Light in Dysfunction

LIGHT IN DYSFUNCTION
2Timothy 3:1-5, 10-17
Vv. 12-14a: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of…”

Dysfunction (dis-FUNK-shon, meaning wrong, not right, amiss) describes the world today. According to Scripture, terrible times are coming that sound eerily familiar. Ungodliness will increase, and God’s light (of truth) will decrease.

Survival for God’s kids will become increasingly difficult in the years leading up to Christ’s return (1Thessalonians 4:16-18). In every culture, rebellion against God’s ways grows stronger. Things that were formerly condemned are gaining acceptance now. Many people continue to swallow Satan’s lies that we can live free outside God’s will.

“God’s ten commandments are too restrictive.”

“Separation of church and state means removing all evidence of God in the public forum.”

“Everyone has a right to express himself!”

Christ’s second coming will realign things to light and right. In the meantime, keeping our eyes focused on Jesus protects us from discouragement. Jesus’ return will rescue believers from this darkness, and deliver promised hope (2Timothy 2:10-13). Salvation is granted to those who believe in Jesus, and their transformation into Christ-likeness progresses one day at a time. Knowing that we’re saved, forgiven, and justified before God gives us strength to persevere through every day with joy.

What else provides us a head’s-up in this dysfunctional world?

Notice the foolishness of those living apart from Christ: they are typically the most popular and the richest people in our communities. We’re wise to avoid their influence, resist their attraction—because—their actions and choices reflect their priorities, not the Lord’s. Refrain from being sucked into their ways, for they remain outside God’s family.

Daily devotions and Bible study guide our way. God’s Word was written for ordinary people—like you and me—by ordinary people. Their pens scribed God-inspired words chosen specifically to teach, correct, and show righteous living. Problems fade when we take His Word to heart. As thoughts guide minds and hearts, Christ-saturated minds rule believers’ hearts. His light beams from our faces. Everything we say is uplifting and encouraging. Everything we do benefits others; we sow seeds of goodness.

Do you dare to be light in today’s dysfunctional world?

Take Home Nugget

2Timothy 3 lists traits that are obvious today. People are becoming increasingly more selfish, greedy, proud, and unforgiving. This yields more lying, cheating, abuse, stealing, and self-indulgence. When you see these things, remember that you represent Jesus’ light.

Boldly lead this dark world, following your beam of light that is Christ.

J.D. Griffith

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Passing Grace to the Undeserved

PASSING GRACE TO THE UNDESERVED
Acts 7:54-60
V. 60: [While they were stoning him, Stephen] “… fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

In this Scripture, “he fell asleep” means that he died. Whoa--what happened?

Elders and people from the Synagogue, with the Sanhedrin’s (san-HEED-rin, meaning Jewish religious council) approval, argued heatedly with Stephen. Stephen just counter-charged their blasphemy (BLAS-fem-ee, meaning disrespectful irreverence) accusations against him by charging them with murdering their Messiah! (Acts 6:8-14). Before he could assure them of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to heaven, they stopped listening. Instead, they hurled stones at the man.

Free will is a curious thing, isn’t it? Coming to Jesus wasn’t our choice, but accepting Jesus and believing that He’s God’s Son IS our choice. (See Father-Initiator devotion).

We chose to believe that Jesus died for our sins, including God’s gift of salvation. Immediately, we also received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Then we learned how another gift—Grace—covers our current sins so that we’re able to approach the father. We didn’t earn any of these gifts, and are totally undeserving of them. We receive these unrequested, but necessary gifts, because God loves us enough to give us a second chance.

Free will allowed a mob to stone Stephen to death. In turn, Stephen—a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:5)—extended God’s grace to them. He asked the Lord to not hold them responsible for their actions. As Stephen lay dying, evil free will stared into God’s free will love.

Did the mob deserve Stephen’s forgiveness?

No one deserves grace. Because we continue to sin, we remain liable for eternal death. But grace halts that condemnation. When Jesus died for our sins, (including all past, present, and future sins), our salvation is guaranteed. It is grace that preserves our acceptance to the Father.

