Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Steadfast Trust

STEADFAST TRUST
Hebrews 11:1-31
Hebrews 11:3: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”

All the provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and stood before it.

The herald proclaimed, “This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all other kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:3-6).

Some astrologers tattled: “There are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, O king. They will neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:12).

Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar brought the offending men before him. “Why won’t you follow my orders?”

“There’s no way we’d worship your stupid golden image—or serve your gods. If you throw us into your blazing furnace, and our God doesn’t rescue us, so what?”

“Very well—heat the furnace seven times hotter!” King Nebuchadnezzar ordered. “Find the strongest soldiers to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” When the men were helplessly bound, the king said, “Toss them inside!” (Paraphrased from Daniel 3:17-23).

The flames curled outside the furnace, the soldiers died who put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet and gazed inside. “Weren’t there just three men tied up that were placed inside? I see four men walking around, unbound and unharmed—the fourth guy looks like a son of the gods!” He walked closer to the opening and yelled out, “Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego—come out at once!” (Paraphrased from Daniel 3:24-26).

The three men approached the king. Not one hair singed, their robes not scorched, no smell of fire on them. King Nebuchadnezzar applauded. “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—Who sent His angel to save these men—and from now on He’s the only God we’ll serve!” (Paraphrased from Daniel 3:28-30).

Take Home Nugget


Developing steadfast trust takes time. Convictions are nourished from a childlike faith when believing Jesus is God’s Son and accepting His gift of forgiveness of sins. This grows into knowledge of God and deepens our confidence in Him. Experiencing His protection, provision, and power in times of testing strengthens our loyalty and dependence on God.
Jesus assigns us the task of believing in Him (John 6:29).

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, June 25, 2010

Constant Faith

CONSTANT FAITH
Daniel 1:1-20
Daniel 1:5: “The King assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.”
“Sir, please listen to my request” Daniel asked Ashpenaz, King Nebuchadnezzar’s chief official.

“What is it, Belteshazzar?” he looked at Daniel, and smiled.
“We serve the one true God, and wish to not taint our bodies with royal food. May you please give us simple vegetables to eat, and water to drink?”

“Who else do you want to include for this diet?”

“My brethren: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.” Daniel said.

“You mean, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?” Ashpenaz corrected Daniel.

“Oh yes, sorry. I forgot their new names!”

“I don’t know, Belteshazzar” Ashpenaz said scratching his balding head. “Would you wish me harm? I am in charge of your diet, and King Nebuchadnezzar would kill me if you four young men look worse than the others.”

“Tell you what” Daniel suggested. “Try feeding us vegetables and water for ten days. Then, compare our appearances with that of the other young men who eat from the royal table. Treat us any way you want to after ten days. Does this meet with your approval?”

“Well, OK. Just for ten days, mind you!” Ashpenaz agreed, and had the servants remove the choice food and wine from their table. Soon, the servants returned with vegetables and water.

“Thank you” Daniel and his cohorts said.

“Why did you do that?” Hananiah asked Daniel, scowling.

“You know the royal food was sacrificed to idols” Daniel patiently explained, keeping his voice low. “If we were to eat that food, and drink the King’s wine, we’d pollute our bodies! Do you really want to send the message to our God that we allow our bodies to be corrupted with food sacrificed to idols—their gods?”

“Well, I suppose not” Hananiah agreed.

“But that food did smell way better!” Azariah said, sighing. “And who wouldn’t prefer wine to water?”

“What if King Nebuchadnezzar hates this idea, and punishes us?” Hananiah wondered aloud.
“Well, wouldn’t you rather to be punished for obeying our Scriptures than facing God’s wrath?” Daniel countered.

Azariah swallowed a drink of water, and smiled. “I agree, Daniel. No matter what, we’ll stand behind what you say. Right, Hananiah? Besides, Ashpenaz likes you best.”

Take Home Nugget

Daniel shows God’s kids today how to stand up for what we know is the right thing to do. Can you trust God to always do what is pleasing to Him?

Lord, may we offer You our bodies in praise
From hearts surrendered to Your ways?
We long to be worthy of Your love
And blessings from above.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Digital God

DIGITAL GOD
Colossians 1:3-12
The Message v.9: “Be assured that from the first day we [Apostles Paul and Timothy] heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to His will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.”

Texting has become a way of life for people around the world. It’s not unusual for teenagers to send and receive thousands of text messages in one month. One 15 year-old declared emphatically (em-FAT-ik-a-ly, meaning forcefully) that she’d “die without it.” She is not alone.

This digital communication shows me that what Paul said in the opening Scripture is possible. Pray unceasingly is often what people who live by God’s leading do. Throughout the course of a day, they send up “popcorn prayers” to their Father, keeping in constant touch with their King. Does this digital revolution make serious kneeling prayers obsolete?

