Friday, August 29, 2008

Laminin

LAMININ
Colossians 1:15-17

The Supremacy of Christ “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him (Jesus) all things hold together.”


Some people will believe this scripture on faith alone. Others will scoff at the words and demand proof. That’s the nature of humankind. Each person is unique and each has different needs. Some are gullible and believe all sorts of things on faith—without proof. They believe what people tell them, regardless of the person’s integrity.


They believe with hope that their lives are on a path of future success. Some people need verification, evidence, and substantiation.


Which kind of person are you?



What if there were proof, would more people believe that God holds all things in His sovereign hand? For those who put their trust in what is seen, I offer you proof of the “glue” that holds the human body together.



It is inconceivable how BIG our God is. Besides SPEAKING the universe into existence and knitting our human bodies together in our mother’s wombs, He is also at work intimately INSIDE our bodies.


Louie Giglio is a zealot for God. He is speaking to all who would listen about Laminin, a protein based cell-adhesion molecule. Just like rebar, steel that is immersed into cement for structural strength, laminin is the “glue” that holds our bodies together.


This protein is found in the extracellular matrix that forms all the internal organs. Here is a picture of Laminin:




Does anything look familiar? This literally takes my breath away!


The four arms can bind to other molecules. The three short arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules—forming sheets. These are our body’s “scaffolding” that give our skeletal structure strength. The long arm of the molecule is capable of binding to cells which help anchor organs to the membrane.


This molecule is found in nearly all of every animal tissue on earth.
The glue that holds us together—ALL of US—is in the shape of the cross!
Tell me that we don’t serve the most awesome God!

Take Home Nugget
For those who need a “real” picture, here’s the image from an electron microscope: The images on the right are authentic pictures of actual cells in the molecule—alive and constantly in motion.




It is Christ who holds all things together—literally!

When Paul wrote his letter to Colossae how did he know that in Jesus all things hold together?
I think this is very, very, very, very, very cool!
Our Creator knows exactly what a laminin molecule looks like!
Happy Labor Day to all who celebrate this holiday in the USA.


J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Who is Jesus, Anyway?

WHO IS JESUS, ANYWAY?
Matthew 16:16

Delisha frowned. She wanted to tell her new friends about Jesus but didn’t know how to start. Should she begin with His birth?
Or His death?



With all the Bible stories buzzing in her head, she froze. How to tell them about Jesus in just a few words or stories?
Do you have the same problem? Do Bible stories buzz through your head?




Jesus gathered His disciples around and asked them, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:14).


Jesus pressed them. “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”


His birth was prophesized 700 years before. Angels announced that He was born of a virgin. His birth was unprecedented in all of history. He was sent with a message: Everyone is welcome in God’s Kingdom.




Jesus disrupted the Jewish Religion. Their Messiah has come.





Jesus: Name above all other names. (Philippians 2:9). What are some other names of Jesus? In the Old Testament we see these names: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Bread of Life, Rose of Sharon, Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, Emmanuel, Great High Priest, Great Physician, God Incarnate.


God made Flesh (who Jesus is) stirred up anger, contention, strife, love, passion in humans.
There is power in the name of Jesus.
Some call Him Helper, Rock, Anchor.
What does Jesus call Himself? In John 10 He calls Himself The Good Shepherd. His sheep know His voice and follow Him. He is the Door to Eternal Life in John 15.
Through Jesus we have a relationship with the Father. As the Bread of Life, He’s the Light of the world. He gives believers the Holy Spirit so that we can carry on as His light. He abides in us, and our countenance (our faces, our expressions) should glow with His light. Can Christians spot each other, like beacons in the dark, or radar in noise?


He came to seek, serve and to save. All authority and all judgment is given Him from the Father. (John 5). He is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere at once). The grave couldn’t hold Him.


Jesus is indescribable.


