Fresh Start

FRESH START
1Peter 5:8-11
The Message: “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only one plunged into these hard times…The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes He does.”

“Thud. Thud. Thud.”

Josie ran to the window and saw a U-Haul truck. The opened rear gate showed furniture and boxes. She ran outside her apartment. In the third floor hallway, a couple lugged a couch up the stairs. A boy followed, loaded down with an overstuffed backpack. He looked into her green eyes, noticing her brown pony tail, and nodded at her.

“Hi!” Josie welcomed the people, looking at the boy. “So you’ll be my neighbors across the hall!”

The couple grunted; the boy approached. A tingle rose up Josie’s spine when she looked into his dark eyes and smiling face framed with black hair. “Hi back. My name’s Ladell.”

“I’m Josie. Will you be going to my school? I’m in fifth grade at Overbook Elementary. Classes won’t begin again until next Monday, January 11th.

“Cool. I’m in fifth, too.”

Josie’s Dad stepped into the hall as Ladell’s Dad opened their front door. “Welcome, neighbors. Moving day’s a drag. Let me help.”

“Many thanks.” Ladell’s Dad said, approaching with an outstretched hand. “We’ll register Ladell this Monday. Get acquainted, Son. We’ll do the moving.”

Ladell’s Mom smiled at the kids. “Glad that you’re right across the hall, Josie.”

Ladell threw down his backpack. “Whew! We’re finally settling down. We’ve been homeless this whole year.”

“That’s awful, Ladell!” Josie said. “2009’s been the worst year ever—for me, too. My Mom died this past July.”

Ladell sat down. “I’m really sorry, Josie. Let’s take a calendar of 2009 and shred it!”

Giggling, Josie sat down. “Great idea, Ladell! As 2009 shreds, I’ll cheer, ‘Good riddance, good-bye, and farewell. When 2010 arrives, I’ll welcome it by ringing my bell.’”

“Are you a cheerleader?”

“How can you tell? Do you play football?”

Take Home Nugget

Starting over brings hope after a season of hardship, trial, and tribulation. Persevering through trouble takes courage. Never give up, for tomorrow is a new day. 1Peter 5:7 advises us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”

God’s grace is present whatever we face, for He provides power for us to persevere.

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 6 of 6

ANGELS Part 6 of 6
Luke 1:26-35
“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.’”

“‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’”

“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’”

First, Gabriel blew Zechariah’s mind, and now, Mary’s. Notice that Mary didn’t disbelieve the angel; she only asked him a question. Zechariah asked a question, too, but he doubted Gabriel’s news. Do you see the difference between Zechariah’s unbelief, and Mary’s embracing the angel’s news? In fact, her words to Gabriel: “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be as you have said” in Luke 1:38.

Gabriel must have grinned from ear to ear!

Mary’s first impulse was identical to how you or I would react after getting good news: she wanted to tell someone. She went to see her cousin, Elizabeth. Delighting each other with news about their pregnancies, each knew that her son would impact the whole world.

John successfully pointed people to their long-awaited Messiah, Jesus. Jesus came to deliver all people from their sin and eternal death. Can you see the proud Father beaming at His Son from heaven?

Luke 2:8-15 shows angel’s announcement to shepherds.

Angels broadcasted their joy by celebrating in the night sky (Luke 2:13-14). Have you shared the good news about Jesus with someone?

Isaiah foretold the Savior’s birth 700 years before Jesus arrived:

“For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders.
“And He will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor’, ‘Mighty God’, ‘Everlasting Father’, ‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6).

Take Home Nugget

Christ came to us so that we could live with Him.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! YOUR MESSIAH HAS COME. IMMANUEL—GOD WITH US!

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 5 of 6

ANGELS Part 5 of 6
Luke 1:11-20
“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or fermented drink, and will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of their fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’

Then Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’

The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel, I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true in their proper time.’”

How would you react if an angel suddenly appeared? How would you distinguish between angels and ordinary people? Angels simply emerge exactly at the right spot, and right time that God appoints. They seem to bring news from God to a specific individual. Usually, angels first words are “Do not fear.” Then they release a bombshell.

Did you get what happened to Zechariah? He was struck dumb, unable to speak. Why? Because he didn’t believe! Both he and his wife, Elizabeth, were old…but doubting an angel? Gabriel had power to shut Zechariah up on the spot. Was that Gabriel’s decision, or God’s?

What would blow your mind so much that you couldn’t believe?

Take Home Nugget

Zechariah took what seemed to be forever to burn incense inside the temple. The folks outside began to worry, and when Zechariah finally exited the temple, he couldn’t speak. Using his hands, he signed to the people what had happened. His voice returned on John’s 8th day, at his naming ceremony.

John paved the way that pointed people to Jesus.

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 4 of 6

ANGELS Part 4 of 6
2Peter 2:4-9
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.” Emphasis, mine.

St. Peter’s lengthy discussion makes a case about how angels who mess up are punished, compared to others’ sentences. In contrast, righteous children are rescued from that same fate. Also, angels have free will.

Jude 9
“But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”

Angels argue amongst themselves. (The devil, a fallen angel, and the archangel Michael are equal in power). Michael, a fierce warrior, refuses to insult him—some battles belong to God. We’re to learn to speak carefully, and live in awe of the Lord.

Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.”

The devil (“the dragon” in this passage), leads his fallen angels in warfare against Michael and the righteous angels.

WOW—angel warfare in heaven!

Matthew 25:41
“Then He will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Jesus separates the goats, (on His left), from the sheep, (on His right) v. 35. His judgment is decisive, deliberate, and final. Goats symbolize the wicked, while the righteous are referred to as sheep in this passage.

Take Home Nugget

1Corinthians 6:3: “Do you not know that we will judge the angels?” St. Paul confirms that God’s saints (you and me) will judge in future times.

There are angels both good and bad
Who, just like people, follow the one who’s their lord,
This makes the Holy Spirit very sad.

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 3 of 6

ANGELS Part 3 of 6
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Hebrews 1:14

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Jesus tells us to lead children in truth and love. He lets us know that angels are assigned to their safety, AND to those who are sealed with salvation. Angels get to see God face to face.

Hebrews 2:7

“You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.”

Men were created to be lower than angels, but tended by them. People have authority to care for everything on earth.

Hebrews 1:4

“So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited as superior to theirs.”

These Hebrews passages prove heaven’s hierarchy (HIRE-ark-y, meaning chain of command). Jesus is superior to angels, who were created to be higher than people. The earth is what’s in man’s control. Sovereign authority belongs solely to the Triune God: Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. (See Triune Wonder devotion).

