Best

BEST
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24
Vs 24: “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”

Many times students are overwhelmed when attending college—many having left home for the first time. Parents are a phone call away, but while that makes the separation bearable, it also gives the young adult much freedom. For as unique as each person is, there are that many ways to handle this situation.

Nicole and Sheila met for the first time when moving into their room. The first week they were in college, Nicole signed up to play basketball and Shelia decided to pledge a Sorority. Their lives were crammed full, and their first test snuck up on them.

As usual, they met at dinner after all their extra-curricular activities had ended. Shelia slumped down in the chair as the servers closed the kitchen doors behind Nicole. “Whew! I’m starving! I’ve got to go back to Phi Delta after dinner. We’re hosting a party Friday night.” She bowed her head in saying a silent prayer of thanks.
Nicole said, “I’m late, glad I got dinner! Do you know that I’m already behind on my subjects? Tonight I’ve got to write an essay for tomorrow’s English class.” She sighed, then admitted, “I really should manage my free time better.”

“Me, too. Let’s make a pact to get two things done during free time each day?”

“Good idea, Shelia” Nicole agreed, nodding. “I folded the stack of clothes on your bed. Better tighten that loose button on your good shirt before you lose it. You really look good in that shirt.”
“Thanks, Nicole. I’m really glad that we get along so well. You can borrow my shirt sometime, if you want.”

Ben said to them from the next table, “Remember our test on Medieval China tomorrow.”
Nicole and Shelia looked at each other, their mouths forming a perfect “O”.

Shelia said, “Let’s skip TV watching tonight, I’ve got some cramming to do.”
“Completing that ‘fill in the blanks’ sheet would be a good review.” Nicole said.
“Yeah, we can help each other with that, tonight. Well, see you later. 7AM is too early for History class!”

Take Home Nugget

People who give their best, can prayerfully trust in God to do the rest. The apostle Paul outlined to the Thessalonians ways to best serve each other. They were to exhort (encourage), comfort, warn, rejoice, pray, and thank God in all things.
Does this sound like the way you treat your friends?

J.D. Griffith

Give of your best to the Master,
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service,
Consecrate every part.

Grose

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Participation

PARTICIPATION
Psalm 119:129-136
Vs. 130: “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Mrs. Deturk knows something that all teachers understand: class participation is the key to learning. She was reviewing our Solar System for the test, and began by asking Brad, “In which galaxy does our Solar System reside?”

Brad looked up from his open book and responded, “Milky Way?”

“That’s right, Brad.”
“Who can tell me which planet from the sun is Earth?”
Hands went up, but she called on someone who wasn’t offering an answer. “Scott?”

Scotty looked at his buddies who were snickering behind their hands, then mumbled, “3rd?”

“Pay attention, guys, this test is tomorrow. That’s right, Scott. Next question, …”

The teacher does some work, the students do some work. This give and take of class participation is a proven method of teaching. Education happens when both parties are actively engaged. In Psalm 119, verses 129-136 see a pattern evolve where God is our teacher, and we are His students.
God’s role: He shows us mercy. (Vs. 132). He directs our steps. (Vs. 133). He redeems us from trouble. (Vs. 134). He smiles on our efforts. (Vs. 135).
Are we eager students? Are we ready to accept God’s teaching, guidance and help?

Here’s the answer: eager to participate, we are willing students. (Vs. 130-131). We anticipate with hope: “Your words give us light, and understanding to the simple. We open our mouth and pant, longing for Your commands.” We do sound engaged, don’t we?





Students are responsible for understanding what’s being taught. Our education happens when we reap insight from God’s Word, and take to heart what is read. Do we take this guideline seriously when reading the Bible?

Here’s a plan for understanding Bible study: first we’re to pray for God to open our hearts, then ask questions. “What am I supposed to get from this passage, Lord?” We have every right to expect His answer. Often a flicker dawns in our brain. An “ah-hah” moment.

What kind of a student are you?

Take Home Nugget
When we understand Scripture, we listen and learn from our teacher, Almighty God. Vs. 136 displays our response to His words: love and concern. “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for Your law is not obeyed.”

