Friday, September 29, 2017

On His Cue

ON HIS CUE

Matthew 6:33:  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

            In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His disciples how the universe functions.  People aren’t directors in Earth’s play that God is producing.  We’re the actors!

            Noah finished the ark according to God’s instructions.  (See the lesson linked below for ark details).  “All done!” Noah said, dusting off his hands on his coveralls.  “We’re ready for the rain, LORD!” 

            Opening the door, Noah called his family, “Shem, Ham, Japheth, bring your wives to enter the ark now.”  Noah ushered his wife into the ark.  “All the critters are on board.  All my family is on board.  Everything is ready.  Now we wait.”  He slammed the door shut.  Noah drummed his knuckles on the inside wood as today turned into tomorrow.

            “Okay, you can wait outside in the sunshine today,” Noah allowed.  His nervous family already felt cooped up.  Sunshine felt good.  Women brought a few more items to the ark.  “It will be so cool to see what “rain” is.  (Up to this time, the ground was watered with dew).  The floodwaters should begin any minute.  The first drop you see, return inside for safety.” 

            Waving to the curious spectators who gathered nearby, Noah’s family stuck to God’s blueprint.  “Anytime now, you’ll see whatever is “rain” falling from the sky,” Noah announced.  Each new day affected restless people inside.  Outside, observers snickered and mocked.

            “Hey Noah, can the kids come out and play?”

            Noah was 600 years old.  On the seventh day after the ark was finished, Genesis 7:10 says, “the floodwaters came on the earth.”  God didn’t release rain to fall on Noah’s say-so.  God made the rain fall on His cue!

            The best way for people to live comes directly from Jesus.  The opening Scripture that advises to seek first His kingdom means that we are God’s creation.  He created us for His purpose.  Our agenda [a-JEN-da] doesn’t count.  Whatever plans we make must follow His schedule, or they will fail.  Our roles play out God’s purpose.  We’re necessary.   

            Seeking God’s righteousness means to value our blood-bought forgiveness of sins as our most cherished possession.  When we choose to live life this way, everything else will flow.  God promises to provide clothes, food, drink, and every necessity people need to survive.  Not through our struggle. 

            On His cue.

Take Home Nugget 

            The harder people grasp for material things, the more in love with self and personal agendas they become.  Their grasping never lessons, yet they‘re never satisfied.    
       
Holy Father, may I honor Your agenda for me and value Jesus’ gift of forgiveness of sins as my most prized possession!  Amen.

Adapted from “Misplaced Priorities” by Pastor Mark Jeske.  www.TimeOfGrace.org.  June 21, 2017. 
J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Glorious Hope

GLORIOUS HOPE

Part six of six devotions in Resurrection Power series

Philippians 3:20-21:  “But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”

            What did Jesus’ disciples do after watching Him ascend to heaven? (Acts 1:10-11).  Their roller coaster got derailed from witnessing miracles and Jerusalem’s “Hosanna” applause when Jesus was arrested.  They clung to hope. 

            Then Jesus was tortured and nailed to a cross.

            Only Apostle John watched His beloved Jesus die.  Impulsive Peter felt Jesus’ piercing eyes—after having denied Him three time—wept alone.  Let’s remember that braggarts usually choke on their own words (Luke 22:55-62).  Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5).  Only God knows where the other nine apostles lurked.  But Jesus wasn’t alone when dying on that cross.  (Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:45, John 18:15-27, 19:1, 16-30).

            Jesus rose from the tomb after three days.  His disciples’ happiness filled the land with joyful celebration.  But after forty days, their celebration took on a new purpose:  Work.

            Mark 16:20 says, “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the 
LORD worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it.”

            That roller coaster that kept the disciples hopeful rumbles uphill today with Christians on board.  Our glorious hope comes from the angel in Acts who said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

            Our wait will end soon.  Jesus said in Revelation 22:12, “Behold, I am coming soon!  My reward is with Me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”

            The cool thing about resurrection power is that “just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. … We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. … For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:49, 51b, 52a, 53).  

            Check out the lesson linked below for a glimpse of Jesus’ glorious body.  Not only perfect in every way, but it could change form and do mysterious things!

Take Home Nugget  

            Our Father promises Jesus’ followers the power to live forever, too.  AND, the best part is that we don’t have to wait until we die to claim God’s resurrection power.  That begins the moment we place our faith in Jesus as Savior and LORD.

Resurrection power flows through God to me.  Hallelujah! 

Adapted from “Are you ready to experience the resurrection power every day?” by Lesli White.  www.beliefnet.com.  June 13, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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Friday, September 22, 2017

Jesus' Peace

JESUS’ PEACE

Part five of six devotions in Resurrection Power series

John 14:27:  “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”

            Guilt.
 
