Devotional Gems by Jolene: Take It!

TAKE IT!

1 Corinthians 2:12: “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has given us.”

Twelve year olds sat on the floor of their Sunday School classroom. “Who are you?” Mr. Robbins, their teacher, asked.

The kids looked at one another. One spoke up, “I am a child of the Most High God!” (John 1:12).

Everyone nodded heads.

Mr. Robbins smiled and said, “You have been paying attention! God wants you to take everything He longs to give you. He wants you to receive every blessing that He yearns to spill out—because of His great love.”

Everyone wore huge grins. Brad wondered, “Then, why aren’t we all rich?”

Mr. Robbins expected that question, and was prepared with answers to get them thinking how rich they really are. “But you ARE rich, Brad! Your heavenly Father owns EVERYTHING in the universe. Remember that your salvation was bought at a very high price—Jesus paid for you with His LIFE!” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

“How many friends do you have?” Mr. Robbins asked.

Kids answered, “Five.”

“Ten.”

“Twenty!”

“Your BEST friend is Jesus.” Mr. Robbins declared. (John 15:15). “You are a saint—set apart for God!” (Ephesians 1:1). “You are ambassadors of Jesus, personal witnesses for Him, salt and light of the earth!” (2Corinthians 5:20, Acts 1:10, Matthew 5:13-14).

The kids went silent. “Do you appreciate the wonder of these things?” Mr. Robbins asked. “I’m tired, guys. Tired of hearing so many complaints from people—when we ought to be rejoicing! And I want to start with you. Your heavenly Father only wants to love you! His goodness has no bounds. Stop overlooking dozens of blessings God delivers daily. Stop pointing out what you don’t have. Let’s practice attitudes of gratitude!”

Mr. Robbins passed out the lesson, linked below. “Now, please research the Bible and fill in the blanks.”

Take Home Nugget

Luke 15:11-24 tells the story of the prodigal son. A boy asked for his share of his father’s estate. He packed up his donkey and left home. After he wasted all the money, he got hungry. He drooled over corn cobs that the pigs ate. He realized how foolish he’d been. He quit his job slopping pigs and headed home.

He left home proud but returned humble. He lectured himself on the way how stupidly he acted. Would dad even welcome him?

His dad saw him and ran out to greet him! He insisted on providing new clothes, and threw his son a welcome home party!

Kids deserve nothing. But we get everything! God gives to us freely because we’re grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice. He wants us to take everything freely.

Instead of complaining about what we don’t have…can we thank God for everything that we DO have?

No one earns God’s favor. In His grace, He lavishes us with everything we need.