We often take for granted what’s being taught in school,
And forget the Bible is life’s instruction tool.
For every teacher who’s dedicated to you
God’s loving concern is what no teacher can out-do.

J.D. Griffith

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Peace II of II

PEACE II of II
AT ANY COST?
Romans 12:17-19
Vs. 18: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Brad invited Scotty to lunch, “Come eat with Jeremy and me today.”

“OK, let me tell my guys”, Scotty said.
Between pizza munches, Jeremy began, “How’re things at home, Scotty? Mom, Dad, and Tess alright?”

Scotty nodded and replied, “Yeah, every thing’s cool.”
“You’ve been acting pretty weird lately, Scotty. We wondered if there’s something wrong.” Brad wondered.

“What do you mean?” Scotty said, chewing.
Jeremy launched into what he and Brad had agreed on saying: “Well, you dissed me after I refused your steroids. When I broke my ankle, I heard that you told everyone that’s what happens when guys don’t bulk up on those things.” Jeremy paused.

Scotty shook his head in rebuttal, “No way! I said no such thing!”
Brad leaned in and said, “Yes you did, Scotty. I heard you! Why did you whack my shins with your hockey stick yesterday?”
“That? Well, sorry, but it was a clean play. If we’d been on the rink, you’d have been eating ice chips.”
“Scotty, you know that was a foul! You should have sat down in the penalty box!” Brad argued.
“No referee, no foul” Scotty insisted, his voice raising an octave.

Jeremy interjected, “Guys, let’s calm down.”
“What else are you going to accuse me of?” Scotty demanded, his face red. “Come on, let me have it.”
“I know it must have been hard when Coach Jiles made you leave the football team, Scotty.” Jeremy said softly. “We aren’t ganging up on you; we care for you and hope you’ll stop this lying and cheating.”

“Yeah, we’ve been buds since Kindergarten.” Brad said. “If we can’t talk to you to find out what’s eating you, who can?”
Scotty threw down his napkin and glared at his friends. “It is true we’ve known each other ever since Kindergarten. But, I swear to G_D that things are cool!”

“There’s no need to swear to G_D, Scotty” Jeremy said, laying a hand on Scotty’s arm.
“Yes there is! I don’t deserve this!” Scotty roared, shrugging Jeremy’s hand away. “You ARE ganging up on me! I don’t want to be your friend anymore.” He stomped out of the lunchroom.

Take Home Nugget
Scotty’s getting defensive over his friends’ concern breached their relationship. He was the one who dissolved their friendship. Sometimes believers cannot maintain peace with people who continue sinful actions. We’re to try making peace with others, but not at any cost. Remember Vs 19: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: It is mine to avenge: I will repay.”

If two people witness a wrong, they are to talk to that person. (1Timothy 5:19). When possible, they’re to attempt a peaceful resolution to all disagreements. Their just and sincere actions will be sufficient to give them rest. The battle, and any vengeance belongs to the Lord.

J.D. Griffith

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Peace I of II

PEACE I of II
Romans 12:10-22
Vs 10: “Be devoted to one other in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Brad slammed his locker door and turned to see Jeremy coming towards him. “Hey Jeremy, you’re making good time on those stilts” he said with a smile.

“Well, yeah, it gets easier every day.”

Speaking into Jeremy’s ear Brad said, “Sorry for laughing at you when you fell the other day. I’m sure you didn’t think it was funny.”

“No I didn’t think it wasn’t funny, but I think I know how it must have looked. I probably would have laughed at myself—if I could have seen me.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t mean to make fun of you. Those stilts make it so you can come to school, but you can’t carry anything.”

“I’m glad Mrs. D. allows me to bring my books in the backpack. It’s funny how you call my crutches stilts. I like that. It makes me feel tall.”

Brad smiled and placed his hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “I’m glad that you’re not mad at me, Jerm. I never mean to hurt your feelings.”

“Brad, we’ve been friends since Kindergarten. You can say anything to me. My first day on crutches, er stilts, was just too hard for me. I lost my funny bone.”

Brad laughed out loud. “Your funny bone wasn’t what you lost, Jerm. You lost your balance! Ever since Vinny brought his pistol from home, you’re the first kid who is allowed to bring a backpack into the classroom.”

