Friday, December 31, 2010

Full Throttle for God

FULL THROTTLE FOR GOD
John 15:1-8
v. 8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to by My disciples.”

At the end of another year, how would you complete your report card for following Jesus, being His disciple? It is true that life is hard—especially when living as the Lord desires—but Jesus promises to walk by our side, supplying all our needs (Philippians 4:19). Marty, in the previous devotion Remain in the Light, figured out pretty fast about apologizing for a little white lie he told his Mom. Immediately, he was fast-tracked on target for bearing fruit for His Father, once more. Can you remember a time during this year when it took you longer to get back on the track of following Jesus?

Jesus was right on, when He said, “apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Can you think of a time this year when you tried doing something without Him? How long did it take for you to figure out why you failed so miserably? Do you remember being tired, worn out, feeling weak? At some point, His juice leaked out of the wiring at the connection between Him and you.
A leak drained His power when you focused on something besides Him. The remedy (REM-e-dee means a fix) is quick, and easy: refocusing on Jesus recharges and restores. Reading His Word, praying, spending time with godly friends are all good ideas that refresh the believer’s walk.

Things seem to flow very well when we’re on the Jesus track. Victory and power are in our grasp as long as we remain connected to the vine. But, separated by distractions that divert our attitude and activities toward worldly goals can veer us way off course in a split second. Many wise believers learn how to discipline themselves before losing their power, by recharging with a daily dose of His Word and devotions.

Hebrews 12:1 urges God’s kids to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” What is preventing you from living passionately for Christ?
As a New Year’s resolution, won’t you ask Jesus for His help and commitment for action following Him? His plan, with His strength, guarantees His kids’ lives filled with peace, joy, and contentment.

There’s nothing like living at “full throttle for God!”

Take Home Nugget
Persist no matter what.
Endure discomfort.
Request help.
Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
Envision triumph.
Very consistently keep at it.
Embrace adversity as your teacher.
Refuse to give up.
Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!
anon.
P-E-S-E-V-E-R-E through 2011!

Happy New Year, World!
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Remain in the Lght

REMAIN IN THE LIGHT
1John 2:6
“Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”

Marty complained about his dress shoes at church, over Christmas. He hoped his Mom would take him to buy new ones, so that maybe he could also get new sneakers. “How do they feel? the saleslady asked Marty about the new black dress shoes he was wearing.

“They pinch my toes.”
His Mom said, “If they’re uncomfortable, they aren’t worth getting, sale or no. Let’s keep looking.”

Marty looked at the shoes, wondering, Why am I grouchy? Looking up, it dawned on him. I didn’t want new dress shoes, I wanted new sneakers! He said aloud, “I also need new sneakers, Mom.”

“Of course you’ve out grown all your shoes!” Marty’s Mom said.
After they found sneakers, the saleslady announced, “It’s buy one pair, get the second pair half-price.”

“The dress shoes don’t really pinch my toes, Mom. Sorry. Could we get both pairs? Please?”

“Well, OK, Marty…but you’d better wear the dress shoes!”

“I promise.”
The way to maintain a pure heart is to confess sin. Marty knew the dress shoes fit fine, but he really wanted sneakers. How often do people whine and complain when everything is just fine? Apostle John told us that light and darkness don’t mix. Marty realized that his goal of getting new sneakers by complaining about the dress shoes was wrong, and he felt guilty.

Marty’s ‘little white lie’ made him ashamed, but he felt better after admitting the truth to his Mom. Inviting darkness into our lives by lying creates immediate conflict every time. Although lies may seem innocent, they always have consequences (con-se-QUENC-es mean punishment, or a price). Confession of sin always removes the grime of guilt and shame. We are only made clean, and guilt-free, by Jesus’ work in the cross. Our identity in Him remains secure.

That’s way better than a buy one, get one at half price!

Telling little white lies messes up the relationship between believers and our Lord. If left unchecked, unrepented sin can choke the bond between God and His children. This dims the light of Christ in our lives—and the light that we show the world.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t convict us of general sin. He’s very specific. He points out the problem exactly. God is pure light, perfect light. How quickly we worship God, even after such a wonderful Christmas, then muddy up our ideal relationship with a stupid lie? And for what? New sneakers?
Take Home Nugget


Honest believers acknowledge their sin, and take responsibility for it. How much better to remain in the light than to tarnish our perfect relationship with God!
One tiny lie darkens the soul in a big way.

