Complete Package

COMPLETE PACKAGE
2 Timothy 3:14-17
V. 16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Jesse and Trevor didn’t realize that their salvation, after embracing Lord Jesus as their King, is just the tip of the ice berg. God’s goal is to transform them, (you, and me) into the likeness of His Son. Although this spiritual transformation takes a life time, it is a comprehensive, all-inclusive package.

Where Jesse may have a sliver of an edge, since he heard God’s Word from infancy, Trevor’s growth is neck in neck with his friend (2Timothy 3:15).

How will this transformation proceed? Will it hurt? Who would notice?

This spiritual growth transforms from the inside, and spreads outwards. The only pain is when the Holy Spirit convicts the person of sin, prompting repentance. The person who should notice a change is the self—if honestly comparing actions and thoughts of yesterday to today. Loved ones who are close to the person will see increased patience, good will, and a heart of service that may have been lacking earlier. Naturally, the older a person is at salvation, a larger number of people would notice a change in the transformed individual today.

How will transformation progress? God’s tool is His Word. The Bible is our instruction manual. Foundation is laid as we learn God’s truths. These mental principles about God’s character anchor our souls during stormy times of life. Reading the Bible every day fixes Scripture inside our hearts. Discerning truth from deception becomes easier the longer we study God’s Word.

Perfection against avoiding all sin’s temptations is not possible. Here, Scripture, coupled with the Holy Spirit’s promptings, offer reprimand. Their dynamic-duo heart prick convicts us of wrongdoing. We’re smart, then, to repent and correct our actions.

The Lord never leaves us in a mess without providing instruction for making things right.

Training in righteousness is a one-on-one discipleship course with Jesus as tutor, mentor, and friend. The more we study, the less we need correction. These 3 steps guarantee you victory in your own spiritual transformation: Read, Believe, Do.

Before you know it, you’ll be equipped—and more than qualified—to fulfill God’s purpose in your life.

Take Home Nugget

Trevor and Jesse’s concern about not being qualified for the job of discipleship, (see Ordinary Disciples devotion), will be resolved the longer they follow Jesus’ lead.

Where else can you find a complete package to victory?

TO OUR Jewish Sisters and brothers: Hope your Yom Kippur was blessed.

J.D. Griffith

It is God’s will that we should read
His Word from day to day,
Not just for knowledge, but much more—
To love Him and obey.

Hess

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Ordinary Disciples

ORDINARY DISCIPLES
Matthew 9:2-4, Luke 6:14-16
Luke 6:13: “When morning came, He [Jesus] called His disciples to Him, and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.”

Trevor quickly embraced everything Jesse and his Dad taught, buying his own Bible with the money he earned. He and his Dad began attending worship services with Jesse and his parents. One day he was troubled. “Hey Jess! I was wondering”…scratching his head, he continued, “Following Jesus makes us disciples, right?”

“Yeah, Trev. That’s right. The original disciples were ordinary guys, like fishermen. Apparently, Jesus isn’t a snob!” Jesse chuckled while trimming the front lawn. He faced his friend. “Does this freak you out?”

“Yeah, a little. I’m a nobody. I don’t know much about God, and the Bible, and stuff. I don’t feel qualified to be a disciple of Jesus!” He swept grass off the sidewalk. “But it’s cool learning about Jesus.”

The apostle Peter, also called Simon, was an ordinary person, too. After Jesus called him to “follow Him”, Peter became extraordinary. By choosing to follow Jesus, Peter talked with, ate with, and touched the man Who is God’s Son (Matthew 4:20). Peter was alive when Jesus died to save all mankind (Matthew 27:50). Then he witnessed Jesus alive again! (Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 16:14-18).

Peter met the Lord while working beside his brother, Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20). He immediately became a passionate follower, who constantly demonstrated eagerness to be in the middle of everything. His impetuousness (im-PECHOO-ess-ness)—means acting without thought, impulsive behavior without considering consequences—often got him into hot water.

He walked on water, at Jesus’ invitation (Matthew 14:27-29), and almost sank!

He was ready to install shelters to stay on the mountain during Christ’s transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-4).

He was a quick study—especially when Jesus swiftly scolded him (Matthew 16:21-23). Do you know this story? Check it out for yourself.

Peter shouldered a huge responsibility, and showed us how to let go of personal desires. God uses ordinary people, like Jesse and Trevor, and you and me, to build His kingdom. When we love Jesus above all else, and fully commit to obeying Him, He will accomplish through us extraordinary things.