Missionary Frank Laubach admitted his habit of “shooting” prayers at people he encountered each day. Is his method of linking his thoughts and wishes for others directly onto the altar of God texting God? Constant communication. This is what teenagers mastered with each other through texting, what Laubach attained on others’ behalf using shooting prayers, and is the purpose of popcorn prayers.

Has the digital revolution embraced God? Do we serve a digital God? Yes! Of course! If God invented earth, heaven, humans, everything, He’s surely inside the digital loop. Who could prevent God from accessing (and intercepting) digital communication? Never make the mistake of being arrogant enough to think that God’s not present in every aspect of our lives today.

Laubach believed that prayer is the mightiest force in the world. He said, “My part is to live in this hour in continuous inner conversation with God and in perfect responsiveness to his will.” I believe that humans have achieved this continuous communication with the Almighty through thought, prayer, Internet correspondence, crying aloud, and texting.

Wouldn’t Paul have been amazed with these possibilities? I imagine that He’d be proud to have begun the “pray unceasingly” suggestion in his letters to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica in the years 48-60 A.D.

The digital revolution hasn’t replaced prayer, it enhanced prayer.
Take Home Nugget

Ongoing conversation sounds like a perfect way for every person to form a connection to God. He can read our minds, but He longs to forge an ongoing relationship with His kids. Reaching out to God is our choice, instead of His invading our hearts and minds.
Now prayer IS just a thought and a click away!
J.D. Griffith
Give me a spirit of prayer, dear Lord,
That I may commune with Thee
As I travel along life’s rugged road,
In Thy company always be.

Dawe
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Friday, June 18, 2010

Sidekicks 4 Superhero

SIDEKICKS 4 SUPERHERO
Psalm 103:19-22
The Message vv.19-20: “God has set His throne in heaven; He rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at His bidding, quick to hear and do what He says.”

Every superhero has a sidekick. Batman has Robin. Hercules had Hermes. Does God have helpers? Yes, thousands of them. They’re His angels.

Angels are everywhere—invisible to mortals—but real. With the best stories, myths spring up, and people believe them. Some people pray to angels, thinking they have inside pull with—or worse—equal to God. Still other people believe that people become angels when they die. Man is lower than the angels, according to Hebrews 2:7.

The truth is that angels perform heavenly errands for the lone superhero, God. They worship God, and no other. Let’s examine what the Bible teaches us about angels and learn the truth about them.

Colossians 1:15-17 (The Message) says: “We look at His Son and see the God Who cannot be seen. We look at His Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together.” Angels were created by God; they’re not equal to Him.

Nehemiah 9:6 (The Message) says: “You’re the one, God, You alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; the earth and everything in it, the seas and everything in them; You kept them alive; heaven’s angels worship You!” Angels worship God, and no one else.

Categories of angels: Jude 1:9 (NIV) says: “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’”

2Kings 19:15 (NIV) says: “And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: ‘O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.’”

Isaiah 6:2 (The Message) says: “Angel-seraphs hovered above Him, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two their feet, and with two they flew. And they called back and forth one to the other, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is God-of-the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth.’”

Take Home Nugget

Angel duties concern us. Check out the lesson to learn that we’re their assignment. Think about how God’s kids are His sidekicks, too. We serve God, as the angels do. We’re His special sidekicks—His disciples!

Angels, and believers in Jesus are Our Superhero’s Sidekicks.
TO FATHERS EVERYWHERE, AND CARING MEN WHO FILL ABSENT FATHERS' ROLE, A Happy Father's Day to you.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Common Purpose

COMMON PURPOSE
1Corinthians 1:10-17
The Message v. 10: “I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.”


Around 55 A.D., The apostle Paul had a big problem, as you can see from his plea in the opening Scripture. People were quarrelling amongst themselves in the new Christian community. They chose their favorite leader among Paul, Apollos, Peter, and even Christ Himself, and aligned themselves behind that one. They forgot to keep their brightest star at the helm and unify behind His teachings. (See Brightest Star devotion). Does this remind you of the dozens of Christian denominations—each worshipping Christ—today?

Remember what we’ve learned from previous devotions Signature Scent and Brightest Star? Although we’re ambassadors of Christ, radiating God’s perfume to the world, where’s our humility? Have we forgotten Whom we serve above all else?

What’s our greatest threat?
Can you imagine the devil laughing hysterically whenever one Christian attacks another? Within the church body! Falling for the devil’s deceit is our greatest threat. Our best victory is to align with Christ, ignoring what’s non-essential. Instead of arguing over nonessential issues, it’s always a win-win situation when we agree on the essential: Jesus Christ crucified for our sins.

