Enormous Significance

ENORMOUS SIGNIFICANCE
Ephesians 5:15-21
Vv. 15-16: “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

“Know what?” Trevor asked Jesse, “I feel different—somehow.”

Eating grilled hamburgers on the outside picnic table, Trevor became a staple at Jesse’s house for dinner. While Jesse just looked at Trevor when he made this comment, Jesse’s Dad had a reply. (See 196 devotion Holy Thinking).

“Trevor, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. He is the deposit that guarantees our eternal life (Ephesians 1:14). So He’s been at work in you for a couple days now.”

“What’s He doing?” Trevor’s forehead crinkled.

“He’s teaching, guiding, and leading you into the person God designed you to be.”

“Really?...So that’s why…”

“Why what, Trev? Finish what you began saying” Jesse prodded.

Trevor blushed, clearing his throat. “Well, I was thinking about writing my Mom a nasty letter—for leaving me…but I don’t know where…" his voice trailing off.

Jesse’s Mom laid a hand on Trevor’s. “She is hurting as badly as you are now, Trevor. I pray every day for your family to be reunited again—and soon!”

“I’m glad that you didn’t write that letter” Jesse’s Dad said. “The Holy Spirit will never leave you, but refusing to follow His guidance limits His work.” (John 14:16).

“What if I ignore Him?”

Laughter erupted around the table. Swatting a fly, Jesse’s Dad continued, “The Holy Spirit woos us to follow His lead every day. God gave us free will so that following Him is a choice, Trevor. That’s why there’s so much bad in the world today. Believers would have enormous significance in our world if we all were to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.”

Our Father patiently waits for us to seek His power to overcome sin. When we become the persons He intended, we accomplish the work that He calls us to do. The Holy Spirit provides this supernatural life. When we fail to yield to Him, our lives are filled with discouragement and defeat.

Jesse said, “Let’s shoot for the Holy Spirit’s gold every day, Trevor!”

Take Home Nugget

The Holy Spirit is ready to fill believers with this supernatural power of living. But we must be willing to relinquish our will, and submit to God’s will. Humans do not easily surrender anything; we cling to maintaining control. (No matter that our control is imagined). This is why we hesitate to give our will to another—even if it’s God.

What are you waiting for?

Each small step of faith manifests itself as a giant leap of growth.

J.D. Griffith

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Masterpiece

MASTERPIECE
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

“How’s Trevor?” Jesse’s Mom asked when he got home after swimming.

“Well, at first he was depressed. But we found Scripture that lifted his spirits.” (See 198 devotion Uplifted).

“That’s great, Jesse. I’m proud that you’re the dependable friend he can count on.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’d feel if you and Dad were getting divorced, and it freaks me out.”

“Me too, honey. The men in my life are real treasures—just as we all are in God’s eyes.”

“Yeah, Mom. But sometimes I forget that.”

Do you sometimes forget that you’re treasured? You are: priceless, cherished, beloved, a prize beyond measure.

Our Father is an artist, and His creation is unspeakably magnificent. No two people are alike. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. We are not created to be idle like treasures shelved in a museum. Neither are we created to sit silently in the museum of worship. We were created in the likeness of God (Genesis1:27), to do good works, to the glory of the Father. (Matthew 5:16).

God redeemed us so that our good works would showcase the brilliance of His grace. Our redemption is God’s most awesome work—His greatest masterpiece—but it cost Jesus His life. While we were dead in our sins, He made us alive in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is by His grace that we are saved! (Ephesians 2:1,5).

You can believe that God’s finger pointed to the Scriptures for Jesse to read for lifting his friend’s spirits. Jesse’s practical good works brought much glory to the Father that day. Image God’s smiling face while they swam at the pool afterwards.

When despair threatens, remind yourself how treasured you are to the One Who created you—and bought your redemption with the death of His only Son.

Take Home Nugget

Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were God’s “workmanship.” He probably used the Greek word, poiema, which means “poem”, or a “work of art.” We’re God’s works of art in His museum—earth—filled with billions of his masterpieces—pointing a dark world to His light of love.

Dedicated to Mary Louise Randolph, 1932-2009. A magnificent masterpiece of God’s workmanship; she never forgot whose she was. Her good works touched many, including her extensive family. We miss you, Mom!

