Heart of the World

HEART OF THE WORLD

Psalm 122:6

 

“Pray for peace for Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.  May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’”

            Do you believe that whatever happens in Israel will determine the fate of the whole world?  Why is a land mass smaller than the size of New Jersey, with 0.2% of the world’s population claim worldwide headlines daily?  Israel is the center between good and evil; between peace and terror.  Jerusalem means peace.

            Shalom.  (Check out the lesson linked below).

            Israel should have disappeared long ago.  About 1/800^th the size of her Arab neighbors bent on her destruction, Israel exists AND is recognized as an independent state!  No other nation had her population exiled—TWICE—and survived to return to the land.  538 B.C.E. (Before Common Era, or Before Christ), and 1948, more than 2,000 years later, Israel remains a miracle today. 

            What is the secret to Israel’s immortality?

            God says in Jeremiah 30:11, “‘I am with you and will save you,’ declares the LORD.  ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.’”  Why was God so angry with Israel?  “I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”  Jeremiah 30:15b explains, “Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you.”

            King David wrote about Israel’s secret weapon in Psalm 124.  When the Hebrews walked uphill to Israel on their pilgrimages, they sang, “…if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive.”  Read the rest of Psalm 124 for the praises Israel sang so gratefully during these happy occasions.

Take Home Nugget

            Perhaps there is no more important prayer than peace for Jerusalem.  In Genesis 28:17, Jacob says, “How awesome is this place!  This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

O Father, if Jerusalem is the heart of the world, the body is only as healthy as its heart.  Peace to Jerusalem!  Amen. 

 Adapted from “The Most Important Prayer” and “Israel’s Not So Secret Weapon” by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.HolyLandMoments.com.  June 4, 2017 and June 18, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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Generous Giver

GENEROUS GIVER

Luke 12:32:  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

              Some traditions send the wrong message about our heavenly Father under false “honoring God” claims.   They are pointed out here so that we can re-program our minds the correct way that our heavenly Father acts.  Usually, the wrong ideas about God spring from human intellect.

            Without knowing that Satan was behind God’s allowing his problems, Job wailed, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked will I depart.  The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” 

            The Father’s never wanted Job to lose his children and property.  (Job 1:1-20).

             Preachers attempt to comfort the grieving at funerals with Job’s same thinking.  “The LORD giveth and the LORD taketh.  Blessed be the name of the LORD.”   Surely, our Father can call home loved ones anytime. 

            Yet, let us always remember that it is the devil who takes! 

            John 10:10 says that Jesus warned the devil who He calls the thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”  Then He softens and reverses the passage with, “I have come that they may have life; and have it abundantly.”

            That is our Father’s position, too!  Cancer is a scary disease that strikes men, women, boys and girls alike.  When that disease robs people of dignity and even their lives, God gives comfort to those who mourn.

            When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 16:19, He instructs His followers to use them.  Christians are authorized to pray for things that bring the Father’s will from heaven to earth!  We may “loosen” the cancer from another and pray that healing and wholeness be “bound” to that same person.

            John 16:23b and 24 is the first time Jesus tells His followers to ask for things in His name.  Jesus’ name gives us authority to ask the Father whatever we want.  See the lesson linked below for why Believers can act on Jesus’ authority to do God’s will. 

Take Home Nugget

            As God’s kids, Jesus taught us what the Father’s will is.  He said in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.”  God is a giver, not a taker.  Jesus met every need and healed every sickness brought before Him.   Then He went willingly to the cross to sacrifice His own life to redeem us!  Jesus NEVER took anything from anyone.

 

            Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will we also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Thank You, heavenly Father, for giving me every good thing in life!  Amen. 

   

Adapted from “God is a Giver, Not a Taker” by Rev. Joseph Prince.  www.josephprince.org.  July 19, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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Who Do You Say I Am?

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

Matthew 16:15:  “But what about you?” He asked [Simon Peter].  “Who do you say I am?”

            Who do you say Jesus is?

            Every person will have to answer this question one day.

            People’s faith in Jesus determines how He ministers, or serves them.  Those who worship Jesus as healer, He heals.  Believing Jesus to be a refuge and fortress brings protection and security.  Followers who trust Jesus to live through them find transformed lives.  Those who knew Him growing up in Nazareth saw Him as a regular guy.  Matthew 13:55-58 identifies Jesus’ life.  He was son to a carpenter.  Mary was His mother.  He had brothers and sisters, too.

