Follow

FOLLOW
John 14:1-6
V.6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

The word follow literally means, to be found in the way. Jesus’ audience, in ancient Rome, would have understood clearly what He was talking about. Rome was famous for its roads, which criss-crossed the empire. These wide, heavily-traveled highways are what the people would have pictured that Jesus meant when He referred to Himself as “the way”. For sure, Jesus is the way to the Father, and certainly the way to Heaven—but there is so much more.

Cutting through the underbrush in the jungle of our lives, we can successfully navigate to victory with Jesus as our trail-guide. Just like the state clears the landscape to lay down concrete for our interstates, Jesus plows the road to show us the way to righteous living.

The world honors people who love their friends, and hate their enemies. Jesus shows us how to love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44). We naturally judge and criticize others, but Jesus tells us to clean up our own lives before pointing out another’s flaws. (Matthew 7:3-4). While our instincts selfishly cause us to hoard our wealth, Jesus instructs us to give generously. (Luke 12:13-14).

These paradoxical tendencies are only re-engineered into righteousness by Master Jesus. He’s calling us to leave the old ways that are paths to destruction, and follow Him. He’d love it if we were all in the way, tripping Him on the path of righteousness. Then He’d be smiling ear-to-ear, assured that we were on the right path.

Does your dog trip you when you walk him or her, criss-crossing your path? Is your dog trying to lead by following, or follow by leading? Notice that (s)he constantly looks at your face. You both eventually end up in the right place, don’t you?

Take Home Nugget

We can choose to continue walking on the familiar path—but this path ultimately ends in our destruction. Or, we can choose to follow Jesus and be “in the way” with the One Who IS the Way!

We really don’t have to know where we’re heading or even see the way if we’re following the One Who IS the Way.

J.D. Griffith

As people of the Lord we’re called
To follow in His way;
And though the world won’t understand,
They’ll see Him on display.

Sper

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New Life

NEW LIFE
Romans 6:3-11
V. 4: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have a new life.”

Jesse and Trevor’s “joke” of stealing Cassie’s bathing suit top had mind-numbing consequences. Their mischief thoroughly humiliated Cassie, and got Trevor and Jesse suspended from the public pool for three weeks. Most of their fifth grade classmates witnessed what some considered a funny practical joke. Guys high-fived each other, while the girls were appalled. But Cassie was teary-eyed and red-faced.

By the time Jesse’s Dad picked him up at the pool, Jesse’s thrill turned into his own embarrassment. He wanted to hide…or crawl in a hole and die. “Other kids were being really bad, too, Dad.” Jesse argued in his own defense. “Brian stole licorice sticks from the concession. Andy scared girls about rats being in their locker room, and Cassie was, well, she was just showing off.”

“If you’re disgraced now, Jesse, how do you think Cassie felt?” his Dad challenged. “Did she deserve the humiliation you put her through?”

“I realize that now, Dad…I just want to slink away and find a new life.”

“Well, you’re in luck, Son. You can start over, right now, today. The Holy Spirit specializes in new life. You believe that Jesus is God’s Son, and died for you, don’t you?”

Jesse nodded his head and gulped, diverting his eyes by looking outside the car window.

“New life begins when you choose to accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sins…which includes salvation. He does not condemn you; He sets you free to live a life for Him.” Jesse’s Dad paused, looking at his Son. “Your sinful nature didn’t disappear at salvation, Jess. We need to repent of our sins and refuse to give sin power over our lives. Every day!”

Jesse silently studied his folded hands resting on his legs. Before arriving home, he patted his Dad’s arm and whispered, “Thanks, Dad. I will repent to God, and apologize to Cassie, tomorrow."

"Will I be grounded?" he asked aloud.

Take Home Nugget

By committing our will to the Spirit’s authority every day, He will lead us and eliminate sinful thoughts, actions, and habits that mess up our lives. He has the power of almighty God, Who raised Jesus from the dead. So, He can lift you out of any situation in which you’re buried.

J.D. Griffith

Sin’s lure may look like freedom
But in its grip we’re bound;
It’s when we’re bound to Jesus
Real freedom will be found.

D. De Haan

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Things God Hates

THINGS GOD HATES
Proverbs 6:16-19
V. 16: “There are six things that God hates, seven that are detestable to Him.”

The crowded swimming pool swarmed with kids. Many from the fifth and sixth
grade classes were laughing and playing, teasingly carefree. No one expected stormy
clouds to darken their delight.

Jason snapped Brenda’s bathing suit top’s strap. “Ouch!” cried Brenda,
splashing his face.

Cassie sucked a pop cycle as she strolled around the pool, careful not to fall into
the water. Jesse watched Cassie, licking his lips. He said to Trevor, who was
kicking water behind a surf board, “Cassie’s so hot! I just want to grab her and hold
her under water.”

Trevor grinned and nodded his head. “Want to?”

The lifeguard blew her whistle. “Everybody out!” she commanded.
“Pool check.”

Missy ran up to Cassie, “I just love your new bikini!” she said, beaming.

“I can’t get it wet, because I’m afraid that it’ll shrink. Besides, I want to work on
my tan.” Cassie said, shaking her hips.

