Get Out of God's Way

GET OUT OF GOD’S WAY
Matthew 16:16-27
v. 23: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’”

Why was Jesus so angry? He called Peter, Satan! How did Peter respond to Jesus’ stern scolding?

One cold, rainy day, the kids recessed in the play room of their school. When it was time for the fourth grade, Jules climbed the jungle gym. Miguel climbed up the opposite side, and asked her, “Do you still want to learn about Jesus?” (See the 12-part devotion series, “Biblical Holy Days”, to see what Miguel’s talking about).

Jules stopped climbing, and sat on a bar. “Yes. No. I mean, we’re expecting Messiah to come anytime.”

“Jesus is your Messiah, Jules!” Miguel said quietly.

Jules insisted, “Jesus can’t be Messiah, Miguel. When Messiah comes, He’ll be King! He won’t die. He’ll restore Jerusalem, and the Jewish nation.”

Miguel smiled across the bars at Jules. She smiled back, and said, “If you’re as excited about Jesus as I am about Messiah’s coming, I don’t blame you for wanting to talk about Him.”

This is what grownups call a stalemate, gridlock, tie. Both kids recognized that they are on opposite sides of this issue. Because they’re such good friends, they both just let the subject drop. Nothing’s ever gained by one trying to convince the other that he/she is correct. They wisely agreed to disagree, and remain friends.

Besides, Miguel was getting in God’s way.

There are many ways the Father draws people to Jesus, and He often asks His kids to help. Interaction with people frequently plants seeds of faith in non-believers. But when the subject is going nowhere, it’s best to let it go. Of course we mean well…as did Peter.

But if Jesus had listened to Peter, He would have disobeyed the Father. (That is never smart)! After sinning, Jesus could not have been the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Sure, He wouldn’t have died on the cross, but Scripture would not have been fulfilled. We’d still be condemned to death, looking for another to come—like Jules—never receiving the gift of salvation!

Take Home Nugget

Jesus did what was appropriate (ap-PRO-pri-it means the correct thing). Jesus’ stern scolding was to make a point that Peter never forgot. God has a plan for Jules to come to Christ, but neither we nor Miguel might see it.

Let’s always pray before acting. Never make the mistake of being in God’s way!

Holy Father, I come to You asking for Your help in keeping me out of Your way. Remind me to pray before acting on impulse, and doing the wrong thing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Providential Appointment

PROVIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT
John 4:1-42
v.15: “The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty…”

Jesus had an appointment, and He walked alone to Sychar, a town in Samaria. Around six o’clock, he sat down at Jacob’s well. “Will you get Me a drink?” He asked a woman, who came to draw water. Providential: (prov-i-DENCH-al means fortunate, helpful, intended).

She looked up at Him, startled. “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman—how can you ask me for a drink?”

Right on time, Jesus must have thought. He replied, “If you knew the gift of God and Who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

“Sir” she insisted, “You have nothing to draw the water with, and the well is deep.” She probably shook her head, thinking, What did he just say? “Where can you get this living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well—who drank from it himself, as well as his sons, and flocks and herds?”

Right question! Jesus must have thought before answering, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again…but whoever drinks the water I give, will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Their discussion went to her husband(s), the correct place to worship, and how to worship correctly. But when she said that she’s waiting for the Messiah to come, and He’ll answer every question, Jesus blew her mind. He simply said, “I am He.”

Can you see her: mouth a perfect O, eyes wide, and speechless?

Jesus does this today, with His kids all over the world. He stops us in mid-thought with a revelation that blows our minds. He directs the conversation that surprises and opens doors for His kids to learn something unexpected—but always profitable.

Take Home Nugget

Often people spend their entire lives in search of love and acceptance in the wrong places. Christ offers us living water today, water that springs up from an unseen well. This is the Holy Spirit, the only One Who quenches emotional and spiritual longings. Jesus’ goal is for us to recognize our greatest need. Then He supplies the only gift that meets every need: salvation and forgiveness of sins.

When your well is running dry, and you’re in need, look for Jesus. His divine appointment with you is scheduled to fill your need—quenching your thirst with His Spirit—if you let Him.