There are people who were created with a divisive spirit. You may have a friend who specializes in arguing everything. The sun is up. No, it’s cloudy. But the sun is up. Yeah, but we can’t see it. Well it’s light outside, so the sun IS up! Well, it may be up, but you can’t feel its warmth. And so it goes. Is this essential, or nonessential?

Our common purpose is to do as previous devotions taught. Spread God’s fragrance to the world with humble service towards everyone. Everything else is nonessential. Paul confirms that one thing is essential, and our common purpose is preaching the good news of the gospel.

Everything else is non-essential.
Barred Owl






Spotted Owl

Take Home Nugget
The spotted owl has been disappearing in the United States for decades. It was originally assumed that the problem was the
fault of logging, destroying their habitat. Research proved that one relative of the spotted owl was its greatest threat. The barred owl, which used to live east of the Mississippi River, competes for the same food as the spotted owl. More aggressive and adaptable than the spotted owl, the barred owl has been migrating west for the last 15 years.

Keep our eyes on Christ, Lord, and show us how to ignore the non-essential differences, so that our common purpose is unity.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, June 11, 2010

Brightest Star

BRIGHTEST STAR
John 3:22-30
The Message John 29-30: “That’s why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.”

“John, who is the guy approaching us?” John’s disciple asked.

John looked up and stopped mid sentence. “WOW, here comes the Lamb of God!”

“What are you saying, John? We’re your disciples, so teach us. Introduce us to Whomever you call ‘the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world’” (John 1:29).

“Shush, here comes the One more powerful than I, the thongs of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” (Mark 1:7-8).

“Who is He?”

John took his disciple’s chin in his hand, and peering into his eyes, he said, “I am not the Christ, but only the messenger going ahead of Him. We are the bride awaiting the groom, Christ. I am the groom’s friend who prepares His way, attending to His needs. My heart swells with joy in seeing Him, hearing His voice.” (John 3:29). John nodded at the man approaching and looked back into his disciple’s eyes.

“So, He’s the Christ, the Son of God? Truly?” John’s disciple’s eyes bugged out wide, his mouth forming a perfect O.

“The One Who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The One Who comes from heaven is above all…The man who accepts what He says certifies that God is truth…For the One Whom God has sent speaks the word of God, for God, and gives His Spirit without limit.” (John 3:31-38).

“How can this ordinary man have God’s authority?” John’s disciple quizzed.

“John patiently replied, “The Father loves His Son, and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:16).

“WOW! Am I following the wrong man, John? What happens to whoever rejects this man as God’s Son?”

John sighed, looking at the ground before answering his disciple’s question. “I grieve the person who rejects the Christ, for he will not see life, only suffer God’s wrath.” (John 3:36).
Take Home Nugget

As followers of Christ spreading God’s fragrance in the world (See Signature Scent devotion), are we lifting ourselves up high instead of Jesus? God’s best kids let themselves be small enough to showcase Jesus Christ as the brightest star.

Holy Lord, teach us this humility. May our behavior reflect Your desire that You be known, honored, loved, and exalted above all through our every thought and action. Amen.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Signature Scent

SIGNATURE SCENT
2Corinthians 2:14-17
V. 14: “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.”

Question: What’s something that you can’t see, hear, or touch, but is more powerful than a locomotive to carry you to another place, another time?
Answer: The sense of smell.

The scent of crayons carries an adult back to childhood. The scent of a particular flower evokes memories that sometimes are too provocative (pro-VOK-a-tiv, meaning stimulating, maddening) to discuss. A particular scent can transport a person into distant past, and bring back memories of people and places long forgotten. Even celebrities have fragrances named after them. Many people become associated with a particular perfume which announces their arrival even before they’re seen.

Signature scent is nothing new. God Himself introduced it into worship. In Old Testament times, people were forbidden to use this same fragrance for anything but worship. Its bouquet was singled out exclusively for the Lord (Exodus 30:34-39).

Zoom ahead a couple thousand years, and check out what God’s using to get people thinking about Him today: Christians! So this signature scent continues under God’s New Covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ. How stunning that God’s kids are the aroma of God Himself to the world!

This gives us pause, does it not? If we’re representing God to the world, what exactly does the world see in us? Truly, this commands that we’re ambassadors (am-BAS-a-DOORS, meaning representatives) of Christ, Himself. Yikes! When we’re selfish, others notice that. When we curse, swear, and use foul language, the world hears that—and that’s a reflection about who we are. When others expose our dirty minds, cruel intentions, or constant complaining, what do you suppose that smells like?

Others measure us by how they view, and judge, our behavior. That’s the fragrance we emit. When the world sees our putting others before ourselves, we’re judged us as generous people. When we publically acknowledge support for another, we can win great favor for that person. When others show love towards us, we strive to be worthy of their admiration. Suddenly, when the spotlight’s centered on us in the world stage, our behavior is under close scrutiny.

