Dispelling Myths

DISPELLING MYTHS 

Part three of fifteen devotions in Heaven Enchantment Series 

John 8:44 

John 8:44:  “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire.  He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

 

If heaven is so enchanting, why don’t we know more about it?  The devil actively tries keeping heaven a secret.  He used to be a beautiful and powerful angel when he lived in heaven, you know.  Then he became too proud to bow down and worship God.

            “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!  You have been cast down to earth, you who once laid low the nations!  You said in your heart, …‘I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’”  (Isaiah 14:12-13a, 14 is often used to compare the King of Babylon to Satan's fall).

            The devil is like a spoiled kid who may not have his way.  He’s been throwing temper tantrums ever since he was tossed out where God’s kids get to live.  “No!!!” we hear him protest.   His purpose is to cheat believers from getting to, or even wanting to spend eternity in the paradise of heaven!

 

            My question is, “Why don’t seminaries teach what the Bible reveals about heaven?  Why don’t believers hear sermons about heaven?”  The Bible mixes in plenty of enchanting passages that teach the truth.  Apostle Paul struggled whether he’d prefer to live or die in Philippians 1:23-24:  “I am torn between the two:  I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”

            He certainly imagined heaven to be paradise with Jesus.  Jesus’ disciples recognized Him immediately after His resurrection.  They watched His resurrected body eat and walk around.  Thomas put his finger where the nails made holes in His hand, and touched the scar in His side (John 20:27). 

                       

            This is #3 of this series’ twelve devotions.  Readers already learned how to follow Jesus to heaven and understand their resurrection destiny.  Are you getting eager to see for yourself how enchanting heaven is?

Take Home Nugget

            People will have real, glorified bodies in heaven—not float around as disembodied spirits strumming harps on clouds!  Resurrected bodies will be perfectly healthy and strong.  We’ll live on a physical earth that will be made new…see lesson, linked below.  We’ll enjoy the same things that will continue to delight us.  We’ll live in cities in nations.  Jerusalem will be the capital.             

Read Revelation 21-22 because the devil hates your learning the truth about heaven.

J.D. Griffith

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Resurrection Destiny

RESURRECTION DESTINY 

Part two of fifteen devotions in Heaven Enchantment Series

1 Corinthians 15:1-22 

1 Corinthians 15:16-17, 19-20:  “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. …If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” !!! (Emphasis mine.)

 

            Destiny [DES-tin-ee] means purpose, one’s fate, one’s future.  Jesus was born for the purpose to die as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”  (John 1:29).  As the “Alpha and Omega,” the beginning and the end, Jesus agreed to this plan BEFORE the creation of the world.  (Revelation 1:8).

            Nothing surprised Jesus.  “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”  (Philippians 2:6-8).

 

            It’s no wonder that Jesus was “different” from other people! 

 

            By age twelve, He understood that His Father was God in heaven.  So, He remained in Jerusalem after the Passover Feast to talk with teachers in the temple.  Mary was frantic searching for Jesus, “Oh no!  I lost God’s Son!”  Was this when Mary figured out that Jesus knew His destiny? (Luke 2:41-49). 

            Jesus’ Spirit recognized that His destiny was death on a cross.    BUT, He also grasped that His destiny was being resurrected from the dead.  Those two bookends supported every word Jesus uttered.  He must have enjoyed showing off the Father’s person and power.  The miracles, how cool! 

            Jesus obeyed the Father, fulfilling the law and every prophesy written about Him in the Bible (Matthew 5:17, Mark 14:49).  But no person with whom Jesus interacted knew that His life was an “open book” (the Bible.)

            People can’t use that excuse today.  Believers learn Biblical instruction how we are to think, talk and act.   And yet, is anyone righteous apart from Jesus? 

            Aren’t we glad that we worship a God who’s different from everyone else? 

            Because Jesus had resurrection destiny, His believers do, too.      

Take Home Nugget              

            What’s your purpose in life?  Dying to self, carrying our cross following Jesus and resurrection are believers’ destiny.    Holding firmly to that allows us to live in freedom and power.  Praise God!

            Will people have bodies in the resurrection?  What kind of bodies?  See lesson linked below to learn more.

