Children of the King

CHILDREN OF THE KING
Luke 5:27-28
“After this [Jesus healed a paralytic], Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him.”

Did the devotion Who do you say Jesus Is? answer some of your questions about why He’s such a big deal? Now that you’ve got answers, what are you going to do? Ignoring this truth is not an option. You see, God calls us to either accept or reject Jesus as Savior. Avoiding Him—as though His existence means little or nothing to us—is rejection.

What does it mean to accept Jesus? It means—we believe that He exists, that He is God’s Son, that His death is His gift, forgiving us all our sins—and follow Him.

Who among us will take the next step? Who will transfer this knowledge from the brain to the heart? Who will live by Him? Who will live for Him? Who will call Him Lord?

Who will surrender to Jesus’ will? He’s the only One Who can forgive sins, the only One Who has our best interests at heart, the only One who’s God. He is the bridge that leads us to the Father.

The instant a person accepts Jesus as Savior, he or she becomes a child of the King. That makes children of the King royalty, siblings to Jesus. Our Savior is also brother, Jesus (Mark 3:35). Do you feel possessive of your brother Jesus, just as your earthly brothers? For sure Jesus is possessive of you! John 10:28 says that “no one can snatch them [Jesus’ sheep] out of My hand.”

Q: Who’s trying to snatch me out of Jesus’ hand? A: The devil, and whoever follows him.

We’re secure inside Jesus. This fills our hearts with adoration, gratitude, and love. How can we show our love? Jesus asks us to yield our sinful will to His Lordship—which in no way excludes fun. Jesus promises to be in our midst during work and play. He’ll delight us by His presence when we abide in Him, our living worship. His name Imanuel means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Children of the King show their love for Him through right thoughts, words, and deeds. By this, we proclaim His Lordship to the world.

Take Home Nugget

No person is ignorant about the person Jesus Christ—the bible is translated in all languages today. Will you serve King Jesus? He longs to forge a personal relationship with each one of His kids.

Let us adore Him and brag His right,
All glory, power, all wisdom and might.
Our actions and words bless Him above
With unceasing thanks for infinite love.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Children of the King
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?
Matthew 16:13-20
V. 16: “Peter replied, ‘You are the Son of the Living God.’”

Jesus came to earth as a human baby (Matthew 1:18-25). He ministered, taught, and healed, leading followers to God’s truth (Matthew 4-25). He lived a perfect life (2Corinthians 5:21). He died on a cross for mankind’s sins (Matthew 27:32-50). He rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6-7).

Jesus’ earthly life is only part of the story. To understand more, check out His ascension (Luke 24:50-52).

The Lord asks us the same question He asked Peter: “Who do you say I am?” Let’s investigate the Bible to find some answers.

As a member of the Holy Trinity, Jesus is God’s Son. The Father announced at Jesus’ baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus’ life purpose was to live perfectly (sinlessly) among us, and then die. Not just die, but shed His blood—the whole reason for the cross. His sacrificial death paid for all human sins—past, present, and future.

In Old Testament times, people’s sins could only be forgiven by the shedding of blood. Animal sacrifices were necessary to purchase forgiveness—temporary solutions for an unending problem—until Jesus. He’s the only One who could satisfy this requirement permanently. Jesus’ death was the final sacrifice by which humans were finally reconciled (REK-on-siled, meaning accepted) by God. This makes Jesus our Savior.

Doesn’t this make you wonder: When did Jesus understand why He was a mortal human? Did He realize His divinity—as a baby, young boy, teenager? We only know that at age twelve, He stayed behind in the temple at Jerusalem. Once the Feast of the Passover ended—His family proceeded home to Nazareth—without Jesus. Mary returned, finding Him among the teachers, listening to and quizzing them.

“Jesus! Here You are!” Mary exclaimed. “What were You thinking, staying behind?”

“Hi, Mom” Jesus said. “Didn’t you realize that I’d be here, pursuing my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-52). This tells me that He did understand what His life was all about then. What would your Mom say if you didn’t return home with your family?

