Giantologist Disaster

GIANTOLOGIST DISASTER

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Numbers 13:33:  “We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak came the Nephilim).  We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” 

            Nephilim are giants.  Moses wrote in Genesis 6:1-4:  “When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them,

            “the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 

            “Then the LORD said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.’

            “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them.  They were the heroes of old, men of renown.”

            Fallen angels are called sons of God.  Humans fear whatever is taller and stronger than us.  Researching Nephilims on the Internet, some Biblical passages stand out in: Genesis, Numbers, and Job.  The prophet Amos writes that the devil produced Nephilim before and after the flood (Genesis 6, 7, 8, and 9). 

  

            These fallen angels sired half-breed people/angels called Nephilim.  Amos 2:9 shows that God commanded their destruction:  “I destroyed the Amorite before them, though he was tall as the cedars and strong as the oaks.” 

            Goliath was a Nephilim.  He grew over twelve feet tall.  See the picture to understand why the Israelites were terrified of Goliath.  No wonder that Israelis’ cheered for the shepherd boy David, who slew him!  (1 Samuel 17).

            Many things scare people.  Whether it be an assignment, health, or someone in authority—when we are too scared to move—we become giantologists.  That entire Israeli generation who listened to ten giantologists, or men who reported scary things about Canaan, doubted.  They died instead of entering their Promised Land.

            See the lesson linked below that contrasts scary to good Israeli reports—and why Israeli doubt led to disaster.  

            Doubting and disobeying God was their giantologist disaster. 

            What’s yours?

Take Home Nugget

            We never need to fear giants.  May there NOT be one giantologist among the people who follow Jesus!  Mark 11:12-24 shows why Christians have faith in God.  Jesus says that anyone who has faith can order a mountain to move to the sea.  If we don’t doubt that, but pray and believe in our hearts it will happen, then it will! 

            Never be scared but believe and trust God so that you don’t create a giantologist disaster in your life! 

Holy Father, Enlarge my faith so that I don’t doubt Your truths.  Praise to Jesus who suffered, died, was resurrected and ascended to Your right hand!  Hallelujah!  Amen. 

         

Adapted from “Giantology” by Dick Woodard.  April 11, 2018.  Daily Inspirations from Christianity.com    MBC (Mini Bible College) Daily Devotional. 

And

“Bloodlines of the Nephilim—A Biblical Study” by Christopher Taylor.  2013.  http://www.apologeticspress.org/rr/reprints/Sons-of-God-in-Genesis-6.pdf

J.D. Griffith

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Doing God's Word

DOING GOD’S WORD  

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

James 1:21-22:  “Therefore [quick to listen but slow to speak and get angry], get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”  Emphasis added.

           

            Believers-in-Christ live humbly when we’re serious about doing what God’s word says.  We never brag about knowledge about God the Father, Jesus, and being led by His Spirit.  We never walk around with raised chins looking down at others, acting holier-than-them.  But we do share what God has done in our lives because we live by faith in Jesus.

             Ten-year-olds Tubalt and Danny interact while playing dodgeball outside during recess from fifth grade.  Tubalt whispers in Danny’s ear, “Pull one of Violet’s braids.”

            Danny laughs out loud, enjoying Tubalt’s challenge.  Violet runs in front of him, but he misses snagging one of her braids.

            “You try, Tubalt,” Danny yells.

            Violet screamed.  Tubalt held one of her braids that stopped her cold.  The ball hit her, but missed Tubalt. 

            “Quit, Tubalt!” Violet yelled, swatting Tubalt on his arm.  “I’m out now because of you!”

            This is typical of how people interact throughout life.  There’s always one person who tries to hold another down.  Danny felt awful.  Dodgeball lost its fun for him. 

            Jesus and James—who wrote the opening Scripture—were half-brothers.  Mary was mom to both of them, but Joseph was James’ dad.  God the Father was Jesus’ dad.  James grew up as Jesus’ little brother and wrote one book that appears 8^th to last in the Bible’s New Testament.  Jesus taught James by example to live humbly.

            What must it be like growing up with Jesus?  Where was James when Jesus stayed in Jerusalem instead of returning home after celebrating the Feast of Passover?  (Luke 2:41-49).  See the lesson linked below for details.  

            When did James truly get that Jesus was God’s Son?  How long did it take for him to live humbly and follow His big brother’s example?  Where was James when mom was weeping at the foot of the cross for her son’s torturous death?  

Take Home Nugget

            Danny felt bad because it was wrong for him to try catching one of Violet’s braids.

            Everyone who’s serious about being a Christian must do God’s word.  We must recognize sin and avoid it.  We must yield to God’s authority and obey His indwelling Spirit all the time.  Even when sin sounds fun, Jesus’ followers recognize sin for what it is and don’t fall into temptation. 

Holy Father, Thank You for James’ book that teach us to do Your word.  Amen.

Adapted from “Receive the Word” by Dr. Tony Evans.  April 10, 2018.  See Alternative at www.LightSource.com

J.D. Griffith

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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.  God uses Aunt Rita to transform Jeremy into a true follower of Christ. 