J.D. Griffith

Sing, O sing of my Redeemer;
With His blood He purchased me;
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt and made me free.

Blis

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Uplifted

UPLIFTED
Psalm 40:2
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

(Indications of despair)

Jesse parked his bike and ran onto Trevor’s front porch. “Hey Trev. Want to go swimming?”

“Na.” (Disinterested in life)

“What do you want to do?” Jesse wondered.

“Don’t know, Jess.” Trevor shrugged his shoulders. (Unable to think, distracted)

“What happened, Trev?”

Trevor’s chin quivered as he admitted, “I’ve got to talk to someone…Mom’s gone, Jesse!”

“What?”

“She just split…But she promised to stay in touch with me.”

“Why did she leave?”

“It’s all Dad’s fault! They argued, and he threw her out of the house.” (Blaming someone)

“No way!”

“I haven’t slept, I can’t eat. It’s my fault, Jesse. I am a bad kid…She’d still be here if I hadn’t…” (Little self-worth)

Jesse swallowed hard, shaking his head. “Mom told me that you’d blame yourself, Trev. She wants me to hang tight.”

“I am not a charity case, Jesse!” Trevor yelled. “I don’t want you here on your Mom’s orders!” (Daring to end relationship)

“I WANT to be here, Trevor. You’re my best friend! Things are wrong when you’re not right. You’re very special, and I won’t let you forget that.”

“If you want to hang out with a loser, I’m your man.” (Critical, self-hating)

“Stop that, Trev! You’re not a loser! Have you prayed about this, buddy?”

“Yeah, sure. No answer at God’s place, either.” (God seems distant, absent) “Please leave me alone, Jesse.” (Building walls to protect self)

Jesse sighed. “Please don’t kick me out, Trev. I won’t leave, and God won’t abandon you, either. Let’s walk through this together…Do you have a Bible?

Take Home Nugget

Jesse opened the Bible at random, and began reading: 2Corinthians 6:18, 7:6: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters”…“God comforts the downcast“… Psalm 27:10: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” Last, Jesse found Joshua 1:5: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Then they went swimming. (Friends are God’s ambassadors.)

Dedicated to my SISter and friend, Ellen Hasbrouck—who gifted me a laptop computer—that has allowed me to post devotions for BibleStudyForKids.com around the country these past two years. On this, my second anniversary of writing devotions for children, I lift up praises and thanks to God for providing me everything I need—motivated by His peace—that passes all understanding.
Thank you, Ellen, for loving me as God’s ambassador of eternal friendship!

J.D. Griffith

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Watching Over Me

WATCHING OVER ME (Part 3 of 3)
Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Trevor’s chin trembled, his eyes closed. “What’s wrong, Trev…you’ve just been saved, man!” (See 196 devotion, Holy Thinking).

Hands covering his eyes, Trevor wept openly. Jesse sat on the floor in front of his friend, offering him tissues. Jesse’s Mom and Dad gave the boys privacy.

“I’m sorry, man.” Trevor’s voice broke. He tossed a tissue into the trash, and dabbed his eyes with a new one. “I’m really glad, but…now what? What’s going to happen to me, with my folks splitting?”

“I don’t know, Trev…but I am relieved that you’re in God’s family now, anyway. Jesus is bigger than your problems—that much I know. Ask Him to help you, answer your questions.”

Jesse’s Mom sat down. “Mind if I butt in, guys?”

Jesse looked at her, thankful. “Course not, Mom! Trev’s terrified.”

“I get that, Trevor” Jesse’s Mom began. “Who wouldn’t be in your situation? Let me tell you what Matthew 10 says. You are precious. God weeps when you’re sad. He doesn’t want His children to be unhappy, and promises to help. Jesus walks us through every trial, and in the end, we find victory beyond the sorrow.”

“Really?” Trevor sniffed.

“Jesus was sending out His twelve disciples into the world to teach His Word, heal sickness, and drive out evil spirits. They were scared out of their wits. Know what I mean?”

Trevor and Jesse, eyes wide, nodded together.

“First he told them to travel light, don’t go far, stay with regular people, not in Inns. And work for their host’s hospitality. He said in Matthew 10:16, ‘I am sending you out as sheep among wolves…therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.’”