Any life purpose other than living God’s will is idolatry.

J.D. Griffith

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Date at the Cross

DATE AT THE CROSS 

Part one of fifteen devotions in Heaven Enchantment Series

1 Corinthians 15:1-22  

1 Corinthians 15:1-2:  “Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.  Otherwise, you have believed in vain. ”

 

            Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30).  He:  1) Lived a sinless life, 2) Permitted his betrayal and arrest, 3) Suffered floggings and ridicule, 4) Allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross, 5) Died as the only perfect sacrifice. Jesus knew that He’d 6) Rise to life and 7) Ascend to heaven. 

            Now that Jesus’ work is finished, believers work starts with a date at the cross.  The sinful nature needs to die so that believers can live victoriously in the newness of life. (Romans 6:4).

            Where to start?  Jesus directs in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” 

          

            Believing in Jesus removes the penalty of death for sin—but not its power.  Serious believers will choose to use God’s gift of free will to surrender their will to God…because…Jesus fell to the ground, sweating drops of blood for us, dreading separation from the Father on the cross.  Appealing to the Father to “remove the cup from Him”…Jesus confessed, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42-44).

            We too, must deny self.

            “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Jesus adds.  Apostle Paul’s cross (thorn in his flesh, from 2 Corinthians 12:7, was probably pride).  Your “cross” could be selfishness, being a servant, even unforgiven sin.  Unforgiven sin is dangerous, and tricky.

            Sin must be confessed, then repented (turning away).  Hidden sins will be uncovered (Hebrews 4:13).  The tricky part is to forgive everyone who sinned against you.  Every offence, every slight.  Because God will not forgive sin of whomever hasn’t forgiven another’s sin (Matthew 6:14-15).  

            This date at the cross makes a difference in your eternity.  Please read on, even complete the lesson that’s linked below. 

Take Home Nugget          

             Jesus says in John 3:5a and 7b:  “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God… unless he is born again.”

            After accepting Jesus as Savior, one’s baptism means dying to sin and rising as a “new creation.”  Sin loses all power over believers, who become the righteousness of God through Christ.  (2 Corinthians 5:15-17, 21).

            1 John 5:1a and 13b assures, “Everyone who believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God…so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

             

A date at the cross removes sin’s power over believers.

J.D. Griffith

 

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Professor-Possessor

PROFESSOR - POSSESSOR 

Psalm 31

Psalm 31:6:  “I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord.”

 

            Marcus is an Afro-American sophomore studying chemistry at North Carolina State University.  He spends summers doing odd jobs in the laboratory, for which he gets minimum-wage pay that offsets his tuition.  Dr. Gutmann, his German professor, interrupted Marcus one Friday.

            “Check this out, Marcus.” Dr. Gutmann said.  He held out a stone for Marcus to examine. 

            “Oh, it’s very light!” Marcus commented, inspecting it further.  “What are the white flecks?”

            Dr. Gutmann instructed, “This is a moon rock, Marcus!”  He powered up his X-Ray machine.  While it warmed up, he asked Marcus what he was doing.

            “I’m preparing titrants to measure the percentage of acids and bases in your ‘surprise mixtures’ for the incoming freshman.” Marcus answered. 

 

             “Excellent, Marcus!” Dr. Gutmann said, pleased.  He placed the rock on a tray inside the machine.  “I’d like to see of what this rock is made up, too!”  After running several tests, he sighed.  “You’ll never believe this, Marcus.  The rock’s contents are not on the periodic table!” 

            Marcus reminded his professor that the rock is not from earth. 

            “Yeah, right.  But I create new compounds!  I am god in a chemistry lab!”

 

            Dr. Gutmann is not a believer.  Marcus is.  And what Dr. Gutmann just said blew Marcus’ mind.

             Although Marcus likes his professor—and is learning a lot—he realized that his mentor is not his hero.  For the first time, Marcus grasped that his “professor” does not do what Marcus has done always done:  ‘profess’ belief in God.  Marcus recognized one difference because he believes what he ‘professes,’ that God is the creator of heaven and earth. 