“I hear that there’s a rat in the girl’s locker room” Andy lied to Tiffany.

“Eeek!” she shrieked. “That’s not even funny, Andy!”

Brian ran up to the group with a handful of different licorice sticks. “Have one,”
He offered, holding them out. “There’re free—at least when you can sneak them out of
The concession stand without anyone seeing.”

“Everyone, back in the pool” the lifeguard said through her bullhorn.

Trevor and Jesse linked hands and surrounded Cassie, forcing her into the
water.

“No! I ca-a-a-n’t” Cassie’s voice trailed off as she sank beneath the water’s
surface. Cassie’s water thrashing attracted the lifeguard’s attention. Standing
up on the platform she dove into the water, swimming towards the scuffle.

Trevor popped up laughing hysterically. Jesse emerged cheering as he held
up high Cassie’s bathing suit top.

The other boys howled as the lifeguard secured Cassie’s head above water.
Another lifeguard tossed her a towel, which she wrapped around Cassie.

Fun, innocent pranks?

Think again.

Take Home Nugget

The Bible reading says the Lord hates seven things. The first one is pride—
what God hates the most. When someone overvalues himself, this undervalues others.
Pride, or puffed up self-conceit are evil lies, spurned by the devil, that sow discord.

The person thinks that it’s okay to disregard another’s displeasure or discomfort.

God loves every one of His children the same. He delights when we humble
ourselves in serving others. Galatians 5:14 says, “The entire law is summed up with a
single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Boasting, arrogance, haughty pride I abase;
I’m only a sinner, saved by God’s grace.

J.D. Griffith

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Hope

HOPE
Psalm 42
V. 5: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your trust in God, for I will yet praise Him, my savior and my God.”

Jonathan asked his friend, Sid, “You’re coming to my 11th Birthday Party tomorrow, aren’t you?”

Sid jumped off his bike, letting it fall to the ground. “You’re having it at the swimming pool, right?”

“Yep. Bathing suites, balloons, burgers, and Birthday Cake!”

“Girls, too?”

“Yeah. I just hope that it doesn’t rain.” Jonathan looked skyward; his smile became a frown.

The weather prediction for the 4th of July was gloomy. Regardless of best-laid plans, bad weather could wipe out Jonathan’s party.

Does this remind you of your dreams? Regardless of solid planning and good purposes, do unexpected events often develop that prevent you from reaching your goal?

Hope is secure only when it’s aligned with God’s will. Jonathan may not find in Scripture whether God desires sunny weather for his Birthday Party. Will he and his friends be disappointed when their expectations do not coincide with God’s plan?

In what do we place our hope to ensure victory? What’s the best way to respond if we’re disappointed?

The answer is to place all our personal individual dreams under the umbrella of supreme hope in God. Because we’re certain that He wants our best in all things, we can rest easy—regardless of any outcome—positive that God never makes mistakes.

We have no absolute promise from the Lord that what we desire is His will for us. Even when our hope is based on a Scriptural promise, the Lord may fulfill it differently, or at a time that we don’t expect.

The key to contentment and joy is trusting in God’s sovereignty. His ways and thoughts are not our ways, and always beyond human understanding. (Isaiah 55:8).

Take Home Nugget

Too often, we’re like little kids who always want candy. Our Father has a history of dashing the hopes of His children—only to replace them with greater things. He knows what is best for us in every circumstance and at every point in our lives.

The best that we can do is to prayerfully ask Him to clarify and direct our desires so that they coincide with His plans. This way, our joy is complete—regardless of the outcome.

May our desires remain consistent with God’s plan.
May our fondest hopes be realized as true.
Regardless of circumstances, we know that God can!
Whatever’s the best is what He will do.

May God’s will be peaceful resolution for the nations of the world as USA celebrates its Independence Day.

J.D. Griffith

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Paul

PAUL
Philippians 1:5-7
Vv. 5-6: …”being confident of this, (partnering in the gospel), that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The apostle Paul traveled around the world, teaching, preaching, and starting churches. One day, he stopped in Philippi, a prosperous Roman colony in Greece. There, he taught a group of men and women who were committed to following Jesus. He began with outstretched arms to the crowd:

“Brethren, every spiritual journey that grows in Christ is unique. Yet, there are certain stages of growth that are common to all believers. The Father teaches new believers basic principles that form a foundation on which to build a stronger faith-based relationship with Him and other believers.

“The building blocks come from truths in His Word, other believers, and life circumstances. The Lord calls followers to serve Him. We were created to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10). Pooling our talents completes every endeavor to His glory.

“Don’t be surprised if you become frustrated by your own inadequacy. Pride, arrogance, and boasting impede spiritual growth. This teaches us that without divine guidance and power, our human strength is insufficient—almost laughable.

“The Father will unpack our emotional baggage (things from one’s past that remain unresolved). Tenderly, He will force face-to-face confrontations with whatever holds us captive. Freedom in Jesus conquers whatever worries hold us hostage. As we struggle through issues, Jesus leads us to victory.

“After embracing Jesus as our Savior, our sinful nature is destroyed in exchange for a new life in Christ. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s influence, Jesus shines through us.”

