Breathe Worship

BREATHE WORSHIP
Psalm 150
The Message v. 6: “Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah!”

Jocelyn came inside her house for lunch with a dirty face.

“Wash your face, Jocelyn! What have you been doing, eating dirt?” her Mom wondered.

When God played in the dirt, He created man! (Genesis 2:7). He breathed into man the breath of life, and man became a living, breathing creature. Was God having fun playing in the dirt? You bet! Jocelyn had fun too, but with different results.

We use the word “breath” in various phrases, like: catching my breath—when winded, holding my breath—when frightened, saving my breath—when something is useless, breathless—when awed. When God breathed into Adam, He gave us a reason to live: worship.

Every time we misuse the gift of breath—like telling a dirty joke—we’re wasting our breath. When we waste our breath on things that do not honor the One in Whom “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), we grieve the Holy Spirit. Dishonoring God, as His offspring, is like swearing to a parent.

What would that get you? Perhaps a slap in the face, or a grounding? How would you expect God to react?

Hopefully, we aspire to use our breath in a way that pleases, honors, and glorifies our Father-Creator. Speaking words of encouragement to someone who’s depressed is always a win-win-win. God smiles, the person smiles, and you smile. Now that’s not wasting breath, that’s praising God! That’s when you praise Him Who gave you breath.

Every time we use our unique gifts of talent, abilities, and opportunities we’re living, breathing worship. When we do that which we were wired to do, that’s our daily worship. (Jeremiah 1:5). Pretty cool that God wired us to want to live exactly the way we do naturally, huh?

Take Home Nugget

After someone does or says something that does not please our Father-Creator, the Holy Spirit nudges the person’s conscience. It’s best that we don’t ignore that conviction.

Acknowledging the sin and repenting is always in our best interest.

The sooner, the better.

Have you noticed that God makes it feel “natural” to do the right thing, respond the right way in every circumstance? The key to our victory is to continue “listening” to the heartbeat that’s directly above our own.

All that I am, all that I have, all my aspirations come from Jesus.

J.D. Griffith

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew;
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Hatch

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Peace

PEACE
Psalm 23
The Message v. 1: “God is my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.”

The Architect of the universe takes care of each individual creation. Every detail of every life is in His sovereign control. A shepherd caring for his sheep are accurate metaphors (MET-a-fors) of our Father in Heaven caring for us. Sheep are gentle and harmless. Sheep follow. Sheep trust. They do not live in fear, want, or anxiety because they know that their shepherd is Jehovah. Sheep represent what God desires in His children: trust, reliance, obedience.

What peace.

How can we not live in joy and satisfaction knowing that every detail of our lives is under our Shepherd’s watchful eye? Believers, who live by faith, find abundance in green pastures—God’s goodness, provision, and peace.

Whatever circumstance in life, our Shepherd offers quiet contentment—green pastures—not of this world, but of God. Regardless of any situation, when we abide in Him, we will overcome.

What peace.

The indwelling Holy Spirit provides consolation and happiness represented by quiet waters, by which believers are led. We’re fed by the fountain of living water that restores souls. God’s Word guides His children in paths of righteousness, in which we abide.

These roads we cannot find unless our Shepherd leads us to and through them. When people’s walk is unsteady, their confusion is caused by distrust and unbelief in their Shepherd.

Hearken unto our Shepherd’s voice that leads us successfully through the shadow of death. Between us—the flock on earth—and that which has preceded us to Heaven is the valley of death. Every person must face death—which can bring terror. But we fear no evil, because our Shepherd rebukes, or scolds the enemy. Since our Shepherd guides us with His rod, and sustains us with His staff, we’re guaranteed victory.

What peace.

Jesus’ sheep feast at His table, where the wicked cannot touch them. Here, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit and taste the cup of salvation which never empties. They’re reminded of their Shepherd’s goodness and mercy, His love, which follows them all the days of their lives. Finding everything they’ve ever wanted in His house, believers happily serve the Lord, forever.