            BUT Marcus also ‘possesses’ God.  God’s Spirit lives in Marcus—Who allows him possession of all God’s benefits.  Marcus prays to and depends on God’s leading him every day.  Marcus “talks to Jesus” all the time.  

            Jesus knows Marcus because they have a relationship.

            Whenever Marcus is down, he smiles remembering his friendship with Jesus.  He recalls many promises from the Bible that God delivered to him.  Marcus is confident that God hears and answers prayers.  He’s seen God’s power in his life resolving issues that Marcus felt helpless to even try tackling!

            Marcus is tight with God because he surrendered himself into God’s hands.  This assures him victory.  (See lesson linked below).

Take Home Nugget

            People say things that blow believer’s minds when we’re determined to trust only in God.  Wrong beliefs will be obvious.  Like Marcus, we can rise up after being down because a relationship with God is not only what we profess, but also what we possess!

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

 

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer! 

 

2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer. 

 

3.  Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

4.  Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.”  Charles C. Converse 1868

 

J.D. Griffith

 

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Mud Valley

MUD VALLEY

1 Peter 4:12-19 

1 Peter 4:12, 17: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. …For it is time for judgment to begin for the family of God; and it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

 

            People understand how quickly life can plummet from mountaintop joy to valley despair.  Peter wanted to remain on the mountaintop after Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9.

            “I will put up three shelters!” Peter eagerly promised.  Jesus, Moses and Elijah were deep in discussion.  Even the Father showed up in verse five:  “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.  Listen to Him!” 

            Jesus—being fully human—understands the desire to linger in mountaintop moments.  He needed encouragement from faith giants before facing His trials ahead.

            We regretfully descend from our mountaintops.  Emotional highs prepare us for the valley, (Monday blahs).  We’re refreshed, but not usually eager to return to everyday life.  Those memories recall cherished events anytime we choose.

            Our heavenly Father doesn’t want His kids to get stuck in emotional highs.  There remains much work for believers—our purpose.  There are issues ahead where God measures our growth in Christlikeness.

            It’s believers’ job to show Jesus on the world stage.  But God also pays attention.  How we act among people—in school, at the pool, in church, at work, playing baseball, at bars are all under His microscope.  God hears every joke we tell.  He accompanies us everywhere we even hate to admit going.  It’s dusty and dirty where we romp and roam. 

             Careless words carry much regret.  Our tears of shame mingle with the dust of life that fall into the valleys below.  These mud valleys can get people stuck.  Peter knows this well.

            How do unbelievers handle trials?    

Take Home Nugget

               One week before Jesus’ transformation, Peter was in the dog house.  After Jesus explained to His disciples that He was going to suffer, die, then return back to life on the third day, Peter blurted out, “Never, Lord!  This shall never happen to You!”  

            “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan!’”  Jesus must have known Peter’s hurt feelings, so He explained, “You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men!”  (Matthew 16:21-23). 

Jesus needed encouragement to face His trials ahead.

Did Peter finally understood Jesus’ purpose—sacrificed to die as payment for human sin?

            Peter shares good advice in the lesson linked below.

God doesn’t want His kids to get stuck anywhere, not in the mountaintops nor in mud valleys below.

 

J.D. Griffith

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God Bless You!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Genesis 12:1-4 

Genesis 12:2-3: “I will make you 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.”

 

            Ten year old Jeremy sneezed.  What blew out from his mouth would have landed ten feet away.  But he caught that spit missile fueled by his breath in the crook of his elbow.  If he had been sick with a cold and didn’t catch his sneeze, wherever those germs landed would have lived for three days—infecting whoever touched “germed” surfaces.

            If his hand had captured that sneeze, whatever he touched would have spread his cold germs for three days.  That’s why we’re advised to wash our hands frequently—especially during flu season.

            No wonder people say, “God bless you,” when someone sneezes.  But this phrase should never be said automatically.  Those three words carry a wallop!

            How many ways do you count God promised that He’d bless Abram in the opening Scripture?  When the Lord promises to bless, He means that He will intervene powerfully and obviously in someone’s life.   

            We wonder, what blessings?  They might include insight, honor, security…an infinite number of possibilities!  God only demands two conditions be met to receive His blessings:  faith and obedience.

