Friday, February 25, 2011

Passionate Zeal

PASSIONATE ZEAL
Romans 6:5-14
The Message vv. 2-5: [This happens in baptism] “When we go under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came out of the water, we entered into a new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going into our new grace-sovereign country.”

Our heavenly Father wants His kids to focus passionately on His plan (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is the motive for whoever’s a member of Jesus’ Universal Church (see Universal Church of Individuals devotion).

Regardless of whether a baby, child, or adult is baptized by the sprinkling of water, or total immersion, baptism is new life. The opening Scripture defines and explains what baptism means: Dead to sin, alive in Christ! This is reinforced at salvation—when believers accept Jesus as Savior—and are born again (John 3:7).

Apostle Paul planted a seed for us in Committed Zeal devotion. His life-changing conversion fueled passionate zeal because he was: Grateful for the amazing undeserved gift of salvation, Positive that the Gospel message is true, and that on the Cross, sin was utterly defeated.

Before salvation we are all slaves to sin, unable to break free. Being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection, gives us power to reject sin. Paul understood this better than anyone. He never forgot how he enthusiastically brought believers to Jerusalem, cheering their death for believing in Jesus. After his conversion, sin lost all power over him. Jesus’ love fueled passionate zeal for Paul to live for Christ, spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world (Galatians 2:20).

Like Paul, we’re called to live a crucified life, one that’s passionate for Christ. Our zeal can be seen in our thinking, attitudes, and actions by making Jesus 1st in our lives. We embrace living by faith, standing firm against temptation.

Paul’s passionate zeal propelled him forward, even through times of great adversity (ad-VERS-i-tee means hardship, misfortune). He knew that salvation labeled him blameless before the Father. This badge of courage allowed Paul to complete his task, and cross his finish line in victory (Acts 20:24).

Does Paul inspire you to live your life with passionate zeal for King Jesus?
Take Home Nugget

While we’re unable to say “No” to temptations on our own strength, our indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us for godly living.

Victorious living in Christ blazes God’s grace brightest.
J.D. Griffith
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Committed Zeal

COMMITTED ZEAL
Acts 9:1-18
The Message vv. 1-5: “All this time [after Jesus’ ascension, and Holy Spirit arrived to the disciples who were going out to the world], Saul [who was later renamed Paul] was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to The Way [what the first Christian faith was called], whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.

“He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you out to get Me?’

“He said, ‘Who are You, Master?’

“‘I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.’”

Pretty convincing, isn’t it? Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus changed his life forever. Today, people may say that God speaks to them, but we don’t imagine that their experience is as dramatic as when Jesus blew Paul’s mind. Even Paul’s travelling companions were speechless (verse 7). Paul’s commitment exploded with zeal (ZEEL means eager enthusiasm)—grateful for Jesus’ grace—a second chance for his salvation.

Jesus became the central motivating force in Paul’s life (see Christocentric devotion). Regardless of whether he was bound with chains in prison, preaching to a crowd, or repairing a tent—Paul never stopped talking about Jesus—as his having authored many New Testament books prove. One visit from the resurrected Christ consumed Paul, positive that the Gospel message is the only thing that matters in life.

Paul’s right.

On the cross, Jesus shouldered all our sins—past, present and future (1Peter 2:24). He suffered beatings, whippings, and separation from the Father so that His death would buy our forgiveness. Our salvation brings us to the very throne of the Father, Who sees us as blameless, holy, and welcomes us as His kids. By faith in Jesus—we’re born again—and the indwelling Holy Spirit equips, teaches, and strengthens us every day of our lives.

This demonstrates Jesus’ committed zeal for us!
Take Home Nugget

Won’t you offer Jesus your committed zeal? What awesome power we’d have as one body in Christ—if every believer were committed with zeal! (See Universal Church of Individuals and Explaining One Body devotions). The more we learn about Jesus, the more intense our faith and zeal.

Awesome Savior, keep me humble,
Fill me with committed zeal.
Pick me up whenever I stumble,
Proclaiming the Gospel as the real deal.

J.D. Griffith
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 18, 2011

Explaining One Body

EXPLAINING ONE BODY
Isaiah 61:1-2
The Message: “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of His grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn.”

