Cost of Salvation

COST OF SALVATION
Mark 15:34
“’Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’—which means, ‘My God,
My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”

Can you hear the anguish in our Savior’s voice? This, in my opinion, is the closest point where Jesus wondered if His willingness to come to earth was worth it. He gladly surrendered His divinity and became human (John 1:14). He learned human limitations cheerfully. He voluntarily chose followers, and walked the earth to places where he was alternatively welcomed and mocked. He never had a home as an adult (Matthew 8:20). His ministry often tested His patience (see for examples: Matthew 23:13-39, Mark 4:13). Jesus’ mission was to live perfectly and die for us (Philippians 2:6-7).

How humans must have frustrated Jesus! But He never complained until realizing that He’d been abandoned by the Father. Why? Again, it’s our fault. We’re the reason for Jesus’ first separation from the Father—ever. Romans 6:23a clearly states that the wages of sin is death. While we enjoy life’s pleasures, can we ignore the fact that our sins caused Jesus this much grief? What else did it cost Him so we could live happily carefree, without the awful burden of sin? For our sakes Jesus suffered…

Physical pain. Before the crucifixion, Jesus was humiliated, mocked, and savagely beaten (See Matthew 26:67,27:27-31, Mark 14:65, John 19:1-3). Weakened, he needed help to carry the cross—the instrument of His death (Matthew 27:32-33). Then He was nailed to it, hands and feet. Being hoisted up and falling into a hole jarred new pain that endured until His excruciating death.

Man’s sin. After living a perfect life, Jesus never knew disgrace or bitter regret. But while hanging on the cross, gasping for breath, Jesus felt the full weight of all our sins (2Corinthians 5:21). What else could we pile onto the One who is blameless?

Abandonment. There you have it. We couldn’t have hurt Jesus more, if we tried. Was Jesus separation from The Father a surprise? Was Jesus shocked by this new torture—so close to surpassing what He could bear? Listen with your Spiritual ears, again, to the opening Scripture.
Divine judgment. Their fellowship broken for the first time since eternity past, Jesus gritted His teeth, and endured—for our sakes. John 19:30 announces that Jesus’ atonement for our sins is done. Thank you, Jesus!

Take Home Nugget

Whew! Jesus suffered so much on our behalf, and still loves us more than we can imagine. He died willingly so that we could become part of God’s family.

It’s up to me to yield to the throne of Christ, and bid Him to rule and reign in my life.

J.D. Griffith

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Spiritual Hierarchy

SPIRITUAL HIERARCHY
1Corinthians 2:10-3:3
Vv. 2:14-16: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. Who is equal to such a task?”

St. Paul’s sermon to the Corinthians booms in our ears today. Spiritual and physical realm accommodations (ac-COM-o-DA-shons, meaning living space or place) range from mansions to crude lean-to shelters. Each person falls into one of three categories that constitute the levels of spiritual hierarchy:

A. The Natural Man level is for every person who has not accepted Christ as Savior. Many in this category are capable of performing good works, and are respected—even adored. Numerous philanthropists (fil-AN-thro-pists, meaning generous humanitarians) fall into this category. Several well-known humanitarians (hu-MAN-i-TARE-i-ans, meaning charitable people) belong here. But because they remain unforgiven, they are separated from the Lord. They are not part of God’s family. The Holy Spirit does not dwell within them, and they cannot understand the things of God.

B. The Spiritual Man is the group of Christian believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit, and surrendered to His control. Although no person in this level is perfect, each one is quick to recognize transgressions, and confess sin. Their repentance is genuine, and they strive to maintain hearts in perfect working order. The Holy Spirit guides their lives in wisdom and understanding. Their eyes remain focused on Christ.

C. The Flesh Man describes believers who juggle living between two worlds. One foot is planted in the Spiritual realm; the other keeps toes dipped inside the natural realm—not willing to let go of worldly desires. At salvation, believers are remade in a new nature, with God’s Spirit guiding from within. Although Jesus is steering, some cannot discard sinful urges in their lives--quenching the Spirit within.

Every person falls into one of these categories. After careful evaluation, in which one does your soul dwell? Is your residence a mansion or crude shelter? Does this please you?