1Thessalonians 4:16

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

1Peter 1:12

“It was revealed to them [the prophets] that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”

Hierarchy among angels reveals archangel’s superiority, who have the power to launch major events in God’s calendar. With the exception of fallen angels, (those in league with the devil), all others are anxious for God’s kingdom to come. To His glory, everything will become the awesome creation that God originally intended.

Take Home Nugget

David wrote in Psalm 8:3-5: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set into place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings.”

Are you convinced about heaven’s hierarchy?

Triune God
Heavenly beings
Man
Animals

Before we think we’re “All that”,
Perhaps we should face the fact:

Consider our worth by looking up high
And see the tier that unfolds from the sky.

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 2 of 6

ANGELS Part 2 of 6
Daniel 8:16-26
Vv 16-17: …“Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of this vision.” As he came near the place where I (Daniel) was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. ‘Son of man’, he said to me; ‘understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.’”

New angel information: This angel’s name is Gabriel, and he sounds like a man who foretells the future. This time Gabriel is speaking to Daniel, a prophet. Daniel wrote the book that’s named after him in the Bible. Find Daniel, the 8th book after Psalm, the book in the center of the Bible.

Daniel’s book addresses the Hebrews, who were exiled in Babylonia between 605-530, B.C. Gabriel gives the vision that foretells End Time events. It sounded scary, and Daniel was so frightened—because of the vision, or because God’s angel was addressing him?—that he fell face down on the ground. (Prostrate means face-down). This proves that angels deliver God’s messages to people.

Daniel 9:21-23: “While I (Daniel) was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you my insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.’”

Aha—more angel information: Swift flight means that angels do fly. He looks like a man, (no wings), and gave Daniel further instructions as an answer from God. Gabriel also gave Daniel his “insight and understanding”. So, angels think and reason on their own, knowing God’s message. What was Daniel's reaction to being highly-esteemed (by God)?

Daniel12:1: “At that time, Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”

“Delivered” means saved, liberated from the wages of sin.

Take Home Nugget

Michael is a great prince of angels who protects God's people, and also foretells the future. “Your people” are God’s chosen: Jews and Gentiles, whose name is written in “the book”—see Revelation 21:27.

The Book—so wondrous!
Philippians 4:3, sojourners fair,
Lamb’s Book of Life, Revelation 21:27--
Is your name found there?

HAPPY HANUKKAH, Sisters and Brothers of Judaism.

J.D. Griffith

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Angels Part 1 of 6

ANGELS Part 1 of 6
Luke 20:36
“…and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.”

Tricking Jesus was a game for the Sadducees. But Jesus read their minds, and enlightened them with straight talk. After the resurrection, things will be different, (Luke 20:35-36).

There’s been a lot of talk about Angels lately. Books have been published about them, cults have sprung up in angel adoration, and toy angels complete Christmas decorations. Some angels have wings, some look like genderless creatures. Wherever holiday scenes decorate the landscape, angels are found in abundance. From what Jesus said in today’s Scripture, we learn that angels are immortal.

Who is like the angels, and will never die? Jesus’ answer is clear: After the resurrection of the dead, we too, will never die.

Are angels really everywhere?

Yes.

Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” When believers—as God’s kids—follow Jesus, we are guarded by His angels.

Does this surrounding layer of protection give you confidence? Have you ever been scared in the dark? Do you imagine bogeymen chasing you at night?

Psalms 91:11-12 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91 is the Scripture that assures God’s children that we are protected on all fronts. God is our refuge and strength, v.2, against the terror of the night, v.5, and be with us in trouble, v.15.

Angels surround, before and behind, to the right and the left, those who love the Lord. (Read Luke 4:10-11 to see the words the devil quoted to Jesus during His temptation. Do they sound familiar?)

Fear not, for you are safe beyond measure.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” comes from Hebrews 13:2. What else could this passage mean except that angels are everywhere people are? Do you suspect that you may have met an angel?

Take Home Nugget

Luke 20:38 talks about immortality: “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” When God created the universe, death was not part of the picture. After death, we will live forever, just as angels will live forever. The question is not will you live, but where will you live?

With angels surrounding us everywhere
Of what can we be afraid?

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Assorted (Part 6 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ASSORTED (Part 6 of 6)
Genesis 37-50, Exodus 2-Deuteronomy 34, Joshua, Judges, 1,2 Samuel, Luke 2:34-38

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

The roll call of Faith Icons is nowhere complete, but this devotional series shows readers: who faith icons are, where to find their stories in the Bible, and what was significant about their lives.

Joseph

Joseph was Jacob’s (Israel’s) favorite son. His brothers sold him into slavery, but he shows us graceful forgiveness in Genesis 50:20, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 37, 39-50).

Moses

Raised as a prince and hunted down as a murderer, God got his attention with a burning bush. (Exodus 3:1-10). Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land, and received the Ten Commandments. (Exodus—Leviticus —Numbers—Deuteronomy).

Joshua

Joshua requested God to stop the sun for a whole day. It has never happened—before or since. (Joshua 10:12-14).

Rahab

Rahab believed that two spies who came to her house were sent from God, and protected them from discovery (Joshua 2).

Deborah and Barak

The judge Deborah was also a prophetess (Judges 4:4). She and Barak worked under God’s command, and together, they succeeded in everything the Lord led them to accomplish.

Gideon

Gideon found courage to lead Israeli troops against Midian—even after God trimmed down their numbers from 22,000 to 300 (Judges 7:2-21). Gideon refused earthly rewards in Judges 8:23. The Gideon Bible is found in hotel rooms across the world.

Jephthah

Disowned and kicked out, Jephthah agreed to lead Israel in battle against Ammon (Judges 11-12). He and his daughter sacrificed much when he followed through with a vow he made to God.

Sampson

Sampson’s supernatural strength sweeps through the pages of Judges 13-16. He conquered his enemies because his faith was strong.

Hannah

Hannah pledged her son to the Lord, and gave Samuel to the priest, Eli, in 1Samuel 1-2.

Samuel

After God revealed Himself to Samuel, he became a great prophet. What a rich life he lived! Check out how he anointed kings over Israel. (1 and 2 Samuel).

David

The shepherd was anointed king of Israel (1Samuel 16:13). He shows us fear and reverence for God by persevering through many trials to achieve the crown (2Samuel). David penned many Psalms that inspire us to triumph in adversity.

Anna

A prophetess, the widow Anna worshipped day and night in the temple—with prayer and fasting. Because of her faith, God let her meet baby Jesus. (Luke 2:36-38).

Take Home Nugget

Most faith icons did not see their promises come true, but were convinced of their reality. Belief=Faith. When you’re looking for good reading, adventure is awaiting you inside the Bible.