Jesus made Peter the rock on which He built His church—that lasts forever! (Matthew 16:15-19). He certainly did become a fisher of men!

Take Home Nugget

Jesse followed Trevor when putting the lawn implements away. “I’m learning more everyday, too, Trev. I may have begun learning about Jesus before you, but I still feel unqualified to be a disciple of Jesus!”

Jesus does not call the qualified, He qualifies whom He calls.

J.D. Griffith

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Jesus is Enough

JESUS IS ENOUGH
Matthew 14:22-37
The Message V. 27: But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s Me. Don’t be afraid.”

We’ve learned previously, about accepting Jesus’ yoke—which removes burdens that weigh us down. (See Intimate Link devotion). As He walks with us through every trial, we become trusting disciples. The quicksand that pulls us down under the weight of trouble, loses its grip.

Instead of despair, we’re free to live happily carefree.

How long before we truly get it that all we need is Jesus?

Let’s further soak comforting trust into our hearts by seeing how many times Jesus shows us that He is enough. Remember that Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). After Jesus’ baptism, while in the desert, Satan tempted Him...Jesus shut him down.

Jesus had fasted a 40 days, and Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, “if You’re the Son of God” (Matthew 4:3). Was Jesus tricked, as hungry as He was? No! He shrugged off the challenging, “if you’re the Son of God”, and glibly replied, “It is written: ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Who is God’s Word? Jesus!

Then Satan took Jesus to the highest point of the temple. “Throw Yourself down, for if You’re the Son of God, He won’t let you get hurt” (Matthew 4:6). Can you hear the cool sarcasm in the devil’s voice? See Jesus’ smirk as He reproached the devil’s challenge? “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Who is God? Jesus!

Was Satan done yet? On a mountaintop, he showed Jesus the kingdom below. “This is all yours if you bow down and worship me (Matthew 4:9).” Jesus must have chuckled when He scolded, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Satan shut up and left. Jesus was enough to conquer the devil.

Jesus is enough in our lives, too. He just showed us how to defeat the devil’s temptations. Quoting God’s Word to the devil will make him flee. He was enough to quiet the raging waters and howling wind (Matthew 8:23-27).

He even conquered death! (Matthew 28:18, Revelation 1:18).

When will we get it that all we need is Jesus?

Take Home Nugget

Whatever our circumstance, Jesus is enough. His love, compassion, and grace provides us enough to carry us to victory.

Jesus carries us through trials instead of avoiding them.

J.D. Griffith

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Intimate Link

INTIMATE LINK

Matthew 11:28-30
V. 29: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jesse and Trevor raced to Trevor’s front door from the school bus. “I win!” Trevor cheered.

“No fair, you were first off the bus!” Jesse challenged.

Inside the house, a note from Trevor’s Dad read, “Son, pick up the living room and your bedroom. Vacuum the downstairs, and I’ll be home soon. Love, Dad.

“Not so bad, we can do this easy!” Jesse said. “But if we do more chores, we’ll get more pay.”

“Yeah. We can do homework after dinner” Trevor agreed.

“Before I forget, Mom said to invite your Dad to dinner, too.”

Jesse’s Mom had suggested that Jesse go home with Trevor to help out with the chores. (See devotion Bricked Backpacks).

When Jesus talks about taking His yoke upon you, we often misunderstand the meaning. The yoke is a metaphor of sharing the load—like how oxen are often yoked when lugging farm equipment while working the fields. Too hard for one ox; it’s easier for two to do the work.

What believers often misunderstand: we’re not to dump our worries on Jesus, then live carefree, but unchanged lives. This is how it works: We’re to bring our problem to the Lord and ask for His help, then let it go. Are we really supposed to forget our trouble, expecting a miracle?

YES.

NO.

Yes, because after giving our burden to Jesus, we’re not to worry about it, or take it back. It’s His now, and we’re to wait on Him. He may lead us to do something, or He may miraculously fix the problem. God is still in the miracle business!

No, because the point of a yoke is to walk together, side by side.

Christ’s invitation to share our burdens means accepting His yoke so that together, we emerge victorious. Jesus doesn’t just want your troubles, He wants you!

Accepting Jesus’ yoke is a sign of discipleship, an intimate link characterized by submission and obedience to Him.

Transformed, we don’t return to our old ways. Thoughts, responses, and beliefs change as we learn how to return Jesus’ love in gratitude. Trusting Him, believing His promises, and relying on His power shifts burdens from our shoulders and onto Jesus.

