Life's Passion

LIFE’S PASSION
2 Corinthians 5:9-21
Vs. 15: “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

Mark Twain once cautioned, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” He encouraged people to live life carefree: to “leave safe harbors” and “cast the trade winds in their sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

God knits each person differently in the mother’s womb to be distinct, special, and unique. (Psalm 139:13). So while Mr. Twain’s advice emboldens some people, it scares others. ‘Safe harbors’ and ‘trade winds blowing sails’ are metaphors (MET*a* fors) that describe different ways to approach life. Some people are naturally cautious, apprehensive, and seek serenity. Others are daring, bold, and excited by adventure.

Safe harbor living is secure, sheltered, and peaceful. Is it also boring?

Being tossed about by life’s trade winds is wild, uncertain, on the edge—never boring! But is this life pattern a smart way to live?

Most people choose to live their lives somewhere between these two extreme metaphors. Every person needs some degree of security, but when a door opens in one’s life that appears to answer every prayer, how long should you hesitate before grasping the opportunity? As children of the Holy Sovereign God of the Universe,

what kind of living should we dare?

Life is exciting when you live your passion.

The apostle Paul’s passion was driven by concern for the destiny of others. Three things fueled this passion: 1) He recognized that he was accountable to Christ. 2) He knew the love of Jesus and wanted others to experience the Savior’s love. 3) He understood that a lost and dying world needs Christ.

What are you passionate about? It is not unusual to take years of exploring different avenues before stumbling upon that which lights your fire.

Paul was fired up by Christ’s love, which kindled the flame that fueled his career path.
Does Jesus’ love fuel your passion to live for Christ?

Take Home Nugget

This is the time of year for making New Year’s resolutions. Beginning 2008, I signed a contract to surrender my life to Jesus—following Him wherever He leads.

Trade winds that whipped my sail often led to stormy seas, but I know the One Who is in control, and trust Him to land me safely.

This wild ride keeps me in prayer, developing a closer relationship with my King Jesus. (A safe harbor is always a good place to rest during a storm).

Share your passion with me. What is your New Year’s resolution?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

J.D. Griffith

Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!

Cushman

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Birth Announcement

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Isaiah 7:14

“For the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah wanted to calm the kings of Judah and Israel with a sign from God that what they feared (the overpowering of the house of David) would not happen. What better way than to prophesy the Savior would come from the house of David?
Immanuel means “God with us.” What a great sign—God knows how to calm His children!

Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,”

This is Jesus’ birth announcement—not in the paper or on a card, but in prophesy, Isaiah foretold the coming of our Messiah:

“and the government shall be on His shoulders.”
This defines Jesus as Royalty—the Father already gave Jesus a job, as King.

“And he will be called”
Jesus was given this unique identity by His Father—the sovereign God of the universe—our heavenly Father.

“Wonderful Counselor,”
This demonstrates Jesus’ faultless discern ability—He cannot steer anyone wrong.

“Mighty God,”
Absolute authority—given by the One Who has the right to lay this mantle on Someone else—the only One who is worthy.

“Everlasting Father,”
These adjectives call Jesus a name that endures forever. From now onward to forever and ever…

“Prince of Peace.”
This name signifies perfect tranquility to everyone who believes in Him.

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”
Jesus’ entire life is laid out before mankind. This is no horoscope; it is God’s Word.
Don’t say that no one ever told you about Jesus’ royalty. His reign will be just and righteous, beginning over 2000 years ago—with no end.

Can you envision Luke 2:13-14? A great company of heavenly host praising God saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”

Take Home Nugget
What a birthday party!

See that little baby in the manger? He’s the one who all this fuss is about. It is because of Him that you are invited to the party. Did you bring Him a gift?

This time of the year brings good cheer
To every person—far and near.
Let us all celebrate Jesus’ birth—a time of great joy,
For every single girl and boy.

Jesus is not a baby any more. He is enthroned at the Father’s right hand, even today. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is coming soon.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

J.D. Griffith

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Angel Tidings

ANGEL TIDINGS
Luke 2:10-14
Vs. 10: “But the angel said to them (terrified shepherds), ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord.’”

In every town across the USA and throughout the entire world, people gather together celebrating the birth of our Messiah. But can anyone anywhere compete with the joy of the Angels? (Vs. 13,14).

All believers, from the youngest to the oldest, enjoy reliving special customs when observing Jesus’ birthday.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. How exciting!

What is your favorite tradition honoring the Savior’s birth? What is your favorite Chrismon? (A Chrismon is an ornament specifically designed for the Christmas tree that is in church sanctuaries). They are often created from Styrofoam in the shape of mangers, stars, angels, shepherds, sheep, manger, Mary, Joseph, cross, fish, and other images.