Realizing how mind-blowing grace is, we’re amazed that we can pass it on to others. All kids enjoy sharing gladness. We can literally share our grace, by forgiving others when they hurt us. Grace can spread through us to others—as undeserving as we!

When cruelty meets forgiveness face-to-face, your enemies will wonder what you’re up to.

Take Home Nugget

Forgiving the undeserved is impossible to do on our own strength. It can only be accomplished by yielding to the Holy Spirit. His work draws out the poison of hurt, betrayal, and anger, replacing it with mercy.

Spreading grace to others also spreads God’s second chance.

J.D. Griffith

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Rock, Paper, Scissors

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS
Romans 5:1-17
V.16b: “…but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.”

When you want to have your own way, sometimes a peaceful resolution is found by playing childhood game with your opponent: Rock, Paper, Scissors. A balled fist represents the rock. An open palm signifies paper. Two fingers symbolize scissors. On the count of three, opponents simultaneously display their choice. The winner between rock and paper is paper, because it covers rock. Between rock and scissors, rock wins by crushing scissors. Between paper and scissors, scissors wins because it cuts paper. The outcome is unquestionable, and final.

The persons of the Triune God never have to play this game to decide Who’ll come to a child’s rescue. Their roles are complementary, supportive, and in total agreement. God loves to surprise His children and offers us a surprise free gift. While every person deserves eternal death, (due to sin), God extends Jesus’ sacrificial death beyond forgiveness of sins, to what we don’t deserve: a second chance.

This second chance is the gift of grace. Grace (unconditional love) covers all repented sin. Grace maintains our justification (not-guilty) and reconciliation (reunion) status with the Father. Grace upholds the unity between the Triune Wonder-God and His wayward kids. Grace is the paper to our rock, the rock to our scissors, and the scissors to our paper. Whatever we throw at the Lord, He’s got all things under control. We cannot lose with grace covering our mistakes, goofs, misjudgments, blunders.

Although we do not deserve second chances, grace is a gift we all desperately need. We cannot rescue ourselves, and we all sin (repeatedly)—which is a death sentence. Grace is the gift that announces that our adoption into God’s family is forever (Romans 8:15).

The apostle Paul wants us to get how amazing grace is. Our belief in Jesus brings incomparable riches in grace: a new heart (2Corinthians 5:15), sufficiency, or enough (2Corinthians 12:9), new citizenship (Philippians 3:20), and much kindness (Ephesians 2:7-8). Jesus encourages us to rely on, and obey Him in total confidence (Hebrews 11:6). Obedience is how we can show Him our gratitude and reciprocate (re-SIP-ro-kate, meaning to give back) love.

Grace is the most powerful life-changing gift in the world. We’re totally secure in the immovable rock of Christ (1Corinthians 10:4).

Take Home Nugget

The sovereign Triune Wonder-God always has His way, and your paper cannot cover the rock of Christ. Believing in that rock opens up a whole new life—an abundant life that lasts forever.

Life’s trials may sometimes be too hard to face.
God’s second chance gives us power though grace.

J.D. Griffith

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Father--Initiator

FATHER-INITIATOR
John 6:44
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

The Father is father to all believers (Romans 4:11). We have the right to call Him Abba (Romans 8:15-16). We belong to God, as part of His family, (Ephesians 1:5). What confidence believers have when facing the world with this assurance! Can we do anything apart from the Father’s will?

Each person is individually and lovingly created for a specific purpose. (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 4:12). The Father distinguished you from all His other kids by making you unique (u-NEEK, meaning one of a kind). Jesus says that His chosen children are drawn by the Father—the initiator—to Him (John 15:19). Because the Father gave people free will, every person must decide whether to follow Him, or the world. Deciding to believe in and follow Jesus, as the Father’s Son, is our choice. The Holy Spirit then indwells us, setting us apart from the ones who choose to follow the world. Do people have control over anything?

Is having control an illusion?