Bobby challenged Greg and Timmy to a roller-skating race. (See Universal Church of Individuals devotion). Sitting down for an ice-cream break, fourth-grader, Bobby had a question.

“What did you mean about our being one body, Timmy?”

“I was looking for a common link, so that we could have fun—despite our differences” Timmy said.

“What differences?

“Well, Jehovah’s Witness believers think differently from Methodists, or Episcopalians, for example.” Timmy explained.

“How so?”

“How we worship God is one difference…But that you embrace Jesus makes us one body in Christ.”

Timmy’s correct. As we learned in Universal Church of Individuals devotion, all believers of Christ around the world form one body. 1Corinthians 10:17 says, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (This concerns Holy Communion. The bread, or loaf, and the wine, or grape juice represent Jesus’ body and blood, in verse 16). Jesus is the head of our one body. He’s the glue that holds the Universal Church together, as Master of believers’ lives.

At salvation, (after trusting Jesus as Savior), we’re made one with Him. Regardless of individual church memberships, believers are linked together as living, breathing, active parts of Christ in His Universal Church. Followers of Jesus perform His work on earth as different parts of His body. His Gospel message is carried by our tongues, feet, and writing hands. (Internet carries it far and wide). As His arms, we uphold the weak, caring for those in need. His love is spread through our hearts.

The Universal Church body members are linked and united by our common mission through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel cannot be spread except through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ, the head.

I embrace you, reader, as another member of our body in Christ.

Take Home Nugget


The Universal Church’s body cannot expect an easy existence, however. Representing Jesus to a world which rejects Him isn’t easy. We expect ridicule and sacrifice because sin and accountability aren’t popular messages. If they were popular, our work would already be done…and Christ would be reigning on earth!

Finishing up their ice-cream, Bobby smiled at his new third-grade friends. “I didn’t realize the fun and friendship I could have with younger kids!”
Yes, our work is just beginning.

Embracing Christ is informational AND transformational.

J.D. Griffith
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Universal Church of Individuals

UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF INDIVIDUALS
Ephesians 1:18-23
Vv. 22-23: “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him [Jesus] to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills everything in every way.”

Saturday: Sunday School Roundup

“Heah watch out!” Greg yelled. Then he ran into Bobby, knocking him to the floor. Circling around, he stopped skating to help Bobby to his feet. “Are you alright, Bobby?”

“Yeah, I’m cool. Sorry for blocking your way, Greg. This is my first time roller skating” Bobby admitted, red-faced.

“You guys really want to stand around talking on the rink’s track? Timmy yelled, slowing to a stop. “What’s wrong?”

“I ran into Bobby” Greg said. “He’s just getting his skating legs back.”

Off the rink’s track, away from the skaters’ whizz, Greg asked Bobby, “What church do you go to?”

“I attend the Kingdom Hall” Bobby said. “We don't do Sunday School, but I see one kid here who’s from Kingdom Hall.”

“No matter” Timmy said. “We’re all part of one body.” (1Corinthians 10:16-17).

Timmy’s right. All believers make up one body. Jesus sets His church apart from the world, because of our relationship with Him. Regardless of people’s religious denominations, individual believers in Jesus Christ make up His Universal Church. This Sunday School Roundup was designed to promote kids meeting each other from the various local churches.

But what’s the deal with Jesus’ Universal Church?

The three-part message of Christ’s Universal Church is simple. 1) Man is sinful and cannot save himself. 2) Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for man’s sin. He was buried, rose to life, and ascended to heaven, where He sits at the Father’s right hand. 3) One day, everyone will stand before God to give account of his or her life. Believers will take responsibility for what they did, (whether good or bad), with the truth they knew. Unbelievers will answer for every day they rejected Jesus as Lord.

Matthew 28:19 is known as the Great Commission, and should be every believer’s personal mission. (“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”) Jesus’ assignment to every one of His followers is accomplished by living examples, and sharing our experiences with God.

This body of believers’ motive is to exalt (ex-ALT means to praise, cheer, applaud) the Lord Jesus Christ, bringing glory to God the Father.


Take Home Nugget


Church is not where believers hide from the world. We’re to go out and live openly in our faith. Regardless of how the world reacts to us, we stand united, as one body.

The signature of God is seen in His kids.
J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Universal Church Of Individuals
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 11, 2011

Jesus on Facebook

JESUS ON FACEBOOK
John 15:9-17
V. 16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My Name.”