Life’s fractures can be restored
By faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He longs partnership with us to share,
Won’t you meet with Him in prayer?

J.D. Griffith

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Sacrifice with Thanksgiving

SACRIFICE WITH THANKSGIVING
Colossians 3:15-16
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Sacrifice (SAK-ri-fise means to give up, surrender). Why would anyone willingly sacrifice with thanksgiving? Aren’t these two words opposites? In order to understand this concept, watch Miguel and Buddy.

Playing in a field, Miguel throws the ball. Buddy sprints to scoop it into his mouth, and quickly returns. Miguel, as his dog’s master, decides when they’d play, and where. Buddy never questions why he has to retrieve the ball, but he does—immediately, and with tail wagging.

When Buddy detours ball playing by chasing a squirrel, Miguel laughs. But when Buddy returns empty-mouthed, Miguel fakes a throw, and Buddy remembers his original job. He sprints after the ball and gladly returns with his prize. Buddy doesn’t even notice that his goal was adjusted to his master’s will.

Did you ever see a dog’s grin? Can anyone mistake a dog’s joy for sadness? Never! A dog’s expression is one that every person can read; dogs don’t hide their feelings. A dog’s wagging tail expresses happiness; drooped head and tail signals sorrow. Licking a person’s hand or face is a dog’s way of showing pleasure, adoration, or thanks. Buddy would ever consider retrieving a ball to Miguel a sacrifice. But it IS service; something Buddy’d rather do than anything else.

Returning a ball may not cost Buddy money, nor is painful, but he gives up his freedom to achieve this relationship. And every time Buddy returns the ball, he surrenders it to Miguel. Buddy acts grateful for the privilege to serve his master.

Those who live self-less Christ-centered lives offer genuine thanks, which delights God’s heart. When believers sing songs of praise, thanking God for blessings hardly seems like sacrifice.

Sacrifice with thanksgiving is an idea we can grow to appreciate. “Good dog” Miguel says, and gives Buddy a treat. Words can be empty, but when accompanied with actions, words show gratitude. Boy and dog show mutual (MU-chu-al means shared) love, and their affection toward each other is obvious.

Take Home Nugget

A life given wholly to the Lord is valuable sacrifice that glorifies God, Who blesses His child beyond measure. The blessed child is grateful, and mutual love flows freely between Father and child. No one can outgive God!

Holy Lord we come with thanksgiving
For Your many blessings freely given.
Surrendering to His lead is a life worth living,
My life for Him is securely driven.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

J.D. Griffith

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Biblical Animals: Soar on Eagle's Wings

BIBLICAL AMINALS:
SOAR ON EAGLE’S WINGS
Isaiah 40:28-31
“…the Lord is everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired of weary, and His understanding no one can fathom…Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

As close as people grow to their pets is a clue about our heavenly Father’s care for His creation. God must love animals, because there are over 100 references to animals in the Bible. Wondrous creations—the earth’s creatures—from the highest skies, to the ground, and deep in the oceans teem with animals, insects, and plants. Who can claim there’s no God when the evidence is everywhere around us?

The opening Scripture shows a metaphor (MET-a-for means symbol) of how the Lord eases believers’ journey through life. Too many people depend on their human strength to become better Christians. Let’s learn a lesson from the eagle—which soars effortlessly—wholly dependent on the air currents to keep it afloat.

What do spiritually mature people look like? Theirs is effortless living, depending solely on supernatural strength for everything. The godly believer doesn’t try improving his life on his own strength, because he knows that’s useless. Beating our wings trying to keep tempers in control, or stop using profanity, for example, won’t work. Why? Because we cannot change ourselves.

Our Father uses an eagle to describe how a relationship with Him works. The eagle controls nothing when soaring effortlessly on air currents; God’s Holy Spirit, living within us, leads us to overcome the world. Our flesh is corrupt, and the world’s temptations too strong to ignore on our own strength. God’s strength is seen by calmed anger, and loss of desire into temptations. Others will notice our changed nature when we rely on God for righteous living.

Miguel and Buddy, his pet dog, have great fun playing outside. Theirs is a relationship forged from years of mutual love. This is precisely the relationship God wants to build with you.