Hebrews 4:15 and 7:26 confirm that Jesus is our High Priest. In ancient times, the temple priest interceded (in-ter-SEED-ed, meaning to settle a dispute) for man before God. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, He sits at the Father’s right hand as our intercessor.

Doesn’t that make Jesus our King?

Take Home Nugget

Would you acknowledge to Jesus that He’s your Savior, Priest, and King? If not, I urge you to ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to truly know Him, forming a personal relationship.

To know Jesus is to discover our destiny.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Parakletos

PARAKLETOS
2Corinthians 1:3-7
V. 3: “Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we received from God.”

Parakletos is a Greek word that means “he who stands at one’s side; he who comes to one’s aid.” Lucky for believers—our parakletos (pa-RAK-le-tos) lives within. The Holy Spirit instantly comforts and relieves pain. God’s kids never need outside remedies for easing their worries.

Even before God’s Spirit was sent to indwell believers, Scripture identifies God as the One who comforts His people (Isaiah 40:1, 49:13). He is truly our Living Hope, (see Living Hope devotion). Regardless of any circumstance that threatens His children, immediate comfort, consolation, and peace is a prayer-cry away. Jesus came to earth as a human, so He knows our pain first-hand. He walks beside us providing relief and support, assuring us that we’re not alone.

When we enter into suffering and difficult times, "His hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock” (Anonymous quote). Everyone can identify with being angry, depressed, or frustrated with something that’s beyond our control. Isn’t it soothing that we’re not alone? God keeps track of our distress and knows the extent of every trouble. He will never allow His children to be tested beyond their endurance (1Corinthians 10:13).

But, God often lets us endure hardships to learn and grow. We frequently try everything before turning our troubles over to the Lord. Handling problems ourselves—without praying for help from God—always causes needless suffering. God’s trying to teach us to come to Him first—at the onset of every difficulty. Jesus never leaves our side throughout our suffering. He sustains us, limiting our pain and the length of our setback. When we emerge victorious from adversity, we’re wiser, and more humble. If we’ve learned the lesson, our faith has grown strong and sure.

His Spirit’s reassuring whisper provides more comfort and solace (SOL-ase, meaning relief) than any family member or friend could. Can you trust God to comfort you when your world dangles upside down?

Take Home Nugget

People who don’t grasp the truth that help’s within, escape pain other ways. Pursuing pleasures, gaining material wealth, taking drugs, or alcohol to soothe their aching hearts isn’t the solution. Only God can offer lasting relief from pressure and heartache, releasing people from their pain. He promises to see us victoriously through whatever’s troubling us.

J.D. Griffith

God is here; He stands beside you.
God is here; He wants to guide you.
God is here and He will help you,
So do not fear—Your God is near.

D. De Haan

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Parakletos

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Living Hope

LIVING HOPE
1Peter 1:3-5
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Hope is both a noun: anticipation, faith, expectation, and a verb: trusting, wishing, looking forward to. We learned that avoiding God can lead to discontent and a wasted life (See Avoiding God devotion). When our goals are unmet, we often become angry. Bitterness, discouragement, or despair often follows—clearly the absence of hope. We wonder what is this living hope?

We can remain optimistic in the face of unachieved expectations by remembering where our confidence originates: From Jesus. His outstretched arms welcome unhappy siblings, encircling them with love and trust. At salvation, each believer is born into a living hope. God remakes us into a new creation, freeing us from the bondage of the old sin nature (2Corinthians 5:17).

His Spirit lives within us. We’re co-heirs with Christ. Our new home—our true home—is in heaven with God. Nothing alters this family relationship with Him. This truth transmits confidence from being God’s child—sealed for eternity—and that IS living hope!

Also, Romans 15:4 says, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Noun). V.13 offers additional gifts: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [Emphasis mine].

This awesome promise guarantees God’s kids that we’re part of a huge family of believers. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are linked by common love for Him and for each other—all expressed with joy and peace.

Believers should always remember whose we are—children of the Almighty—not reacting to disappointment and trials as the world does. We’re to live by faith, being certain for that we hope (verb). (Hebrews 11:1).