Not having control of your life isn’t as scary, or outrageous, as you might wonder. Not even Jesus—as a person of the Triune Wonder—was in control. When James’ and John’s Mom wanted her sons to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in His kingdom, Jesus explained, “These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by My Father”. (Matthew 20:20-23).

When Jesus’ disciples wanted to know the signs of the end of this present age, Jesus answered, “No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36).

Did Jesus even have control over His own death (Matthew 26:39)? “I have come to do Your will, O God” (Psalm 40:6-8, Hebrews 10:7).

Not being in control has advantages. We always have somewhere to go when seeking help. God provides everything we need, directs us to the right path, and opens doors that we’re to enter. If we mess up, He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Could victorious living be any easier?

Take Home Nugget

The Triune-Wonder, (Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit), wants His children to be champions. Yielding to Him empowers us, guides us, and molds us into replicas of Jesus. Could we do any better than that on our own?

J.D. Griffith

Cast your futile efforts down,
Down at Jesus’ feet;
Stand in Him, in Him alone,
Gloriously complete.

Proctor

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Our Counselor-Energizer

OUR COUNSELOR-ENEGIZER
John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be in you.”

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “Counselor.” He’s our energizer, too, because He empowers believers to do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). He also provides for our every need, (Philippians 4:19), and gives us peace, (Philippians 4:7). This supernatural power energizes believers to live victoriously in this fallen world.

The Holy Spirit also empowers us to follow our Shepherd, Jesus, triumphantly all the way across the finish line of our lives. As champions, we cannot misplace Him, or leave Him at home when we go out, because He lives inside us. (That’s what the word, indwelt, means: 1John 4:13, 15).

But we can turn the Holy Spirit off. We can ignore Him, muting His voice. When we disregard His warnings, His voice grows increasingly weak, until He’s silent. This grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30). Free will—that with which we were created—gives us choice to either obey or snub His counsel.

Without our Counselor, it’s too hard to say, “No” to the temptations of the world. To live the Lord’s way takes divine power, supernatural power. Believers rely on, and trust the Holy Spirit’s lead to achieve this. Ignoring the Holy Spirit’s counsel quiets the volume down to a whisper, where the conscience can’t hear it anymore. People have the power to turn the Holy Spirit off. At this point, the person cannot follow Jesus, repent of sins, or accomplish God’s work. The indwelt supernatural power departs—the person is left unprotected—fending for himself at the mercy of this fallen world alone.

When the Holy Spirit’s working perfectly, believers are empowered to live humbly, righteously, and obediently. When we’re too weak to resist temptation, or too afraid to pursue the Lord’s lead, prayer is the life line that rescues. Calling out to God draws us close enough to regain balance and peace.

Our Triune God, three persons, is all-sufficient. Sovereign (SOV-rin, means independent supreme ruler), has all power, is everywhere, knows everything. He equips His children with all that we need, abundantly exceeding our dreams.

Take Home Nugget

Our light is polished to brilliant radiance by cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Sin dulls our glow, as well as our understanding. Sin misleads us the same way a magnet makes a compass needle spin wildly, when too close. Our obedience magnifies God’s light throughout the world, bringing Him much glory.

The Holy Spirit is the compass that keeps us heading in the right direction.

J.D. Griffith

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To Our Shepherd

TO OUR SHEPHERD

Psalm 23
John 10:1-15
V. 2: “The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of His sheep.”

Dearest Jesus,

You are our Shepherd. We learned that You are the “implementer” (IM-ple-ment-er, meaning someone who achieves action) leg of the Triune God (see Triune Wonder devotion). You provide for everything we need. We’re busy romping and grazing all day, and come home when You call us by name. You lay Yourself down across the threshold of darkness to keep us safe overnight. You make us feel loved, protected, and secure. Thank You for comfortable, trouble-free lives.

“You’re welcome.”

We know that we’re better than sheep, because we’re welcome at the big house. After crying out to you when scared, we watch You chase away danger. We know that the wolves’ and lions’ mouths pant, hoping to eat us for dinner. Would You lay down Your life to protect us, Lord?

“Certainly. Already done.”

