Friday, February 26, 2010

Verb, Adverb, Proverb

VERB, ADVERB, PROVERB
1Corinthians 2:16
“…But we have the mind of Christ.”

Liam felt bad about starting the paper ball war when Mr. Graham returned to his 6th grade classroom. He gulped hard after watching Mr. Graham toss the stack of papers into the trashcan. He remembered the thrill of tossing his ball onto Wendy’s desk, thinking, Teacher’s gone, time to play before he returns; surely we can complete our papers by then. (See Heaven’s Account devotion.)

Liam’s desire inspired a thought, which quickly morphed into a decision—made in the time that it took him to wad up a single piece of paper into a ball. Tossing it was the sin of disobedience. All the other students caught that desire for fun out of thin air. Their restriction, Mr. Graham, was away—no problem, what’s the harm? Mr. Graham heard their boisterous play in the principal’s office at the other end of the hallway. Before shutting the classroom door, didn’t he instruct the students to quietly finish their papers?

Most times, we don’t see the entire picture so fast. But desires form thoughts, that congeal very quickly into decisions when pursuing pleasure. Before we know it, we’ve sinned—departing from what we’ve been taught.
Desire. Decision. Disobedience.

Liam knew what he had to do. His hand shot straight up.

“What is it, Liam?” Mr. Graham sighed, shaking his head.

“uh, um, I am sorry, Mr. Graham” Liam admitted. “It was my fault. I figured that we could get our papers done and have a little fun while you were out.”

Liam certainly didn’t recognize that his admission came from Christ. But he knew immediately that he’d done the right thing. Dull routine often sparks activity. But human activity can also be a form of worship. That truth can guide everything we do.

The Puritans have a saying: “God loveth; and careth (Verbs) not how good, but how well.” (Adverb). Pleasing God isn’t just worshipping in His house, but spills out into the ordinary things we do every day.
Liam admitted his fault honestly. God was well-pleased.
admitted=verb. honestly= adverb. Well-pleased illustrates the proverb.

Take Home Nugget

Mr. Graham froze, looking into Liam’s eyes. Then he looked at his students, and swallowed. His decision made, he retrieved the stack of papers from the trashcan. “Well…I appreciate your ‘fessing up', Liam. Does anyone want to go on a field trip to a museum, breaking up the winter doldrums?”

The world prizes success, but God prizes faithfulness.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Heaven's Account

HEAVEN’S ACCOUNT
Deuteronomy 4:4-20
V. 5: “Behold, I have taught you statues and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.”

“Complete your papers, then wait quietly until I return, class.” Mr. Graham said, then he walked into the hall, closing the 6th grade classroom door.
Liam looked at Wanda, and snickered. Wadding up a piece of paper, he rolled it into a tight ball. Deftly tossing it onto her desk, he looked down and pretended to fill in the blanks on the paper.

The class became a whirlwind of giggles and tossed balls of scrunched paper, although every seat remained filled.
“Pass your papers to the front, NOW!” Mr. Graham ordered, slamming the door. “What part of quietly didn’t you get?”

Moses was Mr. Graham’s counterpart in the 1st century B.C. The modern day 6th graders were the Hebrew Israelite counterparts. Both Moses and Mr. Graham love the people they were leading, and wanted God’s best for them. But during their absence, the Hebrews built an idol to worship, and the 6th graders began a paper-throwing war. Moses threw down the stone tablets, (that had God’s Ten Commandments inscribed), smashing them to dust. Mr. Graham returned with permission slips (for the class to visit a museum), which he tossed into the trashcan.
Did the kids, and the Hebrew people think their actions wouldn’t have consequences?

God has a plan for every person’s life. Being human, we can’t help but disappoint Him. But we must know that throughout our lives, from childhood into maturity, we remain accountable—accountable to God for breaking Heaven’s laws. From the fixed universal laws that maintain order of the celestial bodies to the rules of human behavior, God’s certainty prevails. With astounding predictability!

Take Home Nugget

Are God’s decrees random? Does He forget promises and covenants after making them? God holds His people accountable to Him for our relationships to each other and to Him. Heaven’s fixed universal laws hold God true to the promises (covenants) He made to His people.
Heaven’s laws have governed the universe since its creation. Why are we so amazed, then, by being accountable to God’s unchanging control?