Take Home Nugget

The Lord will help you move to the category of your choice. He waits patiently for you to seek Him. He’s thrilled when His children want a closer relationship with Him. He invites you to move into His mansion, living in peaceful security.

No place is more secure than abiding in Christ.

Dedicated to Daughter, Amanda Kugel, on her 30th Birthday.

J.D. Griffith

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Illusion

ILLUSION
2Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

“Watch me walk looking ahead, eyes up instead of focusing on the ground” Mira bragged. “My balance is back, too!” She twirled around in a circle, laughing—proving her point. There was no hint of her falling down. “You’d never believe that I was in a wheel chair last week, would you? No one would guess that I’ve got Multiple Sclerosis.”

“Are you ready to return to school?” Mira’s Mom asked her brave thirteen-year-old daughter. Mira’s gleaming green eyes sparkled, her long brown braids dancing in her happy jig.

Nurse Hatfield, Mira’s school nurse smiled her approval, “Dr. Dorsey said how pleased he is that the steroids worked in returning your health. He also released you to return to school when you’re ready. Are you ready, Mira?”

“Well, to tell you the truth” Mira’s words stumbled, her head down, revealing her inner conflict. “Uh,um, I’m not sure. I don’t trust myself.” She mumbled.

Pastor Jeanette Young patted the chair beside her. “Sit down, Mira. There’re truths that you should consider.”

“OK.” Mira sat down and looked into Pastor Jeanette’s eyes.

“I need to tell you things that the world would laugh off as just being plain stupid.
People work at appearing strong, but that’s just an illusion. They use the strength of their emotions to manipulate, the force of their personality to control, and their intellect to intimidate others. But these are signs of weakness, not strength.”

“When we’re truly strong, we admit our limitations, acknowledging dependence on God. So, while the world sees weakness, we know better. Our frail weakness proudly boasts our true strength—power through Christ.”

“What, I mean how’s that, Pastor?” Mira asked, intrigued.

“Remember when Jesus’ disciples jostled for positions of prominence? Jesus shut them up by saying, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26). Greatness comes when we assume positions of weakness.”

“This is a hard truth, Mira. But I know that you can embrace it and cling to Jesus’ strength. Trust Jesus’ words, and imitate Paul. Remember his words in 2Corinthians 2:10, ‘When I am weak, then I am strong.’ It’s Jesus’ strength, not Paul’s.”

“I get it, Pastor. I can return to school now, and trust Jesus’ strength to get me through each day” Mira smiled and nodded at her Mom and Nurse Hatfield.

Take Home Nugget

Do you prefer the illusion of strength to the reality of weakness? God wants you to realize that true strength comes from total dependence on Him.

We’re to live lives that give God the glory.
Living in Biblical light:
Weakness in Jesus’ strength becomes our story.
He alone controls power and might.

J.D. Griffith

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St. Nicholas

NICHOLAS OF MYRA
Matthew 22:37-40
V. 39: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Real people behind legends can inspire ordinary people to live extraordinary lives. God inspires His children with wild stories about legends. Then He shrinks the impossible into man-sized bites. Sometimes we swallow the nuggets, other times we set the person on a pedestal. I can never be that good! But, is God showing us what’s possible?

We learned about one guy, Naomh Padraig (See St. Patrick devotion), who was ordinary. But after surviving capture and slavery, he chose to serve an awesome God. He lived an extraordinary life, and is revered as the patron Saint of an entire country! Now, let’s explore the life of another ordinary boy named Nicholas, who lived in Turkey around 1000-1090.

Turkey is a Middle Eastern country wedged between two Seas, the Mediterranean on the South, and the Black Sea on the North. Turkey is West of Iran, and North of Iraq, and Syria. See the country in purple, below:

Nicholas was only son of wealthy parents, Epiphanus and Johanna. As committed Christians, their lives proved faithful not only by words, but also through works. They supported missionaries, and gave generously to the poor. They enrolled Nicholas in theology and history classes—where he learned The Didache, similar to the Catechism—both guides to righteous living.