We know that some of us aren’t the brightest in Your flock, often smell badly, but You never seem to mind. Sometimes you must correct us when we rebel, but we’re never harmed. You over fill our lives with wonder and goodness. Why are we so special to You, Lord?

“You are My chosen ones.”

We know that You tend sheep in other pens, and are not jealous. Your care of us is complete. How do You guard every pen throughout every night? Thank You.

“Your care is My pleasure. I am infinite.”

Sometimes another comes and leans on the fence. He calls to us. Usually he speaks softly, but sometimes he dares us to danger. His voice sounds weird, and we try ignoring him. What does he want, anyway?

“He wants to lead you away from Me. Don’t pay him any mind, because he lies.”

There are times when we see You returning a lost lamb. We’ve been too busy to notice that we were alone. Are we ever truly alone, Lord?

“Never!”

You lead us through terrifying times, too. When one of us is sick, You’re right there. When one of us dies, You carry him in Your arms. How can we remain calm during creepy times, Lord?

“I AM Your peace.”

What does it mean that you’re our gate. Lord? (John 10:7). Why would we leave? Where would we go? Thanks for answering some questions that we’ve been wondering about.

Love, Your flock.

“I AM the doorway to Heaven. You’ll love it there. Come and live with Me forever.”

Take Home Nugget

Check out Psalm 23. This may help you to understand it better.

Claim the Lord as your Shepherd.

J.D. Griffith

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Triune Wonder

TRIUNE WONDER
2Peter 1:12-21
V. 16: “We [Jesus’ Disciples] did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses to His majesty.”

St. Peter speaks urgently in his message. The emergency is our salvation. One can almost hear him beg listeners, “Hear what I’m saying; believe it’s true, for I was there!” He’s got me on the edge of my seat. May I introduce you to the One supreme Being, who is known simply as “I am” to the universe that He called into creation?

One God. Three persons. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in every way. That’s why God is often referred to as the Triune God, or Holy Trinity. Tri-means 3; une- means one. Just like unity, union—being of one voice. (Ephesians 4:3-6).

1God=3 persons.

Why three persons? Because they have different jobs.

The Father’s job is to initiate. The Son’s job is to implement (make real the Father’s will). The Holy Spirit’s job is to energize. Like the Energizer Bunny, the Holy Spirit never stops. All three were involved in creation. All three are occupied with our salvation.

Jesus, from eternity past, returned to earth through birth—from a virgin—which makes Him God-man. He is the human element of the deity, our connection. His sinless life, sacrificial death, bodily rise, and ascension prove that He’s the first son. That makes us—believers who know that Jesus is the Father’s Son—Jesus’ siblings. As it is in every family, the oldest kid gets to do stuff first.

The Holy Spirit is the power source. When people accept the Father’s gift of salvation, that is: believing that Jesus died for our sins, the Holy Spirit dwells in our beings. Immediately, we’re plugged in: plugged into the Father, plugged into Jesus, and plugged into supernatural power.

The Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus, counsels us by teaching God’s truth, convicts us of sin urging repentance, and strengthens us.

The Triune Wonder is the source who’s waiting for you to get plugged into salvation. Peter is jumping up and down, yelling at you, and pointing to heaven.

Take Home Nugget

What a great name for God Almighty—I AM! Of course He is! Don’t you agree that He can be called anything He wants? Moses wondered what to tell the Israelites who sent him to rescue them. God said, “Tell them, ‘I AM sent me to you’” Exodus 3:14. Any more questions?
Plug into the Triune Wonder—our power source.

We came from Him, and after salvation, we return to Him.

J.D. Griffith

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Heaven's Intrigue

HEAVEN’S INTRIGUE
Isaiah 64:4
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”

Now that we learned that God will give us whatever we ask for in the name of His Son, (see 2010 In Jesus’ Name devotion) how much more will we delight in His grand finale—Heaven?

How would you answer the following?

1. How would you react if you awoke one day to your favorite music, and it sounded better than you ever remember—more rich, resounding, and intricate (IN-tri-kit, meaning difficult, complex)?

