Transcending Human Rights

TRANSCENDING HUMAN RIGHTS

Third of Kingdom Kids devotion series explaining Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Psalm 119:160: “All Your word are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”

            “Transcendence” is today’s word.  It means sovereignty, or supreme authority.  It’s otherworldly.  Supernatural. 

            The last devotion in this series said that God’s divine will is uncovered in the Bible.  The trick is that people must READ the Bible in order to pluck His truth from its pages.  He longs for His kids to respond to what’s already revealed. 

            Bragging about having “x” number of Bibles doesn’t impress anyone.  The Bibles in our homes are closed, laying on coffee tables or stacked inside a bookcase.  Even the one on your nightstand doesn’t speak until you open it up and read the words printed inside.  Papa doesn’t want to hear excuses why we neglect to read His Word.

            Neither is Papa interested to hear our thoughts or opinions on how we approach His Word.  Our measly additions to His truths don’t “help” Him, nor us.  Our clarifications are all wrong.  God already has supreme authority that transcends human rights.  It’s up to us to line up our thoughts, actions, and wants within His own. 

            Yahweh waits for us to respond to truths already revealed.

  

            Until we read Scripture eagerly seeking for ways to apply His Word to our lives we can’t benefit from its power or authority.  Attending worship regularly sows fellowship.  Bible study enhances our Christian growth.  His indwelling Spirit transforms God’s kids into Christlikeness daily. 

            However, to whatever or whomever people give supreme authority is #1 in their lives.  Unless God is #1, people assume their human rights transcend God’s authority!

            That backward approach to God’s supremacy is skewed cock-eyed under His authority.  Those Believers-in-Christ miss Covenantal protection that Yahweh promised to Christian patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Divine safety net aligns human plans yielding agreement with His Word. 

            Since God’s Son Jesus reigns with Dad’s authority (see the lesson linked below), why aren’t His followers enjoying more power in our lives?

Take Home Nugget

            Here is where we get to self-test.  No results need be published.  Ask yourself, “Do I take what’s written in the Bible seriously?” 

            Do you believe that God’s authority transcends human rights?  Is His Word—the   Bible--accurate?  Is the Bible factual?  Is the Bible honest?  Maybe you need more time to study and meditate on His word—to line up under His supreme authority?

Holy Father, the MOST important use of my time is to know You better.  Help me to spend more time in prayer and in quiet reflection of Your Word.  Empower me to believe You have authority over my life.  Delight me every day, I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Adapted from “The Bible’s Supreme Authority” by Dr. Tony Evans.  January 17, 2018.  Check out the Urban Alternative at www.lightsource.com/       

J.D. Griffith

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Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

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Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

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This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious elderly lady. 

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Uncovering Divine Will

UNCOVERING DIVINE WILL  

Second of Kingdom Kids devotion series explaining Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.  Does He speak and then not act?  Does He promise and not fulfill?”

            God (YHWH) is totally distinct from and above His creation.  We can’t even pronounce his name until vowels are added.  Yahweh warns humans in Isaiah 55:8:  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.”

          So, the only way humans can learn Yahweh’s way is to recognize and agree to His divine authority.  Satan could never do that.  The first question he asked Eve began, “Did God really say…?” in Genesis 3:1.  His agenda hasn’t changed.  His methods to tempt people into disobeying our Father haven’t changed, either.

People still fall for that same doubt.

            What a good thing that Yahweh inspired people to write down His Word!  Published as our Bible, God’s Word is the only guidebook teaching His passed-down authority to His kids.  The Bible reveals divine will for us to rule His kingdom on earth.  The Bible teaches people how to use God’s divine will and live on purpose.  See the lesson linked below that reveals proof of Yahweh’s power and authority.

            Bible: Book of Instruction Before Leaving Earth.

            Apostle John taught in the Bible that Jesus personifies God’s Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14).  Jesus inspired the Gospel (Good News) to be written to give people hope.  How can people find hope?  Why is hope so important?  What’s the hurry?

            Jesus urges people to repent and believe in Him—to receive forgiveness of sins and live abundantly—because God’s kingdom is near (Mark 1:15). 