Look in the mirror to see God's newest Faith Icon!

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Jacob (Part 5 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: JACOB (Part 5 of 6)
Genesis 25:19-34
The Lord responded to Rebekah about her difficult pregnancy in v. 23: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older one will serve the younger.”

Twin boys, born over 3,500 years ago, launched today’s current events. Faith icons Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are patriarchs of the Christian belief. The two nations in Rebekah’s womb fathered different peoples. Esau became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:43). His little brother, Jacob, became father of the Israelites (Genesis 32:28). Israelite kings ruled over the Edomites (Genesis 36:31). But let's start this story at the beginning.

The boys were total opposites. Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country. Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Since their Dad, Isaac, enjoyed eating wild game, he loved Esau. Their Mom, Rebekah, loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27-28).


One day, Esau, weary and hungry from hunting, said, “Give me some stew, Jacob.”
“First, sell me your birthright.” Jacob bribed. (The birthright was a very big deal. The oldest son inherited the bulk of his Father’s estate, and became leader of the family).

They argued, and finally Esau swore an oath to sell Jacob his birthright. (Genesis 25:29-34).

Later, Rebekah overheard Isaac ask Esau to prepare him fresh game. He promised to give Esau his blessing afterwards. (Genesis 28:7). Rebekah commanded Jacob to beat Esau into receiving Isaac’s blessing. Jacob deceived his Dad by playing the role of Esau (even wearing his clothes). Afterwards, Isaac gave Jacob his blessing—that made Jacob master over Esau. (Genesis 27:27-29).

Esau returned with food for his Dad, and asked for his blessing. After learning about Jacob’s deception, Isaac wondered what to do.

Esau demanded, “Bless me, too!”

Isaac blessed Esau, but as Jacob’s servant. Esau became incensed. First Jacob took his birthright, then stole his blessing! Esau wanted to kill Jacob. (Genesis 27:32-41).

Isaac sent Jacob to Uncle Leban, (Rebekah’s brother), to find a wife. (Genesis 28:1-5). Esau went to Uncle Ishmael, (Isaac’s half-brother), and married Ishmael’s daughter. (Genesis 28:6-9). Jacob and Esau prospered in separate lands (Genesis 36:5-8), were reunited in peace (Genesis 33:1-4), and buried Isaac together (Genesis 35:29).

Take Home Nugget

Jacob wrestled all night with “man” in Genesis 32:24-28. “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Israel is father of the Jewish nation.

Christianity owes its belief and faith to Jacob (Israel), and the Jewish nation. Jesus descended from King David, (Matthew 1:6, 16). Jewish men wrote the Bible. The only exception is the gentile physician, Luke. He wrote the books Luke, and Acts in the Bible's New Testament.

Israel means ‘he struggles with God’.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Isaac (Part 4 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ISAAC (Part 4 of 6)
Genesis 21, 22, 25, 26, 27

Genesis 21:6: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter…’” Isaac means he laughs.

Abraham was a hundred years old, Sarah was ninety, and Ishmael was thirteen when Isaac was born. (Genesis 17:17, 24).

“Dad, no!” Isaac shrieked.

Isaac trusted Abraham—and got on top of the stone slab—until his Dad raised his knife up high above Isaac’s chest.

Could Isaac hear the angel’s command to not harm the boy? (Genesis 22:12). What thoughts must have run through Isaac’s head?

“There’s our burnt offering, son” Abraham said, pointing to a thicket. The brush caught a ram’s horns fast (Genesis 22:13).

This is our first glimpse of Isaac. Trust is the name of the game, and Abraham’s faith legacy passed to his son. Isaac was 37 years old when his Mom, Sarah, died (Genesis 23:1), and he grieved. One day, Isaac went to a field to meditate and saw camels approaching. (Meditation, before the Bible was written, meant to ponder what spoken history says about God).

Isaac watched a woman cover her face with a veil, and jumped to his feet. His spine tingled as the camels drew close (Genesis 24:62-66). (Abraham sought a wife for Isaac from his native land).

“Meet Rebekah” the servant said. “She is your Dad’s great-niece (Genesis 24:24).

“Great!” Isaac said, reaching for her hands. “Will you marry me, Rebekah?” Mom, you’d love her! he thought, leading Rebekah into his tent. (Genesis 24:67).

Isaac, forty years old when he married Rebekah, prayed for the Lord to bless them with children (Genesis 25:20-21). Twin boys were born to them when Isaac was sixty years old. Isaac favored Esau (reddish color, body covered with hair, skilled hunter); Rebekah loved Jacob (quiet, stayed around the tent). (Genesis 25:24-27).

During a severe famine, Isaac traveled to Gerar to see Abimelech, king of the Philistines. God told Isaac to live in this land for awhile, promising to be with him and bless him (Genesis 26:1-6). Soon Isaac had grown too powerful for Abimelech, and was ordered to leave (Genesis 26:16).

Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar and settled there. After settling well water issues, he planted crops. He flourished as his flocks and herds multiplied greatly. Abimelech, learning of Isaac’s wealth and power, signed a peace treaty with him (Genesis 26:17-31).

Isaac lived to be 180 years old. Esau and Jacob reunited to bury their Dad. (Genesis 35:29).

Take Home Nugget

Without faith, it is impossible to please God—because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists—and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6).

J.D. Griffith

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Profound Gratitude

PROFOUND GRATITUDE
2Corinthians 2:9-10
The Message: “Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since He’s the God Who raises the dead! And He did it, rescued us from certain doom. And He’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.”

The apostle Paul was a man driven to succeed. Former enemy of Christ—he worked passionately for God’s kingdom—profoundly grateful for his salvation. He shows believers today how to live victoriously, succeeding in every task. The key to victory is the three “C”s: Clarity, Commitment, and Counsel.

Paul’s fuzzy vision of the daunting task of sharing the Gospel and establishing new churches needed clarification (KLAR-if-i-KA-shun, meaning explanation, focused purpose).

While traveling to Corinth with Timothy, a brother in Christ, Paul suffered hardships in the province of Asia. The adversity before them was so severe, that they thought they would die. Desperate, they prayed, and relied totally on God’s lead. Suddenly, the way to proceed sharpened unmistakably. Paul introduced Timothy to the new congregation in Corinth, and their visit displayed courageous joy to them (2Corinthians 2:23-24). The people were amazed at Paul’s and Timothy’s joy in sharing the Gospel after being tested so severely.

God provides clarity. Focused vision spots opportunities to achieve goals, and appreciation for God’s timing. Paul established new churches at every city in his missionary journey—without causing any of them grief.

