Copycats

COPYCATS

Numbers 6:24-26:  “The LORD bless and keep you;  the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

            This blessing dismisses people from various places of worship around the world.  God first gave this blessing to Aaron to say over the children of Israel thousands of years ago. 

            We’re supposed to copycat our Father in heaven just as we copy our earthly parents.  Kids learn by watching and copying what they see their parents do…and obeying their parents’ instruction.  Jesus shows us obedience in John 14:31: “but the world must learn that I love the Father and I do exactly what My father has commanded Me.” 

            Jesus even teaches us how to obey even when we don’t want to.  Matthew 26:39b writes Jesus begging His Father, “My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as You will.”  2 Corinthians 5:21 says that Jesus is the righteousness of God in His Believers.  So, we copy Jesus’ holiness too, obeying our Father’s command. 

  

            Beginning with God instructing which insects are good to eat, Leviticus 11 ends with commanding His kids to be holy…because God is holy!  (See the lesson, linked below).  Many people refuse to eat insects.

            But in all other ways, we are to copy our Creator. 

            Twelve year old Cassie asked her friends one day, “What facial expression do you think Jesus typically wore?”

            “I saw Jesus’ picture in the book, “Heaven is For Real,” Brenda said.  “Colton chose this picture among all the others, and I believe him.”
                                            

Artwork by Akiane Kramarik

Todd Burpo wrote the book, Heaven is For real describing his son Colton’s experience in heaven after he died for a short time during surgery in 2014.   

            Cassie smiled and admitted, “I think Jesus looks how Colton said too, Brenda.  I imagine Jesus as always smiling!”

            Cassie is correct.  The very blessing that God wants His kids to hear and share shows His face smiling at us.  Let’s copycat Dad in heaven and Jesus on earth.  Let’s smile at everyone we meet, greeting one another cheerfully.

    

Take Home Nugget

            There was once a man who’d greet everyone with a smile and a cheerful “Good morning!”

            People would automatically respond, “Good morning!”

            Then, World War 11 broke out.  He was taken to wait in a long line.  When his turn came, he recognized the man deciding whether to send people to his right or left. 

            He immediately smiled and said, “Good morning!”

            The decider looked up and recognized who was greeting him so warmly.  Automatically, he responded, “Good morning!”  He sent him to his right.

            The decider was sending Jews left to a camp where they were to die.  Against all odds, this man lived! 

            May we copycat Your smiling face and greet each other cheerfully, Lord!  Amen. 

  

Adapted from “A Priestly Blessing” by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.Holylandmoments.com.  May 30, 2017.

J.D. Griffith

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Spirit Wings

SPIRIT WINGS

Exodus 19:1:  “In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai.”

Exodus 23:19:  “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 26:9-10:  “He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that You, O LORD, have given me.  Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him.” 

            In Old Testament Temple times, the highlight of Pentecost was bringing the “Firstfruits” as an offering to God—a thrilling celebration (second Scripture reference).  Jews celebrate Pentecost by wearing green on this spring festival, also called Shavuot.  Shavuot marks when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai (first Scripture reference).  God spread His Word to the world through them—and the Torah—Genesis-Deuteronomy in the Christian Bible. 

            The story of Cain and Abel illustrates that God was pleased to accept Abel’s offering the firstfruits of fat portions from his flock (Genesis 4:4).  We’re commanded to bring God firstfruits as offerings today.  He wants us to set aside His offering first, before all our bills are paid, before life gobbles up the best. 

            God detests leftovers.  

    

            Christian Believers wear red celebrating Pentecost.  Red indicates God’s gift of the Holy Spirit whooshing over the apostles.  That gift in Acts 1:4 is what Jesus promised, and is why He instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem after His ascension.   See the lesson, linked below. 

            Once a small creature was unhappy with how he was created…and complained to his Creator.  “Lord, you are so wise to have created all things!  My question is why you created me so small?  My tiny legs can’t run very fast.  The two humps you made on my back weigh me down and slow me up.”

            God cooed tenderly, explaining:  “Tiny one, those humps are not to slow you down.  You are a bird.  They unfold as wings.  I created you to fly!”

Take Home Nugget

            Obeying God’s Will is never easy.  Like the tiny bird, Believers have two ways to live.  Either our conscience weighs us down trying to obey (serving, sacrificing, tithing), or we choose to operate in His Spirit who empowers us to soar happily. 

            The firstfruits command teaches us thanksgiving.  God gives everyone a land where to live, a family, work, and a path back to Him.  Giving back to Him first is how we show our sincere appreciation for His every blessing, every provision for life (3^rd Scripture reference).   

Holy Father, accept my sincere gratitude for every provision, blessing, and gift You give—including faith, Jesus, and Your Spirit!  Amen.

J.D. Griffith

Adapted from “Wings That Fly” by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  www.Holylandmoments.com.  May 31, 2017.