            To the level that individuals obey God’s Word is the degree to which each lives the abundant life that Jesus promises in John 10:10.  Those who choose not to obey is also the same degree that they lose this abundant life. 

   

            Abundant life is not only successfully victorious; it also includes Jesus’ peace (John 14:27, Philippians 4:7).  Jesus’ peace transcends (supernatural authority) human understanding.

Take Home Nugget

            Our Father’s Word shows Christians how to make every decision.  The bible is our standard.  No one needs to go it alone figuring out how to live victoriously.  No one can advance God’s kingdom agenda if we allow this standard to be hidden in the pages of the Bible—where His divine will is uncovered—unless we open and read it. 

Heavenly Father, I ask in the name of LORD Jesus that You dazzle me.  Take hold of me.  Allow me to grasp Your authority.  Empower me to obey Your divine will and live on purpose for You.  Amen.  

Adapted from “God’s Revealed Will” by Dr. Tony Evans.  January 18, 2018.  Check out The Urban Alternative at www.lightsource.com/       

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Uncovering Divine Will

 For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith: 

To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here   This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious elderly lady. 

Click here to purchase "Your Salvation is Jesus' Passion"     Only $2.99

   

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers

Under Whom Am I?

UNDER WHOM AM I?

First of Kingdom Kids devotion series explaining Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Isaiah 45:12: “It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it.  My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.”

            People either love or hate government.  We love protection but hate obeying laws.  We love police’s taking charge when someone robs us but hate being hauled off to jail when we forgot our key and break into our own home.

            What do you think of when the word “government” is mentioned?  The root word “govern” doesn’t work for those who are proud and want everything to go their way.  The reason that God made (and oversees) government is to delegate authority to people on earth.  Government is God’s hierarchy [HI-ER-ark-ee] meaning God’s chain-of-command.

            Our Father has brought His influence from heaven to earth.  In this fallen world, someone must have the ability to make things right.  Our Father organized every star’s place in the heavens.  (Psalm 147:4 says that He knows every star by name!)  God directs kingdoms on earth down to caring for every detail in His kids' lives.

            More than anyone, our Father is o-r-g-a-n-i-z-e-d!

            On earth, God designated four areas under which His kids are organized.  The first is individual.  The second is family.  Church is the third area—and we know that Jesus is the boss, there!   The fourth area is civil.  Civil government contains all areas outside the home and church, like political, domestic, city, state, and federal areas (in a democracy).

            Each area is governed, or organized to perform specific tasks.

            Each area is further classified by: 1) Sovereignty [sov-e-RIN-i-tee] means that someone gets to rule.  2) Representation designates accountability levels over the rule of others.  3) Laws list what’s allowed.  4) Jurisdiction [jur-is-DIKT-shon] means having power to enforce laws.  5) Continuity [kon-tin-U-i-tee] establishes permanence. 

            No one likes the rug being ripped out from under one’s feet.

            Each of these classifications is determined by our Father in heaven.

Under whom am I?

All of them!  

Take Home Nugget

            Certainly, everyone is under individual rule.  Each person gets to govern his or her own thoughts, words, and actions.  Christians allow for another level of rule when we name Jesus as LORD over our individual lives.  Check out the lesson linked below for more on Jesus’ LORDship. 

            “Your kingdom come,” is the second petition in the Lord’s Prayer.  That’s praying for Jesus to launch God’s rule on earth!  His 1,000 year (millennial) reign on earth will shock people (Revelation 20:4c).  Everyone who hasn’t chosen Jesus as LORD over their individual lives will be in for a rude awakening.

Heavenly Father, please help me to obey everyone to whom I must give account, including Jesus!  Amen.

Adapted from “Four Forms of Government” by Dr. Tony Evans.  December 27, 2017.  Check out the Urban Alternative at www.lightsource.com/ministries/       

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Under Whom Am I?

 For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here   

This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious elderly lady. 

Click here to purchase "Your Salvation is Jesus' Passion"     Only $2.99

   

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers

Best Forever Friend

BEST FOREVER FRIEND 

7^th of 7 devotions in Jesus Appreciation series

Philippians 3:12-21

Philippians 3:20-21: “But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

            “who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body.”