Christmas Eve service is as varied as the ornaments that adorn many trees. Regardless of your faith, some things are consistent throughout Christendom. Carols, favorite hymns, are sung, Scripture stories from Luke 2 or Isaiah 9 ring from pulpits and read in homes far and wide. Some people celebrate by hosting dinners, exchanging gifts, and many churches share Holy Communion.

My favorite ritual is singing the glorious Christmas carols. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

In many houses of worship, Christmas Eve service concludes by lights dimming for people to sing “Silent Night, Holy Night”. The sanctuary is aglow from individual candles held high. At song’s end, candles are extinguished, and the church empties, hearts radiant in hope. Children hurry home—anxious to wake up Christmas morning.

The angel also told the shepherds where to find the baby. In a manger!

(Vs. 12). The heavenly Father could have had His Son born in a castle. Instead, God wanted Jesus to be born in a stable. His bed was a lowly manger—the cattle’s feeding trough.

Angel tidings, (or news), were God’s birth announcement announcing His Son’s arrival. No wonder the angels were so excited!

Jesus is God’s gift of grace to us—His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come into the world to be served, but to serve. No gift could be better!

Take Home Nugget

2 Corinthians 8:9, in the Bible, tells us: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” This most lavish gift—the good news of salvation—is the best gift that you and I will ever receive.

J.D. Griffith

He did not use a slivery box
Or paper green and red;
God laid His Christmas gift to me
Within a manger bed.

Prentice

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Twenty-Four/Seven

TWENTY-FOUR/SEVEN
Isaiah 45:18-25
Vs. 19: “I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.”

Jeremy’s Dad was supposed to pick him up after football practice. “It’s way past five o’clock!” Jeremy complained to Brad.

“Want to come home with me?” Brad volunteered.

“No, but thanks. I’m sure Dad’ll come—he probably just got stuck in traffic.” Before long, a car skidded to a halt in front of Jeremy, who was perched on the school’s steps.

“Very sorry, son!” Jeremy’s Dad exclaimed. “I went to the wrong field. I forgot that you said the “practice field” tonight. You are right where you were supposed to be, son. This is my mistake.”

God is always right where He says He’ll be. He’s never late. He never gets confused.

Why is it that we often have trouble finding Him?

God says that He didn’t tell us to seek Him in vain. He wants us to seek Him. We always find Him right where He’s supposed to be.

Are we looking in the wrong places?

Here’s where we’ll always find the Lord: His Word in the Bible, in prayer, and in the voice of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside each believer. Remember when Jesus said, “seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7).

That’s not all. Hebrews 11:6 also says, “…anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

WOW—we get rewarded when we seek the Lord!

When David wondered where to find God, he wrote Psalm 139. Verses 7,8a,10 says: “Where can I hide from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go to the heavens, You are there;…even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”
God is always “home.” His phone is never busy. He always opens the door when we visit. He never goes out of town.

Can you say that about anyone else?

Take Home Nugget

Rejoice, children, God is waiting for you to seek Him right now. God gave us the whole earth to inhabit. He gives us life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17: 26-28). “God did this so that men would seek Him, and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him—though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being…We are His offspring.”

HAPPY HANUKKAH TO MY JEWISH BROTHERS AND SISTERS—HIS LAMP BURNS BRIGHTLY—IT IS NEVER EXTINGUISHED.

J.D. Griffith

The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His Holy Word
That if we will draw near to Him,
Our faintest heart cry will be heard.

Hess

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Pause/Reflect

PAUSE/REFLECT
Haggai 1:2-11
Vs. 7-8: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.”

After there a natural disaster, residents cope, scientists learn, and emergency workers clean up the debris from property damage—as well as restoring human health. This is not new, and with each passing calamity, we try to find ways to avoid the next one. Or at least find ways to alert us of impending catastrophe. But the next devastation always comes—often before we’re ready.

The prophets of the Bible did a similar evaluation after spiritual disasters. They always made record of personal, social, and environmental effects of turning away from the Living God. (Isaiah 1:1-9, Haggai 1:2-11). Haggai urged his neighbors to pay attention to what had just happened. He wanted them to take note of their priorities.

How focused were they on their own comfort, while ignoring their neighbor’s frustration?

Did anyone see how empty their lives were?

If God didn’t care, would He ask us to consider the energy we spend on that which provides us diminishing returns? In other words, too often we spend our time and energy pursuing the wrong stuff.

When will we understand that God is the One who provides for all of our needs?