Paul was committed to God’s plan of spreading the Gospel to the Gentile world (Greeks, and non-Jewish people). Paul never wavered in his faith. His dedication enabled him to plow forward, despite the obstacles blocking his way. Paul’s profound gratitude for success fueled his passion to achieve every goal.

Paul’s zeal is neither ordinary, nor unique. Those who seek God’s counsel are similarly led to victory. Acquiring Godly direction transforms ordinary boys and girls (like you and me) into extraordinary people. Together, our successful accomplishments glorify our amazing God.

Just like as it was for the apostle Paul, when we seek God daily, plowing forward towards goals always achieves success.

Will you join me in becoming extraordinary?

Take Home Nugget

God’s gift to us is life. Physical life can be supplemented with a rich spiritual life in Christ (John 20:31). Instead of wasting this gift, we can choose success. Like apostle Paul, our success will be marked with happiness, dedication, and profound gratitude.

Life—a gift profound!
Every day, in everything, let us give thanks.
Plowing towards success
Hearts bursting—gratitude unbound.

Happy Thanksgiving, America! November 26, 2009.

J.D. Griffith

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Victorious in Death

VICTORIOUS IN DEATH
1Corinthians 15:57
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory [over death] through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(PARENTS: You may want to consider whether this devotion is suitable for your very young children.)

“Why did she die?” Raan asked everyone passing by.

A male nurse named Ariel, heard Raan’s plea, and sat down on the hospital floor. “Your name is Raan, right?”

Raan looked at Ariel, and nodded his head.

“I was your sister’s nurse, Raan. Maybe I can help you understand what happened today.”

“What does it mean to die?” Raan asked.

“It means that Sitare’s heart stopped beating, Raan. She can no longer see, hear, sit up, or feel pain.” Ariel said, looking directly into Raan’s eyes.

“Make her better!” Raan demanded, stomping his feet.

“I wish that I could, Raan. The doctors tried everything, but nothing worked. She’s at peace now.” Ariel said softly.

Raan wailed. His balled fists tried plugging the tears that flowed down his cheeks. Ariel held Raan tightly, rocking him, and stroking his hair.

“Come here, son” Raan’s Dad said, scooping Raan into his arms. Sitting down in a chair next to Raan’s Mom, he looked at Ariel. “You cared for Sitare, didn’t you? Thank you for helping Raan. They were very close. At home, when she got sick, Raan never left her side.”

“I am sorry for not being able to do more; very sorry for your loss.” Ariel offered.

“She’s with the Lord now.” Raan’s Dad said. A weak smile flickered across his face. “Raan, your sister is free!” His speech grew stronger with, “Jesus is holding her on His lap. And Grandmear is with them.”

Raan sat up and looked at his Dad. “Grandmear too? Why can’t we be with them on Jesus’ lap?”

“One day, God willing, we will all be together again.” Raan’s Mom said, encircling her arms around her family.

When God raised Jesus from the dead, He guaranteed all believers victory over death, too. Sickness and disease are frightening. Medications don’t always work as is intended. Lots of illnesses have no cure. Many people live in constant pain.

One day, all believers will be free from pain. Their assurance of victory in death is certain.

Take Home Nugget

Funerals often begin with a “Wake”, “Viewing”, or a “Celebration of Life”. People share memories of the deceased, Scripture is read, songs sung, prayers said. Believer’s hope is joyful for unseen future reunions with loved ones.

Check out victory over death in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

What is nonbeliever’s hope?

Because Christ is alive, we too shall live.
Faith Icons devotional series will continue November 27, 2009.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Abram (Part 3 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ABRAM (Part 3 of 6)
Genesis 12:1-3
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 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. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”

Now that’s a whale of a covenant! (pact, promise). It’s one thing to hear this as a boy, or young man, but Abram was 75 years old when God said this. With God’s new human life expectancy to be 120 years, in Genesis 6:3, Abram’s life was more than half over! But, he obeyed God and left his country—just like the Lord commanded.

Taking his wife, Sarai, and nephew, Lot, Abram set out for Canaan (Genesis 12:4). They traveled with all their possessions, the people they acquired, and all their stuff. When their caravan landed at the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, God appeared (Genesis 12:4-7).

“You do realize that the Canaanites are living in this land, Lord?” Abram inquired.

“Yeah, don’t sweat that! To you and your offspring, I will give you this land.”

Abram must have looked right, left, and ahead. WOW! He thought, all for me? He built an altar to the Lord right then and there (v. 7).

Abram journeyed east of Bethel, towards the hills, and pitched his tent. There he built another altar to the Lord, and worshipped. How must he have praised God for this wondrous promised land! Then he proceeded to Negev (v. 8-9).

Abram wandered—through Egypt when there was famine, facing Pharaoh, separated from Lot, then rescuing him in chapters 13 and 14. Abram got a vision from God in chapter 15.

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am you shield, and your very great reward.”

“I still do not have a son, Lord!” Abram reminded God.

“Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be.”

Abram believed the Lord, and his faithful obedience was attributed to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

“I brought you here to take possession of this land, Abram!”

Take Home Nugget

I challenge you to read Genesis chapters 12-25 for yourself. Oh the wonders!
Abraham died at age 175. Ishmael and Isaac buried him in the cave of Machpelah. (Genesis 25:9).

Abraham, as father of the Jewish race, and patriarch of our Judeo-Christian belief, shows us victory by faith.

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons: Abel, Enoch, Noah (Part 2 of 6)

FAITH ICONS: ABEL, ENOCH, NOAH (Part 2 of 6)
Genesis 4:2a
“Later, she [Eve] gave birth to his [Cain’s] brother, Abel.”

Abel kept the family livestock, while Cain worked the fields (v. 2b). God wired their desires differently; their work even complemented each other. One day they brought offerings to the Lord.

Cain brought fruits from the soil, and Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flock (vv. 3-4a). The Lord favored Abel’s offering over Cain’s (vv.4b-5). When the Lord rejected Cain’s offering, competition was born. Cain became enraged. Why hadn’t the Lord accepted his offering as easily as He did Abel’s?

Cain’s offering was rejected because he was angry. The Lord inquired, “Why are you so angry?” The Lord told Cain that his heart was not right, warning Cain that his sin begs for payback. Cain better get a grip (vv. 6-7).

What happened next? Cain took Abel into a field, and killed him (v.8).

Why did God accept Abel’s offering, and not Cain’s? Abel’s heart was pure, but Cain’s heart was poisoned. Abel teaches us that God loves those who model cheery dispositions and clean hearts.

Genesis 5:18
“When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch.”