What peace.

Take Home Nugget

People may scoff at whoever believes these words. But for hundreds of generations, Psalm 23 is the most often quoted Scripture at funerals. These words may mean different things to different people, but whoever hears these words of comfort is consoled.

Will you follow your Shepherd through life so that His goodness and mercy can reassure, soothe, and ease your burdens in times of trouble?

What peace.

J.D. Griffith

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Addressing My Audience

Addressing issues about previous devotion, What is Sacred?

When people take good care of possessions, they are demonstrating good stewardship of God’s blessings. The value of blessings is sacred, since blessings are a gift from the Provider. This does not mean that objects are worthy of worship. That makes them idols. We do not worship idols; things are never important enough to worship. Only our Creator is worthy of worship. He is sacred, and He instills in His children an awe of Him. Our attitude of awe for our Creator holds believers in wonder and amazement throughout their lives in everything we do. Our body, as a temple to the Living God, is sacred because it houses Him in the person of the Holy Spirit. (1Corinthians 3:17). Just as valued objects are sacred to us, we are sacred to God when we remember whose we are. We belong to Him! The devotion, What is Sacred? did not mean that things are sacred by themselves. Apart from God, nothing is sacred.
Please continue to address your concerns to me. Thank you for your sincere desire for growth in your spiritual journey. We’re fellow sojourners.
In Him, For Him with love, J.D. Griffith

What is Sacred?

WHAT IS SACRED?
1 Corinthians 3:17
“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”

“What is sacred?” Ms. Thompson asked her Sunday School class.

Kids raised their hands to respond to her inquiry. Ms. Thompson pointed to Chris.

“My iPod.”

She pointed to the other kids who had raised hands.

Shakira said, “My skates.”

Trevor said, “My bike.”

Anna said, “My room.”

David said, “My football.”

Ms Thompson smiled, nodding at each answer. Then she asked, “What’s the one word that each of you said to identify your answer?...Hint: who’s possession?”

The class answered in unison, “Mine!”

They are all correct. No one has to go to the Middle East to understand what is sacred. The sacred is more accessible than that.

Do we make holiness too complicated?

Every life is sacred, every day is sacred. There is nothing ordinary or trivial about who you are, what you do, or the way you are gifted. Being alive is a privilege, a blessing from our Father. The present IS a gift. Celebrating being alive, moment by moment, is revering the sacred.

That’s what it means to live in the moment—a time that will never be repeated.

St. Paul wanted to explain to the Corinthians how God treasures every person. Ever since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, sin has seeped into everything. He explained to the people how consecrated (set apart) and sanctified (holy) each person is by naming them “God’s temple.” God’s temple is sacred, and YOU ARE THAT TEMPLE! Your body is that temple.

Can you imagine their surprise? Do you believe that you are God’s temple?

How can we honor God the most by keeping our bodies holy? By centering our lives in God’s peace and living in full awareness of His love, we honor Him. Remembering that He lives in us (as the Holy Spirit after we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior) is a daily reminder of Whose we are.

We are set apart for God, and holy!

Introducing conflict and drama into our lives—which are meant to be serene, simple, and at peace—dishonors God—and His plan for us. Matthew 7:6 says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred.” Dogs were created for a different purpose than we humans.

Take Home Nugget

You were not created to journey through life in trial and doubt. When this is necessary for us to grow in faith, trust His Spirit to lead you successfully into victory.

With Your help, Lord, I choose to carry the sacred with me from now on.

J.D. Griffith

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Blessings Scorecard

BLESSINGS SCORECARD
Ezekiel 34:26
“I will bless them and the places surrounding My hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.”

Brian plunked down on the couch. Leaning forward with elbows on his knees, he looked at the floor, chin in his hands. “What’s wrong, Brian?” his Mom asked.

“Everything!” Brian snapped.