            But no one recognized Jesus as God in the flesh (John 1:14). 

            Jesus must have shrugged His shoulders in reply: “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”

            Because homies did not see Jesus as God, His miraculous signs weren’t demonstrated in Nazareth.  Faith attains miracles!

            See the lesson linked below for Scriptural references of Jesus’ various gifts to the world He came to serve.  Jesus just wasn’t a good person who led an exemplary life.  No, no, no.  Of course, if we all were like Him, the world would be a better place.  But while Believers are being transformed into His likeness a little every day, we still sin!  (2 Corinthians 3:18).

            Jesus is the bread from heaven.  Everyone who eats this bread has life (John 6:33).  Jesus is the source of living water, or the Holy Spirit (John 4:10, 14).  He is the Passover Lamb of God who died to forgive us all our sins and offer eternal life (Matthew 27:50-53).

            Nazareth homies never thought Jesus was THAT guy!  

            But Peter revered Jesus as the Christ, Son of the living God!  (Matthew 16:16).   Peter knew Jesus as Redeemer.  So, not only were his sins forgiven, but he knew that Jesus shone his own righteousness in Peter.  This strength enabled Peter to continue living after being totally humiliated (Matthew 26:74-75).  

Take Home Nugget

            The other disciples saw Jesus differently than Peter in Matthew 16:14.  When asked who people said Jesus is, they responded, “John the Baptist, Elijah, perhaps Jeremiah—or one of the other prophets.”  

            Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Help me confess that Jesus is Lord and bow before Him, heavenly Father.  For He is my Redeemer and Savior, there is other!  Amen. 

Adapted from “Who Do You Say that Jesus Is?” by Rev. Joseph Prince.  www.josephprince.org.  June 18, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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The next devotion will post August 1, 2017.
Be blessed in Christ!

Journey On

JOURNEY ON  

Sixth of six devotions in Proud Insolence series

Numbers 16:28-18:7

Numbers 17:1-5:  “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from each leader of each of their ancestral tribes.  Write the name of each man on his staff.  On the staff of Levi write Aaron’s name, for there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral tribe.  Place them in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.  The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.’”

            This last devotion of the series that began with Korah’s proud insolence that so irritated God ends with a peaceful resolution of whom may carry censers filled with incense.  When Korah’s entire council was swallowed whole by the earth, remember the LORD had the censers gathered from the smoldering remains.  That was to remind the Israelites that only a descendant of Aaron was allowed to burn incense before the LORD.

            Numbers 16:31-40 tells the story. This devotion shows another miracle that ought to WOW Believers today.  The opening Scripture is simple.  God is like an earthy parent who makes the rules for the family.  Each one get a staff and write your name on it. 

            One staff will sprout.

            What?

            These staffs were really almond branches.

            Usually, before fruit appears, a bud forms.  The bud blossoms into a flower.  When the flower falls off the branch, fruit appears.  But Aaron’s branch was a show-off!  God can do that, because He makes the rules.  Aaron’s branch, “which represented the house [ancestral tribe] of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.”  (Numbers 17:8b). 

            Clearly, Aaron’s branch won.  God awarded the tribe of Levi the honor to be responsible for His sanctuary.  AND, Aaron’s Levi family tribe became responsible for offences against the priesthood.  See the lesson linked below for other “church” duties Aaron’s family were assigned.

Take Home Nugget

            Why did Aaron’s branch show off and show not only buds but blossoms intact?  Gardeners know that growing fruit takes work.  Preparing the soil, sowing seeds, watering the plants all come before harvesting the fruit.  However, there is value in the process. 

            Our journey in life is as important as our destination. 

            We all are not at the end of our journey.  Goals need to be met.  Life’s success is usually measured by the fruits of our labor.  Let’s appreciate where we are on our journey.  It’s a beautiful journey.  It’s valuable.  May today in the journey on your spiritual path bring you peace.

 

            Let this give us strength to journey on!

Thank You, Father, for my journey!

Adapted from “Buds and Blossoms“ by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.HolyLandMoments.com.  June 22, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

LOOK FOR MY RETURN IN TWO WEEKS.  ENJOY SUMMER!                 

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About Face

ABOUT FACE  

Fifth of six devotions in Proud Insolence series

Numbers 13:17-14:45

Numbers 14:1-3: “That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud.  All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt!  Or in the desert!  Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us die by the sword?  Our wives and children will be taken as plunder.  Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’”

            “Scaredy cats!”  Twelve-year-olds Jeremy and Brad yelled to the boys who ran the opposite direction from the swimming pool.