            People love to brag.  We boast about our looks, intelligence, and abilities.  We know that our Father HATES braggarts, though (Proverbs 6:17).   Check out the lesson linked below to learn when and about whom it’s always a good idea to brag.

            While Jesus never bragged—in fact, He usually ducked direct questions about who he is—He faithfully remains by our side cheering good times and consoling hurting hearts. 

            Believers-in-Christ want to develop a close, personal friendship with Him.  We cement that friendship when we obey His commands. 

            Let’s see how many questions you can answer correctly from the below:

            Question:  Where else can we learn that Jesus showed people on earth who our heavenly Father is?  Why does He love people so much that He longs to give us every good thing?

            Answer:  People learn about our Father’s many attributes when reading the Bible.

            Q:  Jesus spent time alone with the father each day in prayer.  Curious disciples wondered—as do Jesus followers today—how can we also form this close bond with our  Father?

            A.  We also can spend time in prayer drawing closer to our Father every day.

            Q:  People often let us down.  God NEVER fails His kids.  When we come to Him, He always helps.  He never leaves us alone.  What does repeated dependence on God build in us?

            A:  After watching God repeatedly help us in powerful ways, we learn to trust Him.

            Q:  Often parents or teachers motivate obedience by promising us a reward.  What reward does God promise His faithful children?

            A:  Each step we take in obedience, the Lord reveals more of Himself to us.

            Q:  People create a personal history library.  How does remembering how God worked in our lives add new dimensions to our friendship?

            A:  When we pay attention watching God work in our lives, we become familiar with His ways and goals.

            Q:  How can Believers ensure that God is #1 in our lives?

            A:  By recognizing how we prioritize our values, idols become clear.  Whatever is more important to us than God needs to go.

Take Home Nugget

            People form friendships easily.  From early childhood, kids bond closely together and boast one best friend.  While earthly friends come and go, can cheat and turn against us, Christ remains forever faithful.

Holy Father, Thank You for bringing me Your Son Jesus, who is my best forever friend!  Amen. 

              

Adapted from “Getting to Know Christ Intimately” by Dr. Charles Stanley.  In Touch a monthly devotional magazine.  December 31, 2017.  Georgia.

And

“Boast in the Lord” by Rev. Dr. Paul A. Philp.  Portals of Prayer a trimonthly devotional magazine.  January 12, 2018.  Missouri.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Best Forever Friend

 For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here 

  This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:   

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious elderly lady. 

Click here to purchase "Your Salvation is Jesus' Passion"     Only $2.99

   

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers

R.S.V.P.

R.S.V.P.  

6^th of 7 devotions in Jesus Appreciation series

Revelation 19:1-10

Revelation 19:7-8:  “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.  [Not weird for boys!]

“Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen is stitched with every righteous act of the saints.  Our clothing is still being made while we live on earth).

            Twelve-year-old Cassie clutched the envelope and jumped up screeching, “This is it!  The invitation has arrived!”  She tore open the envelope.  While reading, worry lines etched on her forehead. 

            “What’s the matter,” mom asked.  “Isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for?”

            “Yeah,” Cassie admitted.  She waved a small envelope at mom.  “What’s this?  It’s even stamped and addressed. … The address is … Cindy’s home!”  Cassie wondered, “What does R.S.V.P. mean?”

            Cassie’s mom giggled her reply, “R.S.V.P. is French.  Répondez s'il vous plait means ‘Please respond.’  The invitation asks you to acknowledge whether you plan to attend the party.”

            “Oh, that’s pretty formal for a kid’s birthday party!” Cassie said.  “Return Signed Very Promptly” is English for what this small card wants.”

            Cassie’s mom laughed.  “Good translation, dear.  Just mark it and we’ll mail it tomorrow,” mom advised. 

            Cassie got an invitation to a birthday party and was very excited.  This is Cindy’s birthday party.  Yet, Cassie was delighted to receive the invitation.  She’d waited for the invitation for days and is eager to respond her acceptance.  “I’m so happy!” Cassie admitted.

            Believers-in-Christ are very blessed and should always feel happy, too.  We’ve been reading how Jesus blesses us in four most recent devotions.  Now we’re asked to acknowledge Jesus’ invitation to the most spectacular banquet ever thrown!  The attendees are our spiritual brothers and sisters—many that you’ll recognize from worship each week—Jesus’ church. 