Take Home Nugget

How would you tell others about Jesus? Would you include that He is hope and assurance? Perhaps the best way is to invite them to church and lead them by your example and enthusiasm. Delisha had a plan but got tongue-tied. Inviting your friends to meet your best friend is something everyone wants. Jesus is everyone’s best friend.


It is not hard to talk about Jesus
Because He’s our best friend.
He’ll be around through thick and thin
And lead us to till our races’ end.



J.D. Griffith


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Friday, August 22, 2008

God's Pre-eminence Part 8 of 8 of Relationship with God

GOD’S PRE-EMINENCE
Developing a Relationship with God Part 8 of 8
1Chronicles 29:11-13

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious Name.”

Today’s Lord’s Prayer ends with a triumphant blast of praise: “for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” This sentence was not part of the prayer that Jesus originally gave to His disciples. It is a doxology (dox-OL-o-gee is Latin, meaning good news).

The young Church added this so that the prayer wouldn’t end with Jesus’ final words in Matthew 6, “But deliver us from the evil one.” These words frightened people, and were unsettling. Luke 11:4 ends the prayer: “And lead us not into temptation.” Adding the doxology to the end of Jesus’ original prayer was quickly embraced.

King David supplied many words we say at the end of the Lord’s Prayer. The opening Scripture to this devotion is his glorifying God for successfully assembling the materials for building God’s temple.

The four living creatures chant in Revelation 5:13: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” This supports our ending to The Lord’s Prayer. How do you worship God in your prayers?

Our heavenly Father is rich beyond measure. We praise God on our knees, catching a glimpse of His wonder. Does God’s presence, His pre-eminence (EM-in-enc means distinction, prominence) fill you with awe? Pre means God existed before anything.

Prayer is talking to God, developing a relationship with your Father, Who simply wants to connect with you, His child. He’s more interested in what’s inside your heart than what words you use to express yourself. You’re urged to approach His throne boldly and share openly and honestly all concerns with Him. Talk to the Father like you would a best friend. Proverbs 18:24 calls God “a friend Who sticks closer than a brother.”

Take Home Nugget
Explaining the meaning of the passages in The Lord’s Prayer intends to provide an outline for our prayers. The first three passages frame God’s glory (His name, His kingdom, His will). The middle three show His care for us (Give us, forgive us, lead us). The final sentence is worship.

Prayer is as essential to growing Spiritually, and as necessary as breathing is to life itself.
Adapted from “Jesus’ Blueprint For Prayer” by Haddon Robinson. Part of the Discovery Series published by RBC Ministries in Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright 1989. 2002.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

God's Protection Part 7 of 8 of Relationship with God

GOD’S PROTECTION
Developing a Relationship with God Part 7 of 8
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.”

Jesus coupled these two phrases into one sentence because they’re related. The devil tempts believers, but he can’t make us sin. God NEVER tempts us. James 1:13 explains: God’s pure holiness, and cannot be tempted by evil. In fact, God always provides His kids a way out.

Why do we really prefer not to be delivered from temptation? Because we love fun, and sin promises fun. Temptation stirs up the blood and blazes the imagination. If we were freaked out by sin, it wouldn’t be tempting at all! If we’re honest, we’d prefer the consequences of sin to disappear, rather than temptation. Are we really asking God to prevent us from being naughty? Avoiding temptation is easier than walking away from sure disaster.

“Deliver us from evil” acknowledges our weakness and Satan’s power, which we must never underestimate. Peter challenged Jesus about His upcoming death, and Jesus swiftly ended the discussion with, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:22-23). He wouldn’t even consider disobedience to the Father. Archangel Michael refused to argue with the devil. Jude, verse 9 says Michael replied to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you!”

The devil specializes in seducing us away from God. His plan is to lure us so far away from God that we’ll never return. Jesus shows us how to resist the devil successfully. Instead of being scared, Jesus threw God’s Word in Satan’s face, and the devil left Him alone (Matthew 6:3-11).