“Everything is not wrong; plenty things are great!” his Mom challenged.

“Name one.”

“You’ve got a home, surrounded by a family who loves you. God adores you, and showers blessings on you every day…just to name a few.”

“I don’t consider those things in my life as blessings.”

“Really? I’ll name blessings, and you tell me a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best blessing. We’ll see how blessed you truly are, Brian.”

“Not in the mood, Mom.” Brian said, shaking his head.

“The best time to count your blessings, dear, is when you’re down. Come on” she urged.

Brian surrendered, “I suppose you won’t let this drop. OK Mom—whatever...”

Rate the blessings along with Brian and see how many you give the score of 10.

“Your health”
___________

“Your family”
___________

“Your stuff”
___________

“Your food"
___________

“Your clothes”
___________

“Your friends”

___________

“Family’s love”
___________

“God’s love”
___________

“Jesus’ love”
___________

“Holy spirit’s indwelling”

___________

“Your salvation”
___________

“Forgiveness of sins”
___________

“Everlasting life”
___________

“Eternity in Heaven”

___________

Brian’s eyes sparkled, his smile broad. “I get it, Mom. God has blessed me more than I usually admit.”

“Remember these things when you’re down or feeling sorry for yourself, Brian. ‘The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ (1John 4:4). God wants His children to be happy.”

(I guarantee that you’ll score these blessings differently ten years from now.)

Take Home Nugget

It’s easy to get down when pondering things that do not meet our wants. Dwelling on bad circumstances instead of being grateful for blessings is a choice we make every day. God loves His children so much that “He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

God adores you so much that He’s troubled when you’re unhappy. He longs to shower you with blessings. Won’t you choose to live joyfully to show Him that you’re thankful for all He’s provided for your happiness?

Each day God watches out for you, His child.
In gratitude, praise God for blessings that He does shower.
Each one, from the outrageous to the mild
Displays His awesome power.

J.D. Griffith

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Resurrection Gratitude

RESURRECTION GRATITUDE
1 Corinthians 15:3-23
Vs. 14: “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”

There are people who call the Bible a collection of fairy tales. If Christ is not risen from the dead, as they claim, why are you reading this devotion? Why am I writing this? Our faith would be useless. Loved ones who preceded us in death would have no hope for an afterlife. Where’s our hope? What would be the point of living?

St. Paul has made this point clear to the Corinthians. What is the point of Christ’s being raised from the dead if the dead would not also rise? For if the dead won’t rise to life again, then Christ also, isn’t risen.

If this life is all we have, then we are most pathetic!

But as we know for sure that Christ is alive today, and has become the first fruits of all who are sleeping in death, then we, who are Christ’s, will rise at His coming. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the deposit of things that we know for certain must come.

Pentecost is proof that Christ is alive and well because the Holy Spirit rocks!

How many times do we utter, “Thank God” when something goes our way? Well, THANK GOD for Christ’s resurrection! Can you think of anything more important than the assurance of salvation? Forgiveness of sins? Everlasting life? When you consider that all our hope and faith is bundled up in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, then resurrection gratitude becomes a very big deal!

Take Home Nugget

Take one second to consider how you’d feel if Christ isn’t alive. You are sovereign of your life if God is not alive. You’re alone, living without security of a loving God being in charge of the Universe. The tether securing your life to the One Who gave you life is severed. You float away without purpose or direction.

Did you feel your sail go limp, your rudder stall? That hollow feeling in the center of your being is life without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

This is what eternal life will feel like for people whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 20:12). God is life. Without Him, we are dead: Dead in sin—and separated from the Father. Separation from the Father is what Jesus anguished over on the cross: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me!”

May this separation from God’s embracing love never happen to you.

Thank God for Christ’s Resurrection!
Nothing brings gladness more.
Peace and joy stream from soul’s sanctification,
Secure therein our heart’s store.

J.D. Griffith

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Perhaps Today?