Allow me to humbly serve
By answering God with each long stride.
Never allow me to lose my nerve-
My life lived for God be glorified!
J.D. Griffith

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Totally Unprepared

TOTALLY UNPREPARED
1Thessalonians 4:1-12
V. 2: “For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

1Peter 3:13-16
V. 15: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Is it possible that God is troubled by the way we often ignore His clear instructions?

Yep…Duh!

Does God take it out on us when we lead lives that are separate from Him?
No, but that does open up opportunities for Him to teach us truths. Getting our attention through hardship intends on leading us back to God. Hardships often grow our faith, and maturity molds us into Christ-likeness.

Knowing God’s Word and understanding what we believe are essential for growing in Christ. How often do we merely “get through” reading our devotions, and Sunday’s sermons instead of taking God’s Word literally to heart—by living what we’re taught?

Would you have an answer if someone were to ask you why you’re so optimistic (op-tim-IS-tik means hopeful, positive, cheerful)? Believers should be ready to give account of their motives and reasons about purposeful living for Christ. Are you prepared to defend your answer?

Let’s take a moment to think through our views and beliefs. Never be unprepared to site why hope is alive in your heart. Never be anxious about sharing the good news of Christ's Gospel with whomever may ask. Always speak calmly, with gentleness and respect; speaking softly opens ears and hearts.

That leads to our being called to live lives of integrity (in-TEG-ri-ty, meaning truthful, honest, honor). Hypocrisy (hi-POK-ra-see, meaning insincere, double standard) labels our lives as worthless. This leads to mockery instead of winning souls to the Lord. Instead of being totally unprepared, let’s make a point to know God, and live by His Word.
The Bible was not written for scholars, but for ordinary people, like you and me. Understanding God isn’t a mystery, so let’s be prepared with ready answers for our hope whenever asked.
The Bible offers God’s kids every excuse for always being totally prepared.

Take Home Nugget

Remember last year’s resolution about Following Jesus every day? How has your year progressed into forming an intimate relationship with your Savior? Do you have any regrets? Are you hopeful and optimistic?
J.D. Griffith
God’s Word was given for our good
And we are to obey,
Not choose the parts that we like best,
Then live in our own way.

Hess

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Hedge Between Us & Disaster

HEDGE BETWEEN US & DISASTER
Job 1:8-22
V. 12: “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Very well, then, everything he [Job] has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.’”

Chris suddenly began shaking. He patted his pockets, even stuffing his hands inside, but his house key was gone! Oh no! Where is it? Dad entrusted me with the key so that I could watch Cindy until he gets home. Panic spread through Chris, chilling his bones that caused the shaking. His panic thoughts brought new information: What now?

We survive on a planet where volcanoes can erupt at any time, exploding the Earth’s delicate crust that provides us a platform on which to walk. And yet, many people are totally unaware that their fragile existence can explode into disaster at any time. The Lord is our hedge, the barricade that protects and guards us from danger.

What if God suddenly removed the hedge, and disaster strikes you? Would your friends assume that you must have done something that deserves disaster, as Job’s did? Friends can be very supportive…at first. They are usually willing to help out, as much as possible—for a little while—as Job’s friends did. But weariness sets in, and their fatigue wilts into apathy (AP-a-thy, meaning lack of interest).

During long periods of misfortune, friends increase their distance from your trouble. Do they feel guilty? Do they think of new ways to blame you? How do we regain our equilibrium (e-qwil-LIB-ri-um meaning balance)? When we feel isolated, alone, and desperate, we still have a friend. Jesus welcomes the faint, the troubled, and the weary in (Matthew 11:28). He promises us rest.

Building a relationship with the creator of the universe has many advantages. While He sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people, nothing can destroy those who trust Christ (2Corinthians 4:9). The testing will advance His child’s faith, spiritual maturity, and growth in Christ-likeness. Jesus wants to know you personally, and help you with all things. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35).

God’s angels dance in your earthly victories.
Disaster strikes in lots of ways. Job loss, homelessness, hunger, sickness, death. Disaster is just one thing beyond the hedge that protects and encircles a child of God. Jesus warns, “…In Me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).

Take Home Nugget


Chris retraced his steps. He spied his key on the ground. Holding it up high, he yelled, "Thank you, Jesus"!
Often we simply survive.
Living in Christ, we strive to thrive!

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, February 12, 2010

God's Love Book(s)

GOD’S LOVE BOOK(S)
Song of Songs 2:4
“He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love.”
Isaiah 64:4
"Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived no eye has seen any God but You, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him."