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, December 24, 2010

No Room

NO ROOM
Luke 2:5-7
“He [Joseph] went there [Bethlehem] to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.”

We hear this message every Christmas, and the passage affects people differently. Varied emotions emerge whenever it’s read aloud. Moms image giving birth in a stable—Ugh! Dads image leading a donkey all the way from Nazareth with his pregnant wife in tow—Oh my! Kids often wonder how they ever got where they were headed, with no lights, and going so slowly—Are we there yet?

What always grabs my attention is the Innkeeper. Let’s picture the scene as Joseph stops the donkey in front of the Inn. “Okay Mary” he’d say, lifting her to her feet.

“It’s so good to stand up and walk!” Mary’d comment, stretching her legs. “This looks like a nice place, Joseph.”

Joseph would open the front door, and they would step inside a dimly-lit room. The people congregated there would stop and stare as they walk to the desk. “My good man” Joseph would greet the Innkeeper. “Have you a room where we could stay for a few days?”

The balding Innkeeper probably would sigh when looking at Joseph. When he’d look at Mary, trying to avoid looking at her bulging waist, he’d sigh again before saying, “I am very sorry. We’re full, and most rooms have two to three families cramped inside.” He’d stop speaking to watch their reaction.

Mary bites her lower lip, searching Joseph’s face before turning to the Innkeeper. “Sir, how would you advise us?”

Joseph turns to the Innkeeper, forehead wrinkling in desperation.

The Innkeeper says, looking from Joseph to Mary, “There’s simply no room anywhere in Bethlehem. I am truly sorry…but wait a minute!” he straightens up, raising his brows. “I have a stable out back! A couple cows and sheep eat and stay warm there, but I’ll offer it to you, if you want.”

Joseph looks at Mary, who eagerly nods her head, eyes bright. He says, “Thank you, Sir! We’ll take the stable, if that’s the only place where there’s room.”

Take Home Nugget


The stable worked out very well, indeed! But the point is: Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Or have you rented your heart out to another?

Dearest Jesus, You claim all my days
Where I love and give You highest praise.
You died, taking away my sin and shame—
Oh bless the Savior’s holy name!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, WORLD!
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Powerful Prayers

POWERFUL PRAYERS
Colossians 1:9-14
vv. 3-6a: “We always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because of your faith in Christ…the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven…the word of truth, the Gospel that has come to you.”

Because God loves us so much, (See devotion Understanding Unconditional Love) we learn to love others. When people say, “I’ll pray for you” what does that mean, really? What’s the best way to pray for another? There is one prayer that covers everything from blessing (approval), protection (safety), to provision (needs). When we pray, speaking to God using Scripture, the conversation contains the authority of the Almighty, Himself.

Beginning in v.9, the prayer in Colossians, chapter 1, seeks God’s wisdom and understanding for the plan of our lives. A searching heart will receive what is needed to follow His way. Verse 10 continues with persons’ lives being consistent with, and worthy of their true spiritual identity (that is, righteous, and holy).

Verse 10 names fruit (good works) as the product of righteous living—very pleasing to God. Then we pray for the person to grow in both facts about God, and an understanding heart. This awareness of Who God is and what He wants produces a believer’s harvest for God’s kingdom.

But relying on our own strength will wear a person out. So verse 11 asks for strength with all power, for every achievement. (This is most effective on our knees, surrendering control to Him). We trust God’s awesome power for endurance and energy to climb every mountain, claim every victory.

Realizing that success comes from God, verse 12 reminds us to thank God. We become grateful for all things. His gifts continue to bless us with our inheritance, or legacy in heaven. Verses 13-14 remind us of being rescued from the darkness, and brought into His light, forgiven and redeemed.

Prayer is vital for believers’ triumphal race to the finish line of their lives. Prayer delivers a vibrant, healthy relationship between the believer and the Father. His unconditional love inspires our love for others. This most powerful prayer model is our gift.
Take Home Nugget


When another says, “I’ll pray for you”, the best response is gratitude. A simple “Thank you” acknowledges their gift of love. Now, we have a way to give back that love with a prayer that covers every circumstance for others. Lifting others up to God’s throne in prayer is the best gift we can offer another. Our prayers produce contentment and joy in our own heart.