PERHAPS TODAY?
Matthew 28:1-6, 24:36-46, 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, 5:1-10, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17
Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angles in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The joy of Easter blasts resoundingly throughout the Heavens and the earth. Jesus did what no other could do: three days after dying, He rose from the grave! Ever since then, over 2,000 years now…and counting…God’s children have been awaiting the return of their Savior.

What scene will unfold at the sounding of Archangel’s thunder—God’s trumpet blast? The dead will rise first. Then whoever is living will rise into the air, caught up together to meet the Lord in the clouds. (1Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Jesus urges His children to be prepared, always on the lookout for His return: “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44).

While we wait eagerly for the exuberant celebration of meeting Jesus in the air, we meditate on the exciting truth of the plan’s practicality: We’re going to require a new body—one that’ll clothe our Spirit in Heaven—and one that will never wear out. God Himself promises to transform us into glorious bodies like the one Christ rose with. (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Our physical bodies will be altered so that we won’t be restricted by time and space. Remember, Jesus didn’t bother with using doors after His resurrection. (John 20:19). Our current bodies simply won’t do! Our new bodies will be perfectly suited for the environment where we’ll dwell forever—an ageless eternity in which all our needs will be met.

Each person will still be himself or herself. Friends and family long separated will recognize each other, unchanged on the surface.

We will never sin again.

So, add to the gifts that the Father supplies when we accept Jesus—His Son—as our savior: We’re Chosen by God, Sanctified—set apart, Justified—made right In God’s sight, Liberated from slavery to sin, Redeemed by Jesus’ blood, United with Him in a relationship as His children, and now Glorified citizens of Heaven and Everlasting life!

Take Home Nugget

At last—in Heaven, we’ll be the persons that God intended us to be when He formed us in our mother’s womb. (Jeremiah 1:5). We’ll be housed in a body fashioned like Christ’s—perfect and forever whole.

J.D. Griffith

The darkness deepens! Yes, but dawn is nearer!
The Lord from heaven may soon be on His way;
The “blessed hope” in these dark days grows dearer;
Our Savior Christ will come—perhaps today!

Smith

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The Cross--Mirror of God

THE CROSS-MIRROR OF GOD
John 10:17-18
“The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life—only to pick it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

Lots of people wear a cross. Their reasons for choosing this particular piece of jewelry are many and as varied as the colors of the rainbow. Fact: the cross represents what is arguably the most painful method of execution. Crucifixion usually began with the criminal’s flogging—both front and back. Soldiers used a strip of leather split into three cords, each imbedded with bone.

The whipping tore a person’s flesh to ribbons. No wonder the criminal couldn’t carry his own cross up Golgotha’s hill!

At the dreaded site, soldiers would hammer a square nail into the hands or wrists; another nail secured the ankles onto the timber. As the soldiers raised the plank, it slammed into the hole with a deafening “thud.” In order to breathe, the convicted man had to push up on his bloody ankles. His death by suffocation came slowly and was excruciating.

Jesus is God, but fully man. He endured this physical agony, plus emotional and spiritual anguish willingly. His people rejected Him. His disciples denied Him and fled. His Father turned away from His suffering when He took our sin upon Himself. (Matthew 27:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

And yet, Jesus didn’t see Himself as a victim. He shed His blood on our behalf freely, considering it pure joy. (Hebrews 12:2). No greater love exists.

From the beginning of time, Father God required a penalty for disobedience to His commands. This means that Jesus knew before He was even born that His death would be required to save mankind from eternal death. Could you have lived 33 years as fervently as Jesus did—all the while knowing what lay ahead—for people who scorned Him, refused to believe Him, and demanded His death?

No greater love exists.

Take Home Nugget

The cross mirrors God as a symbol of supreme Love. It represents forgiveness for our sins—our salvation. It screams God’s love reaching out to His children. In addition, we see His glory in its reflection: perfect love balanced by perfect justice. Perfect truth balanced by perfect grace.