Extreme lengths—His banner over you is love. God created people to love them, and to be loved by them. He pursues every person with an invitation to form an intimate loving relationship with Him. It’s no accident that people chase after, struggle with, and risk all for love—it’s how we’re intentionally wired. Every book in the Bible was written as a love book to us, God’s children. Studying the Bible draws God’s kids inside. The Bible is life’s instruction manual, a collection of love letters in book form. They speak to us—show us, warn us, embrace us—offering us promises.

Our Father invites conversation, awaiting your response. He promises to provide for your every need (Matthew 6:8). He promises to delight with your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4). He knows each of us intimately, having knitted you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5). Everything we’re talented at doing is His gift to us. He created each child, unique, special, and beloved--woven into the tapestry of His family portrait. He has a specific plan and purpose for every one of His children. He longs for us to get passionate about loving Him in return.

From clothing Adam and Eve to cover their shame of nakedness (Genesis 3:21) to liberating you from your sins through the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5), every book in the Bible was written for you.

There are only three things that are impossible for God. 1) He cannot lie. 2) He cannot be other than what is His nature to be. 3) He cannot abide sin.
He will never tempt us, (allowing Satan to do so—to grow us to maturity). He is the direct opposite of evil; He is holy, faithful, righteous, and just. (Our Father never pays us back for how we treat Him.) He always fulfills promises. He always answers prayer. He wrote the Bible to make it easy for us to seek Him.

Instead of being concerned about who loves whom on Earth, are you secure in your heavenly Father’s love?

Take Home Nugget


Here’s proof of God’s love: even as God created man, He knew that we’d disobey His command, and break the love bond. While we were still strangers to Him because of sin, He sent His Son to die for us. This act of reconciliation forgives us, makes us blameless, and adopts us into His family. Dad by day, the indwelt Holy Spirit transforms us into the very image of Christ.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Check Heart Soon

CHECK HEART SOON
Joel 2:12-17
The Message v.12: “But there’s also this, it’s not too late—God’s personal Message!—‘Come back to Me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!’”

Liam overheard something on the playground that made him freeze:
“Ask Liam” Wanda suggested to Labron.

“Na…he’s been way too crabby lately.”

Liam looked around at his fourth-grade classmates. I’m not crabby! he protested to himself. I’m just angry that the guys don’t pick me for the recess soccer game. I’m not a great soccer player, but I’m decent. He picked up a basketball and dribbled it to the free-throw line. The last game, I DID tell Labron off after we lost. He shot the ball, and chased it after it bounced off the rim. Standing where players shoot lay-ups, he tried shooting again. A thought popped into his mind, I never apologized to Labron…Is that why he doesn’t want to play with me now?

Warning lights advise people of impending trouble. The traffic stop light’s warning color is yellow. If ignored, you’ll run a red light. The trouble could be that you run into another car, a police officer will pull you over, or perhaps you’ll escape bad consequences this time.

A car has warning messages which advise the driver that something’s not right. “Check engine” may flicker on the dashboard if coolant, steering fluid, or oil levels are low. If ignored, car trouble could cost much more to correct than if the warning was heeded quickly. Cars don’t take jokes well. If left unchecked, warning messages will result in some item shutting the car down.

God warns people when they wander into danger zones, too. Judah’s prophet, Joel, warned the Hebrews to pay attention to their spiritual dashboards. Prosperity lulled them to get smug, content, and self-righteous. While their self-sufficiency was high, their faith was simmering on low. They didn’t see the danger when simply following laws. Their hearts were empty of passion for their Lord. So God sent locusts. After their crops were ruined, they flocked back to God.

Oh! I suppose that I have been crabby! Liam admitted to himself. “Labron, wait up.” Liam called, as they returned to class. “I am sorry for blaming you after we lost the last soccer game. It wasn’t your fault.”

“Really?” Labron wondered, looking into Liam’s face. “With you on my team, we can beat them next time!”

Take Home Nugget

If people are avoiding you, try checking your heart. Flashing lights warn and demand attention soon. Repenting of sins tunes hearts into perfect working order.
Conscience’s conviction is God’s warning light
Checking heart soon will heal its blight.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, February 5, 2010

Uh-Oh

UH-OH
Luke 22:54-62
Luke 22:33: “But he [Simon] replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.’”

Just because a person may not have any regrets, doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s nothing that needs to be repented. (See No Regrets devotion). Simon Peter, usually referred to as Peter, was the impetuous (im-PET-u-us, meaning hasty, hotheaded, reckless) disciple. He was always over eager and spontaneous.