Although God knows our every need,
This work He longs to share:
Taking us as partners,
He calls us to prayer.
J.D. Griffith
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Friday, December 17, 2010

Understanding Unconditional Love

UNDERSTANDING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Many of us have heard from early youth that God loves us. “Jesus Loves Me This I Know” is one of the first songs taught to children. In Nursery classes, kids belt out the song, feeling like the special little people they truly are. It doesn’t take long for God’s kids to wander away, and our Father watches, awaiting cries of distress. He ALWAYS responds, eager to help. When His love stops making sense, it’s time for another lesson.

Because much of our concern for others is conditional, we often project this wrong image onto Jesus. How can someone love me more than I love—especially after what I’ve done! Won’t you allow Him to exchange your anxiety (ang-ZI-I-TEE means worry, concern) for peace? Exchange your depression for joy? Fear for confidence?

Apostle Paul shows us in Ephesians 3:17-19 that the depth of God’s love is beyond our comprehension (com-pre-HEN-shon means understanding). He asks God’s kids to pray for the Father to give us spiritual understanding, so that we experience Him more fully. How can we wrap God’s love around our minds securely, so that we can REST in His love? Abide means to rest in, stand in. God’s love isn’t dependant on our morality (mor-AL-i-tee means goodness), choices, or thoughts.

Recognizing our own sin can make us feel unworthy. The Holy Spirit steps up and urges us to repent. Instantly forgiven, we’re relieved to learn: God promises that there is NO CONDEMNATION for His children.

Whew!

Some feel that this is too easy, and want to earn God’s love. This contradicts divine truth: God loves His children without condition. No one can earn God’s love.
But, how can this love and discipline co-exist? Do your parents stop loving you when giving you a Time Out? Every child needs correction and redirection. (Even adult children). Seen from a different angle, consider that only those who are loved are disciplined.

Take Home Nugget


When you finally get it about God’s unconditional love, does this give you license to sin? Of course not! Just like your parent, teacher, or older sibling, your heavenly Father will discipline every wrong action. It’s wise to learn from it, (instead of rebelling).

God’s love covers our bad behavior, then restores our peace, happiness, and self-worth. When will we allow His love inspire us to be obedient?

Thank You Jesus, for holding me out in Your love
That separates me from others who don’t know
How our heavenly Father showers us from above
With peace, joy, and confidence that I live and show.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Significant

SIGNIFICANT
Psalm 139:1-18
v. 13: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

“That’s incorrect, Cassie. Weren’t you listening to the story I just told the class? Who can come up here and write the correct answer on the board?” the fifth-grade teacher said.

Cassie sat down, red-faced. I was listening! Cassie insisted to herself, tears threatening to spill down her face.

When someone pokes fun at you, it’s hard to remember how precious you are to God. There will always be someone who’s more athletic than you, cuter than you, smarter than you. We all want to fit in, be accepted by our peers, and respected by others. But there will always be people who survive on the margins of life. Their life is difficult, and they constantly struggle with self-worth.

Being different can easily result in being bullied, and mocked by others. When people don’t fit into any mold, they’re often ignored. Does anyone see me? compounds their feeling of insignificance. Trivial, the opposite of important, is NOT how God created His kids to be—in any situation! To God, every one of His kids is significant.

We’re so valued that God sent His only Son to pay the price for our salvation. We’re so important that the creator of the entire universe wants to have a relationship with every one of His kids. Specifically fashioned in His image, people are the only created beings that can boast that. He also designed every detail of our lives before we were even born.

So whether you’re too tall, too short, or too different from everyone else around you, rest in the assurance that you’re deeply loved. You’re important. You matter. You were formed specifically for a purpose. As we learned in the devotion, God’s View of You, God’s crazy about you! And in the devotion, Assurance Over Doubt, God wants you to be certain of your place in His family.
You DO matter. While you may not command the applause of everyone, to God, you mean the world.

Take Home Nugget


“Cassie, will you please stay after class for a minute?” Cassie’s fifth-grade teacher requested, as the bell rang.