And “Gratitude For It All”.  Ibid.  June 2, 2017

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Contrasting Pentecosts

CONTRASTING PENTECOSTS

Joel 2:28-32

“And afterward [Blessings spoken over both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel], I will pour out My Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

“Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.  I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

“But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”

            Fifty days after the first Passover, 3,000 people died in the first Pentecost (Exodus 32:28).  God wrote His Law (Ten Commandments) on stone tablets for Moses on Mount Sinai.  Meanwhile, the Israelites got impatient waiting for Moses to return.  They were worshipping a golden calf! 

            Moses lost his cool upon returning.  He threw down the two stone tablets that broke into pieces (Exodus 32:19).  Moses tossed that calf into the fire.  He ground up the burned gold into powder, scattered it on the water, and made the people drink it (Exodus 32:20).

            Fast forward about 1500 years to the Bible’s New Testament.  God gave His Spirit and 3000 people got saved on Mount Zion.  (Acts 2:41).  God taught that the Law kills but His Spirit gives life.  God’s Holy Spirit came as a rushing wind that perched tongues of fire on the apostles (Acts 2:3).

            Jews flocked to Jerusalem from every nation.  They heard the whooshing wind, but had no idea what it meant.  When they spoke, the apostles understood their speech and shared the wonders of God with them in their own native language!  (Acts 2:5-12).

            “They had too much wine,” some said, poking fun at the apostles.  Mingling amongst the people, Apostle Peter stood up, eager to address the crowd: 

            “These men are not drunk, as you suppose.  It’s only nine in the morning!”  Peter used the opening Scripture to preach God’s kingdom, the same gospel that Jesus preached. 

Take Home Nugget

            When people try to keep God’s commandments, they operate from Mt. Sinai and death reigns: health, friendships, every choice fails.  However, those who grasp the Spirit of grace operate from Mt. Zion.  They find breakthroughs and miracles (See lesson linked below).

            Operating from Mt Zion brings salvation through faith from grace. 

  

“Does God give you His Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?” Galatians 3:5

Adapted from “Continue in God’s Grace” by Rev. Joseph Prince.  www.josephprince.org.  May 30, 2017.  South Carolina. 

And “The Spirit Among Us” by Mrs. Alena S. Guagenti.  Portals of Prayer Family Devotions. June 4, 2017. Missouri.

J.D. Grifith

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Worthless to Priceless

WORTHLESS TO PRICELESS

Leviticus 26:32:  “I will lay waste your land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled.”

            Appalled means shocked, disgusted, or sickened.  Leviticus 26:14-39 and Jeremiah 16:17-17:6 partially list God’s punishment for disobedience, especially worshipping worthless idols as gods.  The extreme costs that the Israelites endured after they failed to follow God’s Word were the pits!  Jews exiled (removed from) their homeland and total destruction of Israel are historic facts that mirror prophetic punishment. 

            Yet…”Praise God” worship shines through that muck.  Everything He causes—even the most horrific—is ultimately a blessing.  God made His own land desolate for a reason.  While His kids were scattered throughout the world for over 2,000 years, Israel became a desolate wasteland.  Even “your enemies who live there will be appalled” was the silver lining of blessing. 

            Though many countries tried to develop the land and make it profitable, Israel’s fruit refused to come out of lockdown.  If Israel would have been the blossoming garden she is today, her kinfolk scattered throughout the world would not have been able to return and invest in her as they did.  As far into modern day as 1867, the famous writer Mark Twain visited the Holy Land and declared Israel a wasteland.

            He said, “A desolate country given over wholly to weeds … a silent mournful expanse … a desolation … we never saw a human being on the whole route … hardly a tree or shrub anywhere.  Even the olive tree and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country.”

            God’s miracle unfolded a century after Mark Twain.  On May 23, 1967, Israel’s rebirth as a united country became headline news!  That didn’t happen as easily or as fast as that may sound.  Beginning in early 1800’s, Jews had secretly been purchasing parts of the Holy Land.  (There was no demand for that land everyone considered worthless).  But to displaced Jews, Israel is priceless.   

             Despite how often His people are carried away from God’s promised covenantal inheritance to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Canaan will always belong to Israel.

            Israel celebrated her 50 year anniversary on May 23, 2017!

Take Home Nugget

            Consider this investment on May 24, 1626: Peter Minuit purchased a tiny island off America’s coast from Native Americans.  They considered that land mostly worthless.  Yet the Native Americans accepted a bundle of cloth, beads, and various trinkets worth 60 guilders as payment for the island.  60 guilders exchanges from $24-$1000 today. 

 

            That “mostly worthless” island became Manhattan, a “priceless” patch of land off New York City today.

Your ways, Your timing is perfect, Father.  Help me to trust You in everything I do!  Amen.

Adapted from “Hidden Blessings” from Holy Land Moments.com.  Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. May 18, 2017.