When you read today’s Scripture passage, you understand Peter’s, “Uh-oh”. Right after he told Jesus that he’d follow Him to prison, and to death, he told three people that he wasn’t Jesus’ disciple. We all make mistakes. Most of us can empathize (EM-pa-thize, meaning to understand) with Peter’s horror after the rooster crowed. Jesus looked straight at him (Luke 22:61).

Gulp.

Did you ever want to run away and hide?

It’s too bad that life doesn’t have a delete key, so we could erase time and return to a point before a mistake was made. When wishing to backtrack, after realizing an error, we actually DO have a reset button. Restoration happens after repentance. “If we confess our sin”, God will ‘forgive us’ and ‘cleanse us from all unrighteousness’” (1John 1:9).

Peter wept bitterly after Jesus looked at him (Luke 22:62). Shame and remorse isn’t always prompted by a simple “look”. A look can be read many ways. A person’s conscience interprets another’s look as being innocent, wondering, or accusing. Most children understand a parent’s “look” that means, “stop right now”.

What do you suppose Jesus’ look meant to Peter?

How about, “Remember our conversation?”

For sure, Jesus was saddened by Peter’s denying their relationship. Sometimes a parent says, “This hurts me more than you” when applying discipline to a child. Jesus knew that His simple look shattered Peter—to his very core.

I presume that every one of us can identify with Peter’s heartache. But even this sorrow has a reset button. It works for us today, just as it had for Peter. Repentance totally restores us, repairing all the damage caused by sin. Afterwards, the peace that washes over one's heart affirms that all is well.
Peter became the rock, upon which Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18).

Take Home Nugget


Peter wasn’t left in his misery. Often, we wonder if a person forgives our offence. Jesus made sure that Peter had a chance to reaffirm his love after His resurrection (John 21:15-17).
When we fall, we’re thankful that we can begin anew.
Dear Jesus, broken hearts are repaired when following You.
J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

No Regrets

NO REGRETS
2Samuel 18:31-19:4
V. 19:2: “And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, ‘The king is grieving for his son.’”


Often, a person’s age is dwarfed by the mountain of his regrets. We move into and out of each other’s lives daily; some intentionally, others unavoidably. Separations can be temporary or permanent. When people don’t stay connected with each other, their departure’s silence translates into missed love. People grieve lost opportunities by not loving others during their “living years”.

Instinctively, Salami understood this.

When Salami’s Dad got transferred to another state, Salami grew frantic as their moving day approached. Negotiating her way through a maze of packed moving boxes, Salami’s eyes welled up with tears. “Mom, what about Jordan and Tricia?”

“Maybe you could become pen-pals?” Salami’s Mom replied. “You’re good friends with many of the kids in 3rd grade.”

“What’s a pen-pal?”
Salami’s Mom dug out writing paper, a pen, and notebook from a still-open box. She explained, handing the objects to her daughter, “Pen-pals are friends who write to each other when they’re apart. Why don’t write down the address of everyone you want to stay close to in the notebook? When we get settled, you can write letters to them. They can write you back creating a pen-pal club. Whoever wants to stay in your circle will continue writing.”
Salami’s eyes danced, her smile ear-to-ear. “Good idea, Mom!”
Salami went further than just getting her friend’s addresses. She reclaimed stuffed animals, toys, and games from packed boxes and divided them up as farewell gifts to them. When her moving van hauled her belongings to her new home, Salami hauled her friends along in her notebook.

Salami’s love poured out to friends who remained close throughout many years. She lost track of those who never responded to her letters. But all the others grew old together with her through college, marriage, child raising, and retirement. Salami’s notebook became the symbol for no regrets throughout her lifetime.

Broken relationships create more regrets than stupidity. Losing someone, or disappointing someone carries a heavy burden of, “What ifs?” One’s unspoken, “sorry” can never be reclaimed after the moment’s gone.

Let’s live generously, and love abundantly enough so that our lives have no regrets. Form relationships with others during your and their living years.
Take Home Nugget


King David was heartbroken for never having repaired the relationship with his son, Absalom. He learned too late that death slams the door shut.

I pray that your life has no regrets.
The risk of making up after disputes cannot match the heartache of never trying.
Dedicated to June Rose Nicholson who loved so many others abundantly throughout her living years.

J.D. Griffith

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