As a teenager, Nicholas’ parents died in an epidemic. His Uncle Nicholas—for whom he was named—was bishop of Patara, and tutored his nephew in the monastery he founded. Nicholas always gave away money to the poor for food. When one man discovered that it was Nicholas who saved his family from disaster three times, he asked him, “Why didn’t you let me know it was you who helped us?”

Nicholas responded, “Because it’s good to give when only God knows about it.”

Nicholas was ordained as bishop, then cardinal of the Catholic Church. Barely five feet tall, he had a long white beard, and bald head. He refused a lavish life style, preferring to give food and gifts to the needy. His generosity laid the foundation for the model of unrewarded gifting that’s celebrated each Christmas in another legend called Santa Claus.

Take Home Nugget



St. Nicholas. Catholic cardinals’ color is red.

From his youth, Nicholas loved others as himself. Traditions around the world celebrate his generous giving. He’s claimed as Nicholas of Myra, of Bari, patron Saint of Sailors and the entire country of Greece. St. Nicholas’ Eve is a gift-giving holiday celebrated from November 29th – December 7th in many countries.

Do these ordinary guys inspire you to follow Jesus, growing into an extraordinary person?

Two commandments are equal. The first is to love God; the second is to love others.

Dedicated to Daughter, Shawnda Griffith, for a happy 35th Birthday.

J.D. Griffith

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St. Patrick

NAOMH PADRAIG
387-493
340-440

“Christ be with me. Christ be before me. Christ be after me. Christ within me. Christ beneath me. Christ above me. Christ at my right hand. Christ at my left.”

Patron Saint of Ireland

Many stories pave the way for us to celebrate the legacy of Saints, and one such story is the life of Naomh Padrig. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th each year in the United States, Ireland, and many countries around the world. His story is somewhat of a blur; history conflicts when he was born, and when he died. Despite which years are true, his legacy remains alive. While shamrocks, lepricons, and buckets of gold at the end of a rainbow decorate the holiday, they have nothing to do with the man.

Fantasy comes alive in the real person named Naomh Padraig. He lived in Great Britain in the fifth century. One day he was seized by Irish raiders who forced his enslavement in Ireland. After six years, the slave escaped his Irish captors. Padraig returned home to Britain and entered into the church’s service. Following in the footsteps of his male ancestry, he became a deacon. After becoming ordained as a Bishop, his ambition was fulfilled through missionary work.

Where did he go? He ended up ministering his previous captors in the North and West part of Ireland. Padraig, (or Patrick) and his fellow righteous clergy successfully established an Irish monastery system. Their aspirations fell short of the diocesan model they hoped for, (meaning never having reached priestly status). Padraig’s work in Northern Ireland from 428 onwards rewarded him celebrity status. By the 700’s he was posthumously (post-HU-mous-ly, meaning after his death) revered as Ireland’s patron Saint.

God had need of and used Padraig richly. Luke 19:34 shows us that Jesus had need of a colt. This was the colt which Jesus rode going towards Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Did the colt think the crowd was honoring him when they shouted, “Hosanna!”? (Luke 19:35-40). Surely the Lord rewarded Padraig’s service to God’s kingdom with this yearly holiday.

People of Irish descent proudly declare their ancestry—sporting green clothes in honor of St. Patrick on March 17th. What is your favorite green clothing?

Take Home Nugget

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated as both a liturgical and non-liturgical holiday. Liturgical (li-TUR-gi-cal) means relating to religious worship service, especially Communion celebration in a Christian service. This solemn holy day of obligation has grown into a festival commemorating Ireland.

St. Patrick taught us humility and service to others—
Even those who forced him as a slave.
Christ around me, help my brothers,
Keep us strong and keep us brave.

J.D. Griffith

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Neglect--Bad Idea

NEGLECT—BAD IDEA
Hebrews 10:22

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Michael stared, mouth open, at his sixth-grade little brother, Jeremy. “Time for you to go on a diet, bro.” He teasingly patted Jeremy’s pot belly.

Jeremy frowned, looking down, and hitched up his baggy pants. “Yeah, well…I’ve been lazy this winter, after football season ended.” They finished their Saturday morning breakfast together at the table.

Stacking their dishes in the dishwasher, Jeremy asked, “Want to help me lift weights at the gym?”