            Abram proved both to be true in his life.  God desires to bless every life abundantly.  But few meet His two demands.  Do you trust God in every situation?  Have you obeyed every command?

             Believers have work to do.  We’re blessed every day—regardless of whether we recognize them or not.  And blessings are meant to be passed on.  Passing on blessings is how believers do the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).  Apostle Paul is a great example.

            Paul’s good works continue to bless Christians today.  Obeying Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” in Matthew 28:19-20, he preached the gospel of Christ all around the world.  His letters (epistles [e-PISS-ls]) to the people he ministered represent thirteen books in the Bible’s New Testament!

              Has God blessed you through Paul?  How can you pass on God’s blessings to others?  

Take Home Nugget

            Whatever blessings believers pass on to others also smell great!  Apostle Paul made good friends in the churches he founded.  These people looked after Paul’s welfare, and he appreciated their help very much. 

            Paul wrote a “thank you” in Philippians 4:16-17, 18b:  “for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent to me again and again when I was in need.  Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. …They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

            The Philippians must have delighted in receiving this thank you letter from Paul.  Just like people today appreciate help from others, we pray that their gifts be “credited to their account” in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

            So…we bless others when God blesses us, and are doubly blessed with fragrant offerings, acceptable sacrifices offered up to please God?  Now that’s cool! 

            “God bless you, son!” Jeremy’s dad said, meaning every word. 

Good works blessings “fragrant offerings” have no carbon footprint! 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

J.D. Griffith

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Confident!

CONFIDENT! 

Seventh of seven devotions in World Stage Series 

Philippians 4:4-13

 Philippians 4:6-7:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

            Believers are people who trust and believe in God and His Son Jesus.  Faith explains believers’ confidence.  But the world doesn’t get it.  Confidence only comes from faith certainty.  Security rests in God. 

            Believers dare to believe God’s Word. 

            Believers acknowledge God’s presence in their lives.  They “see” His provision when meeting every need to achieve His purpose.  His strength empowers them to accomplish the seemingly impossible. 

            Simply put, God blows believers’ minds!

            Believers bow to God’s sovereign credentials.  Believers know that human creds can NEVER measure up.  Believers admit not deserving: God’s love, forgiveness, salvation, sanctification, grace or peace.

            Those who mix it up by trusting God AND relying on self, get mixed results.  They can never be confident.  Self-reliance is “iffy.”  They hesitate and waver when making decisions.  God’s Spirit isn’t extra baggage; He is the trump card that the world can’t see.  (See lesson, linked below).

            It’s people who introduce extra baggage to situations.  I can help.  I do it this way.  These thoughts interfere with God’s work.  Humans are pesky know-it-alls.  (We usually know nothing!)   After we pray asking for God’s help (divine intervention), we need to get out of God’s way. 

            We need to move out of the driver’s seat!

            God is never wrong.  His path is always secure.  His promises never fail.  God never deserts His kids.  Believers who depend on God to equip, strengthen and guide them are victorious, totally (sometimes irritatingly) confident.  

            Believers remain at peace even in the middle of chaos.  They’re confident that God works everything out for their good (Romans 8:28).  Believers live by faith, led by God’s Spirit—something opposite to human instinct! 

            Believers grow spiritually more like Christ every day.  Believers grow more confident every day. 

                                          

Take Home Nugget

            This devotion celebrates Apostle Paul.  His Jewish credentials made him confident, proudly persecuting Jesus’ followers.  Acts 9:1-8 shows Jesus calling Paul out.  Paul was shamed, humiliated.  Falling face first on the ground, he couldn’t see when Jesus commanded him to rise.  (For Paul was “blind” all his life).

            How mortifying for a once-proud Pharisee to be led around by his hand!

            His conversion into a believer was swift.  He now considered his creds garbage—compared to knowing Christ.  He became empowered by God’s Spirit to preach Christ crucified and Him risen from the dead.   

            Paul was never more bold.  He was never more confident.     

 Faith certainty is bold.  Believer’s hidden trump card makes them confident.

 J.D. Griffith

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J.D. Griffith