Who’s to blame for sin? James 1:14 says that each one is tempted when drawn by his own desires. The devil uses the right bait that lures us to sin. If sin brought chains to bind us, we might resist it on our own. Instead, it brings flowers and fun. It bribes us with promises of popularity and wealth.

So after sinning, let’s not blame anyone other than ourselves—or use excuses to justify our actions. This tricks the devil before he lies, “You’re too bad to be forgiven!” Immediate confessing our sin returns us into the Father’s gracious loving arms. It really makes the devil mad when we pursue right living.

Focusing our eyes on Jesus will draw us away from sin’s magnetism. This prayer draws on Almighty God’s power to keep us safe.

Take Home Nugget

Pride can lead us to honor our own name, to bow down to our own kingdom, take credit for meeting our own needs, and deny our need for forgiving grace. This prayer is all about God’s power and grace.
J.D. Griffith

The only way to overcome
Temptations that we face,
Is to be focused on the Lord,
Who strengthens by His grace.
Sper


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Friday, August 15, 2008

God's Pardon Part 6 of 8 Relationship with God

GOD’S PARDON Part 6 of 8 of Relationship with God
Luke 11:2-4

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.”

In his book, The Challenge of Our Culture, William Horton says, “Modern man is certainly worried about something—worried to death. And an analysis of behavior shows him so feverously trying to avoid looking God in the eye that it must have something to do with the fear of how he must look standing before God in that position.”

After we ask God for provision, we seek His pardon. “Forgive” follows “give.”
Jesus links these two petitions, and adds our forgiving anyone who is indebted to us. As we think of our need for food and everything else, we also confront our need for forgiveness. Then we think about our relationship to others. Is it easy to forgive others’ offenses against us?
Harboring an unforgiving spirit is actually proclaiming to God, don’t forgive me!
Gulp.

We ask forgiveness as we forgive others. We cannot have one without the other. There is no option to forgiving others. We MUST forgive!
Our eyes see one scale—with our sins piled on as being light, other’s sin as heavy.
How does that happen? Do we enlarge another’s sin against us because our pride is hurt?

Jesus prayer means this: Deal with me as I have dealt with others. If we are honest, we’ll have to admit that our neighbor’s offense is light compared to ours. How dare we not forgive the ones who slight us! Think about the ways you’ve slighted Christ.
Then it dawns on us. We swallow hard and sheepishly murmur: “Deal with me, Lord, as I have dealt with them.” Forgiving others becomes do-able when the tables are turned against us.

In the relationship with our Father, we are part of a forgiveness fellowship. Do you see the circle? Can you keep the circle unbroken? Those who live in God’s pardon find it easier to forgive others. Is this the secret to not being afraid (to death) when facing God face to face?

We are never closer to God’s grace than when we admit our sin and cry out for pardon. We are never more like God than when, for Christ’s sake, we forgive others. How close are you to being more like Jesus today?

Take Home Nugget
Forgive and forget may not be God’s command. But it IS His way. After we repent, He separates our sin from Himself as far as the East is from the West. He remembers it no more.

The offense fades AFTER we forgive. That’s God’s grace. We’re to forgive fully and freely. Won’t you embrace that freedom after you forgive and then LET IT GO?

I think I’m always right.
Why can’t she see that?
I admit her offense against me is slight.
Am I acting like a brat?

J.D Griffith
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

God's Provision Part 5 of 8 Relationship with God

GOD’S PROVISION Part 5 of 8 of Relationship with God
Luke 11:2-4
“Give us day by day our daily bread.”


German theologian Helmut Thielicke studied this prayer and concluded, “the whole (scope) of life is captured in the rainbow of these requests.” He is right. “Great things and small things; spiritual things and material things; inward and outward things—there is nothing that is not included in this prayer.”


God understands our needs and can truly meet them. Jesus said that we are to pray to the Father about them. So after praying petitions for the eternal, we are to pray for which is temporal (mortal). So when Jesus said to pray about our daily bread, He wasn’t referring to just a trip to the grocery store. We cannot serve his kingdom and do His will unless we have strength to get through each day.