Facebook.com was originally launched in 2004 as a social network Web site for college students to remain connected with each other. Today, with over 400 million users, people of all ages can post their picture for the world’s casual viewers to see, for free. But home pages, complete with details and personal information, are viewed by invitation only.

Do you see Valentine’s messages posted around this time of the year? Many people jump from just being friends to love quickly, (some only for romantic reasons). But Jesus begins with love initially, and permanently. He considers us friends on condition (John 15:14). Check out Jesus’ friends in the Bible (John 15). Can you see yourself there? His invitation is posted for you to accept Him as friend in John 15:13-15. His command to us, as His disciples, is to love one another (John 15:17).

Unselfishness, like-minded purpose, and confident trust characterize true friendship. This is especially true in relationship with Jesus! He’s been pro-active in coming more than halfway to be friends with His kids. By His death, He purchased forgiveness of sins and life everlasting for anyone who accepts His gift. Now He’s waiting for you to accept Him as your friend, too.

Trusting Him as Lord begins building a relationship with Jesus, and we grow more like Him every day. Others may like us better, because we don’t pick fights. We stop cursing. We tend to put others ahead of ourselves. After a little while, you may wonder, Who is this person? remembering how you used to act.

Yes, choosing Jesus as your friend, changes everything.
But, aren’t you a tiny bit pleased to read confirmation in the Bible that Jesus thinks of you as His friend? Who’re your friends on your Facebook home page?

Take Home Nugget


As a plus, Jesus’ invitation to be His friend comes with a guarantee: see opening Scripture. People tend to tack on, “in Jesus’ Name” to the end of every request, when they pray to our Father. Do they realize that praying to the Father in Jesus’ Name means that they are also praying that His will be done? For sure, the Father will not give His kids anything that’s not in His will to do so. We trust in Him, assured that He always knows what’s best.

Friends are those who bear
Other’s lives, as burdens of care.
Befriended souls are those that show
The Spirit of Jesus ,where ‘ere we go.
J.D. Griffith
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

My Utmost For His Highest

MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

By Oswald Chambers 7/24/1874-11/15/1917

Ephesians 2:1-10
V. 10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Oswald Chambers’ influence lives on, long after his death. God uses his book to speak to people’s hearts, pointing out errant ways, even today. His book is still relevant (REL-e-vant means important) because he elevated things of eternal value to a higher priority (pri-OR-i-tee means main concern) than worldly issues.

Unfortunately, many people choose an existence with no eternal significance. Just as we learned in a previous devotion, Anchored-Living: Hope, many people chase after worldly fame and fortune. Pleasing oneself by making as much money as possible stores up riches here on earth. But this is the opposite of what believers are taught to do. Matthew 6:19 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

Hold on to your seat, kids. As weird as this sounds, meaningful living is all about making ourselves available to God, to use us in any way He sees fit. Folks like Oswald Chambers, cast foot-prints in cement here on earth—that extend way past their spheres of influence—by passionately serving the Lord. Seeking ways to express our love and devotion to Him is how we sow our influence beyond our tiny space on earth.

Remember, believers have a dual citizenship, both here on Earth and up in Heaven. (See Parallel Citizenship devotion). “Servant of Almighty God” is part of our identity. Did you take previous devotions, Joint Venture, Higher Reality, and Belief & Action seriously? Are you ready to follow Jesus for the long haul?
If you’re determined, God will assign tasks to you that have eternal value, of heavenly significance for His kingdom. Your inheritance, stored in heaven for you, will never perish, spoil, or fade (1Peter 1:4).

Question: How can we sow broad influence, just as Oswald Chambers did? Answer: By being sensitive to others, especially for those in need—we offer help—even if it’s just listening. When we share our faith, especially to those who hurt, Jesus guides them to love and healing. Regardless of where we are, and what we’re involved with, we can tell others what God’s doing in our lives.

Take Home Nugget


God’s calling you to serve right where you are. Jesus gave us jobs as teachers and evangelists in Matthew 28:19. Yes, His Great Commission is targeted for you and me!

Lord, use us as instruments
Of truth, love, peace, and care.
May we sow encouragement, inspiration,
And love to all with whom we share.
J.D. Griffith


Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for My Utmost For His Highest
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)