Sounds like we're headed either to the local playground or to the international Olympics! Most of us can't relate to the Olympic challenges except as "couch potatoes," glued to the TV screen, cheering on our country's champions! We CAN, however, relate to playground fun--and all the "bumps, humps and jumps" we endured and enjoyed there--ourselves, our kids, your grandkids--and whomever else tagged along! Band-aids, a hug from a grown-up and before the bruises had time to heal--we, or they, were all back for more!

Well, it's playground time in the Bible--and like the playgrounds we know, it's not always fun. There's bumps, humps and jumps along the way that leave us breathless, strength-less, sometimes helpless--and almost hopeles--from a human standpoint! Sure, we're Christians--but we live in a real world where people not only have fun--they get hurt too! Sometimes all of life looks like one big jungle gym--and we need help! So let's walk backwards to the Well today, as we catch the Bible characters in their bumps, humps and jumps...it's the strangest playground you've ever seen! Come along--and let's look at what's going on!

A Helping Word...or Two!

The Bumps on Life's Playground - Can *I* Be First??

The teeter-totter's taken--but, so what? "It's MY turn...so get off!" And with a shove, some mean kid pushes you off the "high adventure" ride you love. You've just been bumped--now, why not bump back? That's what David could have done...did he??

NO, a thousand times, no! He found his enemy and rival, King Saul, asleep one day in a cave. Perfect bumping opportunity...kill him, take the throne, and all is well! No--David was a man after God's own heart. With all his faults and failures, bumping was not one of them--this time! He chose to do it God's way--to let the king sleep on, safe and secure--and to let the GREAT King declare who was first and when he'd be king--in HIS time and HIS way.

Can *I* be first? Sure--when GOD promotes you; when HE plans for you to take charge. Go ahead and prepare for the promotion--but no bumping allowed! Keep HIM first--and remember the rule--"...Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

The Humps on Life's Playground - Can *I* Climb Them?

Sliding board ladders look really high to a little kid--and yet this humpy-looking piece of play equipment is a favorite. Why? Cause you climb up so high and you slide down so low--it's just plain fun! Well, climbing wasn't fun for Abraham this day. It was probably the worst climb of his life--maybe he'd better stop while he was ahead.

NO, a thousand times, no! Abraham, called by God, headed up the hill, each step heavier and heavier, no doubt, as he knew what was ahead. Sort of--he knew God had asked him to sacrifice his only son on an altar; he knew he loved his son and he knew God loved them both--that's ALL he knew. And so the climb continued, with Isaac, to the hill of sacrifice. We all know the end of the story--Abraham didn't--but he watched a loving God, at the top of the hill, stop the ride--provide a lamb for the sacrifice--and prove Abraham's faith and trust in Himself.

Can "I" climb the hills God places in my life? Am *I* willing to give up whatever it takes to obey my Lord? Can I trust Him? Can He trust ME? When the next hump looms ahead of you, remember the rule--"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5,6).

The Jumps on Life's Playground - Can *I* Resist Them?

Merry-go-rounds--the hand-pushed ones--welcome all kids to grab a seat, hold on, and away we go, round and round in circles--as fast as the pushers can push, with Mama's watchful eye and voice, "DON'T jump while it's moving--you'll get hurt!" Oh, but won't that be fun--to try my limits, to see if I'm really that good, to gain the applause of my peers who will think I am SOOO cool?

NO, a thousand times, no! Jesus Himself, Son of God, faced that temptation. The devil in all his wily schemes in the wilderness tried to tempt our Lord to jump! "Jump! And all the angels in heaven will come to your rescue and save you! Go ahead--presume on the grace of God--you KNOW Your Father will preserve You!" But Jesus knew the rules. He was not to test His God--and He did not!

Can "I" resist the Tempter's schemes to place MYSELF in the role of a god? I'll do what I please, however I please--and all of Heaven will protect me? When the next temptation looms ahead of you, remember the rule--"...It is written..., "Thou shalt not put the Lord, thy God, to the test (Matthew 4:7).

Bumps, humps and jumps are all going to happen on the playground of life--it's inevitable. What we DO with them is what matters. Don't bump, don't jump--and let heaven help you handle the humps--and you're going to make it! Why? Because you've chosen to live by the rules of the playground; you've read the Manual and you know it works! Believe it--be firm in God's Word and grace--and have a great week!

His Healing Words

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:15,16)."

"Lord, the "bumps, humps and jumps" of life have gotten me down, further than I want to admit. I've not followed Your Word--and I've gotten in trouble, BIG trouble. Forgive me--and help me, please, to read the Rules, obey the Rules, and let YOU be the Ruler of my life in all things, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Assignment: Read Words from the Well poem and let the Lord minister to you.
He will, I promise! He is a faithful God and will be faithful to you today!

FEATURED LINKS

In the Pages of the Bible--from Songs of Praise (now playing on this page).

Sports Resources at Peggie's Place!--Fun Play Time on Life's Playground!

Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Kids' Sports and Playground Injuries

The World Playground Web Directory

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