Are we credible (KRED-i-bel, meaning believable, realistic) representatives to spread God’s fragrance worldwide?

Take Home Nugget
Because God identifies with us in such a powerful way is truly a humbling experience, isn’t it? Is my life for God a pleasing aroma?

J.D. Griffith
When we’ve been alone with Jesus,
There’s a difference others know;
And to them it’s like a fragrance
That we leave where’er we go.

Hess
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Friday, June 4, 2010

Who You Are Identifier

WHO YOU ARE IDENTIFIER
Matthew 4:18-23
Matthew 9:9: “As Jesus went on from there [after teaching the teachers of the law], He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow Me’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.”

Jesus had just gathered together Peter, Andrew, James, and John before He added Matthew. The men trudged along side of Jesus, wondering what’s next.

Peter jogged ahead, then turned around. “What did You mean about I’d be a fisher of men?” (Mark 1:17).

Matthew asked, “Are you a fisherman?”

“Yeah. Can’t you tell, by my clothes? By the way, how far are we going?”
Jesus stopped walking. The men gathered around. “I know you’ve got questions, guys. But, all your needs will be met, and your questions answered, if you just pay attention. We’ll be together for awhile. Then you’ll have a chance to live what you’ve learned.”

People today have similar issues. When we meet someone new, we have questions about who that person is. Answers are as varied as how many different people there are. When getting acquainted with someone new, we need to have a starting place. We notice whether the person is a girl or a boy. Because we meet the person somewhere, we infer new information. If it’s at school, we know the person lives nearby. If we’re on vacation, the new person could be from anywhere.

Adults often use their work as their identifier. “I’m an electrician.” “I’m a construction worker.” “I’m a teacher” are all identifiers that give clues to further discoveries about a new person. Are people what they do, or do they do what they are? Is our work our only identifier? What happens then, when we stop working? When we retire, are we still identified with our career choice, or do we cease to be?

At the instant these few men followed Jesus, their identities changed forever.

For sure, Jesus is a compelling person. Today’s new identifier is charisma (kar-IS-ma, meaning magnetic personality), and aptly describes Jesus. His charm attracts, appeals to, and convinces those who follow Him. And following Him broadens people’s identifier about who they are.
Now their identifier proclaims whose they are.

Take Home Nugget

Identity drives a person’s behavior. Jesus wants to give every one of His siblings a new identifier that explodes into life purpose. The next time someone asks you who you are, perhaps your identifying response will be, “I’m Jesus’ disciple who wants to be a lawyer.”

When we grow up, what will we be?
Will we be smart, will we be rich?
It’s up to me what people will see.
I choose to show that following Jesus is my niche.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Clearly Heaven

CLEARLY HEAVEN
John 14:3-4
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples. Would they understand that He just invited them to heaven after their death?
Would Thomas understand the way to follow Jesus? “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’” (John 14:5). Jesus must have sighed, wondering if His disciples would ever understand what He was all about.

“I am the way and the truth and the life” He responded in v.6. Then in answering Philip in v.8, Jesus said in v.9, “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” Are we, Jesus’ siblings, as dense as His disciples were? How do you respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him home to Heaven? He’s gone to prepare a place for us—who will disappoint our host?

Clearly Jesus was talking about Heaven. Who doesn’t want to live forever with Him in Heaven?
Let’s clear up some false ideas about our future home, just as we did with the wrong notion of purgatory. (See What’s Purgatory? devotion). Heaven isn’t a place for ghosts. It’s as substantial as the ground you’re standing on. In fact, our dwelling place will be the New Jerusalem that descends from Heaven to earth (Revelation 21:1-8).

Jesus spent forty days with His disciples after His resurrection (Acts 1:3). He ate real food, and his body was solid. Coming from the only one who descended from, ascended to, and currently sits at the Father’s right hand, we can believe what Jesus says about Heaven. His home is our future home.

As the firstborn of God’s children, Jesus shows His siblings that we’ll follow Him from life into death, and return to life again. We’ll eat, just as Jesus ate (Acts 1:4, Luke 24:41-43). Our resurrected bodies will live forever. 1Corinthians 15:42-54 says many things about our glorified immortal bodies—check it out for yourselves. We’ll be raised physically, visible, recognizable, and powerful!

Eyes glued on Jesus will clearly lead us to Heaven.

Take Home Nugget

Many things about our heavenly home remain a mystery. Won’t we be delighted with every surprise? Stepping inside our individual uniquely custom-designed dwellings, our hearts will burst happy recognition, “I’m finally home!”

Jesus will deliver on His promise and return for us, just as He said. Clearly, Heaven is a literal place for physical bodies.
We long in hope waiting for Christ’s return,
Waiting with hearts bursting with praise.
Looking forward, eyes ablaze
For that great day of days!

J.D. Griffith

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