            Shame.

            Jesus’ resurrection power forgives sin. 

            No one needs to hang the head when remembering…or devil’s accusing…a sin already repented.  Those who believe in and accept Jesus’ dying for our forgiveness may claim His peace.

            The reason why Christians live frazzled lives is three fold:  1). they cannot forgive themselves, 2). they think their sin is unforgivable, or 3). they continue to sin. 
            Check it out: 

            God hears whoever confesses a known sin.  Confession doesn’t get lost among the zillion prayers lifted up to Papa.  Being infinite [IN-fin-it] (unlimited) means that God cares for and listens to each one of His kids.  He financed forgiveness of sins with His Son’s blood and death.

            Those who cannot forgive themselves must enjoy feeling guilty.

            But confession is not repentance.  Repentance means turning away from the sin.  Repentance means deciding NEVER to repeat that sin again.  Repentance requires Jesus’ resurrection power for Believers-in-Christ to conquer sin.
 
            There is only one sin that cannot be forgiven.  Jesus says in Mark 3:28-29: “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them.  But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.”  The conscience (or the devil) accusing someone that their sin can never be forgiven is wrong.  Today, no one could or ever would blaspheme, [blas-FEEM] means to curse the Holy Spirit.

            Believers who enjoy a right relationship with God ought to suffer when they knowingly sin.  Deliberate sin is like spitting on Papa.  How can any relationship be tight when one party spits on the other?  When someone feels uneasy with God, it’s time to pray.  We can ask God what’s preventing our rest in Jesus’ peace.  His Spirit will point out what needs attention. 

            Let’s overcome whatever is blocking a right relationship with the One who loves us unconditionally!  
                                                    
Take Home Nugget  

            The thing that most often stands in the way of people experiencing Jesus’ peace is…approaching God on His terms!  People resist yielding to God and living the way He commands.  After decades of living my way, I wondered why it took so long to forfeit my will to God’s.  I admit that Papa’s way of living is the best.

            Every day I pray for God to forgive my sins, as I forgive others who sin against me.  That’s true peace!

Abandon all sin ye who enter into a right relationship with our Father.  His peace breeds contentment, righteousness, and joy. 

Adapted from “Are you ready to experience the resurrection power every day?” by Lesli White.  www.beliefnet.com.  June 13, 2017.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Impossible Success

   
IMPOSSIBLE SUCCESS

Part four of six devotions in Resurrection Power series

Matthew 14:13-21

Matthew 14:15-17:  “As evening approached the disciples came to Him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.  Send the crowds away, so they can go into the village and buy themselves some food.’

“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat.’

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

            Jesus uses this moment to teach His disciples—and us—impossible (resurrection power) success.  The Father impresses us when we decide problems are impossible to solve.   The lesson linked below shows hidden truths as we learn more about impossible resurrection power success.

            John the Baptist had just been beheaded when Jesus rowed with His apostles to solitude in Bethsaida.  “Father, my heart is heavy.  Your servant John is at peace, with you in paradise.  While I long to be with you, empower Me to finish the work you gave Me to do.  Amen.”

            (Scripture doesn’t record Jesus’ prayer).  But when people recognized Jesus, they ran ahead to meet Him.  Moved with compassion, Jesus said, “So many sheep who need a shepherd!” 

            A boy packed five loaves of bread and two fish that day.  Jesus acknowledged His Father’s provision when He said, “Bring them to Me.”  After the crowd sat down, Jesus looked into heaven.  Presenting God the two fish and five loaves, He prayed, “Thank you Father, for this food!  May it strengthen and nourish us all.  I ask for your awesome power and provision today. Thank you.  Amen.”  Breaking the loaves, he shared the food amongst His disciples, instructing, “Feed the people.”

            When everyone was satisfied, Jesus directed His apostles, “Gather up the leftovers.”  They filled twelve baskets with leftover food—after having fed around five thousand men, women and children. 

            That’s impossible success!

            What math figures that miracle?  
                        
            Then Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25).

            !!! 

            Jesus promises in John 14:12-14, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do as I have been doing.  He will do even greater things then these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do anything you ask in My name, so that the Son will bring glory to the Father.”  
       
Take Home Nugget  

            The disciples were lost after Jesus died.  Does that sometimes describe you when you face impossible problems?  Jesus’ resurrection was only possible with God.  Jesus conquered death by His own death and resurrection!

            Believers can expect Papa to challenge our faith when we ask for Jesus’ resurrection power in our lives.  Trusting God yields greater lives than we can imagine!