2. What if you’d awaken to see the Pacific Ocean, expansively spectacular before you?

3. How would you react if one day you’d awaken without any guilt, shame, regret, sorrow, or “bad” feelings?

4. What if every breath you’d take breathed in God, as if His very essence saturated the air?

5. Would realizing that God loves you higher, deeper, and broader than any human could love another rock your soul? (Romans 8:39).

People use their human instincts to define a place that defies human logic when describing Heaven. Earth may sometimes be static and boring, but never make the mistake of imagining that Heaven could ever be described like that.

People have a built in quality—that I suspect God wired into everything in His creation—core certainty. Everything in Heaven will exceed our wildest imagination. Beyond expectations, astounding wonder, indescribable bliss—phrases that might describe your profound shock and delight. God guarantees your enchantment. Does that ring true in your core as being certain?

Static? Boring? No way!

Psalm 139:14-16, Jeremiah 1:5 says that every person was created purposefully to accomplish specific jobs. The work that you want to do will be your job—performed miraculously. Every deeply-seated yearning will be met. But the best thing is that we’ll be in the presence of the Father, and Jesus—face to face!

So, if you’re guaranteed never to be bored, and busy doing the very things that you were created to do, are you intrigued?

Is our God amazing, or what?

Take Home Nugget

Didn’t Jesus tell us that He was going to prepare a place for us, in John 14:2? “There is plenty of room for you in My Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on My way to get a room ready for you?” (The Message).

When can we come home, Jesus?

Holy Father, I’m ready.
This world is all wrong.
Hold me fast Jesus, keep me steady!
My heart bursts open singing a new song.

J.D. Griffith

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2010 In Jesus' Name

2010 IN JESUS’ NAME
John 14:9-14
V. 14: “You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”

Thank you, Jesus…Happy New Year 2010!

Holidays (Holy days) solemn and fun: Ramadan, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah finished before Christmas; Kwanzaa afterwards. All are history now. Holiday gifting finds people around the world gasping for financial oxygen.

We don’t need to go into debt for everything, for the Lord’s blessings never end. They’re free—renewed every morning—but please don’t take Jesus’ promise for granted.

The phrase “in Jesus’ name” isn’t some magical incantation, like “Open Sesame.” Using Jesus name at the end of each prayer does not automatically generate that person’s wishes. How many realize that some conditions must be realized before not saying, “in Jesus’ name” in vain?

Jesus said the above Scripture passage to His disciples near the end of His earthly ministry. He knew that they would soon feel deserted. After three years following Him from town to town, hearing His every word, witnessing miracles, conversing with Him, eating, and sleeping by His side, they hoped that His ministry would never end.

Jesus recognized that they would endure hard times after His ascension (as-SEN-shun, meaning to rise up to Heaven in the air). How would they survive without Him? He also understood that His death and resurrection would change the world forever. But Jesus had much to teach His disciples before His departure. He longed for them to feel secure, assuring them that He would never abandon them as orphans (John 14:18).

Can you sense Jesus’ urgency in wanting to impress on His disciples that despite being invisible, He’d remain close? They soon discovered how everything changed, after receiving the Holy Spirit that first Pentecost. Believers today know the many privileges that accompany faith. We’re justified, labeled righteous. This means that we can approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Furthermore, our kinship with Jesus gives us power to petition the Father, and expect an answer (1John 5:14-15).

Uttering the phrase “in Jesus’ name” considers the heart’s purity, and that petitions are aligned with God’s will. Asking for silly or selfish things is unwise. Do we habitually waste God’s grace?

Serious requests that come before God’s throne in Jesus’ name confirms our anticipation for answers. We acknowledge that He understands every situation, so we’re surrendering our desires to Him—to be denied, changed, or granted—as He sees fit.

Take Home Nugget

The phrase “in Jesus’ name” taps into eternal, supernatural power. Power that is the best gift anyone could ask for when beginning a new year.

In Jesus’ name=Thy will be done.

J.D. Griffith

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