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2).

Do you recognize yourself in any of these stages? Can you identify an area where God still needs to cultivate your spiritual development?

Take Home Nugget

Spiritual growth is where God transforms believers from the inside out. This is called sanctification, and the conversion takes a lifetime.

Others often do not notice our progress, but we can identify specific areas of improvement. Perhaps we’re more patient. Maybe we’re slower to anger. Possibly, things that used to be a passion for us are simmering quietly on the back burner of our hearts. Don’t be surprised if some interests simply dissolve away.

Lord, perfector of my faith, thank you for all You do for me. I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey—all the way to maturity. Lead me to the best I can be to experience Your best for me. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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John

JOHN
1John 1:1-7
The Message v.1: “From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands.”

“The Word of Life appeared right before our very eyes, and now I’m telling you all about it.” The apostle John said to people in Atarneus, a city what was now in present day Turkey. “I’m not fooling you or tricking you. What I witnessed was amazing, incredible, the most awesome thing ever!” John paused, waiting for reactions from the people who gathered before him. Touching his arm, he continued, “I touch myself to make sure that I’m still here, and talking to you. The infinite Life of God Himself, took shape before us. I want to share this with you so that you can experience the communion of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”

“Who was with you when you hung out with Jesus?” one onlooker asked.

“Well, there was my brother James, Peter, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas—that traitor—and, of course, me.” (Mark 3:16-19).

“Twelve disciples?”

“Yep.”

“What’s so special about this guy, Jesus?”

“Jesus isn’t an ordinary man—He is the Son of God, the Father.”

“What did He talk about?” a curious observer asked.

“He picked up where John the Baptist left off. He spoke about the kingdom of
God being right here and now! Repent, get baptized, love others, things like that.”

“What else?” another urged.

“We saw him heal people—from blindness to leprosy. He healed pain, people
with seizures. The paralyzed walked. He threw out demons—you name it! When he
spoke, thousands of people crowded around, hanging on every word.” (Matthew 4:23).

“Where did this happen?” a different spectator wondered.”

“At first, we began in Capernaum, outside of His hometown of Nazareth. There
we followed Him around Galilee where He preached in synagogues. Later we went to
Jerusalem, all around Judea, and the Jordan area." (Matthew 4:12-25).

“What did He preach?” another bystander wanted to know.

John went on to talk about the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-11. That really blew
their minds!

Take Home Nugget

Did you notice the crowd grow interested? At first, we may feel frightened to talk
about Jesus. What if we just talked to others like Jesus is our friend? (Acts 4:20).

John did that, and they listened. Of course, our actions speak for themselves—louder
than words!

The deeper our love for Jesus, the louder our witness—spoken and displayed—for Him.

J.D. Griffith

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Grace-Filled Refining

GRACE-FILLED REFINING
1 Peter 4:12-5:11
The Message v. 4:13: …”Be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”

Destin struggled with everything while his leg was in a cast. He couldn’t carry anything hobbling around on crutches. At first, he barked orders to his sister, Jennifer, to get him what he needed. Later, he felt ashamed when all she wanted to do was to sign his cast. (179dev Paralysis). Of course family members eagerly helped him, whenever he asked. But he was too proud to be a constant nag. He dangled a bag from the crutch grip and stuffed things he needed inside. Doing for himself replaced his self esteem. One day he met some friends for a baseball game at the park.

“Hey buddy, you’re getting around pretty good on those things!” one friend greeted him.

“It’s getting easier now. You should have seen me a week ago!”

“Ready to play some baseball?” another friend dared Destin.

“I’ll play First Base” Destin offered, hobbling to the bag, his glove flopping from his crutch grip.

“You sure?” the pitcher wondered.

Destin stood on his left leg edging the bag, his casted right leg infield. He punched his right hand into his gloved left hand and nodded. “Let’s play ball!”

The first hit ball grounded to third base. The third baseman snatched it up and threw a bullet to Destin at first, with the runner blazing towards the bag. Destin caught the ball, stopping the runner mid-stride. Whew, that’s weird Destin thought, slightly rattled.

“That’s one!” the pitcher announced.

Next hit ball was a high pop up that sailed over the center field’s head. The runner tried rounding first base heading for second, and smacked Destin to the ground. “Sorry Des!” he apologized, returning to first base. He helped Destin to his feet.

Red-faced and huffing, Destin looked to his buddies. “Sorry, guys. I guess I’ll have to wait awhile before playing ball.”

“Bummer, Des. There’re drinks in my cooler if you want.” The second baseman offered. “You should be safe sitting on the bleachers.”

“Thanks, Wally” Destin said. As he watched the game, he reflected this past week’s humbling experiences.

Take Home Nugget

Our heavenly Father teaches all His children. He humbles the proud, and exalts the humble. His grace extends to all who struggle through trials. Our job is to grasp His grace and courageously endure the learning experience with patience, spirit, and strength.

Salvation is a miracle that takes one moment, when we embrace Jesus as our Savior. Sanctification, consecration, and perseverance take a lifetime.

J.D. Griffith

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