“I am sorry if I was rash about criticizing your answer, Cassie. The story can have different points of view, and I hadn’t considered the idea you suggested” Cassie’s teacher admitted. “You’re very bright. Won’t you write a short description of why you came to that conclusion? I’ll give you twenty extra-bonus points of you’ll tell the class what you meant by your answer.”
J.D. Griffith
Of all creation’s treasures rare,
Not one compares in worth with man,
In God’s own image we were made
To fill a place in His great plan.

D. De Haan
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Friday, December 10, 2010

Assurance Over Doubt

ASSURANCE OVER DOUBT
Romans 6:21-22
“What benefits did reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

We learned how God feels about His kids—He’s crazy about us! (See 334dev God’s View of You). But we’re human. We cannot help but sin, regardless of how much we try being good.
That’s the whole reason the Father sent Jesus, Who came to save us. There’s nothing we can do on our own; we can never be good enough to not require saving. If we don’t understand that Jesus had to die in our place, and accept His free gift of salvation, we often doubt our salvation.

People have only two options in regard to sin. Either we die in it, and spend eternity separated from God (death), or accept Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness, and spend eternity in God’s presence—in heaven (life). Which do you choose?

Since the Father cannot look upon the filth of sin, when Jesus was hanging on the cross, He took on the sin of all mankind, and the Father had to turn away. From eternity past, the Father and Son had NEVER been apart. Jesus must have been shocked at the horror of the Father’s turning His back when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

This ought to clue us in about how people will feel, who don’t accept Jesus. Their eternity will be spent in shocked horror. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so that we wouldn’t have to. How can we have assurance of salvation? Take the following three-question test:

1. Do I trust Scripture? Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Either we believe Jesus died for our sins, or we don’t.

2. Do I believe the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:16 says that the “Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

3. Do I follow Jesus? Those who walk in Christ are a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), and are being transformed day by day into His likeness.

Take Home Nugget


If you can answer “yes” to all three questions, you can be assured that you’re in God’s family. Any “no” answer points to the issue that needs growth. Christ-followers still sin. But regardless of whatever sin, the Holy Spirit continues to tag us with guilt. He won’t stop until we repent. His insistence is proof that we’re God’s kid!

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He died for your sins, then you’re saved!
J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

God's View of You

GOD’S VIEW OF YOU
Hebrews 2:6-18
v.11: “Both the One Who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.”

Way too often, people rely on human understanding for how God sees His children. Everything our Father does on earth is guided by His care and love for the human race. Scripture shows God’s viewpoint. It is a reliable, regardless of how we feel from one day to the next.

Created in God’s image. Think about all the creatures God made. Only one, mankind, of all His creation, was made in His image. We have a mind, will, emotions, soul, and spirit that enable us to worship and relate to God. Adam and Eve were perfect and sinless, at first. Their purpose was to live forever in intimate relationship with their Creator.

The corruption of sin spoiled that divine image. When sin crept into human nature, people had no way back to that blissful, perfect union. We became spiritually dead. We had no hope. We were condemned by the very God Who created us so lovingly—so full of hope and promise. We didn’t resemble His original creation at all. But all was not lost. The Father devised a way to bring us back into a loving relationship with Himself.

Worthy of Redemption. Thank You, Father, for considering Your kids worthy to save! Enter Jesus. Jesus was present at creation, and yet He agreed to forsake His divinity, and become human—just so that He could save His siblings—us. Through His atoning work, everyone who believes in Jesus is made spiritually alive again. The Father is so proud of His Son, that He mandates (or commands) that humans embrace Jesus before He has anything to do with us.

This reconciliation (re-kon-SIL-i-A-shon means reunion, ceasefire) between God and His kids is a breathtaking achievement. Jesus’ death on the cross, as a perfect sacrifice, bought our forgiveness for sins. Although horribly expensive, Jesus’ death makes it possible for God’s precious kids to come boldly before Him. Now, God’s view of us is pure and holy.
All because of Jesus. No wonder the Father insist people accept His Son before acknowledging us! God is as crazy about you as He is about Jesus!

Take Home Nugget


Life can be so difficult, that people often lose sight of their worth. The battles we face are ongoing, and we forget Whose we are. In the Father’s view, we’re precious, valued, and beloved. This realization can energize and renew our love for the One Who gave Himself so freely to bring us life from death.
J.D. Griffith
All that we were—our sins, our guilt,
Our death—was all our own;
All that we are we owe to Thee,
Thou God of grace, alone.

Bonar
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