GROWTH

GROWTH
1Thessalonians 1:3-4: “We continually remember you before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Every child is anxious to grow up. It’s your nature to want to grow, and it’s fun. Growing means you can do more stuff, and play with bigger kids doing cool things. It also means that you’re the bigger kid, who can teach what you know to the younger kids. With each new year’s mark on your growth chart, you can see evidence of where you’ve been, assured that you’re going to grow even taller.

But you’re growing in other ways, too. Kindergarten is exciting, and first grade makes you feel like you’ve learned so much. But God is interested in watching you grow spiritually, too. Checking that progress is also exciting Just as we learned the alphabet where letters become building blocks to reading words, hearing Bible stories, like Daniel in the Lion’s Den, is a building block for your growth of understanding.

Each one of us could be Daniel. We grow in spiritual maturity when we can identify with a person in a Bible story. We’re not very different from them. Our lives are dissimilar from Daniel, but we can imagine what he must have felt like. We can empathize (EMP-e-thize, meaning understand, identify with) Biblical characters. The more we see their troubles—and how they deal with them—we can copy their victories, which matures our own spiritually.

We get reprimanded when we do something wrong. Discipline is not cool, but our parents want us to learn correct behavior, so that other people like us. Just as we teach a dog not to use the bathroom inside the house, our parents and teachers tutor our learning. A guilty conscience measures our spiritual maturity, warning against doing wrong. Then we’re urged to ask forgiveness for wrong doing.

Some times we need time alone. Quiet time gives us a chance to breathe easily and not compete. It’s also the perfect time to read. Private moments in prayer are necessary to sort through problems. Sharing troubles with the Lord is like telling your Mom, Dad, or your friend what’s wrong. When you do that, it’s another sign that you’re growing up.

Take Home Nugget

Remember about how God is molding you into the likeness of His Son, Jesus? That is His goal for your physical, mental, and spiritual maturity. You get to that point day by day, growing and shining your light into the world.

J. D. Griffith

Have Thine own way Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Pollard

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The Plan

THE PLAN

Philippines 2:14-15: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.”

Do you have a goal? Do you know what you want be when you grow up? People tend to set goals. Some are short goals—like wanting ice cream. Right now. Today. Some are long range goals—like wanting to be a Doctor when you grow up. Or Lawyer. Or Teacher. Or maybe an Archeologist. What’s your long-range plan?

Do you know that God has a plan for your life? He has a goal for you, too. Don’t be shocked. It is still YOUR life. But He has dibs on it. After all, He shaped you in your Mother’s womb; He placed interests and gifts inside you (Psalm 134:13-14). He is anxious to see how you mold into a grownup, too.

Remember, you are chosen (1Peter 2:9). Jesus paid a high price for your freedom (1Corinthians 6:20. Of course He’s interested in you. Although He created the heavens and the earth, He still cares for each one of us. It’s our job to glorify Him. This won’t take anything away from us, and won’t cost us a thing. In fact, it’s what we’re wired for. He wants our light to shine before men. Just being yourself and doing what comes naturally lets your light shine. Our lives are molding into the pattern of our Savior, because the Father is conforming us into Christ’s likeness (Romans 8:29). Day by day, a little at a time.

For every choice we make, there are at least two ways to go. Some choices are easy, some not so easy. Instead of wringing our hands, we can let God choose. His Way is always the right choice. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, He will lead us into making wise choices. He will also guide us safely past temptations.

Take Home Nugget

Throughout Scripture, God reveals what is pleasing to Him. Sometimes you know intuitively what is God’s will. When the options are muddy, and you’re not sure, ask Him to lead you. Don’t go forward until you have an answer. He only wants the best for you.

If you stay in the center of His plan and purpose for your life, you will realize your innermost desires. Your life will be full and satisfying, your purpose fulfilled—while shining your light to the world—simultaneously giving God the glory He deserves.

J. D. Griffith

Long ago I made my life’s decision
To Serve the Lord and have Him choose my way;
And when I’ve felt uncertain at a crossroad,
He’s never failed to lead me day by day.

Hess

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Identity

IDENTITY

1 Peter 2:9-10
V. 10: “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now have received mercy.”

These days, people are concerned about identity theft. What is so important if someone else uses your name, your social security number, address? A Social Security card, a voter’s registration, or library card identifies a person, not everyone has a driver’s license. What’s the proof that the name on your card proves you’re that person? How would you prove that you are you? Better yet, how would you prove that you are you but not that person who’s using your name, or credit card?

As a child of God, your identity is safe in Him. He knows exactly who you are, regardless of your circumstances. The enemy knows you too, and wants to divert your attention away from the Lord. He hopes that your focus remains on your circumstances instead of believing God’s Word. He’ll keep reminding you about your trouble, and won’t let you forget how worthless your problem seems.

When life gets tough—and at times it will—don’t trust your feelings. Tough times are when we’re to remember our growth in Christ. In Romans 12:3, Apostle Paul warns us to think seriously, using our faith through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Trust in the Lord and remember His faithfulness: all His blessings, and answered prayers. When you ask Him to lead you out of trouble, He will. Don’t believe the devil’s lies that you’re in deep trouble way over your head.

You are a child of the living God! You are part of a “chosen race”, a “royal priesthood” and God’s “own possession.” Stand tall, hold your head up high, and proclaim whose you are: called by God Himself out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Peter 2:9). As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome bad situations.

Take Home Nugget

When circumstances seem unbearable, remember the Lord purchased you with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You are that valuable! Trust in your Father’s Word, which will preserve your identity. The Holy Spirit will alter your self-awareness so that you’ll be convinced of your true worth.