It’s also proper to ask God for a job in order to have money for food. It’s also appropriate to appeal to God for clothes we need to work our job. It follows that it’s okay to ask God for transportation to get to our job. God knows each of our needs and is prepared to meet them all.

It is not too “earthly” to pray for common concerns such as food. When translated into English, Biblical scholars had a bewildering time with the word “daily”. After many years passed, an archaeologist dig unearthed a papyrus fragment. Next to a grocery list was a word scribbled that meant “enough for the coming day.”
Now we know Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. This is the only place where this word is found in the Bible.

Of course, “bread” refers to all things that we must have in order to live.

When this prayer is said in the morning, this phrase represents the needs for the hours ahead. When prayed in the night, it is a request for the needs for the next day. The phrase “Give us day by day our daily bread” is for asking God to supply what we need to honor Him and do His will.

Take Home Nugget

In many modern cultures, refrigerators and freezers maintain food’s high-quality for a long time. Now we can store up abundant food for nourishment through many days. Many times we hardly acknowledge that the meal we eat, or the clothes we wear have come from the Father’s hand in provision of our needs.

Thank you father, for the food I eat.
Thank you Father, for the clothes I wear.
Providing for me is no easy feat.
Remind me for that which I need to care.

J.D Griffith

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Friday, August 8, 2008

God's Purpose Part 4 of 8--Relationship with God


GOD’S PURPOSE Part 4 of 8 of Relationship with God
Luke 11:2-4

“Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”


Josh dove into the wave as it approached the shore. The ocean was cold, but it felt good against his hot flesh. When he stood up, as the wave receded back to the ocean, his feet clung to the sand, nearly toppling him. He felt the dragging pull of the ocean’s current and laughed out loud.

Josh may have felt safe from the ocean’s current, but is he safe from the deadly current of the world? For Josh to do God’s will as it is in heaven, his life is operating in enemy territory.
Living in this world today is to live in a realm that is controlled by Satan.
For us to do God’s will on earth as it is in heaven, we must swim against the current.

Praying for God’s will to be done provides foundation for our prayers AND our lives. With these words, we are asking His will to be done in our lives and in the world. Often, we get prayers mixed up with our will be done. God does not change the way He runs the universe after hearing our petitions. Our wish list does not alter anything just so we get what we want.
The world’s current goes against God’s will, and Satan wants to topple us.

Just because this phrase is what we’re supposed to say in our own prayers, we must not tack it on the end if we don’t mean it. Some people add it and think, This is tricky, what I want may not be God’s will. If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be my fault.

But it is also a different way to reframe our wants. Consider them from God’s point of view. Is anything wrong by our request? Does it injure anyone? Is my want selfish, or will it benefit others? When we pray “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” we’re praying for our friends, our families, our society, and ourselves.

Many people despise God because He has not made them master of their own fate. Those of us who have a relationship with our Father, know that the heart of the Almighty is not only righteous and just, but also gracious and kind.

Take Home Nugget

We know that “all things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Praying to our Father
Hallowing His name,
Agreeing to welcome in His kingdom,
And seeking His will makes our lives complete.

J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

God's Program Part 3 of 8

GOD’S PROGRAM Part 3 of 8 of Relationship with God
Luke 11:2-4

“Thy kingdom come.” This focuses on God’s program, and praying these words show Him that we want what He wants. His kingdom refers to the future messianic reign on earth. All through the Bible, we see passages referring to the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He will rule the kingdom of this world with righteousness. This will be the kingdom of our God and of His Christ. (Revelation 11:15).


Can you taste the Lord’s excitement? When your birthday approaches, how do you feel? Are you sad and disagreeable, or upbeat and eager to please? When people remind you that your birthday is coming up, all kinds of ideas pop into your mind, don’t they? Will I have a surprise party? Will I get lots of gifts? Will I get to blow out candles on top of my favorite cake?
What is your birthday dream?