The boys couldn’t take their eyes off her.

“Continuing in verse 29, ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.’”

She added, “Even the hairs on your head are numbered…you are worth more than many sparrows” Matthew 10:30.

Take Home Nugget

Trevor threw away his last tissue. “Thanks. I feel better. Of course I’m worth more than sparrows!”

Jesse said, “I know that God will replace your worry with His peace!”

“You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.

J.D. Griffith

If God sees the sparrow’s fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not care for you?

Anonymous

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Holy Thinking

HOLY THINKING (Part 2 of 3)
1Corinthians 2:11-16
V. 14: “The man without the Spirit does not accept things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

“Trevor, you do believe in God, right?” Jesse asked.

“I, uh, never attend church, if that’s what you mean.” Trevor swallowed, looking directly at Jesse, and then his Mom. (See 195 devotion The Faith Road).

Jesse’s Mom smiled and said, “Stay overnight, Trevor, if that’s alright. Let’s go downstairs now.”

TV off, Jesse’s Dad was informed of this meeting. “Do you know that in the Old Testament, 4,000 years ago, this is exactly how the Israelites met and worshipped?”

“No way!” Jesse exclaimed.

“Yes, indeed. In fact, the people assembled inside what was called the ‘Tent of Meeting’”. (Exodus 40:34).

Trevor and Jesse exchanged glances. Trevor began, “I’ve heard about Jesus, of course…who hasn’t? I’ve never read the Bible. But now, my life is totally messed up.”

Jesse’s Dad talked about Almighty God’s Son, Jesus, who died for the forgiveness of our sins…of which we all are guilty. “When a person accepts Jesus as Savior and forgiveness of sins, (s)he becomes a new person. Instantly, the Holy Spirit indwells the person—guiding thoughts, desires, and actions from then on. He is the deposit that assures us of our salvation, sealing us for eternal life.”

“I want what Jesse has. Hope. Security. Salvation.” Trevor quivered, his eyes misting.

The four of them knelt on the floor as Trevor accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Jesse’s Dad said, “Welcome to God’s family, Trevor! Now that you’ll be led to love God with your whole heart, soul, and mind, you’ll also be led into holy living. Our actions are based on thoughts, which spring from what we believe. Our heavenly Father wants to replace unrighteous, impure thinking, with holy thinking.”

Trevor and Jesse’s eyes looked blank.

Jesse’s Dad laughed. Patting a hand on each of the boy’s legs, he said, “It’s not that hard! I know that you can do this, guys! All it takes is your cooperation with the Holy Spirit, and commit your mind to the Lord. You are separate from the rest of the world now. I urge you both to read the Bible every day. That will keep your resolve strong as you continue growing in the Lord.”

“This is my August resolution, instead of a New Year’s resolution.” Trevor announced.

Take Home Nugget

Holy thinking is a lifelong process. But through it, we grow more like our Savior every day.

God is pleased when our walk matches our talk.

J.D. Griffith

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The Faith Road

THE FAITH ROAD (Part 1 of 3)
2Corinthians 5:7
“We live by faith, not by sight.”

BANG, BANG, BANG! Opening His front door, Jesse’s wrinkled brow showed concern for his friend. “What’s up, Trev?”

“Oh Jesse, I don’t know what to do” Trevor admitted. Sniffling, he walked into the house. “Can we talk privately, upstairs?”

“Sure.” Jesse said, looking at his watch in the dusk. “We’ve got hours before bedtime.”

“Who is it, Jesse?” his mom yelled.

“It’s Trevor, Mom. We’ll be in my room.”

Trevor threw himself face down on the bed. Jesse said softly, “Tell me what’s wrong.” He sat in the chair opposite…waiting silently.

Reaching for a tissue, Trevor wiped his nose. “Know how my Dad was going to take us camping?" Jesse nodded. “Well not now…He and Mom are getting a divorce.”

Jesse’s heart flip-flopped. “That’s tough, Trev.” He thought about his own parents, and wondered what he’d do if he got this news. He wondered how to ease his friend’s horror. Then a thought erupted out of his mouth, “God loves you so much, that you can’t even see the end of it.” (Ephesians 3:18).