No greater love exists.

J.D. Griffith

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all?

Ackley

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Dreams

DREAMS
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

This truth comes directly from God’s heart. How can we turn His promise into reality—desires which our dreams envision?

Most people dream large, but do they believe that their dreams will come true? The word “dream” is both a noun and a verb. Kristin dreamed that she was a princess. (Verb). She began living out her dream. (Noun). Her friends mocked her, saying she acted “stuck-up.” A few years later, her dream changed—that she was a basketball star. She began living out her dream, and after many years, it came true!

Jeffrey dreamed of being an astronaut. He’d gaze at the night sky through his telescope instead of doing his homework. His Dad locked his telescope away. Awhile later, Jeffrey dreamed of being valedictorian of his class. Imagine his delight at high school graduation when he was named valedictorian—and was awarded a college scholarship!

Throughout their lives, Kristin and Jeffrey continued to dream large. At every stage of their growth, they dreamed new dreams—and succeeded in attaining them. How did they do that?

They believed Psalm 37, and clung to God’s promises. Vs. 3 says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture”…Vs. 5 continues, “Commit your ways to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it only leads to evil…those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land…But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace…” In between these verses are how the wicked plot and fight, but the Lord laughs at them, knowing their day is coming, verse13. “For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” Vs.17.

Begin to claim your dreams and realign them with God’s will. His plans and your dreams are usually the same. Talk to Him about your dreams. Let the ones that lose their sparkle fall away, for they are not for you. Thank Him when He blesses your dreams—what He’s made possible for you to attain.
Then press on, “What’s next, Lord?”

Take Home Nugget

God has great plans for us past childhood and the 20s. Our 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are packed with God’s plans. So, seek God first, then dream large.

A life committed to seeking God exceeds all earthly expectations.

J.D. Griffith

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Drawing Close

DRAWING CLOSE
Colossians 1:9
“…We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

We hold our most holy and awesome God in utmost reverence. We are enormously privileged that He wants to build a close rapport (ra-PORE) with us. Matthew 1:23 calls the Lord Immanuel which means “God with us.”

As we kids study the Bible, many passages urge drawing close enough to God to form a relationship. Reading His Word shows us Who God is, how He thinks, and what He wants. We connect to Him, establishing mutual trust and appreciation between us.

Intimacy with our God means sitting on Jesus’ lap and whispering our dreams and goals into His ear. Crying out problems to Him, beseeching His help, unburdens the heart and generates peace. God is glorified and flattered by our attention, and eagerly offers His supreme help to untangle problem lives. God longs for our confidence—trusting Him to unburden our hearts, and then be free to live secure, solid lives.

Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans…I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” (John 14:18-20). This is precisely what the word abide means. Being part of someone also means ‘leaning on’ that person for reliability and stability. God truly ‘has your back’ when you abide in Him. Psalm 46:1 declares that God is our “very present help in trouble.” Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross not only won us salvation, but also opened up the road to develop this close, personal relationship with Almighty Father.

Spending quality time in God’s presence is when we’re quiet: meditating on Scripture, or praying. It’s a two-way street; He answers questions that we have, and provides peace when we’re upset. This quality time builds a relationship—a special, individual bond that He actively pursues. Our Father cherishes our closeness so much that this connection is one for which He guarantees respect, protection, and involvement.

Our “rock”, (relationship with God), is where we find shelter, stability, and strength. (Psalm 62:2, 40:31).

Take Home Nugget

God longs to be involved in the details of our lives. He promises to escort us through the journey of sanctification (to set us apart from the world), where He guides us through life circumstances that teach holiness. Abiding in and serving God intensifies our spiritual maturity and belief in Him.

When you admire someone, aren’t you proud to be named his friend?

J.D. Griffith

“The Lord will give you help and strength
For work He bids you do;
To serve Him from a heart of love
Is all He asks of you.”

Fasick

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