Whether you use hope as a noun or a verb, remember it springs from faith in Jesus.

Take Home Nugget

We can, most assuredly, rely on the Lord’s faithfulness. Trusting Him never disappoints because all of His promises are “Yes” in Christ (2Corinthians 1:20).

WISHING EVERY WOMAN A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

J.D. Griffith

Our strength and hope is in the Lord—
Werest secure in His sure Word;
And though we’re tempted to despair
We know we’re kept within His care.

D. De Haan

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Living Hope

personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Avoiding God

AVOIDING GOD
Luke 15:20-32
V. 20: “But while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, never mentions the son’s name. But during our lifetimes, every one of God’s children BECOMES the prodigal child. The word prodigal describes someone who’s wasteful, reckless, uncontrolled. Often parents become angry or confused, when their adorable child rebels. Our heavenly Father understands their frustration—totally!

Nodding His head, God remembers when each parent rebelled against Him—when defying a parent. Patiently watching and waiting, is He ever surprised at the parent’s or the child’s behavior? That’s exactly why Jesus told this parable—so that both kids and parents learn how God handles rebellious children.

God will never force us to obey, or remain with Him—His “free will” gift to us. Whoever has not accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation, won’t have an internal compass (the Holy Spirit) guiding him toward living right. But when believers try ignoring the Holy Spirit’s direction, insisting on following an ungodly path, God allows it.

However, there are always consequences when avoiding God.

The wayward son loses close contact with his Dad; their relationship lost top priority (PRI-or-i-tee, meaning level of concern) that it once had. The consequence is spiritual disconnect from the Father. Believers cannot successfully avoid God without first closing their minds and hearts to His call (in their lives).

The prodigal son in the parable squandered (SQWAN-derd, meaning wasted) his inheritance on frivolous (FRIV-o-lus, meaning silly, thoughtless) things. Included in the wondrous human creation package are our Father’s gifts, planted inside. Avoiding God—while pursuing personal agendas—wastes these gifts.

Discontentment becomes the prodigals’ path. Every new day finds them struggling to survive. Chasing dreams, when avoiding God, never achieves satisfaction, success, or pleasure.

The prodigal son could have been restlessness, angry, or sick of his life. All we know is that he rebelled—and his Dad released him—with his inheritance in tow.

Notice that his Dad didn’t disinherit his son. He remained a loving Dad. Our heavenly Father tolerates His kids’ adventures too, when we avoid Him. The love tether between us remains. (Our inheritance intact).

The question is: How long will God's children remain disconnected?

Take Home Nugget

Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets. But they do not have to dictate our future. Just as the prodigal son’s father welcomed him home with open arms—throwing him a party—all of heaven celebrates in welcoming home God’s wayward children.

The power in a believer’s life
Is diminished by our wayward sin.
Repentance overcomes our strife,
Forgiveness cleansing within.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Avoiding God

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Bucking the Odds

BUCKING THE ODDS
Judges 7:1-8
Vv. 3, 7: “So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained…The Lord said to Gideon, ’With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.’”

Did you ever hear the phrase, “Bucking the odds?” It means that regardless of how a situation appears, humans reason that defying what appears to be a sure thing is risky.

As we saw in Victory in Obedience devotion, Gideon emerged victorious despite facing tremendous odds. In verse 3 above, Gideon’s original 32,000 men were reduced to 10,000, when 22,000 went home because they were scared. God further trimmed their numbers to just 300. Now Gideon was required to buck the odds for victory.

His defeat seemed imminent (IM-in-ent, meaning impending, forthcoming). Why did God force Gideon to accept these overwhelming odds against Israel’s victory?

Was it to prevent Gideon’s soldiers’ pride? YES! (Judges 7:2). He trimmed Gideon’s troop number down to trivially inconsequential (in-CON-se-quench-ial, meaning unimportant). Just 300 men remained to fight a major battle. To top that, God allowed their being armed only with jars, torches, and trumpets (Judges 7:16). That’s not logical! God’s making no sense! Gideon must have thought. Be reasonable! Gideon must have demanded, stomping his feet.