Linking intimately with Jesus provides us relief and peace—regardless of any situation.

Take Home Nugget

Trevor’s Dad returned home to a clean house, and freshly mowed front yard. The boys pocketed spending money.

Yoking with Jesus frees us to serve Him joyfully on the way to victory.

J.D. Griffith

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Bricked Backpack

BRICKED BACKPACK
Psalm 55
V. 22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”

“I’ll call you” Trevor said to Jesse as he got off the bus.

“I should have told you to invite Trevor over for dinner” Jesse’s Mom said as they cleared the dishes from the table.

“Yeah, I wonder why he didn’t call?” Jesse said, dialing the phone. “What’s up, Trev?”

“Sorry, Jess! I’ll come over now—do you have any dinner left?”

“Yes! I should have invited you for dinner. My bad.”

Trevor stuffed his mouth full, swallowed gulps of his drink, and stood up. Gathering his dishes, he walked them to the sink with, “Thanks, Mrs. D. That really hit the spot!”

“Come over every day, if you want, Trevor” Jesse’s Mom offered. “What do you and your Dad do about eating?”

“Oh, I don’t know…Mostly he picks me up a burger, or something. He left me a note to dust, vacuum, and clean the bathroom and kitchen as soon as I get home from school.” (See The Faith Road Devotion).

“What about your homework?”

“Yeah, tell me about it! It’s not fair! Dad knows I need to relax after school—and Jesse wanted us to throw football today.”

“How can we help? Maybe Jesse could go home with you, and you both come here for dinner? Sharing the burden would cut the jobs way down"…She looked at the boys’ blank eyes. “How about we pay you both for the jobs you get done? The grass will still need mowing for awhile.”

Jesse’s Dad said, “There’s plenty to do if you guys want some spending money…And that way, you won’t blame your Dad for assigning you household maintenance chores.”

Both boys smiled.

Take Home Nugget

External pressures can easily overwhelm a person, causing internal anguish. While burdens come in a variety of ways—from emotional to spiritual, to physical—they cause weariness.

But worry, bitterness, and unforgiveness are not God’s plan for our lives. These are burdens that the Lord tells us to release to Him.

While He allows some bricks in our backpacks, the burdens He loads upon us are designed for our growth. When will God’s children learn complete dependence on Him? God never intends us to tote our backpacks loaded with bricks without Him. And, He promises to sustain us.

Casting your cares upon God means releasing them into His command.
Give up managing and manipulating what’s already in His hand.
Christ offers release from burden’s oppressive weight.
Sustaining peace flows through the opened gate.

J.D. Griffith

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Day of the Lord

DAY OF THE LORD
2Timothy 3:1-5
V. 1: “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days.”

(PARENTS: You may want to consider whether this devotion is suitable for your very young children.)

“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1Thessalonians 5:1-2). “Day of the Lord” is not referring to a 24-hour period, but rather, a season. Sprinkled throughout the Bible—in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, Luke, 1Thessalonians, 2Timothy, 2Peter, and Revelation, believers are forewarned about the future. The point is not to frighten God’s children—but to maintain proper perspective, knowing that these things will happen—forewarning is both knowledge and comfort.

Jesus said many times in the Bible, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7). This present participle statement implies present time. Each passing day brings us closer to His coming. The season He’ll usher in will be marked by the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

First: believers who have died will rise from the dead. Then those believers who are alive will be caught up in the clouds, uniting with Jesus in the air (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). This event is called the rapture by many. (That label is not found anywhere in the Bible).

In those days, the Antichrist will rise to power 1John 2:18. There will be a seven year great tribulation in which unparalleled trials and hardship will spread around the world (Revelation 7:14). This future worsening days are signs that God’s Kingdom calendar is right on time (2Peter 3:3-18).

We must not sleep during this time. Our job is vigilance. To be sober and awake in a world ruled by Satan, inhabited by fallen men, affords us front-row seats—with theater guide (the Bible) in hand. Devastating world events are not frightening when viewed through the lens of Biblical prophecy.

The church (body of believers)—need not endure the tribulation—for we are destined for salvation, rather than wrath (1Thessalonians 5:9).

Take Home Nugget

Though no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ coming, our job is to pay attention. We’re to continue working diligently through this season (Matthew 24:36, Luke 21:13, 1Thessalonians 5:2).

Jesus didn’t provide us dates, only signs of widespread trouble (Matthew 24:6-14).