Jeremy and Brad were unhappy with how Scotty ended their friendship when they confronted him on his lying and cheating. “Do you think he’ll ever understand what we were trying to do?” Jeremy asked Brad one day.

“Well maybe…he’s just too glad to be rid of our meddling right now.”

“I hope he realizes that we’re on his side. He didn’t need to get so defensive.”

“I just hope that we did the right thing.” Brad said.

Do you think that Scotty will stop and consider whether Jeremy and Brad were trying to help him rather than ganging up on him?

Can Scotty be happy under these circumstances? (Refer to116 devotion, “Peace II.”)

Were Jeremy and Brad looking out for the best on Scotty’s behalf?

Take Home Nugget
Our heavenly Father knows each day what grabs our attention. He knows to what degree He’s the center of our lives, how much we concentrate on other things.

When we’re busy living, either during good times or bad, do we pause, and reflect on how our heavenly Father meets our daily needs? Giving God daily thanks fortifies our appreciation for His boundless provisions.

J.D. Griffith

I would live for three, Lord Jesus,
Turning my eyes so that Jesus is all I see,
(So) that the world and all its bounty
May attract no part of me.
When Christ is the center of your interests, life will be in focus.

Graves

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Whom Will You Serve?

WHOM WILL YOU SERVE?
Joshua 24:14-25

Vs. 15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Last month, millions of people in the USA elected a President. Were you on any particular side then? Did you consider yourself a winner or a loser? But we do not serve presidents. They lead our nation, and we respect the position. (In fact, the president serves the people.) In America, we have religious freedom to serve whomever we choose. Every nation in the world has their own laws that govern people’s rights.

Joshua found himself in quite a predicament. He had led the Israelites to their promised land. While travelling through and conquering foreign lands, his people were intrigued at their native gods. Now that they were to ready to settle in their individual land allotments, he challenged them to serve the one true God—Jehovah.

Jericho, Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites were driven from their land so that the Israelites could take possession of it. (Vs. 11-12). God did all the work for them. Now Joshua wants to know—whom will they serve—these strange gods, or the One who gave them this land?

They settled in a land where they did not toil the ground, into cities they did not build, eating from vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant. Joshua was challenging them to “Fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods of your forefathers

worshipped beyond the River (Jordan) and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” (Vs. 14).

Joshua sounds upset to me. Now he wants their answer. Whom will you serve?

Take Home Nugget

Vs. 16-18 tells us their answer. “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us out of Egypt, from the land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because He is our God.”

The devil tempts us to serve many “gods”. (The Bible calls them idols.) Let’s see: there is money, power, prestige, possessions, popularity, pride. Can you think of any others? Whom will you serve?

Many things tempt children of the one true God.
Jesus is my King; give me the nerve-
Nothing else even comes close.
Be my witness—whom I will serve.

J.D. Griffith

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Compromising GPS

COMPROMISING GPS
1Kings 11:1-11
Vs. 8: “And he did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.”

We saw how Michael was tempted to crash Julie’s birthday party with an illegal pony keg of beer. (Illegal because they were too young to drink beer, and the boys planned to break into the basement.)

Temptation is another trial that God uses to teach His children. As long as our internal GPS, the Holy Spirit, is in good working order, we’re warned to steer away from danger. But when we ignore our GPS warnings, we are always steered off course. Small compromises of rationalizing to ourselves, ‘Just once won’t hurt’ pile up and corrode our internal GPS. Soon, we’ve compromised too much, and become deaf to the Holy Spirit’s nudging. Before we know it, we’re in trouble way over our heads.

A young, spiritually-fervent Solomon, behaved as though he were invincible. (Sound familiar?)

God had warned him against marrying foreign women from the land they were to live in. But Solomon believed the devil’s lies and compromised his internal GPS. He ended up with a multitude of wives—each who demanded allegiance to their deities. By neglecting God’s laws and principles, Solomon was lured to disaster.

The political advantage of alliance with Egypt by marrying Egyptian women convinced Solomon to compromise his high standards. (1Kings 3:1). God didn’t instantly discipline Solomon for his rebellion. By delaying punishment, God allowed Solomon to mistakenly think there were no consequences for breaking a covenant with the one true God. As more time went by, Solomon thought there was no penalty to his disobedience.

But the penalty was severe—the price was that Solomon forfeited his family’s claim to Israel’s throne.

God’s commands are intended to protect us from sin and heartache. But when we’re tempted to ignore the Holy Spirit’s GPS warnings and disobey God, we’re headed down the wrong path. Advantageous-appearing compromises become damaging in the long run.