Was it to build Gideon’s faith and trust? YES! Trusting God is a learned behavior, gained only by experience. Often God places His children in impossible situations so they learn His faithfulness. Our heavenly Father knows the best classroom is where His kids feel utterly helpless.

Was Gideon’s job unreasonable? YES! The Israelites were outnumbered BEFORE God trimmed their numbers. Afterwards, the soldier to opponent ratio was 1:450. It was totally illogical to think they’d win! God’s classroom taught Gideon (his troops, and us) that the Lord’s wisdom and power can be trusted.

Was it for God’s glory? YES! Gideon’s army was so small that there was no way his men could take credit for their victory. Our heavenly Father delights in demonstrating His awesome power through our weakness.

Does Gideon’s story impress you?

Take Home Nugget

Our heavenly Father wants to display His awesome power by bucking the odds in achieving victory. For you. For me. I challenge you to pray about a worry that’s been nagging you. Ask for the Father’s help. Then obey Him…(sometimes it’s just to watch and wait). Thank Him, for His answer is imminent. BELIEVE and trust His faithfulness. I dare you to buck the odds. I dare you to be enchanted with God’s awesome power.

J.D. Griffith

“When God gives a command or a vision of truth, it is never a question of what He will do, but what WE will do.”

Henrietta Mears

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Bucking the Odds

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Victory in Obedience

VICTORY IN OBEDIENCE
Judges 7:9-25
V. 8: “So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.”

“How do you think we can win this battle with only trumpets, jars, and torches, Jerub-Baal(Gideon's name)?” Gideon’s soldier wondered aloud (Judges 7:16). He looked around. The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples encamped around the Israelites. “We’re surrounded!” he shrieked.

“Why did you release almost 32,000 men, Gideon?” another soldier inquired. “The enemy is as thick as locusts in the valley. Their camels are too numerous to count!” (Judges 7:3-12).

Gideon was quaking in his boots, pacing back and forth. Running his fingers through his hair, he knew his battle tactics were crazy. Why aren’t we taking our swords? he thought. Three hundred men, armed with only trumpets, pitchers, and torches—against these Midianites? Is God kidding? What a pitiful army! Dare I attempt warfare the traditional way—with swords? DUH! We had a formable 33,000 troops before I dismissed so many! Oh my! Give me strength, Lord!

The Lord’s ways can seem illogical, risky, even stupid. Can we trust His indisputable wisdom, depend on His sovereign mighty power? God tends to blast our comfort zones into orbit, torching our self-reliance to dust when teaching us trust. His battle tactic is successful at building both trust and faith. He also recognizes our fragility, spotting every weakness, knowing our vulnerability, and compassionately supplies us courage. He allowed Gideon a sneak peek, a preview of the upcoming battle.

Gideon and his servant, Purah, sneaked into the outskirts of the enemies’ camp. They overheard a soldier’s dream. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It smashed the tent to smithereens.”

Another man replied, “This can only mean that God guarantees Gideon’s victory!” (Judges 7:13-14).

Gideon and Purah backed out, and returned to their own camp. Gideon’s heart swelled with courage, proud to serve His awesome God. Jehovah knew I’m too wimpy to believe Him without giving me this assurance he thought. “Prepare for battle, Purah. We’ve got a war to win!”

In the enemies confusion and fear of darkness, panic led to their self-destruction (Judges 7:22).

Take Home Nugget

If Gideon had disobeyed the Lord and refused to discharge so many troops, or attacked the enemy with swords drawn, the Israeli army would have been utterly defeated. But when God’s kids obey divine commands—despite that they seem irrationally foolish—victory is guaranteed.

When we work in obedience, God works behind the scenes, ensuring our victory.

Go forward, dear child.
Make no mistake, this battle looks ludicrous.
Fear not. For you, the Father is mild.
Your course will never be ridiculous!

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Victory in Obedience

A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.