Jared was Adam’s great-great-great grandson. Enoch was born 622 years after Adam had Seth (his 3rd son—after Cain and Abel), Enoch’s great-great-great Granddads. Adam was still alive when Enoch was born! (Adam died at age 930 vv. 3-19). Enoch had children, and at age 365, he simply disappeared (vv. 21-24)! God took him.

Enoch—God’s superstar!

Genesis 6:9
“This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteousness man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”

Check out Genesis 6:1-8 to learn about the giants in the land, and why God was so ticked off. He’d gotten to know Noah intimately, and saw that Noah was the only person who was righteous, moral, and good. This is why God decided to wipe out everyone else, and restart the world’s population with Noah’s family.

God made a covenant (pact) with Noah: 1. He told him to build a huge boat. 2. The boat’s dimension, made out of which wood, and how He’d destroy everything except Noah and his family (vv. 11-18).

“Really, Lord?” Noah wondered.

“Yep.”

"OK, Lord--whatever."

Noah never wavered, even though folks laughed at him the whole time. “What’s a boat, Noah?”

“What’s a flood?” Snickers, heads shaking, clapping others on backs, laughing.

“Tell us again what’s going to happen” uproarious laughter.

Who laughed last?

Take Home Nugget

The best way to live joyously amid ridicule is to find joy in Jesus!

J.D. Griffith

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Faith Icons (Part 1 of 6)

FAITH ICONS (Part 1 of 6)
Hebrews 11
vv. 1-2: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”

Kids love to emulate (EM-u-late)—meaning to copy—people they admire. Those who love to read, absorb themselves into adventure stories, imaging they are the hero, or heroine.

God has His heroes, too. They are His kids who grew into people of great faith. The author of the book Hebrews, possibly Apollos1 or Barnabas2, around 70 A.D., listed God’s heroes in Chapter 11.

1Apollos is a Christian from Alexandria who learned Scripture from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28). He ministered at Corinth (Acts 19:1; see also 1Corinthians 1:12, 3:3-8, and Titus 3:13).

2Barnabas is a disciple, originally called Joseph (Acts 4:36). He was also a prophet (Acts 13:1), and apostle (Acts 14:14). He brought Paul before the apostles (Acts 9:27), and accompanied him to Antioch (Acts 11:22-29), (Galatians 2:1-13), and on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Together at the Jerusalem Council, they parted company over John Mark (Acts 15:37-39). They were co-workers in 1Corinthians 9:6 and Colossians 4:10.

Details of martyred Christians, because of their faith, can be found in texts other than the Holy Bible, such as Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. But Hebrews 11:35-36 tells about death by torture to people referred to as “others”. Verse 38 pays them tribute by saying, “the world was not worthy of them.” Each one died courageously for their faith in Jesus.

While most of us are not tested to this extreme, Christians are still persecuted throughout the world. Religious freedom is a rare blessing, and it’s never free. Paul had a tremendous attitude about being persecuted for his faith in Jesus. In Acts 20:22-24 he said, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

This series will outline the faith heroes of Hebrews 11. I call them icons, because they’re symbols, representing those whose faith we can emulate today.

Take Home Nugget

Would you boldly claim Jesus Christ as your Messiah, Lord, and King?

DEDICATED TO ACTIVE AND VETERN SOLDIERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.

J.D. Griffith

When pressures mount because we walk
The path of truth and right,
We can rejoice to know that we
Are pleasing in God’s sight.

D. De Haan

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Unity

UNITY
1Samuel 20:2
“…Jonathan replied, ‘You’re not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without confiding in me. Why should he hide this from me?’”

King Saul went crazy with jealous rage over David’s popularity among the Israelites and Israel’s troops—again. (See Tackling Discord devotion). Jonathan, Saul’s son, reiterated (re-IT-ter-a-ted, meaning say again) David’s loyalty, hoping to convince his Dad of David’s reliability.

But it didn’t work, and David fled to the prophet Samuel at Haioth, Ramah. Saul dispatched men to capture David and return him (1Samuel 19-18-23).

Failing to bring David back, Saul went after David, himself. Saul’s death threat against David led Jonathan to avow his love again. Together, they agreed to a plan. Check out 1Samuel 20:9-43, and decide whether they loved each other as brothers.

Why is unity so hard?

Does unity mean we all have to agree?

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit.”

Every believer is indispensible (in-dis-PEN-sa-ble, meaning necessary) to the body of Christ. While we have different talents and interests, working together, our unity glorifies the Father.

Unity does not mean that everyone’s opinions or goals are identical. Each person is uniquely created, which means that no one person is like another. But our common purpose is the same—to serve and honor God.

Ephesians 4:12-13: “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith…”

Take Home Nugget

Unity was not King Saul’s intent as long as jealousy gripped his heart. Infighting among family, friends, and organizations erupt with harsh accusations during conflict. But Scripture proclaims God’s sovereignty over nature (Psalm 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). When united believers strive together, God proves His sovereignty. God cannot fail, even under adverse circumstances.

Striving for unity does not mean avoiding conflict entirely; it means handling discord appropriately. Mismanaged conflict leads to fractured relationships. Avoiding conflict leads to unresolved hurt and anger. Believers arrive at peaceful resolutions to disagreements when relying on the Holy Spirit’s lead.
Psalm 34:14 says, “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

We’re never alone, or on our own.
Confident in unity, believers are Ambassadors of Christ.

J.D. Griffith

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Tackling Discord

TACKLING DISCORD
1Samuel 19:1, 4-5
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David…Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?’”

Jonathan, and David were as close as any brothers could possibly be, and struggled to stay alive during many demanding times. When Jonathan’s Dad, King Saul, was so jealous that he wanted to kill David, Jonathan went into combat mode to protect his friend.

Yes, the Philistine, in the Scripture verses at the beginning of this devotion, is Goliath!

Jonathan’s Dad was jealous because David killed the giant, and achieved rock star popularity. Not only was David adored by the Israelites, but revered among the soldiers. King Saul wanted their respect more than being grateful for David’s battle victories. The conflict was within the Saul’s heart, but his jealous rage erupted on his son, Jonathan.

Your household may not be as chaotic as theirs, but we can learn much by how Jonathan reacted. Like Saul, people often look for someone to criticize during conflict. The best way to handle anger during a crisis is to turn to the Lord in prayer. We can then ask the Father to provide us spiritual discernment—because He already knows everything about our problem. Often, when jealousy invades someone’s heart, objective discussion becomes impossible, and tension rules. With the Spirit’s help, gaining insight into the situation often leads believers to manage a peaceful resolution.

Human nature automatically shifts into the defense mode during warfare, (personal attacks on oneself). Hasty reactions yield disputes, and tempers flare.