J.D. Griffith  

               

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Spoken Word Power

SPOKEN WORD POWER

James 1:12-26

James 1:26:  “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.’”

            Spoken words are powerful.  Do you remember in whose image you are created?  Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make men in our image, in our likeness, and let him rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the  earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (Emphasis mine).

            God said this after He spoke all things into being: light, darkness, earth, moon and sun…land and ocean, creatures and plants.  Why don’t people recognize the power in our own spoken word?  Loose tongues have the power to build up to life or tear down to destruction.  Quick and angry speech plunge us headlong into sin!  

 

            Sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon] comes after salvation.  People hear God’s spoken Word and believe in Jesus.  God’s Spirit transforms us anew into Christ-likeness.  Accepting Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sins and eternal life reveals that God’s Word is living and active!

            A story in the Bible shows the prophet Elisha healed a man from leprosy.  (See the previous devotion Sticks & Stones, Feathers, and Leprosy).   Hearing Elisha decline payment for that miracle, his servant caught up with the healed man.  Lying that Elisha reconsidered and did want a reward, the servant received clothes and some silver.

              Elisha discovered what his servant did and cursed him aloud.  Immediately, the servant and his sons were covered in sores from leprosy.  They were sent away to live in total isolation from people, as the law dictated.

            This was when the Arameans surrounded and took control over the Israelites, who were starving.  Elisha prophesied to the Aramean king that God would bring abundance after the famine, but the king didn’t believe him. 

            At the same time, the diseased men were also starving.  In desperation, they decided to surrender to the Arameans.  God caused the Arameans to hear loud noises which they presumed were an invading army, and they fled in terror.  The diseased men arrived at the Aramean camp to find it deserted.  Then they discovered lots of food and other treasures.

            The starving men filled their bellies.  Then they decided this wasn’t right and shared with their brethren.  All the Israelites benefited from the Aramean bounty with God’s provision of abundance!  (See 2 Kings 7:3-20 and the lesson below).   

   

Take Home Nugget

            The diseased men represent those who lie and hate.  Everything they say is self-serving at others’ expense.  Elisha teaches proper speech that encourages and blesses others.  

Empower me to use the power of my spoken words to bring life, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Adapted from “The Power of Speech” from Holy Land Moments.com.  Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. April 28, 2017.

And “Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak” from Portals of Prayer Devotional.  Missouri.  Dcs. Rachel D. Thompson.  May 19, 2017. 

J.D. Griffith                 

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Sticks & Stones, Feathers, and Leprosy

Sticks & Stones, Feathers, and Leprosy

Leviticus 13:2:  “When anyone has a swelling or a rash or a bright spot on his skin that may become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest.”

            Ten year old Shakira wasn’t ready to leave school yet.  Kids surrounded one little boy who crouched down with his hands over his head.  “Leave him alone!” Shakira demanded.  As the kids drifted off to their busses, Shakira helped the little boy to his feet.  “Don’t mind them,” she said.  “You’ll return to school a little taller and they will have totally forgotten this.”

            People often speak harshly to one another, so kids learn early to grow what is known as a “thick skin”.  Words are like arrows.  Cruel people know exactly where to aim arrows to cause the most damage.  Surely, this child will return to school a little wiser.  He won’t allow word arrows to cut him to the core in the future.

            “Sticks & Stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”

             That’s not true.  Words hurt!

            God rules the serious offense of speaking harshly about others equal to a skin disease that kills.  That’s why we’re created with two gates to contain the weapon of words from shooting out of the mouth.  Teeth and lips can clamp shut, preventing the escape of harsh words. 

            Leprosy is a scary physical disease that disfigures one’s appearance.  Leprosy disrupts people’s lives, separating the diseased from others…because leprosy is contagious [kon-TA-juss].   Contagious means easily spread from one person to another.  God is serious.  Speaking harsh words intended to hurt others is a sin.  Once shot out of the mouth, words’ direction is beyond our control.  Their effect is often   deadly.  That’s why the Hebrew term for someone with a disease like leprosy is labelled motzi-shem-ra, which means “spoke badly about another person”.

            See the lesson linked below for how Old Testament people with a skin disease were treated and what the New Testament advises to avoid this sin.

Take Home Nugget

            Once there was a man who enjoyed insulting someone.  Later, he regretted his words.  He asked a priest for forgiveness, promising to restore the person’s good name.  He was told to cut open a feather pillow and watch the feathers scatter in the wind.  After he did that, the priest told him to collect the feathers.

            “That’s impossible!” the man admitted. 

            “Right,” the priest said.  “Once words leave the mouth, no one can put them back, or trace how far they spread.” 

Holy Father, please help me to think before I speak so that I never hurt another with my words.  I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

 Adapted from devotion “Feathers in the Wind” from Holy Land Moments.com.  Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  April 26, 2017.

J.D. Griffith 

                

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