Praise God for impossible success His kids receive with Jesus’ resurrection power! 

Adapted from “Are you ready to experience the resurrection power every day?” by Lesli White.  www.beliefnet.com.  June 13, 2017. 

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, September 15, 2017

Every Step Is Guarded

EVERY STEP IS GUARDED

Part three of six devotions in Resurrection Power series

Psalm 91:4, 11-12:  “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings will you find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

“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.”


            Christians are sojourners—travelers during lives spent on earth.  Everyone searches for the same things: meaning, purpose, value, and love.  Our heavenly Father created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), so He gets what makes us tick.  He installed the gear that drives us forward.
 
            Adam and Eve felt valued and loved as God’s first kids.  They understood their meaning and purpose.  Papa turned them loose to enjoy lives of ruling over both land and sea creatures.  When hungry, all they had to do was pick fruit from trees and bushes.  They were commanded to populate the earth.  Papa visited then daily in person; God spoke to His beloved kids after walking in the garden during the cool of each day.

            One day, they disobeyed God.  Embarrassed from nakedness, confused how to handle the situation and frightened what Papa would do, they hid.  God judged their disobedience.  He cursed the snake and the ground.  Then God slammed the garden closed to people.  (Genesis 1:28-29, 2:15-17, 3:6-8, 14, 17, 24). 

             From then on, people have rambled, drifting toward whatever tickles our senses.  Thankfully, believers-in-Christ know whose we are.  Although we claim our covenant inheritance from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we depend on Jesus’ resurrection power for victory.

            We often find ourselves in trouble that we can’t solve and want to hide.  Frequently we do the wrong thing and suffer ridicule or rejection.  Psalm 91 gives us a ticket to enter into a safe place.  Check out the lesson linked below where to find it and why it’s secure.

            Believers may fantasize that since we’re God’s beloved in Jesus, life ought to be smooth and easy.  That’s simply not true.  Often our trials are too much to bear.  Family members suffer.  Life is fierce and breaks our hearts.  But every one of our steps is guarded by resurrection power! 

            When we’ve had enough, maybe tomorrow will be better.

Take Home Nugget

            Jesus promises in Matthew 6:24, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

            Thanks a lot, Jesus.

            Buck up, child of God! We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds our future!   

Thank You, Papa, for guarding my every step.  Your resurrection power is personal love that keeps me steady.  Amen. 

Adapted from “Are you ready to experience the resurrection power every day?” by Lesli White.  www.beliefnet.com.  June 13, 2017. 

J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Basis For Victory

BASIS FOR VICTORY

Part two of six devotions in Resurrection Power series

1 Corinthians 15:19, 54-55: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’
‘Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?’”


            Jesus’ resurrection changed everything!  Jesus’ death was real (Matthew 27:50).  The devil began dancing, celebrating three days what he thought was his victory.  Then there was an earthquake.  Mary Magdalene was the first one on earth to hear about Jesus’ resurrection and see Him personally (Matthew 28:2-9).

            The devil stopped dancing.  1 John 3:8b says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”  The devil IS defeated.  John 14:30 shows Jesus’ words, “I will not speak to you much longer, for the prince of this world [the devil] is coming.  He has no hold on Me.”

            Apostle Paul says in the first Scripture reading, “if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are to be pitied.”  Believers’ hope stretches beyond this earth and grasps victory in heaven (Matthew 25:31-34).  Believers can stand firm.  Christ died for our sins.  He was buried.  Then He rose back to life on the third day. 

            See the lesson linked below to learn how Believers will also live again.  Jesus’ resurrection power is the basis for our hope of victory, too.

            This hope is real.  We can stare down death and smile.  We know that Jesus’ resurrection power will break us out of the prison of death.  And…we can share this hope for victory with others…because we believe and trust Jesus’ resurrection power.  The good news of the Gospel carries resurrection power.  The good news of the Gospel brings eternal value to people everywhere. 

            Our faith is useless without resurrection power.   Resurrection power is the foundation, the basis, the very source for our hope of victory from death.  Because Jesus is alive today at the Father’s right hand, that hope is secure.             (Ephesians 1:20).

Take Home Nugget

            Reread the beginning Scripture and imagine what if…what if Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead?  Without the resurrection, Christian faith would be stupid.    Without the resurrection, there wouldn’t be a gospel message.  Without the resurrection, we’d never be saved for eternal life.

            Without the resurrection, we’d have no hope for the future.  This life would be all there is. 
 
            Praise God for resurrection power!

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

Adapted from “Are you ready to experience the resurrection power every day?” by Lesli White.  www.beliefnet.com.  June 13, 2017. 

J.D. Griffith

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