How to dissolve discord?

Focusing on God provides believers a calm, supernatural pause, and inner peace (John 14:27). Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide wisdom to speak correct words when facing hostility (Luke 12:11-12). Sometimes it’s best to not say anything.

Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.

Take Home Nugget

God has called us to represent Him in every situation—the same way Christ did—by depending on our heavenly Father.

Lord, help me to turn aside
From saying words that spring from pride.
Teach us to act as Jesus had done,
Praising You with battles won.

J.D. Griffith

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Hallow Living

HALLOW LIVING
2Timothy 2:14-26
V.15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

“How are you going to dress up?” Cassie asked Brenda, walking to their school bus.

“Not telling! Mom got me a costume last week, and I love it. You’re just going to have to guess, Cassie!” Brenda giggled at Cassie’s open mouth.

The last day of October, in the United States, is a fun holiday where kids and some adults dress into costumes and party. The name of the celebration is Halloween. This is shortened from the original “All Hallow’s Eve.” We don’t use the word hallow much anymore, but in Scripture, the word hallow means sanctify. This means to make holy, make sacred, or consecrate, set apart.

The name of God is not the only thing that believers hallow. (In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us, “Hallowed be Your name”, Matthew 6:9). St. Paul urged Timothy to be a vessel sanctified and useful for the Lord. This is for us today, too. We’re to live “hallowed”, or righteous, every day.

This means that Christian believers are to be set apart from the world by pursuing righteousness, loving others peacefully by faith. With a pure heart, we are supposed to avoid foolish and stupid arguments. We’re to resist quarrelling and evil desires. Senseless fighting causes disputes.

The Lord’s disciples (you and me, all believers) must not squabble. We’re to be kind to everyone, ready to teach without offending. If anyone opposes us, we’re to gently instruct the truth. Our hope is that God will lead them to His Word. This is the only way they can escape the devil’s trap of taking people captive to his will (2Timothy 2:24-26).

“What are you guys dressing up as?” Brenda said to the kids boarding the bus.

Randy pretended to whip a sword up and down, “a pirate, matey. Dare to board my ship?” He ran onto his bus laughing.

Trevor and Jesse looked at each other, then Jesse said, “We’ll be soldiers in a foxhole, back to back.”

The kids hope to fill their bags to overflowing with sweet treats as they parade from door to door, or to parties in neighborhood centers.

Take Home Nugget

Does thinking of these sweet treats remind us to be uplifted while set apart from the world? How do I present myself to others? Is my face set in an angry frown, or does my mouth stay in a ready smile that welcomes interaction with others?”

Is our greatest satisfaction being used for God’s Kingdom?

J.D. Griffith

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Relationship Challenges

RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES

Proverbs 12:14
“From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”

Galatians 6:7-10
V. 7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

The three kids (Jesse, Cassie, and Randy) fell down, laughing hysterically. (See Being Vulnerable Devotion). “I am sorry for passing this gossip around, Cassie. My bad.” Randy admitted after catching his breath.

“Mark’s a good-looking guy, Randy. If he weren’t my cousin, I would be tempted to…oh no—that’d be too weird!” Cassie exclaimed—hands clamping her mouth shut.
They all burst out laughing again.

Jesse only knew that his heart was bursting with happiness, after having resolved this gossip issue between his classmates.

The person who sows in the Spirit, reaps eternal life. Jesse’s positive actions reaped benefit to all involved. Randy’s negative actions of spreading gossip could easily have led to harm. The difference between Jesse and Randy is who, or what each boy follows. When following the flesh, instead of God’s Spirit, people sow corruption.

What do corrupt actions reap?

This sowing/reaping (Relationship Challenges) devotion is a corollary (COR-ol-lar-ee, meaning a natural accompaniment) to the Being Vulnerable devotion. As we follow Jesus’ second greatest command (to treat others as we’d like to be treated), our actions reap benefits to everyone. Sowing kindness and respect towards others reap rewards and good will.

God sees all.

Walking in God’s Spirit also rewards believers with supernatural gifts. These are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts transform believers from the inside out, and provide all that is needed to live victoriously.

The challenge is to treat mean people with undeserved love and respect. Accepting this challenge and treating everyone well is always a win-win. Believers receive God’s blessings when following Jesus in obedience to His commands.

Do we recognize that obedience makes forgiveness possible, builds good character, and develops endurance?

What does sowing harmful actions reap? God sees all.

Take Home Nugget

When God’s children lead Spirit-filled lives, relationship challenges showcase God’s love in every circumstance. Living in the Spirit sows seeds of love, joy, and peace. This reaps rewards in our own lives, as well as in the lives of others (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Living a Spirit-filled life overcomes self-destructive needs to harbor bitterness and anger.

Love looks beyond what people are to how God intended them to be.

J.D. Griffith

“Lord, help us to believe in people
And all that in them You can do,
So we can say we’ve loved too many,
Rather than too few.”

Sper

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Being Vulnerable

BEING VUNERABLE
Matthew 22:36-40
V. 39: “And the second [greatest commandment] is like it [the first]: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”.

“Wait here” Jesse told Randy, and ran to the soccer field where the girls were playing at recess. (See Juicy Gossip Devotion).

“Hey Cassie, can you come with me for a minute?

“What’s this about, Jess?” Cassie asked, walking along side, slightly out of breath.

“Randy said something that I hope you can straighten out.”

“What did he say?”

“He said you went parking with Mark Johnson after the football game last Friday.” Cassie laughed out loud. “You’re gonna live this, Jesse!”

“Hey Randy!” Cassie demanded. “What’s this I hear?”

“What’s going on with you and Mark Johnson?” Randy asked, his face a smirk.

“I love Mark, Randy. But I doubt that you’d understand.”

Sometimes, following Jesus makes ourselves vulnerable (VUL-ner-ab-le, meaning exposed, at risk). Cassie may or may not have a valid reason for exposing her love for Mark, but she proclaimed her love without excuse.

Jesse did what he thought was right—exposing Randy’s gossip to the light. He trusted God to handle the consequences.

Relationships can be complicated. Jesus wants us to treat others as we’d like to be treated. This Golden Rule, Matthew 22:39, is often difficult when we feel helpless—exposed in the light of truth. Regardless of our circumstances, God’s rule always applies.

What if kindness, or a loving attitude opens the door to additional hurt? Obedience is challenging, isn’t it? Even the youngest kids seem to know better than to open themselves up to pain and ridicule. In defense of our actions, we often weave a tangled web of lies. This always leads us to treat another badly, and is disobedient to Jesus’ command.