Won’t you accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sins and salvation, so that the Holy Spirit can ease your journey through life? He guarantees your success at victorious living.

Take Home Nugget

God didn’t create humans to fly solo. He intended for His kids to depend on Him instead of burning out and growing weak from our own efforts. He created us to soar on His strength.

Who will try standing on their own?
God wants us to depend on Him alone.

Take heed, lest you fall,
Trust that He’s the Lord of all.

J.D. Griffith

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Buddy's Devotion

BUDDY’S DEVOTION
John 15:9-17
Psalm 16:11: “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

Miguel threw Buddy the same softball that he’d thrown to Jules and Bobby during the fall. (See Biblical Holy Days devotions #315-326). Buddy doesn’t care what’s on TV, orwhat game they're playing—but he is the best company Miguel could want—even when begging for a bite from Miguel’s hamburger. Miguel’s best friends are his fourth-grade classmates at school. But there’s no one like Buddy in Miguel’s life, without whom, Miguel’d be lost. Without Miguel, Buddy’d be lost, too.

Buddy’s not in school. He doesn’t read, or write. Buddy’s the name for Miguel’s mixed-breed dog. He’s been Miguel’s constant “buddy” since kindergarten. When Miguel throws the ball somewhere Buddy can’t retrieve it, he paws and barks threateningly at the obstacle (OB-stik-el means barrier). Buddy gets over Miguel’s anger fast, and never holds a grudge. He often paws Miguel awake on the weekends, so they won’t waste a moment of fun. He wants nothing more than to please, and to be with Miguel all the time.

Buddy is the perfect example of persistent (per-SIS-tent means continual) determination, where we get the word dogged from, and what that word means.

Devotion is Buddy’s gift to his master. Buddy’s dedication, loyalty, and commitment to Miguel are unsurpassed by everyone except Miguel’s parents—and God. Dogged devotion should describe every believer. When we’re devoted to God, we want to be with Him, or at least remain friends all the time. Even when we don’t know the plan, or where God’s leading doesn’t make sense to us, we remain devoted to Him. (Just as Buddy remains devoted to Miguel, without doubt or complaint). It’s OK to ask God questions when we’re confused about stuff. That’s when He knows we’re serious about our faith—and is so pleased—that He’ll find ways to answer every concern.

Miguel stands up after digging the ball out of a drain, and throws it for Buddy to chase. Buddy bounds after it, returning quickly, an obvious grin on his face. “Good boy!” Miguel congratulates Buddy, patting his head. Just like this devoted dog, we’ll find joy and satisfaction in God’s presence.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus knew that we’d have questions when following Him. That’s why He tries to prepare us, urging us to abide in His love (John 15:9-10). Despite our not being able to understand God sometimes, His love is reliable. We can depend on that, and remain doggedly devoted to Him, our Master.

J.D. Griffith

Never should our love be just a word,
A passing phrase, a brief emotion;
But love that honors Christ our Lord
Responds to Him with deep devotion.

Hess

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Bible's Apps For You

BIBLE’S APPS FOR YOU
Ephesians 6:1-7
vv. 1-2: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

“Want to play some flag football, Bobby?” Miguel asked, zipping up his jacket on the way out the door.

Bobby thought about that before replying, “Na, maybe I’ll just watch you guys.”

“What? Just watch? How come?” Miguel pressed.

“Dunno. I guess I lost interest in playing at recess” Bobby answered.

“Boy do I have an app for you, Bobby!” Miguel offered. “My Mom always quotes Ecclesiastes to me when I’m down…It goes, ‘There’s nothing better to be happy and do good while you live.’” (Ecclesiastes 3:12). “Come on” Miguel prodded, jabbing his elbow into Bobby’s ribs.

Bobby thought, Miguel’s always been a good buddy, why am I so depressed? I can choose to be happy. “OK, I’ll play” Bobby said, a smile spreading across his face.

Miguel’s on the right path. The Bible has an app for everything! Remember when phones were just for calling someone? Those days, phones have evolved into devises that are stocked full of information, even games. These cellular-phone applications are computer programs that offer today’s news, trip planners, sporting reports…and support over 100,000 other tasks.