We measure life not at the beginning, but at the end. With each birthday, we’re closer to our final moments on earth. Many people end their life with regret of dreams unfulfilled, a weak legacy. How sad that some people don’t remember the good things they did while alive.


But Jesus has a legacy, and He wants us to learn what it is. Where do we fit into the scheme of future history? Bible history is Jesus’ story, and His life is headed somewhere—to His return!


As we pray, we direct our gaze to the day when the kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdom of God.


“Your kingdom come” also means something else. We agree to submit to God’s will in the tiny space we occupy now to be God’s when Christ’s kingdom is established.


What we know now will be gone. (Isaiah 65:17).


If we pray for God’s rule over everything at some point in the future, then it follows that we must desire that He work His will out in our lives RIGHT NOW!


Am I prepared to make my daily purpose eager submission to His will?


When people are young, they often say “Your kingdom come”, but mean, “not yet, Lord.”
What will the second coming of Christ mean in our lives? Will we get to do the things we planned? After we get to do the things we dream about, THEN we will welcome Christ’s return.


Take Home Nugget
I can say to you know, children, there are no plans that Christ’s return would interrupt.
In truth, nothing takes precedence over His coming. The best is yet to come. We can say, “Your kingdom come” honestly, meaning every word.


My Lord, my God, You never lied to me.
I eagerly await Jesus’ return,
And I can’t wait to see
Your kingdom come, and all that it brings!


J.D. Griffith


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Friday, August 1, 2008

God's Paternity and Person Part 2 of 8

GOD’S PATERNITY AND PERSON Part 2 of 8 of Relationship with God
Luke 11:2-4
"And He said to them, 'When you pray, say, Father, Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Give us each day our daily bread, Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us, And lead us not into temptation.'"

As members of a family, we’re used to the familiar name for Dad. Are we jealous when someone other than family shares our Dad?

We often want to protect what is supposed to be ours, but we share our heavenly Father with others. He is every believer’s Father. Jesus made it clear that those who follow Him can address God as “Father.”

“Our Father which art in heaven” Jesus began when teaching prayer. With these words, Jesus gives us permission to approach the creator of the universe and call Him by name. This is for the entire Christian population. When Christians bow before God and call Him “Father”, they acknowledge that at the heart of the universe is ultimate power and ultimate love.

Jesus guarantees that we can enter a relationship with God and become members of His family. God is our Father. We are His children. This relationship of calling God “Father” is built solely on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

John 1:12 in the Bible says, “As many as received Him (Christ), to them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name”.

Although it is an awesome privilege to call the sovereign majesty of the universe “Father”, we must never take this for granted. Instead of anxiety, we’re to approach the Father in reverence and awe as we pray.

“Hallowed be Your name.” Hebrews thought a name had great significance. Hebrew parents often named their children after someone whose personality, characteristics, and disposition they hoped would personify their child.

When Jesus met Simon, he was impetuous, reckless, and brash. It took awhile for Simon to live up to the new name Jesus gave him. Peter means the rock. The Apostle Peter, as we know him, became the bedrock of the Christian church. (Matthew 16:18).

“Hallowed by Your name” refers to what we know about God. His personhood and His character is sanctified, (set apart), and made special. He is our God, and we set Him apart from all others, so that it is clear that we revere Him—and only Him.

Take Home Nugget
Oftentimes our prayers can be dangerous, revealing an inadequate distortion of who God is. We have a command to be holy--as God is holy. We must allow God to be God in all aspects of our lives—personal, recreation, family—and to understand that God has set us apart.

Is there something in your life that you’re not ready to let God mold and set apart for His purpose?


There is only one God, and He is holy.
He seeks a relationship with His children.
We belong to Him because He made us.
What an honor to be chosen and set apart for Him!


J.D. Griffith

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