            Thunder clapped.  Lightning streaked threats at the public pool.

            Being frightened can encourage people to act bravely. 

            The Israelites in the opening Scripture were too scared to enter and take possession of the Promised Land.  False bravery claimed, “If only we had died in Egypt!”

            Not! 

            Death as slaves is never better than being free and living in a country of our very own.

            Proud insolence wears many masks.  Scared is one mask that can either hide rudeness or pride.  The first spies Moses sent to Canaan returned with good reports about the land and its fruit.  But the bad reports totally overshadowed the good.  Fortified cities occupied with giants who ate inhabitants! (Numbers 13:25-32).

            Moses writes the lesson linked below where God foretells the spy’s future.

             The second time spies returned with a different report—many years later and under a different leader.  This time, Rahab became a friend of Israel (Joshua 2:1).  She hid the spies and made a deal with them that saved her entire household (Joshua 2:2-24).

 

            The new spies’ about face happened through a personal interaction about an awesome God.  Rahab believed and confessed, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you. … We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea. … and what you did to Sihon and Og, … whom you completely destroyed. … When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you.” (Joshua 2:9, 10, 11). 

            But the most awesome about face comes when God transforms people through His indwelling Spirit.  Proud and rude becomes a Christian who follows Jesus!    

    

Take Home Nugget

            Mosab Yousef was raised in Hamas.  He became a founding member of that terrorist group who claimed responsibilty for countless suicide bombings and deadly attacks in Israel.  Today, Mosab is a Christian living in USA. 

            After studying the Bible, Mosab did an about face.  He changed his faith, his values—and his entire life—becoming a spy for Israel. 

Holy Father, strengthen me to act on confessed faith, as Rahab and Mosab did. Amen.    

Adapted from “Complete Turnaround“ by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.HolyLandMoments.com.  June 16, 2017.

 J.D. Griffith

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Trust and Be Protected

TRUST AND BE PROTECTED 

 

Fourth of six devotions in Proud Insolence series

Psalm 125:1:  “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”

            Thanks be to God, who is sovereign over all things and everyone!  The title of this series reminds me the state of my homeland, the United States of America.  Today is the 241^st birthday of the USA.  During this anniversary celebrating our independence from Great Britain, I wonder how many are shaking their heads wondering how long we will endure as a free nation.

            Let us remember the saying, “Don’t tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how big your God is!”

            Thank You, Holy Spirit, for reminding me of that truth!

            When we focus on the grace that surrounds us, God’s grace is all we’ll see and experience.  There will always be a choice between focusing on challenges that besiege us or praising God for His grace that wraps around, protecting us.  Clearly there is evil throughout the world.  Life can be very difficult.  Jesus advises in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in Me.” 

            Jesus also warns and comforts us in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” 

            God is my refuge, an ever-present help, my haven, my womb.  Every person journeyed from the womb’s safe environment as a tiny fetus growing into a baby.  Extremely vulnerable, we stretched and swam into a new world.  Birth wasn’t our idea.  We’ve been floundering ever since.

            We can still live in the shelter of our loving God by choosing faith as our protection. 

            Everything else suddenly becomes irrelevant.  God’s protection and love are available at all times.  Now that the world is global, I don’t revolve the world around my homeland.  Truth is, Israel is the apple of our heavenly Father’s eyes!  (Zechariah 2:8).

           

Take Home Nugget

            Israel is a tiny country.  The map shows her surrounded by hostile enemies—except the Mediterranean Sea that is her western boundary.  The Arab world is 800 X larger than Israel.  This is her frightening reality. 

            A different reality blossoms around Jerusalem, her capital.   This topical reality is softer, sweeter.  Jerusalem is enclosed by mountains.  Like petals of a rose, Jerusalem is walled with beauty, grace, and protection. 

            Psalm 125:2 defines Jerusalem as a spiritual reality: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore.”  Emphasis mine.  Just as the mountains construct a physical barrier between Jerusalem and invading forces, God Himself provides protection for those who trust Him.

Be my Iron Dome, Lord! Protect me from fiery darts as my shield now and forevermore!  Amen. 

Adapted from “Surrounded by Grace“ by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.HolyLandMoments.com.  June 25, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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