Through troubles assail, and dangers affright,
Though friends should fail, and foes unite,
One thing secures you, whatever the tide:
Scripture assures us that God’s on your side.

J. D. Griffith

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Show and Tell

SHOW AND TELL
1 Peter 2:4-9
V. 9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Can people tell just by getting to know you that you are a child of God? Do they realize that you are chosen, set apart, and precious in His sight? Do you realize that many other people are your brothers and sisters in Christ (Mark 3:34)? We are family because: whoever believes Jesus is God’s Son, and has embraced Him as Lord over his life is a member of God’s family.

How can you tell?

It’s in their love for others and by their actions. Not everyone is a believer in Christ (See Neighbors devotion). Not everyone is a Christian. Not everyone who isn’t a Christian is bad. But when a person has faith in God and believes—sight unseen—that Jesus is God’s Son, actions speak louder than words.

The world is a stage. We’re the actors who perform by living out our lives. The stage is open for everyone, including God, to see. “Faith, by itself, when not accompanied by actions is dead.” That’s what James, Jesus’ brother, said in his book (James 2: 14, 17, 22). He also said, Faith and actions work hand in hand. And, works accomplished through faith makes faith perfect.

So, let me get this straight: 1. Faith isn’t enough. 2. Good works won’t get anyone to heaven. 3. Through faith, good works accomplish perfect faith. In John 15:12, Jesus, himself, gives us have another commandment. 4. “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you.” OK, this is how we know who are our brothers and sisters in Christ: when we see their love for each other and their good works.

Often people don’t talk about their faith because they are afraid of being ridiculed or rejected. “It’s a private matter” they claim. But, if you get a great birthday present do you tell others, or is that a private matter? Peter denied Christ because he was afraid of repercussions for being one of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 26:69-75). He forgot that Satan had to get God’s permission to tempt Jesus. The devil cannot do anything to us without God’s permission.

So of what are we afraid?

Take Home Nugget

Surely we are not afraid of mere men. God is at our right hand! When you get a great gift, you show it off and tell everyone about it. When someone asks you about your faith, show it off and talk about how you’re a child of the living God.

Living righteously brings hope to a dying world.

J. D. Griffith

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Neighbors

NEIGHBORS
Isaiah 44:9: “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.”

Christians are in the family of God, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ (Mark 3:35). All neighbors, however, are not Christians. Regardless, we are to love them as we love our brothers and sisters in God’s family. Some neighbors practice the Jewish religion; others could be Muslim, who follow Islam. September is an extremely important month for these neighbors, and we need to understand why.

This year, 2007, the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sept. 12th, and Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sept. 22nd. These Jewish High Holy Days are observed in the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, or Tishri, and are the most important of all Jewish Holidays. They are the only holidays that are purely religious because they are not related to any historical or natural event.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated the first and second days of Tishri. It is a time of family reunions, with special food that is meaningful to them. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, and is the most solemn day of the Jewish year. It is a day of fasting, reflection and prayer.

Islam has a different way to do penance. It also falls in September, which is the ninth month of the Mohammadan Year. Ramadan is sacred, observed with daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. The word Ramadan is derived from ramd “to burn”. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Fasting during this month is thought of as figuratively burning away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was sent down to earth during this month. Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all month while the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is great celebration for Muslims. Rejoicing is observed as the “Festival of Breaking Fast” or ‘Eid ul-Fitr’.

What word comes to mind in hearing Breaking Fast? Do we not eat breakfast before starting our days?

Take Home Nugget

These religions do not have meaning for Christians. But it is good for us to know what our neighbors are observing, so that we do not offend any who observe different traditions. We serve the one and only true God. For it is written in Isaiah 44:6: “I am the first and the last. Apart from Me, there is no other God…There is no other rock, I know not one.”

J. D. Griffith

Lord, let me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer will be for others.

Meigs

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Keep the Light On

KEEP THE LIGHT ON
Micah 7:8: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

After watching a scary movie as a little girl, I suddenly became afraid of the dark. I switched on the light going up the stairs. I switched on my bedroom light. I switched on the bathroom light. I dressed quickly in my pajamas. Then I turned off the bathroom light while running into my bedroom. Breathing a sigh of relief, I stood at my bedroom light and counted to three. Turning it off, I scampered into my bed, throwing the covers on top of my head. Safe—for one more night. I learned as an adult that I was so silly…there is no need to be scared of the dark.

Our heavenly father, the creator of the universe says: “He wraps Himself in light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:2). And, “When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light unto me.” And my personal favorite: “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:5). Jesus, himself said, “I am come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46).

In reality, darkness seems to swallow us, doesn’t it? Without being able to see what’s lurking, the devil whispers lies that we’re in danger. Nothing could be further from the truth! Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Hebrews 1:14 declares that angles are ministering spirits who serve all who will inherit salvation.

So there, devil!

Take Home Nugget

That’s pretty heavy stuff. The creator of the universe made light—do you think God was ever scared of the darkness? He IS our light. He folds you into His arms in protection, and stretches Himself over you while you sleep. Wherever you are in the dark, God is beside you with His light. He is your flashlight: going in front of you and coming from behind. The darkness doesn’t understand that it will not win. We belong to the Lord! He came to extinguish darkness. Hallelujah!

So, next time you’re afraid of the dark, praise God, sing a song, feel His presence beside you. You, as one of His chosen followers, are never in the dark.

J. D. Griffith

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