Human nature wants to avenge wrong. In fact, we cannot do otherwise on our own strength.

Thankfully, God provides us help. The hidden secret in treating others the way we’d like to be treated comes from our friend, the Holy Spirit. Believers’ indwelt guide steers God’s kids to be obedient in every situation.

The Holy Spirit also protects us from risk of getting hurt when obeying God. He soothes pain, provides strength, and inspires us to forgive.

Treating others the way we’d like to be treated, regardless of what the world proclaims, is a win-win every time.

Take Home Nugget

When Jesse exposed Randy’s claim to Cassie, a door opened for an opportunity where everyone could save face (keeping everyone’s dignity intact).

“So, you love Mark?” Randy sounded sarcastic.

“Yes, silly, he’s my cousin!” Cassie finally admitted.

Obedience doesn’t always seem to make sense, but trusting God always makes sense.

J.D. Griffith

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Juicy Gossip

JUICY GOSSIP
Matthew 20:20-28
V. 26: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”

“Did you hear what Cassie did last week after the football game?” Randy asked Jesse as they passed football during recess.

Jesse looked over to see the girls’ soccer game. Finding Cassie, he said, “No, what did she do?”

“I heard that she went with Mark Johnson in his car—you know that he’s a Junior—and they went parking in a deserted lot on the outskirts of town.”

Jesse’s heart sank. “Who says?”

“Well, um, it’s common knowledge. The guys in high school are passing it around…She’s become a hot ticket.”

Jesse shrugged his shoulders, and replied, “Well, if she did, that’s her business…didn’t you sign the “Honest Dealing” poster yesterday?” (See Honest Dealing devotion ).

“Yeah, Jesse, we all did. Didn’t you feel pressured to sign it?”

“Not really, Randy. I like the pact for all students to do their best…Is gossiping your best, Randy?”

“It’s not gossip is it’s true.” Randy alleged. “It could be true! You know how Cassie flaunts herself…She’s a “ho”, Jesse, admit it! Didn’t you strip her of her bathing suit top at the pool?”

“That was wrong, Randy, and I’m sorry for having disrespected Cassie like that…I’m calling you out to stop spreading this lie.”

“Oh please, Jesse! I refuse to be called out by you—of all people!”

Peer-level bullying, back stabbing, innuendo (IN-NU-en-do means suggestion), infighting, sabotage (SAB-o-taj means to interfere with, disrupt, or harm), infringing on someone’s privacy, and many other offenses—like gossiping—are all labeled lateral hostility. Lateral, because it occurs among same level people, or peers. The attack always intends harm. Usually, because of a power imbalance, people threaten lateral aggression towards others.

This destructive behavior wounds and intimidates. It is found within all vocations and walks of life: churches, government, schools, even within families. Kids are most vulnerable, because they’re at the bottom rung of the power ladder.

Even Jesus’ disciples jockeyed for position in God’s kingdom. The mother of James and John, Zebedee’s sons, asked Jesus for a favor. Could her two sons be seated at His right and left hand in His kingdom? (Matthew 4:21). Jesus’ answer appears at the beginning of this devotion.

Take Home Nugget

Randy tried spicing up recess with this juicy gossip, but Jesse stopped it cold. At least some of the sixth graders took "Honest Dealing" seriously. Following Jesus is important to Jesse, and spreading vicious gossip had to end. He served his classmates, especially Cassie, by nipping Randy’s gossip in the bud.

Only those who serve are qualified to lead.

J.D. Griffith

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Honest Dealing

HONEST DEALING
Acts 5:1-11
V. 3: “Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’”

Mr. Graham, Jesse and Trevor’s 6th grade teacher, stood before the class. As the students filed in for a new day, emptying backpacks, and chatting with classmates, he watched silently.

“Mr. G. what’s up?” Jesse asked, raising his hand as he sat down.

The class froze—hearing Jesse speak, and looked at their teacher—curious for his answer.

“I’m waiting for your full attention, class.”

With everyone seated quietly, he began. Peering intently into thirty pair of wondering eyes, Mr. Graham offered, “I’ve got a proposition for you. What do you say to our forming a pact? If you trust me to teach and lead you honestly, will you agree to be honest students…no cheating on tests? No stealing things from another’s desk, no telling lies, no swearing?” clearing his throat, he allowed that to sink in. Tacking a large poster on the bulletin board entitled, HONEST DEALING, he turned around and offered a marker to Adam, sitting in the isle seat—the first of five rows. “Adam, will you sign your name anywhere on the poster?”

Adam took the marker and stood up smiling at his classmates.

“Before you sign it, Adam,” Mr. Graham warned, “remember there are sixty-two eyes watching you agree to our HONEST DEALING pact.” Adam hesitated, looking around. Biting his lower lip, he prepared to sign the poster. Reaching high, Adam signed his name in the upper right hand corner. Mr. Graham continued, “Class, each of you are to hold Adam accountable for agreeing to our Honest Dealing pact. If any of you catch Adam cheating, lying, stealing, or swearing, he must answer to you. That’s holding him responsible for his actions…Same thing for everyone who signs this poster.”

Adam walked haltingly towards his desk, and handed the marker to Brittany.

All thirty kids signed the poster.

Do you agree that Mr. Graham’s pact acted as moral guidance, keeping the kids honest? (See Moral Guidance devotion).

Take Home Nugget

In today’s Scripture passage, Ananias and Sapphira thought that they could get away with lying. They quickly and fatally discovered differently. They didn’t even have time to repent (vv.5,10).
The power we have to deal honestly comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Righteous living is His will for believers, so that our lives show testimony to others. Proverbs 12:22 encourages believers to deal truthfully.

There are no degrees of honesty.

J.D. Griffith

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Moral Guidance

MORAL GUIDANCE
Psalm 119:129-136
V. 133: “Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me.”

At a teacher’s conference, the moderator posed this question to middle school teachers: “What is the frequency and number of classroom disturbances, like cheating? Speak up, folks.”

Teachers squirmed, some chuckling. Mr. Graham, Jesse and Trevor’s 6th grade teacher, replied, “Ever since we removed ‘The Ten Commandments’ from the class room, cheating has increased.”

All the teachers nodded their heads in agreement.

“Why is this so?” the moderator quizzed.

“Removing all visible signs of God makes it harder to maintain order. Cheating is just one example” one teacher observed.

“Unruliness, respect for the teacher’s demands is another” a different teacher offered.

“Kind treatment toward other kids has also declined” a third said.

“Some cliques have sprung up that praise kids when they make fun of, put down, or embarrass other kids” another shot out.