Take Home Nugget

Michael did not ignore his “bad feelings” about breaking into Julie’s basement. He did not crash her birthday party with a pony keg of beer—although he was ridiculed by his friends for being such a goodie-goodie. His internal GPS worked perfectly by nudging him away from danger—even when danger sounded so cool.

Julie’s sister did rat the boys out. They had to explain to their parents what they were doing in front of the Police.

What’s the harm Lord, for just one slip?
Life’s too short and I feel so good.
If I do this Lord, others will think me so hip.
Let me go one time, if You could!

J.D. Griffith

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GPS

GPS
Psalm 119:1-8, Proverbs 3:5-6

Prov. 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Jeremy’s brother Michael is fifteen years old. They’re close, but because Jeremy is ten, he doesn’t always understand what troubles Michael. One night, when doing homework on their bunk beds, Michael’s cell rang.

“Hi John!” he answered, after seeing the caller’s ID. “Man, you know I can’t do that…Really? I don’t know… Well, maybe… I’ll get back to you. Later.” He blew out a big sigh after hanging up the phone.

Jeremy said, “What was that all about?”

“John wants to sneak into Julie’s basement and crash her birthday party.”
“What’s so great about that?” Jeremy wondered.
“Her parents will be away, and John wants to bring a pony keg of beer to their party.”
“Oh. When?”
“Friday night. That’s when her parents will be away; only her older sister will be home.”
“What’s so cool about drinking beer with girls?”
“It’s fun, Jerm! Girls get crazy when they drink beer.”
“Really? Like how?”
“They like to flirt with boys and kiss, stuff like that.”

“Ugh! And you WANT that?”

“Yeah, that sounds fun…But, it doesn’t feel right.”

“If her parents won’t be home, they might never find out; but her sister could rat you out. If you have to sneak around to do something, it is probably wrong.”
“That’s why it sounds so tempting…don’t you get it?”
“It sounds dangerous to me, and it’d be crazy to get into trouble for a kiss!...I guess I don’t get it.”

Take Home Nugget

Today, GPS is known as the Global Positioning System. It is on cars, airplanes, boats—anything that moves, even people. A satellite can find the object and give its exact location anywhere on Earth.

God has provided His children with our own internal GPS called the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like a divine GPS. God’s Positioning System.

He warns us of danger. When we ignore our internal GPS, we’re open to compromising God’s Word. After ignoring His warning for awhile, He’ll shut up. Then we’ll be wandering through life on our own—without His help, and way off course. Without our own GPS in good working order, traveling through this world will surely steer us into trouble. This is a potentially volatile situation. But keeping our own GPS in perfect order (by heeding the Holy Spirit’s guidance and warnings), we’ll always be in the safety zone.

Walking through a trial, it’s sometimes hard to see
The valley of shadow and potential pain.
But when the internal God of warning is with me,
His steady hand will uphold and sustain.

J.D. Griffith

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Piercing Procedure

PIERCING PROCEDURE
Hebrews 4: 11-16

Vs 13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Can you say the word laryngoscopy? Lar-en-GOS’-ko-pe. This is a procedure where a doctor discovers what’s wrong in your larynx, or voice box. Your voice box is in your throat. Place your finger on the base of your neck and hum. Feel the vibration? That’s where your larynx is. When a person has pain while talking, a doctor will feed a tiny lighted camera down through the mouth into the throat. This reveals whatever problem is causing the pain.

God’s Word is like this procedure, laryngoscopy.

Scripture invades the unseen areas of our lives. As His Word penetrates into our very souls, diseased and damaged spiritual tissue is exposed. If you’re wincing, uncomfortable with this divine light, consider Jesus’ words in John 3:20: “Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come out into the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

This procedure is thorough!

When God penetrates into our dark places, healing begins. Spiritual health is the result. God pierces through our external lives and sees down into our thoughts, intentions, and motives. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” (Vs. 12).

This piercing intrusion may be uncomfortable, but do we really want to live with the disease of damaged lives? As children of the Living God, we’re cherished. He longs for us to welcome Him into our hearts so that He can heal our broken, shattered lives. He wants us to be whole.
Won’t you let God’s Word explore your inner being?

Take Home Nugget
We know when something is wrong in our lives, don’t we? When Father God, our Great Physician, diagnoses our trouble, we do not need an appointment. He’s available 24/7. He is standing by to hear your call. His remedy is sure to heal all trouble, repairing broken lives down to the smallest detail.

J.D. Griffith

Ever present, truest Friend,
Ever near Thine aid to lend,
Guide us as we search the Word,
Make it both our shield and sword.

Anonymous.

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