“Yeah, I know. Mrs. D. is cutting me some slack.”

“Well, I want to help you, too, but don’t want to butt into your business and make you mad at me.”

“Brad, it’s me—Jerm! You are always welcome to butt into my life. When I don’t like something you do or say, I’ll just bop you upside your head. That way you’ll know when you made me mad.” He was smiling, teasing Brad.

“OK, deal” Brad said smiling back and nodding his head. “Just tell me when I can help you.”

“Here’s something you can do for me. Find out what’s up with Scotty.”

“Yeah, I will. He deliberately whacked my shins with his hockey stick yesterday. What was that all about?”

“Was that how he won the game at recess?”

“Yes it was!” Brad said, shaking his head. “I almost forget about that.”

“Let’s ask him what’s up. I caught him in a lie yesterday. Is this what grown- ups mean by nipping trouble in the bud?”

Take Home Nugget
Vs 12-13 say: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Do these passages reflect your personality?

Good friends can work through trouble.
Opposite sides can share a single view-
One picture instead of double,
Two people work towards what’s true.

J.D. Griffith

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Out of Sync with God

OUT OF SYNC WITH GOD
1Samuel 9-31, Proverbs 16:18
Prov. 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Saul was anointed King of Israel by God Himself, through the prophet, Samuel. (1Samuel 5:16). His beginnings were humble. He was handsome, taller than other men, and impressive. (1 Samuel 9:2). But his life took a terrible turn when he got out of step with God.

We’ll follow Scotty’s life as a parallel study (the boy who tried pushing steroids to Jeremy one football practice).

Scotty was jealous of Jeremy. Scotty was one of the boys who laughed when Jeremy fell down, loaded down with books while using crutches to walk. “What’s wrong, Jeremy, having trouble walking?”

“Yeah, a little.” Jeremy said, scowling.

Their teacher, Mrs. Deturk, allowed Jeremy to use his backpack in bringing his books into the classroom. “Why does he get special treatment?” Scotty snarled to his friend. He went to his locker and loaded his books into his backpack.

When he tried walking into the classroom, Mrs. Deturk pointed outside, stopping him. “You know the drill, Scott! Store your backpack in your locker.”

“I hurt my arm, Mrs. Deturk.” Scotty said.

“I saw you horsing around outside, Scott, stop lying to me! Return your backpack to your locker outside this classroom NOW.”

During recess, the guys played hockey. Scotty hit one guy in the shins with his hockey stick, causing him to fall down. Then he slammed the puck into the net. His team, cheering their victor, scooped Scotty up onto their shoulders. Mrs. Deturk watched from the sidelines.

“You need to remain with me after school, Scott” she told him.

When they were alone, she sat down next to Scotty and said, “Something’s changed, Scott. Talk to me.”
“Nothin” Scotty said, shaking his head.
“Nonsense, Scott!” she said, studying him. “These past two days I personally witnessed you lie repeatedly, and accept victory after injuring Brad. Coach Jiles warned you about pushing steroids on the other boys. You’ve fallen a long way so quickly, Scott. We’ve got to stop this steep descent before you’re in deep trouble.”

Scotty shook his head, saying, “Things are cool, Mrs. D. Really!”

Take Home Nugget
If you read a few chapters in 1 Samuel, you’ll see how Saul’s pride caused him to lie, disobey God repeatedly, and he tried killing his son-in-law, David, in a jealous rage.

God stopped listening to Saul’s prayers because of his deliberate disobedience. Saul was all alone, distraught, and in very big trouble.

God allows people to follow their own plans when they clearly, deliberately step outside of His will. But being out of sync with God is a disaster waiting to happen.

It is good to check one’s heart
Before pride claims a hefty start.
Once begun, it’s hard to seek the light
Where Jesus leads to what’s right.

J.D. Griffith

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The Enemy

THE ENEMY
1Peter 5:8-10
Vs. 8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;”

We all saw how Jeremy’s trials were almost too hard for him to bear. Did you ever have a day like Jeremy’s when one thing after another went horribly wrong? We can learn from him how to admit problems to a loved one. Jeremy’s Dad gave him good advice: relax over dinner and find peace in your own private sanctuary.

