing even one of us.
JD Griffith
1 Dr. Charles Stanley. Promises of God. (Georgia: www.intouch.org. 2012.
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Best for Last
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