“What?” Trevor sat up, wondering what Jesse was talking about.

“Instead freaking out, let’s look at your problem through the eyes of faith, buddy.”

Jesse’d learned a lot during the grounding he got after pulling that prank on Cassie. (See dev184Things God Hates).

“Huh?”

“Through Jesus, all your needs are met.” (Philippians 4:19).

“Oh brother! What happened to my friend, Jesse? I want to talk to him!”

“I am your friend, Trev—just trying to help you through this awful mess. I learned lots after what we did at the pool. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He forgave us for what we did to Cassie.”

“No way!”

“Yeah, and there’s more. When we let Jesus into our hearts, we’re secure eternally. As adopted children of God, we’re heirs to His kingdom.” (Romans 8:17).

“And this helps me, how?”

“Even though our world crumbles around us, we’re tight with the Lord…and that relationship is forever. Jesus will never let us down!” (Hebrews 10:23).

Trevor stared at Jesse. Shaking his head, he said, “OK, tell me more.”

Take Home Nugget

Jesse’s Mom knocked on the door and came inside his bedroom. “Is everything alright, guys?”

Trevor looked up at her, then at Jesse. Jesse said, “Trevor’s Mom and Dad are getting a divorce.”

Jesse’s Mom hugged Trevor, and said, “This is not your fault, Trevor! Trust the Lord, and He’ll see you safely past this. You’re welcome here, anytime.”

True love and compassion is love in action.

J.D. Griffith

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Believer Citizen

BELIEVER CITIZEN
Romans 13:1-14
The Message V.1: “Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order.”

God does not differentiate between the secular (SEC-u-ler, meaning “of the world”), and the spiritual. So, how can believers—as citizens of a country—be set apart from the world?

Every existence is ranked in order of value. Hierarchies (HI-RA-ark-ees) establish various places for each living thing. You may have learned of the “food chain”. Lions, being near the top—feed on lesser life forms—cascading all the way to the bottom. (The smallest particle known today, in subatomic protons and neutrons, are quarks—the size of a dot).

God’s pecking order places humans just beneath the angels in Hebrews 2:7—ranked very high in the food chain.

Besides the food chain, humans are also subject to the government. What different kinds of government exist in the world? Dictatorships represent a single tyrant ruler. Royal government has a king, or queen, who is born to rule over commoners. Democracy is signified by social equality, with citizen vote choosing a leader. Every government has leaders who are given their positions by the Lord. (Daniel 2:21).

Believers and unbeliever citizens behave differently from each other.

God’s Word details believers’ responsibilities as citizens. #1: Law-abiding. Regardless of whether people think the laws are unjust, believers are expected to obey them. What do you think the ratio is between godly and ungodly people in prison?

#2: God desires His children to pray for the country’s leaders. 1Timothy 2:1-5 urges believers to make “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings…for kings and all who are in authority.” This is so that we may lead tranquil and peaceful lives, “in all godliness and dignity.”

#3: Our actions and words should demonstrate a righteous influence on the government. This means to avoid acting and speaking with a superior, arrogant, or superior attitude. Rather, we’re to cooperate with others in humility. Collaborative (ko-LA-bor-a-tiv means mutual, shared) working together within the system can effect healthy change.

#4: Always remember that our first allegiance is to the King of kings.

Take Home Nugget

S Salve
A Additive
L Light
T Taste

Jesus called His followers to be “the salt of the earth” in Matthew 5:13. Salt changes food’s flavor (taste). It is often a healing agent (salve). As a preservative (additive), it makes a difference. Representing the gospel, we shine (light). Can you be SALT to your community?

J.D. Griffith

Lord, help us to obey Your Word,
To heed Your still, small voice;
And may we not be swayed by men,
But make Your will our choice.

D. De Haan

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Liberty Check

LIBERTY CHECK
Galatians 5:1-6, 16-21
Vv.1,6b: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Cassie and Missy, Girl Scout Juniors, went camping with their troop before entering sixth grade. One August weekend, the girls graduated from Juniors to Cadettes. Missy bandaged Cassie’s knee, after a fall scraped her skin raw.