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Mission Accomplished

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED  

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

John 2:3-4:  “When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, ‘They have no more wine.’

“‘Dear woman, why do you involve Me?’ Jesus replied, ‘My time has not yet come.’”

            “Why not go over and shake hands?” Eileen suggested to her ten-year-old son, Benjy.  Gently reasoning to her son, she added, “Shaking hands after a contest shows good sportsmanship.”

            Moms cannot predict the future.  But since moms are older than kids, they do have a certain amount of experience.  What moms don’t know for sure, they can trust God’s indwelling Spirit to supply.

            Like Benjy’s, moms often direct their kids’ words and actions, smoothing rough edges.  Moms want others to like them—and think well of their parents.

            Mary was no exception.  She never intended to embarrass her son—God’s Son.  Yet, Mary brought her concerns to Jesus first.  Running out of wine at a wedding reception humiliates parents.  How could they run out of wine?

            Hoping to preserve her friends’ dignity, Mary presented the problem to Jesus.  Mary shows Believers-in-Christ today that raising concerns to Jesus first relieves worry.  Jesus had just returned to Cana in Galilee after enlisting men to follow Him.  (See the lesson linked below to learn Jesus’ convincing powers.)  

   

            Since Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding reception, perhaps He just wanted to have a good time.  His ministry was technically launched; perhaps Jesus wanted to check with His Father before exposing His miraculous powers? 

            Certainly, Jesus understood that His Godhood brought divine power.  Certainly, Jesus wanted to please His Father.  Yet, certainly, Jesus needed to obey His father and mother, according to His Father’s Ten Commandments. 

            While Jesus weighed His options, Mary instructed the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Take Home Nugget

            Thanks, Mom, we imagine Jesus’ sigh.  Mom spoke and Jesus decided.

            Jesus directed the servants, “Fill all six stone jars with water up to the rim.”   He chose obedience to His Father’s commandment to “honor father and mother”.  Happily, Jesus’ first miracle also made mom happy.

            The banquet master tasted the water and exclaimed, “You have saved the best wine for last!”  And the disciples put their faith in Jesus, the One whom they began to follow.  (John 1:8-11).

            The Son of God did not forget that he’s also the son of Mary.

            May we, also, never forget to honor those whom God places in authority over us.  We’re called to obey and honor them, regardless of whether or not we agree with them.  They may have greater understanding than we or are led by God’s Spirit!

Holy Father, thank You for sending us Your Son to demonstrate how we can also accomplish our missions!  Amen.

 

Adapted from “A Model of Obedience” by Diana Kerr.  April 9, 2018. www.TimeOfGrace.com

J.D. Griffith

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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.  God uses Aunt Rita to transform Jeremy into a true follower of Christ. 

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Covenant Guarantee

COVENANT GUARANTEE  

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Psalm 89:34:  “I will not violate My covenant or alter what My lips have uttered.” 

            “Anger with God” devotion showed the value of listening quickly but speaking and getting angry slowly.  Some commands that our heavenly Father says in the Bible are hard to swallow.  We wonder why we must obey.  We find it hard to believe words.  The Bible is chocked full of stories that some people reduce to mere fairy tales.  Some stories are simply not believable by human standards.

 

            Noah really crammed ALL animals on an ark?  (Genesis 5-8).  Comeon man!

            God operates way above human understanding.  I’m fine with not being to explain God.  I’d better not be able to explain the God I worship!  

            How about you?

            Our Father understands that people need proof to believe that His promises will come true.  How can God persuade People to obey His commands when they don’t seem valid? 

            Where can we find truth if we cannot believe God’s authority in the Bible? 

            Covenants are God’s invention that proves to humans that His word cannot help but come true.  Naturally, God’s guarantee would involve spilled blood.  See the lesson linked below to envision for yourself how God seals His covenants.  God’s covenants ensure that what He says WILL happen.  (Romans 4:20-21).

            Covenants are way better than the “Cross my heart and hope to die!” guarantee that people say to promise truth.

            Abraham doubted that God’s promises would come true and asked for a guarantee.  Abraham doubted when God promised, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. … and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  (Genesis 12: 2, 3b). 

            Of course Abraham’s human mind would doubt God’s promise, above.  Abraham didn’t have even one child!  How could he sire a nation?  How could all peoples on earth be blessed from Abraham?  Peoples means more than one race. 

Take Home Nugget

            Abraham was originally named Abram.  Sarah was originally named Sarai.  God changed their names in Genesis 17:5 and 17:15 after He commanded the covenant of circumcision for all Hebrew male descendants.  The added “H” into their names infused His Holy Spirit into their bodies. 

            It was this Spirit Who allowed Sarah to become pregnant well past the age of fertility.  It was this Spirit Who provided Abraham the energy to become a dad. 

            God’s Spirit lives inside each Christian who believes that we live under a supernatural covenant of grace bought by Jesus’ shed blood. 

Holy Father, Thank You for enabling us to believe and obey You—even when Your promises are unbelievable by human standards!  Amen. 