“Not a good idea, Bro. Begin with calisthenics to loosen up, then proceed your work out as you learned in football pre-season camp. You know the drill.”

“I guess you’re right” Jeremy admitted. “Spring’s around the corner, and I want to look good at the pool.” Jeremy went outside and stretched. He began running. After running around the block, he decided to continue further, disappearing down the street.

An hour later, Jeremy slammed the kitchen door shut, and slumped onto the living room couch. “Hi, Jeremy. Want to come grocery shopping?” his Mom asked.

“Not really.” He finished slurping his Gatorade and swallowed. “I’m getting a sore throat. I suppose getting back in shape wasn’t such a good idea.”

Let’s look at this from a different perspective. If Jeremy had also neglected his relationship with the Lord, getting back into spiritual shape would be easier. He’d be only a prayer of repentance away from returning into family harmony with God. By continuing to do his daily devotions and studying God’s word, he’d gain discernment and flex his faith muscles regularly.

While pursuing God is not cause and effect, believers want to draw closer into a deeper relationship with their Lord. Seeking God does not make believers' lives perfect, and stress-free. In fact, pursuing righteousness does not exempt us from trouble (2Timothy 3:12).

Neglecting God, like neglecting one’s health, is always a bad idea.

But, a life dedicated to loving others and pursuing God is always a good idea.

Take Home Nugget

Jeremy knew his sore throat was his fault. (He’d also neglected gargling and washing his hands frequently.) He knew how to keep both his body and spirit in good health—and changed his habits to reinforce quality care. Tending our bodies, minds, and hearts are always good ideas.

The roots of good health are grounded in sound body and spiritual care.

J.D. Griffith

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Right on Time

RIGHT ON TIME
Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

Are you one of those people, who, despite starting early, you arrive late? All seats full, you take one all the way in the back—or embarrassingly—plop into a newly unfolded chair reserved for late-comers. Something always redirects your progress towards the target. But here’s good news: God is always right on time.

While waiting--what seems like forever--to receive God's answer, direction, or blessing, we learn patience. Our wait is always worthwhile after receiving His promise. Often we don’t understand what takes so long to orchestrate perfection. Consider what roads had to be plowed before the Father presented us our long-awaited Messiah:

Jesus arrived during the Roman Empire’s Pax Romana (the peace of Rome). The known world was united in speaking one language, and commerce was vigorous. Global trade network routes provided open access throughout every country. This guaranteed rapid spread of Christ’s Gospel of Good News.

No one needed “papers.” There were no protected locked borders. The entire world was open access for unhindered travel. Christ’s crucifixion that fulfilled prophecy of a lamb sacrificed for our sins could multiply unrestricted to everyone. (Isaiah 53). Jesus became the new covenant from the Father that whoever believed in His Son would have eternal life. (John 3:16).

Jesus changed everything. Jesus came to us right on time--just in time!

Just in time for Matthew, the tax collector who became a disciple. Just in time for Peter, James, and John, who followed Jesus closely enough to be famous 2,000 years later. Just in time for you and me, who cling to our belief in Him Who intercedes for us every day. (Romans 8:26-27, Hebrews 7:25, 8:1).

Take Home Nugget

Today, our Lord knows what’s best for us. He longs to meet every need, and delight us with good things. May we remember, when awaiting fulfillment of a promise, that we’re not forgotten. God will show up right on time, and we’ll be amazed at His brilliant timing.

J.D. Griffith

Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer;
But ours to wait for God’s own time
To lift the cross we bear.

Anonymous

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Satisfied?

SATISFIED?
Philippians 3:2-11
V. 7: “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

Striving for excellence never reaches satisfaction. Satisfaction means being happy with the end result. Perfection. Jesus-empowered confidence brings contentment in life. (See Empowered Confidence devotion). But contentment is different from satisfaction. Satisfaction is total approval of the outcome. A fulfilled end result. As long as we’re alive, we continue striving, achieving, and reaching towards excellence.

The apostle Paul listed his history of achievements in Philippians 3:4-6. He was very confident, and impressed with his own success. Paul was proud, saying he is "a Hebrew of Hebrews from the Benjamin tribe, trained as a Pharisee, a zealot [or extreme fanatic] for the faith." Why did he consider all this a loss for Christ’s sake?