Her life-saving badge, sown on her sash, showed her competence. The girls cheerfully displayed their proficiency in hiking, swimming, tent pitching, and cooking. Before roasting hot dogs in an open camp fire, the girls scampered to collect rocks. The fire’s flames would be safely contained by rimming the fire pit with rocks.

The ceremony traditionally began and ended with singing songs, bringing tears to many campers’ eyes. “I’m so glad to be part of this troop!” Cassie announced, sniffing.

Ms Marshall, the leader, replaced each girl’s green Junior beret with a Cadette brown. As their smiles sparkled in the fire’s blaze, the girls admired each other’s new look.

Just as their leader’s vigilance--and rock-rimmed pit, prevented the campfire from starting a forest fire—the new Cadettes’ excitement needed songs’ calm before falling asleep. Prudent living requires conscious attention to details (PROOD-nt means sensible, cautious, wise).

As God’s children, we are free from sin’s curse, penalty, and guilt. In Jesus, these are replaced with peace, forgiveness, and liberty. No one has greater liberty than the person who is free in the soul’s depths, made complete with a peace-filled heart.

But here’s where believers often mess up: many relish these luxuries by living selfishly, and end up self-indulgent. Others claim ownership to that which is merely entrusted to their care—and fail godly stewardship. As custodians of Earth, for example, have we responsibly tended to and protected our planet from destruction?

The proper use of liberty is “faith working through love” in service to others. By relying on God’s Spirit, we apply our energy to loving and helping others. (Sound like the Girl Scouts?) We strive to build up others instead of tearing them down, because the sinful nature is restrained.

God’s check-valve for believers’ liberty is the conscience, where the Holy Spirit leads. He WILL convict us of wrong!

Take Home Nugget

Just like a raging fire, liberty without check is perilous. Potentially fatal. But checked liberty is a freedom that blesses all.

Honest freedom doesn’t give us the right to live how we please, but to live according to what pleases God.

J.D. Griffith

Christ came to give us liberty
By dying in our place;
Now with new freedom we are bound
To share His love and grace.

D. De Haan

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Discernment

DISCERNMENT
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ…”

Jesse felt anxious after returning home from swimming. He’d been grounded from the pool for three weeks after his prank humiliated a friend. But his pool freedom came with a price—something which he’d not paid in full. At dinner, his guilt was exposed. (See devotions Things God Hates, Belief Stand, and Rationalization.)

“Did you go swimming today, Son?” Jesse’s Dad asked him between mouthfuls of salad.

Jesse stabbed a tomato before replying, “Yeah, and it was great, Dad. I came home after two hours, just like you said.”

“So, Cassie accepted your apology?”

Jesse looked down at his salad, lancing a crouton with his fork. He mumbled, “Well, she wasn’t exactly there.”

“What?”

“Well, Dad, I found Missy, her best friend. I told her what you sent me to do, and she gave me a hard time at first.”

“Go on, Son” the man’s voice grew tense.

“I told her how sorry I was for humiliating Cassie like that. But Cassie was babysitting today.”

“But you went swimming anyway?”

“Yeah, Dad, Missy forgave me, and said she’d tell Cassie tonight. She told me to catch her tomorrow.”

“But you went swimming today, anyway?” Jesse’s Dad repeated, throwing down his fork.

Jesse gulped, his eyes burning holes into his salad.

“Look at me, Son.”

Jesse looked up. “Missy forgave me, Dad. I can clear this up with Cassie tomorrow.”

“That was not the deal, Jesse, and you know it!”

Jesse meant well. He wanted to do the right thing, but he was confused when Cassie wasn’t at the pool. His going swimming disobeyed his Dad’s clear instructions.

When we walk by faith, our focus is to be on the Lord, and not our circumstances. When we’re torn between doing two things, how do we know what’s right? When we pray first and lay our troubles on the Lord, He’ll guide our steps. He wants us to seek Him, then trust His lead.

The fog of uncertainty clears when we trust God. Trusting the One Who is in control separates truth from deception.

Take Home Nugget

Jesse apologized to Cassie next day at the pool, but was not allowed to go swimming for another week. The devil tempts us into doing things we want to do, but separating his deception from God’s truth is usually hard. This is called discernment.

“Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” Psalm 19:12

J.D. Griffith

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