  

Adapted from “How You Know You Will Inherit It” by Rev. Joseph Prince.  April 11, 2018.   www.josephprince.org

J.D. Griffith

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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.  God uses Aunt Rita to transform Jeremy into a true follower of Christ. 

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

     

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Argue with God

ARGUE WITH GOD  

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

1 Peter 2:2:  “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”  Emphasis mine.

            “Whenever I try being still, like God says to ‘Be still and know that I am God,’” twelve-year-old Cassie admits, “my mind races from one thing to another.”  (Psalm 46:10). 

            Apostle Peter understood deep layers of God’s Word.   Starting with pure milk, Peter admits that every person is on a different path and at different levels of growing in salvation.  Peter’s goal, like Jesus’ goal and our Father’s,  is for us to grow spiritually in the salvation that Jesus died to provide us.  

            “Grow spiritually in salvation” means to cooperate with God’s indwelling Spirit and be transformed closer to the likeness of Jesus.  Being saved only starts the journey of sanctification [SANK-tif-i-ka-shon].  Growing into Christ-likeness ought to be Christians’ goal, too.  

            Apostle Paul also urges God’s kids to continue the sanctification process after being saved for eternal life.  He warns that we’re to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.”  (Philippians 2:12). 

                                                 

            See the lesson linked below for more truths plucked from layers deep inside the Bible.

            When we’re told not to think of something, human instinct is to think of nothing else.  So when God wants us to be still so He can wash us in love or ‘speak through His Spirit’—our bodies might rest—but our minds race.  No human likes being ordered around; we tend to argue.

            Cassie needs to yield her will to God.  

  

            She must “let go” and “let God” in order to be still.  

            That’s why being “quick to listen and slow to speak” from James 1:19 raises arguments.  When someone in authority speaks, we listen up.  We don’t question what’s said when we trust that authority.  But if we don’t like what’s said—despite authority—we argue. 

            Then we speak.  We often speak before we think.  We speak loudly when arguing.  “Slow to speak” never enters our minds during an argument.  We’re busy listening to ourselves quarreling points, ignoring from what authority they come.   

Take Home Nugget

            The Bible instructs God’s kids how to live.  He mostly commands, never suggesting action.  His wisdom guards us against confronting and losing to evil.   God’s Word is all the authority we need to trust that everything in the Bible is true.  

            When we don’t like what’s written, we decide to not believe that point.  Then when things mess up, we argue with God.   Chances are sure that we’ll lose that argument.

            What do you think?

Holy Father, Help me to believe and obey You without adding my own perspective to Your commands.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adapted from “Slow to Speak” by Dr. Tony Evans.  April 9, 2018.  Check out 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:  

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.  God uses Aunt Rita to transform Jeremy into a true follower of Christ. 

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

     

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers

Whatever Is Needed

WHATEVER IS NEEDED  

Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.

Exodus 3:14: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.’”  

2 Corinthians 3:17:  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

            Merging the two opening Scripture passages shows that God’s kids possess the freedom to find in Him whatever we need. 

            Christians receive God’s Spirit when we believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.  This Spirit, Jesus, and the Father are one.  This Spirit transforms God’s kids into the image of Christ—one day at a time—in a process called sanctification [SANK-tif-i-ka-shon]. 

            Jesus told His disciples that He will not “leave you as orphans; I will come to you. … I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:18, 20). 

            Jesus lives inside Christians as God’s Spirit.  The Counselor that Jesus promised His disciples, the Spirit of Truth, is Jesus’ Spirit living inside each Believer forever (John 14:16).

            Meditating on this truth spiritually transforms human minds and hearts to Christ’s. 

 

            God the Father began a sentence by informing Moses that He is called, “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14).

            God the Son completes that sentence naming specific human needs where Jesus is the source.  What do you need today?  Our God is infinite [IN-fin-it] meaning that He never ends.  He is omnipotent [om-NIP-o-tent], or, God is all powerful. 

  

            If you need healing, God told Moses in Exodus 15:26, “I am the LORD who heals you.”

            If you need direction, Jesus supplies that need in John 8:12 saying, “I am the light of the world.”

            When needing to escape an awful situation, Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.”

            Psalm 23:2-3a offers peace to whomever is sick and tired of being sick and tired.  “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.”  

            Check out the lesson linked below to find answers to human needs such as discovering the purpose of life, deciding which option to follow, and being scared. 

            Recognize that you’re never abandoned.  King Jesus is as close as the Spirit who lives within.  He is your Comforter.  He is your Counselor. 

Take Home Nugget

            1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”  Emphasis added to scream the wonders of the Great I AM!

Heavenly Father, thank You for making life easier to navigate by gifting me Jesus’ Spirit.  Amen.

Adapted from “The Agent of Transformation” by Dr. Tony Evans.  April 4, 2018.  Check out Alternative at www.LightSource.com  

And

“I Am Who I Am” by Rev. Joseph Prince.  April 4, 2018.  www.josephprince.com

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Whatever

 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.  God uses Aunt Rita to transform Jeremy into a true follower of Christ. 

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

     

     Click here for inexpensive Christian eBook and app offers