Every day brings news that’s worse than before,
As I peer skywards outside my door.
“Come soon, Lord Jesus, come soon”, I cry!
I look for You to come—either before or after I die.

J.D. Griffith

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Eternity Instinct

ETERNITY INSTINCT
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
V. 11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

On July 12, 1997, I witnessed a boat load of people stare in hushed reverence. A grown humpback whale swam toward our boat from the open sea. Her young calf frolicking by her side, curious by our boat. Mom, patiently tolerant, hesitated for a moment before surging near. When her calf dove deep into the water, she swam next to our boat, her eyes peering into ours.

When my eyes locked hers, I felt a developing bond. I hoped that my eyes telepathed awe and thanks to her. Validating my thrill, a tingle spiraled up my spine. She must have peered into the eyes of each person on our boat.

She played with us, swimming back and forth, waving her fin, both right side up and upside down. Cameras clicked before our new friends disappeared from sight. Was everyone as thrilled as I was at this awesome gift? Was anyone unchanged after this delight?

The author of Ecclesiastes, possibly Israel’s King Solomon, around 1000, B.C., saw the world’s beauty with dazzling clarity. Noticing the awesome creation around him, he wrote that God “has set eternity in the hearts of men.” How astute of King Solomon! He not only wondered at God’s creation, but also forecast long-term human experience.

We humans thrive when living life as fully as possible—so that when death takes us—we have no regrets. How many humans find life’s pleasures so alluring that they devote every living moment in their pursuit? How many chase sinful enjoyment rather than wholesome delights? Is eternity blotted out in their hearts?

When does it dawn on mankind that worldly pleasures ultimately do not satisfy? God’s creation is too breathtaking for humans to absorb in one lifetime. Only by living godly lives do God’s kids secure His promises—not only in this life, but in the life to come (1Timothy 4:8).

Valuing sinful desires yield lives that are unfulfilled and anguished.

Take Home Nugget

I disembarked the boat that day in July a changed individual. My instinct to eagerly experience the magnificence of eternity’s delight is driving my earthly pursuit of righteousness.

Do you think that having eternity in your heart is a spiritual experience?

J.D. Griffith

Amid the measured music
What watchful ear to hear
God’s voice amidst the garden?
Yet hush! For He is here!

Charles

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Dethroned Rivals

DETHRONED RIVALS
James 4:7-10
V. 10: “Humble yourselves before the lord, and He will lift you up.”

Red words are the Lord’s.

Let's compare credentials between the Lord and ourselves: He is the Creator; we’re the created. He provides everything that we need; we tell Him what we want. He forgives our sins; we try to be good.

(That sounds more like a contrast than a comparison.) Hold on! It’s scary giving God control over my life! I want to control my own life. And what if God wants me to do what I don’t want to do? Piercing thoughts encircle my heart.

After my fear subsides, I reconsider: He is holy and sinless. He is infinite. He is wise beyond measure, He’s perfect in everything, and His perspective is eternal. Besides, He weaves all things together for my good. (Romans 8:28).

OK, You got me, Lord. I agree that You make a better master of my life than me, I concede the debate.

“Great! What control do you think you really have, anyway?”

Gulp... No fair! You’re God!

“Besides, when people are masters of their own lives, they remain enslaved to sin. My Spirit won’t tolerate sin.”

So, what’s Your plan, Lord?”

“I promise to cover your transgressions with My grace. But when you continue in sin, that’s disobedience.”

What’s the bottom line, Lord? My thoughts challenge the Almighty.

“Discard all My rivals,” the Lord cuts to the chase. “Make a deal with Me. I don’t usually do this, but I love you, and want your trust.”

WOW, You’d do this for me?

“I sent My one and only Son to die for you! You’re my beloved, and I can’t wait until you grow into the person I created you to be.”

Me, too. What’s next, Lord?

“All my rivals must be dethroned. I’m jealous, and won’t tolerate second-place in anyone’s life. But I will not force you to give up anything you won’t willingly surrender.”

Like what?

“For instance, how much does your new bike mean to you? Are you addicted to pills, alcohol, or smoking? Does your pride prevent you to humble yourself before Me?”

Oh, that.

“Yeah. What, or Who is first in your life?”

Take Home Nugget

No one is absolutely free. We obey, and are slaves to that which is first-place in our hearts. Most people hesitate to submit their will to the Lord. But when we seize that opportunity, we’ll soon discover true freedom (from enslavement) and pure peace—from the most amazing Master.

J.D. Griffith

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there’s nothing between.

Tindley

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