But the Bible presents way more than that number of today’s cell-phone apps.

Tucked inside the Bible are treasures of wisdom for us to read and apply to our lives. Philippians 2:2, for example, is the unity app. The humility app is found in 2:3, the no-whining app’s in 2:14. The opening Scripture is God’s app for imitating Him, and loving others app. Ephesians 5:3 is purity app, while watch-your-tongue app is found in 5:4.

After the bell rang, Bobby caught Miguel returning inside the school with, “Thanks for including me in your flag football game—it’s just what I needed today!”

“No problem” Miguel replied. “There’s always room on my team for you!”

Take Home Nugget

Apps are found all around us—even in the air—like the cyberspace of the Internet. The Bible proposes all the apps we need to live the Christian life successfully. “App” is a noun that stands for application, but it’s also the verb, “apply”. The Bible’s apps are direct notes from our Father recommending how to apply His truth to our lives. Have any questions? The Bible provides the answers awaiting your discovery.

Where will you find the apps that you’ll apply to living? The world, or God’s Word?

Cling to the Bible; a jewel and treasure
Brining life eternal, saving fallen man.
Surely its value no mortal can measure;
Seek its blessing, O soul, while you can.

J.D. Griffith

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Trinity Sunday

TRINITY SUNDAY
12 of 12
John 15:16
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.”

“It’s getting cold” Miguel said, as he threw Bobby the ball. “Should we stop practicing our ball skills through the winter?”

Bobby caught the ball, agreeing, “It is hard to throw ball wearing a mitt on one hand and a different glove on the other.” He threw a grounder to Jules. “What do you think?”

Jules fielded the grounder. Standing tall, she began, “Well, I didn’t want to mention anything, but my coat’s too heavy for me to throw how I want.” She threw a high ball to Miguel.

“OK,” Miguel caught the ball, saying, “We could return to ball throwing when we’re back to wearing jackets. Cool?” He threw the ball to Bobby.

Bobby caught his ball, and said, “I’m glad that I’m not the only one who’s ready to hang up my glove until spring” throwing the ball to Jules.

Jules caught the ball saying, “I’ve had a lot of fun, and feel way more confident with my ball skills, now. Thanks for playing and sharing your faith with me.” She threw the ball into her gloved hand. “Spring will be here before we know it!”

The three kids Miguel, Jules, and Bobby might remind us of our Blessed Trinity’s three persons. They came together, each with their own talents, working towards a common goal—improving their ball playing. The Holy Trinity—three persons, each with different jobs, merge as one God working towards one goal—human salvation. Each person is fully, equally God. This doesn’t have to make sense to humans, but aren’t we grateful for the Holy Trinity?

The bell rang, and they walked into the school together. Miguel wrapped up their recess ball throwing practice with, “Next year this time, we’ll be in fifth grade!”

Take Home Nugget

Biblical Holy Days is way more complicated than what these twelve devotions discuss, but seeing the differences and likenesses between our faiths brings us closer to God and others. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? These twelve devotions cover the New Testament Holy Days, contrasted to a few Old Testament Festivals. Jesus ushered in God’s New Covenant—and it is Him. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is how we honor Jesus. We remember His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, accepting His gifts of salvation and everlasting life.

The Blessed Trinity’s a God Who always has our back.
To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we give three cheers.
With three persons attending us, there’s nothing we lack.
Hallelujah to the God Who calms every fear!

J.D. Griffith

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Christ Mass

CHRIST MASS
11 of 12
Luke 2:8-20
vv. 8-11: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.’”

Miguel threw the ball to Jules, saying, “I’m excited for Christmas already!”

“Hanukkah’s closer than your Christmas” Jules said, catching the ball. “Our Festival of Lights begins December 2nd this year.”

Bobby fielded the grounder Jules sent him, saying, “I don’t celebrate Jesus’ birth, but the excitement that starts in December is contagious. I’m almost jealous.” Examining the ball with furrowed brow, he threw it to Miguel saying, “Did you know Jesus wasn’t really born on December 25th? It’s all fake!”