Jeremy followed that advice and during dinner he figured out what he had to do. His nighttime prayer unburdened his soul to the Lord, and God infused him with peace so that he slept soundly. This is the relationship the Lord wants to build with every one of His children.

Not believing that Satan exists is a tragic mistake. He is real. He actually stalks believers—children of God. He is our true enemy. His ways are formidable, and devious.

If anyone wants to grow in faith as a Christian, this truth needs serious consideration. But we will not succumb to the devil’s antics because we know how to emerge victorious.

Jeremy’s sanctuary was his and his brother’s bedroom. Jeremy also knew where to find sanctuary in another—One who listens intently, who loves him, who wants the best for him, and is in a position to offer real help. Jesus is our refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1).

As believers walking in sync with the Lord, we’re targets for the enemy. We can expect trouble. Remember how Jeremy approached his trials? He stood firm and persevered. He donned God’s armor—helmet of salvation, belt of truth, sword of the Spirit, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, feet firmly planted in God’s Word, and felt confident of his victory.
By keeping his eyes on Jesus and developing a relationship with his Lord, Jeremy is certain of Jesus’ help and his own impending reward. Jeremy emerged from these and every trial victorious.

Jeremy managed to frustrate his enemy. It was Jeremy who kept his smile and positive attitude—even when things weren’t going so well. After a while, the enemy departed.

Remember when Jesus was tempted, after His baptism? (Matthew 4:1). He quoted Scripture to the devil, (Matthew 4:4,7), and even COMMANDED Satan to get away from Him. (Matthew 4:10). This really works! That’s why we’re to walk in shoes of the gospel of peace, or the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Take Home Nugget
The devil cannot hurt a child of God who remains, by faith, in sync with God. The triune all-powerful God of the universe stands ready to come to our aid. Does this give you courage to face your troubles?

I will not fall for my enemy’s might.
He roars in my face-
I will not flee in fright.
God covers me in his grace.

J.D. Griffith

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In Sync with God

IN SYNC WITH GOD
Ephesians 4:1-8

Vs 1-3 “As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Following the “Growing Faith” series, Jeremy persisted in battling through trials that led him to his goal of playing football after breaking his ankle. He is looking forward to next year as a sixth grader. Day by day, he continues to mature, learning to walk in step with God. As a young man who has put his faith in God and believes Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son, Jeremy is beginning to realize that his life is expanding in ways he’d never dreamed.

Pastor Ron taught him that he is sanctified. That means that he is set apart from the world to serve God.

“Oh, I am special!” Jeremy exclaimed, smiling—evidence of his delight. But his salvation, while not earned, comes with obligations. Out of gratitude for having the assurance of being sealed as a child of the Almighty, Jeremy found out that he wanted to do good all the time. He discovered that giving is way better than receiving. His life of service came with accountability, but he didn’t sweat that. He was in sync with God.

By studying hard and earning good grades, he won the respect of his teacher.

By helping his teammates and following his coach’s drills, he earned the admiration of his schoolmates.

With his consistent positive attitude and wearing a grin, he won approval and affection by everyone.

In short, Jeremy’s conversation, character and conduct reflected Christ.

Jeremy is walking in step with God, and this synchronization radiates when others look at him.

How can we get in sync with God? Surrendering our lives to God allows Him to direct us and lead us to victory. Believing God, trusting Him and obeying His commands sensitizes us to where we can “see” God. Learning to use our radar and discerning what is not of God, we see things that distract our being in sync with Him.

Being in step, or in sync with God means a relationship of being “right on.” You and God are simultaneous—working on the same things at the same time.

The whole family of God is in harmony, in total agreement with each other.


The world is totally out of sync with God. (1John 5:19b).

Take Home Nugget

Is your life a reflection of being an ambassador of Christ? Does being a child of God, knowing that you are set apart, and that you’re brother or sister to all believers make you feel special?
How do you view your salvation? Do you believe that you are “sanctified” to do good works for Christ?

I’m not sure how I feel about being set apart.
Being like everyone else is nice.
Indwelling Holy Spirit is a good start
Reminding me my purchase was at a high price.

J.D. Griffith

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