“Human behavior is declining into amoral conduct” the moderator mused aloud. “Our jobs have become harder to inspire an atmosphere of morality. Separation of church and state was never intended to keep God out of school classrooms.”

“The original intent was to prevent government from dictating religion to the people” one teacher shared, shaking her head. “We’ve distorted the meaning of our founding fathers’ objective. If you ask me, our entire civilization has been in moral decline—beginning the mid twentieth century.”

“Everything is decaying in our fallen world” the moderator announced. “I think things will continue to get worse, folks, instead of getting better.”

Do you agree?

Centuries ago, the Psalmist understood a need for a moral benchmark. People need divine aid to follow God’s plan for living. The Ten Commandments are our moral guidance of right and wrong. They are the mirror that we have to compare our actions against perfection. They reflect our sin back to us, exhibiting our need to repent.

While the Ten Commandments aren’t a cheat test, they do remind people how God expects righteous living from His children. We can’t see them posted anymore in public, but God wrote them into our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). That’s one cheat test we cannot escape.

Take Home Nugget

Dan Ariely, an economics professor at the Massachusetts’s Institute of Technology, conducted tests on human behavior. He discovered that people who were offered money for correct answers, cheated. But when tested to write down the Ten Commandments, no one cheated.
How’s that for proof of moral guidance?

J.D. Griffith

“How precious is the Book divine
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heaven.”

Fawcett

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Let's Talk

LET’S TALK
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow: it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

At the moment of salvation, when the Holy Spirit indwells the soul, lines of communication open wide. The One Who spoke the universe into existence, and you connect on the same plane. The very Bible you hold in your hands is the phone that transmits His Word for your heart and spiritual “ears” to receive. He wants to talk.

Are you ready to listen?

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. Humans recorded God’s thoughts and deeds onto paper so that we could know Him (2Peter 1:20-21). The Spirit empowers God’s children to “hear” His voice. The Spirit also provides understanding to them who seek knowledge, wisdom, and discernment (knowing good from bad).

God’s Word is so powerful that it always accomplishes what is intended (Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s Word is so active and alive, that studying the Bible performs its work in those who believe (1Thessalonians 2:13).

WOW! No dodging that!

Our faith, also a gift from the Father, enables His children to believe what the Bible says. God’s Word has the power to change lives when we do what it says. The Bible shows believers Who God is—and who we are—by comparison. The more we study His Word, the greater our transformation. From the inside out. Our transformation is invisible to everyone else--unless others notice increased patience, self-control, gentleness, love, joy, peace, faithfulness, and kindness. These are all gifts of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

As followers of Jesus, we don’t have the luxury of just talking a believer’s life. We must live up to the faith we profess. The Word of God is razor sharp and will cut like a sword into our hearts, revealing our innermost thoughts. Exposing wrong thoughts and wants to His truth modifies the believer’s walk. Cleansed and purified hearts are the extra bonus to Bible study.

Intimate conversations between our heavenly Father and us are like family talks around the dinner table. Family members learn each other’s wants and needs, while His Word nourishes our souls.

Take Home Nugget

Praying for Scripture understanding heightens Spiritual “hearing.” The more we believe and obey what the Bible says, the more intimate our conversation.

By the very way we act
At home, school, or play--
With God we make a pact
To live for Him each day.

J.D. Griffith

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Jesus' Mission

JESUS’ MISSION
John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

What did Jesus know at His birth in human form?

We learned that Jesus always was, and will always be. (See God’s Biography devotion, John 1, 14). Awaking as a human baby, what were His first thoughts?

God sent His Son to mankind in human form so that Jesus would know first-hand what it’s like to be human. And God’s children would never be able to accuse the Almighty, ”You don’t know what it’s like being human!” The point was for Jesus to show us how to live a sinless life. Only then would Jesus be an acceptable sacrifice to reconcile sinful man to Holy God.

Jesus agreed to be born in human form, surrendering His divinity as God. He did this out of love for us—knowing that His mission was two-fold. 1.) Coming to earth as a baby meant that He’d live exactly what we experience—from birth through death. Would He have to learn everything we humans learn—from His first human breath?

As an infant, did He realize that He could call down Angels to escape His mortal body? What were His first words, and how long before He said them? Was He quicker than a normal baby to do anything?

He certainly showed mankind a tangible image of Almighty God—one whom we can touch and see.

2.) After living a sinless life, His second mission was to die. For us.

When did He remember that? How depressing would it be if we’d know at birth that we’d have to die? But did Jesus rebel? He knew, at age twelve, to remain in His Father’s house. (Is this where He felt most at home?) Mary discovered Him missing on the return home to Nazareth from Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-50).

Jesus must have known far more than He let on to His earthly parents. He may have grown into Kingdom knowledge as He grew physically and emotionally. He lived in perfect obedience to His earthly parents and to His heavenly Father. He left home at age 30—when most Hebrew guys got married—to begin His ministry.

The Bible’s New Testament study shows believers how to imitate Master Jesus.

Take Home Nugget

God-in-human-flesh is the bridge that we cross to the Father. It is impossible to earn salvation; it is the awesome gift from God--only through Jesus. Believe in Jesus, and be saved.

Christ is the path, and Christ is the prize!

Dedicated to Marvin and Berry Dries, who led me to Christ as an infant.

J.D. Griffith

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God's Biography

GOD’S BIOGRAPHY
Romans 1:16-20
V. 20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Mr. Graham, Jesse and Trevor’s six grade teacher, announced, “Your biography report is due one week from today. Here is the format, everyone: Choose a famous person and write a biography about him or her. Three questions you must address: 1. What did the person say about himself? 2. What did others say about the person? 3. What did the person do?”

“Do your research, and in two pages, double-spaced, report on these three topics. The person’s name and the birth and death dates will be your title. Spelling counts!”

Trevor’s report: Jesus Christ. No beginning, and no end. Revelation 22:13. We celebrate His birth (as a human in year A.D. 0), and Easter—when He rose from the dead—Jesus is timeless.

1. (What Jesus says about Himself) “And God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image…’” Genesis 1:26. (Jesus was with God from the beginning.) “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27. “No one has ever gone into heaven except the One who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” John 3:13. “God is spirit, and His worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.” Jesus said.

The woman said, “I know that the Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything.”

Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:24-26.
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2. (What others say about Jesus) “In the beginning was the Word, [Jesus] and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God from the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” John 1:1-3. “Now the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” John 1:14. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

3. (What Jesus did) “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty; darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness…” Genesis 1:1.

“Wow!” Jesse exclaimed, “I chose the wrong subject for my biography!”

Take Home Nugget

The God who created the universe is the same God you can know!

J.D. Griffith

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