Bobby’s correct. The word “Christmas” comes from the Catholic “Christ Mass”. The term was used first in 1038, A.D. (Anno Domini means “year of our Lord”). The exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown, but the best guess is spring, around 4-7 B.C. (Before Christ). Let’s examine Scripture: Luke says the shepherds were with their flock in the fields at night. December is too cold; their flocks would have already been corralled: The Jews sent their flocks to the mountains and desert during the summer months, returning when it got cold.

Hippolytus, (official from the Church of Rome ~215, A.D.) concluded that Christ’s life—from conception to crucifixion—was precisely 33 years, both events occurring in March. December is nine months later.

The pagan (worldly) festival, Saturnalia, celebrates the shortest day of the year. December 21st ushers in a ‘new sun’ making days longer. The Roman emperor Constantine (306-337, A.D.), merged two festivals of the sun, “Mirtha” (embodiment of the sun) and “Saturnalia,” with the birth of God’s Son into one holiday. He then added another pagan celebration, “Brumalia”, and declared a legal festival on December 25 for all four holidays. Romans embraced disorderly merriment on that day, so it was convenient for new Christians to hide their faith’s Holy Day. (Constantine also changed Christian worship to the first day of the week—breaking from the Jewish seventh-day Sabbath).

“I don’t care if December 25 isn’t really the birthday of Jesus, it’s when I choose to celebrate.” Miguel insisted.

“That’s cool, Miguel” Jules said. She and Bobby went over to him. “You and billions of people can’t all be wrong!”

Take Home Nugget

Pray: We thank and praise You, heavenly Father, for sending Jesus to us—no matter which day! Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Pentecost

PENTECOST
10 of 12
Acts 2:1-4
The Message: “When the Feast of Pentecost came, they [the disciples] were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.”

Many Christians wear red to worship on Pentecost Sunday—honoring the Holy Spirit’s arrival to the disciples and new believers in Jerusalem. Imagine the disciples’ delight in recognizing this wind was what Jesus had promised would come (John 7:39)! What did they do while awaiting the Holy Spirit, after Jesus’ ascension? They decided to find a replacement for Judas, who left them after he betrayed Jesus (Matthew26:17-49).

Miguel wondered, What would Bobby and Jules say about Pentecost?

First throw went to Bobby, since Jules was late. “Do you wear red to church on Pentecost Sunday?” Miguel asked throwing the ball to Bobby.

“Kingdom Hall--why would I wear red?” Bobby asked, catching the ball.

“Don’t you celebrate Pentecost Sunday, when the Holy Spirit first came to the disciples?” Miguel asked.

“Nope” Bobby replied. “Should we?”

Jules arrived, pounding her fist inside her glove. “Whatcha talking about?”

Bobby asked as he threw her the ball, “Do you wear red to Synagogue on Pentecost?”

“No, silly. We celebrate Shavuot with green!” she said, catching the ball. “But that’s in Spring.”

Bobby, being a Jehovah’s Witness Christian, doesn’t honor Pentecost Sunday as a Holy Day. Jules, being Jewish, does celebrate Shavuot, their Pentecost. She’d wear green in honor of the agricultural Holy Festival. Pentecost (PENT-i-cost means fiftieth) is the seventh (meaning complete) Sabbaths after FirstFruits, arriving at “new grain offering” in the Jewish tradition. The Holy Day Shavuot coincides (KO-in-sides means agrees) with Pentecost in the Christian Church—seven weeks after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Seven Sabbaths plus one day to worship = 50.

“Aren't we a great team, or what?” Jules asked her classmates. “We disagree on everything—religion, Holy Days, even what color to wear. But one thing’s for sure—we’ll be fantastic ball players come springtime!”

Take Home Nugget

Shavuot celebrates receiving the Law, and is when children begin Hebrew study in Synagogue. Reading Song of Songs, and serving milk, Shavuot compares receiving the Torah (Jewish Bible) to milk. Christian Pentecost celebrates receiving the Holy Spirit, and is often when children are confirmed in the faith. Somehow, God manages to reconcile (REK-on-sile means merge, or resolve) His children’s faith to Himself—regardless of our differences.

Instead of pointing out differences, let’s celebrate God by worshipping Him in love for each other.

J.D. Griffith

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