            This banquet is for you!  You are the guest-of-honor, as though you were the birthday girl.  (See lesson linked below for more information).

            Christ Himself is both the celebrant and meal at once.  No one ever went to a party where the host was the meal.  (Imagine Jesus serving you Holy Communion).  The marriage supper of the Lamb is where the “Priest” (as One interceding for us) represents the sacrifice.  And this supper will be the most nourishing ever, too: forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation!

Take Home Nugget

            With every heartbeat, every breath sings praise for LORD Jesus!  For only He poured out His lifeblood for me.  His sacrifice was perfect, complete, and final for forgiveness and eternal life with Him!

Holy Father, Please mark your R.S.V.P. checked for my attending this heavenly wedding banquet of You Son, the Lamb!  I pray this in His precious name, Amen. 

           

Adapted from “Blessed Are You” by Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Baue.  Portals of Prayer a trimonthly devotional magazine.  November 22, 2017.  Missouri.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for R.S.V.P.

 For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here   This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious older lady. 

Click here to purchase "Your Salvation is Jesus' Passion"     Only $2.99

   

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers

Jesus' Profession

JESUS’ PROFESSION  

5^th of 7 devotions in Jesus Appreciation series

Hebrews 1:1-3:  “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He created the universe.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.  After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

            Jesus’ profession [pro-FESH-on] is His job.  Everyone is created with gifts and a path to pursue.  Everyone is happy when doing whatever talent Papa endows.  Work is “easy” when we exercise that talent instead of denying what we naturally WANT to do.

 

            Work is a gene with which everyone—even Jesus—is created.  We gotta DO something!  Check out the lesson linked below for work that God first assigned to Adam.  The days are long and life drags on when we’re bored.  But when we enjoy our work, life is a delight.  We actually enjoy waking up each day!  

            How does Jesus feel about the job Papa gave Him?

            Evidently, people are Jesus’ job.

            We always were, and we’ll always be Jesus’ profession … forever.  From the beginning, Jesus knew that He’d be born as a human and die for human sin.  Now that work is finished and Jesus ascended to the Father.  Phase two of Jesus’ profession claims His time.

            Aren’t you thrilled that God is infinite?

            Jesus’ job is to work on our behalf.  John 10:10 shows that Jesus’ job is to provide Believers-in-Him abundant life.  He gives us peace.  He equips us to live joyfully.  He empowers us to accomplish whatever job He appoints us to do.

            Romans 8:34 promises that Jesus hears every prayer lifted up from Believers’ hearts or spoken with our lips.  He “cleans up” (adding praise, aligning with Father’s will) Believers’ prayers and presents them to Papa.

            Colossians 1:15 teaches that God is a loving Father who cares about our concerns, and is detail-oriented!  He longs to hear from you and wants to share your most intimate problems!

            John 14:2-3 promises that Jesus is preparing a place for you!  Doesn’t that make you feel special and confident that you will have somewhere to live with Him forever?

            In Revelation 22:12, Jesus promises, “I am coming soon!  My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. ”

Take Home Nugget

            People are Jesus’ purpose.  He loves us unconditionally and provides everything we need.

 

Holy Father, awaken a fresh insight in me to appreciate Jesus more each day!  Amen.

   

Adapted from “What’s Jesus Doing Now?” by Dr. Charles Stanley.  Georgia.  In Touch monthly devotional magazine.  December 26, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Jesus’ Profession

 For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

To purchase "Star Watchers" for only $0.99 USD, click here   This eBook shows Mary’s adventure traveling to Bethlehem right before Jesus’ birth.   This Biblical fantasy weaves supernatural delight into facts surrounding His birth. 

Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:  

Twelve-year-old Jeremy befriends “Aunt” Rita when lured up her front steps after football practice one fall day.  Her piano music isn’t the only thing that makes Rita especially different.  She is intrigued by Jeremy.  Jeremy is transformed by God after getting to know this gracious elderly lady. 

Click here to purchase "Your Salvation is Jesus' Passion"     Only $2.99

   

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers