Paul

PAUL
Philippians 1:5-7
Vv. 5-6: …”being confident of this, (partnering in the gospel), that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The apostle Paul traveled around the world, teaching, preaching, and starting churches. One day, he stopped in Philippi, a prosperous Roman colony in Greece. There, he taught a group of men and women who were committed to following Jesus. He began with outstretched arms to the crowd:

“Brethren, every spiritual journey that grows in Christ is unique. Yet, there are certain stages of growth that are common to all believers. The Father teaches new believers basic principles that form a foundation on which to build a stronger faith-based relationship with Him and other believers.

“The building blocks come from truths in His Word, other believers, and life circumstances. The Lord calls followers to serve Him. We were created to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10). Pooling our talents completes every endeavor to His glory.

“Don’t be surprised if you become frustrated by your own inadequacy. Pride, arrogance, and boasting impede spiritual growth. This teaches us that without divine guidance and power, our human strength is insufficient—almost laughable.

“The Father will unpack our emotional baggage (things from one’s past that remain unresolved). Tenderly, He will force face-to-face confrontations with whatever holds us captive. Freedom in Jesus conquers whatever worries hold us hostage. As we struggle through issues, Jesus leads us to victory.

“After embracing Jesus as our Savior, our sinful nature is destroyed in exchange for a new life in Christ. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s influence, Jesus shines through us.”

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2).

Do you recognize yourself in any of these stages? Can you identify an area where God still needs to cultivate your spiritual development?

Take Home Nugget

Spiritual growth is where God transforms believers from the inside out. This is called sanctification, and the conversion takes a lifetime.

Others often do not notice our progress, but we can identify specific areas of improvement. Perhaps we’re more patient. Maybe we’re slower to anger. Possibly, things that used to be a passion for us are simmering quietly on the back burner of our hearts. Don’t be surprised if some interests simply dissolve away.

Lord, perfector of my faith, thank you for all You do for me. I commit myself to making the most of my spiritual journey—all the way to maturity. Lead me to the best I can be to experience Your best for me. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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John

JOHN
1John 1:1-7
The Message v.1: “From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands.”

“The Word of Life appeared right before our very eyes, and now I’m telling you all about it.” The apostle John said to people in Atarneus, a city what was now in present day Turkey. “I’m not fooling you or tricking you. What I witnessed was amazing, incredible, the most awesome thing ever!” John paused, waiting for reactions from the people who gathered before him. Touching his arm, he continued, “I touch myself to make sure that I’m still here, and talking to you. The infinite Life of God Himself, took shape before us. I want to share this with you so that you can experience the communion of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”

“Who was with you when you hung out with Jesus?” one onlooker asked.

“Well, there was my brother James, Peter, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas—that traitor—and, of course, me.” (Mark 3:16-19).

“Twelve disciples?”

“Yep.”

“What’s so special about this guy, Jesus?”

“Jesus isn’t an ordinary man—He is the Son of God, the Father.”

“What did He talk about?” a curious observer asked.

“He picked up where John the Baptist left off. He spoke about the kingdom of
God being right here and now! Repent, get baptized, love others, things like that.”

“What else?” another urged.

“We saw him heal people—from blindness to leprosy. He healed pain, people
with seizures. The paralyzed walked. He threw out demons—you name it! When he
spoke, thousands of people crowded around, hanging on every word.” (Matthew 4:23).

“Where did this happen?” a different spectator wondered.”

“At first, we began in Capernaum, outside of His hometown of Nazareth. There
we followed Him around Galilee where He preached in synagogues. Later we went to
Jerusalem, all around Judea, and the Jordan area." (Matthew 4:12-25).

“What did He preach?” another bystander wanted to know.

John went on to talk about the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-11. That really blew
their minds!

Take Home Nugget

Did you notice the crowd grow interested? At first, we may feel frightened to talk
about Jesus. What if we just talked to others like Jesus is our friend? (Acts 4:20).

John did that, and they listened. Of course, our actions speak for themselves—louder
than words!

The deeper our love for Jesus, the louder our witness—spoken and displayed—for Him.

J.D. Griffith

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Grace-Filled Refining

GRACE-FILLED REFINING
1 Peter 4:12-5:11
The Message v. 4:13: …”Be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”

Destin struggled with everything while his leg was in a cast. He couldn’t carry anything hobbling around on crutches. At first, he barked orders to his sister, Jennifer, to get him what he needed. Later, he felt ashamed when all she wanted to do was to sign his cast. (179dev Paralysis). Of course family members eagerly helped him, whenever he asked. But he was too proud to be a constant nag. He dangled a bag from the crutch grip and stuffed things he needed inside. Doing for himself replaced his self esteem. One day he met some friends for a baseball game at the park.

“Hey buddy, you’re getting around pretty good on those things!” one friend greeted him.

“It’s getting easier now. You should have seen me a week ago!”

“Ready to play some baseball?” another friend dared Destin.

“I’ll play First Base” Destin offered, hobbling to the bag, his glove flopping from his crutch grip.

“You sure?” the pitcher wondered.

Destin stood on his left leg edging the bag, his casted right leg infield. He punched his right hand into his gloved left hand and nodded. “Let’s play ball!”

The first hit ball grounded to third base. The third baseman snatched it up and threw a bullet to Destin at first, with the runner blazing towards the bag. Destin caught the ball, stopping the runner mid-stride. Whew, that’s weird Destin thought, slightly rattled.

“That’s one!” the pitcher announced.

Next hit ball was a high pop up that sailed over the center field’s head. The runner tried rounding first base heading for second, and smacked Destin to the ground. “Sorry Des!” he apologized, returning to first base. He helped Destin to his feet.

Red-faced and huffing, Destin looked to his buddies. “Sorry, guys. I guess I’ll have to wait awhile before playing ball.”

“Bummer, Des. There’re drinks in my cooler if you want.” The second baseman offered. “You should be safe sitting on the bleachers.”

“Thanks, Wally” Destin said. As he watched the game, he reflected this past week’s humbling experiences.

Take Home Nugget

Our heavenly Father teaches all His children. He humbles the proud, and exalts the humble. His grace extends to all who struggle through trials. Our job is to grasp His grace and courageously endure the learning experience with patience, spirit, and strength.

Salvation is a miracle that takes one moment, when we embrace Jesus as our Savior. Sanctification, consecration, and perseverance take a lifetime.

J.D. Griffith

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Paralysis

PARALYSIS
Hebrews 12:1-12
The Message v. 2: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in—that exhilarating finish in and with God—putting up with anything along the way…”

Jennifer’s brother, Destin, returned home with his right leg in a cast. “Jen, come here!” he shouted. “I need that weird hanger so that I can scratch this itchy leg! Would you get me a glass of soda? Hurry, Jen!”

Jennifer delivered the weird hanger, scrunching up her face. After she brought him a Coke, she asked, “Can I sign your cast, Des?”

Destin looked at his little sister. Ashamed by his demands, his eyes dropped. He forced a smile, and apologized, “Sorry for taking my frustration out on you, Jen. I hate not being able to do for myself; I feel helpless! Know what I mean?” Jennifer smiled back, relieved that he wasn’t angry with her. She pulled a red marker out of her waistband.

Have you ever heard of “tonic immobility”? This is a natural state of paralysis. (Pe-RAL-ess-iss). Sharks, when placed in water upside down, become paralyzed—unable to move. Sin is like that. The power and consequences of sin make us unable to behave reverently before God.

In addressing the Hebrews (most probably Jewish Christians), the apostle Paul urged them to deal with life’s frustrations by keeping their eyes on Christ. Jesus put up with ridicule, shame, and the cross without becoming paralyzed by sin. When we’re frustrated, His example shows us how to live victoriously.

Paul urges us to be deliberately proactive. When life attempts to drag us down, we’re to persevere by dumping sin. We were created to be children of the living God--siblings of Christ. We’re to remain brave through ordeals. Jesus walks through every trial with us—ensuring our success. Frequently, our life trials are discipline, like when our parents correct us. Discipline, often painful, is never fun. But we know that God loves us, and His rebukes always educate and instruct, resulting in our good. (Romans 8:28).

When trials threaten your stability, won’t you dispose of the sin in your life? Before sin immobilizes you, repent, and continue on with courage. You’ll feel lighter, free to arrive at the finish line—a champion!

Take Home Nugget

Destin hated yelling at his little sister. He bravely stood up, and using his crutches, discovered many things that he could do for himself. He proudly displayed his cast, signed with a heart, and JENNIFER in red ink.

Believers are told of a race where they’re assured to win.
Jesus will provide the strength to lay aside every known sin.

Dedicated to my brave Sister in Christ, Frances Cox, a true warrior who showed others how to live victoriously in adversity.

J.D. Griffith

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Happiness

HAPPINESS
1 John 2:12-17
“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

“Oh, I want that bike!” Jesse groaned. He stared. The glimmering blue motorcycle sparkled like diamonds in his eyes. “How old do you have to be to buy this, Mr. MacKain?"

“Anyone can buy this bike, Jesse. But you have to be sixteen to get a license to drive it.”

Jesse was nearly ten, but couldn’t wait until he could drive a bike like that. He sighed and left. Kicking stones as he aimlessly walked didn’t satisfy his ache for that bike. He passed the practice baseball field where his friends were hunkered down underneath the bleachers. “Hey Jesse, come over here!”

Jesse sauntered to the 3 guys who were staring at a magazine. “What’s that?” he asked them. The closer he got, the better he saw their eyes glued to the open book. He saw a naked woman, smiling and posing on a chair. She was beautiful. Jesse whistled. His friends nodded appreciatively. One licked his lips.

“She’s mine!” Joe barked and tore the book away from their grip. He pressed it protectively to his chest. “I’ll bring it again tomorrow, if you want to come and drool over her then” he said, smiling smugly.

Cassie admired herself in every reflection. Her wardrobe consisted only of the most popular clothes, and she wore them all well. Her jealous friends pawned over her. She knew that her family was the richest in town, and enjoyed flaunting herself every day.

The apostle John loved his Savior, Jesus, more than anything else in the world. John’s love spilled over into Christ’s church (the congregation of believers) after Jesus ascended to Heaven. John’s passion became his mission to warn these beloved people about what’s fleeting and what lasts forever.

He never tired of talking to his flock about Jesus. One time, he spoke warnings about three lusts. The lust of the flesh is the insatiable appetite to indulge in pleasures that inflame the body—but never satisfy.

The lust of the eyes wander continually seeking riches. Their constant hunger demands more possessions, more stuff, more, more, more. This desire transmutes into greed that covets everybody’s stuff.

The lust of pride is a person’s vanity that thirsts for constant applause. This glory quickly evaporates.

Lustful desires tempt in many ways, but feeding them never satisfies. Happiness is never achieved.

Take Home Nugget

True happiness is found only when we seek eternal things—a relationship with our Creator, and His Son.

Can I have, can I have more?
Wandering eyes reach out and grab.
Let’s go shopping at the store!
Constant unhappiness makes me a crab.

J.D. Griffith

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Catalyst

CATALYST
James 5:16
…“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Jennifer couldn’t believe it when seeing an ambulance carting her brother to the hospital. She tried holding her fear inside, but as soon as she got on the playground at school, she broke down. Embarrassed, she crouched down and tried stopping her sobs with fisted hands. She didn’t want anyone to notice, but Mr. Walker began to speak softly, with his hand on her back. She listened to him, catching her breath. She grabbed his hand as they both stood up. Thank you God. Was her thought response to the prayer she’d just said.

Catalyst (KAT-a-list) is a means, channel, vehicle, method, or a mechanism of getting what’s desired. Jennifer’s heart was breaking, not understanding why her brother, Destin, was in the hospital. Was he going to die? She prayed while crying on the playground, God, make Destin well, and send him home, PLEEEZE Jesus! AMEN.

How did Jennifer know that prayer is our personal catalyst for reaching the Almighty with our needs? How did she know that prayer is the fastest channel of communication with her Heavenly Father? Maybe she learned that somewhere like Sunday School, or reading her daily devotions with her Mom. But wherever she learned this life-saving method of crying out to the One Who wants to comfort, she is way ahead of many others in the game of life.

Not only with her own problems, but when she sees someone in trouble, she prays. Who taught her this? When was the last time you got on your knees and cried out to God about something other than your personal crisis? Jennifer even prays for the boys who tease her in class. She sees needs and never needs encouragement to pray for others.

Even total strangers have an unknown prayer warrior on their side. Jennifer never listened to the devil who got other kids believing his lie: problems are too big for one person’s prayers to make a difference. Don’t you believe it, either!

Take Home Nugget

The enemy wants us to believe that catastrophic problems are too big, or our puny troubles too small for our Father to care about. Almighty God is waiting to hear, bring peace, and change circumstances in any situation. He chose His children to participate in the process through prayer. Will you join God’s team by interceding for others in prayer?

We’re instructed to speak to God about anything, and everything. He’s chosen you to be on His team! God answers Knee-mail fast!

J.D. Griffith

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Silhouette

SILHOUETTE
Lamentations 1:12a
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see.”

Jennifer squatted at the foot of the swing set, head down, fisted hands on her eyes. Her sobbing couldn’t be heard; only her trembling back revealed her sorrow. The playground teacher, Mr. Walker, crouched down and placed a hand on her back, speaking softly.

He noticed that something was wrong with Jennifer. So did the kids who were heading in her direction. They all stopped playing, and queried Mr. Walker with wondering eyes when he stood up, holding Jennifer’s hand.

In the 18th century, silhouettes (sil-o-ETTS) became a popular alternative to expensive portraits. Silhouettes are shadow-traced profiles, cut from black paper.

The word came from a French general of finance named Etienne de Silhouette. He tried raising money to fund the Seven Years War against England by increasing taxes. His countrymen complained by using the word silhouette to mean their reduced wealth—a mere shadow of what it once was.

Jeremiah grieved over Jerusalem—destroyed by war—in the book Lamentations, in the Bible. His sorrow was that once great city, the center of worship, was reduced to a mere shadow of what it originally was.

Today, if we look around, we see people who are grieving over lost jobs, lost homes, lost pensions and incomes. Some people see only the negative side of what happened to the USA after most jobs were shipped overseas. Many are struggling more than they ever dreamed, but remain hopeful.

Jeremiah shows us how to lift ourselves out of despair.

“The glass is half empty”, “the glass is half full” are phrases that people often say to describe how someone handles adversity. The choice is yours: pessimism or optimism? Jeremiah points out to us that God is sovereign in suffering. He can do all things, regardless of how terrible circumstances appear, or how impossible they seem to correct.

Which life perspective do you usually show others when experiencing hardship?

Take Home Nugget

Jennifer was sobbing because her older brother is in the hospital. What she didn’t know: His broken leg needed the swelling to be reduced before putting it in a cast. Was he going to die? was the only thing she could think of at the time.

She tried to remember God’s compassion in her sorrow.

To see beyond terrible shadowed outlines, let Christ be your light.

J.D. Griffith

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Sammis

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Wash Hands

WASH HANDS
Matthew 15:1-11
v.8: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”

Tanesha cupped her hands around her mouth whispering into Nakeo’s ear, “Molly didn’t wash her hands after going to the bathroom.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, positive. We were the only two girls in the restroom.”
“Euooo! How gross!” Nakeo said, making a face.

You never know who doesn’t wash their hands after using the toilet. We shake people’s hands upon meeting. We show friendship by hugging. We share pencils, pens, phones, desks, books, pass papers, and borrow each other’s iPods. The latest pandemic of Swine Flu motivated President Obama to advise, “Wash your hands!”

Even back in Jesus’ time, people were supposed to wash their hands before eating. (Matthew 15:2). Jesus wanted to show the Pharisees and teachers of the law the difference between God’s commandments and man-made laws.

He said, “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’” Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,...blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man. (Matthew 15:19-20).

Looking good doesn’t reveal what’s in people’s hearts, and we never know what’s on their minds. We’re not telepathic. (Tel-e-PATH-ik). But there was one guy who could read minds. He blew the whistle on men who looked holy on the outside, but were spiritually defiled.

Jesus accused the Pharisees of prioritizing man-made laws ahead of God’s. He reminded them that righteousness is not achieved by working from the outside-in. Spiritual health is attained only through God’s transforming a person from the inside-out. The Pharisees made a point to look good in public, but Jesus knew that their hearts were messed up, diseased. Jesus talked straight to these holy men, knowing what they were up to: They wanted to catch Jesus’ disciples in a sin, breaking God’s law. Breaking religious tradition by not washing hands before eating may be unsanitary, but it’s not a sin.

God provided us wondrous bodies, and we can fight off most germs. What we eat goes to the stomach and travels out of the body. But what comes out of the mouth originates inside the heart.

How does a heart display itself when a mouth spews out hurtful, filthy words?

Did you ever gossip about someone like Tenesha ratted out Molly to Nakeo?

Take Home Nugget

Spiritual health has no connection to how we look on the outside. How we live broadcasts what’s inside our heart.

Hypocrites are famous for not walking their talk.
Psalm 139: 23-24 asks God to search our heart and lead us to victory.

J.D. Griffith

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One Day at a Time

ONE DAY AT A TIME
Exodus 14:1-5
V. 4: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they follow My instructions.”

Shakira gathered her friends to go rollerblading. One boy led them to the foot of a large hill and stopped. Turing around he asked, “Are you ready to tackle this hill?”

“Don’t say that!” Shakira protested. “You make it sound like it’s too steep for us to make it to the top.”

Shakira was correct. That hill won’t be conquered by kids bounding to the top all at once. The top can only be reached one step at a time.

Life can be exactly like that. Sometimes our daily challenges feel like we’re climbing Mt. Everest, and making it through just one day seems impossible. We often don’t feel strong enough to tackle the ‘mountain of ordeals’ that face us. But when evening comes, we reflect on our day. That which seemed impossible was possible—one step at a time.

The Bible reminds us that today is all we need to tackle. Jesus gave us good advice in Matthew 6:34. He said, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He will provide us the strength to make it through each day. Apostle Paul gave Jesus the credit when he said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”

Every hill in life is too high, every day too long if we feel that we must conquer it all at once. But there is nothing insurmountable when we tackle difficulties one step at a time, one day at a time—with Jesus by our side all the way.

Take Home Nugget

When leading the Israelites from Egypt, Moses must have thought, How can I get these people food? Finding food would be a daily challenge—and for how long?
But God intervened and took the worry off of Moses’ shoulders. He provided a mountain of manna for His people to last for years—but only enough for one day at a time.

For every mountain that looms ahead, Jesus reaches out His hand to boost us successfully to the top—one step at a time, one day at a time.

J.D. Griffith

http://www.bellsouthpwp.net/c/o/couchmt/cardofweek/today.html for a message about how to live for today.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure ,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Berg

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