His pedigree (PED-i-gree meaning lineage, bloodline, or ancestry) was perfect—according to his standards. He felt as though he was envied by everyone around him. Paul’s making a point when he insists that it means less than nothing—in fact—a loss for the sake of Christ. He realized how worthless the things achieved in the flesh (human strength) are compared to what’s eternal.

Paul recognizes the difference—pointing out that his drive for excellence comes from God’s Spirit—and has nothing to do with earthly success (Philippians 3:2-3). His pride, after “finding” Jesus on the road to Damascus, came from the relationship that formed between them (Philippians 3:8-9).

Kids learn things from day one. It takes years to perfect walking, talking, and growing strong. (And that’s only if everything works perfectly). Believing in Jesus produces confidence. Becoming His friend yields growing contentment—more each day. A Spirit-filled life creates hunger for more of Him and less of you. Aspiring to satisfaction this way is measured by eternal success.

Realistically, Paul writes about balance. In his letter to the Philippians, he contrasts contentment with satisfaction. Even in prison, Paul was content in his circumstances—trusting God for his care (Philippians 4:11). But he refused to be satisfied with his spiritual growth. He never stopped learning, improving, and reaching upwards. His continued drive for excellence never stopped because he hadn’t yet arrived at the finish line. He continued pressing towards perfection because Christ had a hold of him, straining for what was ahead. (Philippians 3:12-14).

What was Paul’s goal, the prize at the end of his race? Heaven.

Take Home Nugget

Balancing contentment with striving towards excellence is the key to satisfaction. Building a relationship with Jesus exceeds any earthly achievement, and yields ultimate eternal satisfaction.

Striving for excellence in Jesus—more each day,
Yields contentment when we follow and obey.
Never stopping nor swerving left or right
Heaven—straight ahead—remains in our sight.

J.D. Griffith

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Empowered Confidence

EMPOWERED CONFIDENCE
Philippians 4:5-13
V. 13: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Have you ever been afraid to begin something new, unsure about what could go wrong? Ever been afraid of failing? Do you get bogged down from making decisions with fireworks of “what if” questions? Has anyone teased you by calling you a scardy cat? Do you want confidence, certain that you can handle whatever comes your way?

Great! You’ve come to the right place. The apostle Paul sure sounds like he’s got this confidence thing under wraps, doesn’t he? Let’s imitate the guy who learned from the Master—Jesus Christ.

Paul wasn’t always so confident, but he made a good choice when following a voice that accused him of persecution. (Acts 9:4-5). That voice—accompanied a bright light streaming down to Earth from Heaven—was Jesus. Can you feel Paul’s terror? He WAS persecuting followers of Jesus! Yikes! Who ratted Paul out?

Paul grasped the confidence lesson fast. One second he was face down on the ground, and blind. I’m so sorry to have persecuted You, Jesus, please help me! could have been the urgent prayer rope that reeled Jesus’ peace into Paul’s inner core. That was all the proof Paul needed.

Do you think that he thought of anything else on his way to Damascus except the people he approved for stoning to death? (Stephen: Acts 7:55-58). Do you imagine the promises Paul could have made to Jesus during his time of uncertainty? Did he make a deal with Jesus that if he’d get his eyesight back, he’d tell others about Jesus for the rest of his life? When his sight was restored, (Acts 9:11-19), Paul never looked back.

We only know the history about how Paul sowed seeds, preaching the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world. So when Paul tells us that he’s content in every situation, we can believe him (Philippians 4:5-7). Paul remained joy-filled. He didn’t worry, and was always at peace—even as a prisoner. How come? Because he knew one thing for sure: “the Lord is near” in v. 5. Paul learned that even though we can’t see Him, Jesus is by our side.

Take Home Nugget

True confidence flows, not from self, but from one’s identity in Christ. In the midst of difficulty and tribulations we can live boldly because His Spirit empowers confidence. Our sovereign, almighty God—the Alpha (beginning), and Omega (the end) Revelation 1:8—lives inside every believer. He empowers confidence providing everything we need to live triumphantly.

Christ confidence leads to contentment.
It’s safe to trust the unknown to the all-knowing God.

J.D. Griffith

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