Friday, December 30, 2011

New year Clean

NEW YEAR CLEAN

Jonah 1

Vv. 3b-4: “After paying the fare, he [Jonah] went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.”

“Benjy! Danny!” The 3rd grade twins were in big trouble. After making a mess in their playroom, they decided to play outside. Their Mom demands better, and the twins will figure that out. But first they must endure the storm.

Unwrap the Gift devotion showed Jeremy, their 5th grade cousin, scolding them to clean up the discarded Christmas wrapping paper from the playroom floor. It seems, instead, that the twins are picking up the practice of not cleaning up after themselves. If their Mom has anything to say about it, this unwanted action will stop before it becomes a bad habit (HAB-it means routine pattern or practice).

Just like our parents show displeasure at some things we do, the Lord also has ways of getting our attention. Our heavenly Father only tolerates silliness to a point—before the storms come—just like earthly parents. Before silly, or stupid, becomes habit, the Lord often teaches action correction. But humankind is stubborn. We only learn the lesson, or get scrubbed clean, through storms.

Stormy circumstances shake loose bad habits (like smoking) that the Lord insists we end. Storms cleanse. They come unexpectedly, and in surprising ways. Nature uses storms like tornadoes, to rid trees of dead branches. Jonah’s storm finally ended when he was puked out of the fish’s mouth onto dry land (Jonah 2:10). God is patient, and gives us as many chances as it takes to learn lessons of living right.

But after storms, there’s always a mess to clean up. Stormy situations turn lives upside down. The Lord uprights us on solid ground, wrong practices now discarded. People clean up tornado wreckage to reveal sparkling lawns. Jonah went to Nineveh and preached repentance of sin, and the people were saved from the Lord’s destruction. Storms make new starts clean.

2012 is a fresh beginning. Won’t you give up bad habits—like bitterness, anger, and evil speech—BEFORE the Lord cleans you up through storms? (Ephesians 4:31).

Take Home Nugget

John 15:1-4 shows Jesus as the vine, God’s kids as the branches, and our heavenly Father as the gardener. Every branch that does not produce fruit gets cut off (yikes!). Those branches that do produce fruit He prunes to make even more fruitful. Let each of us develop good habits that produce plenty of good fruit for God’s kingdom.

Lord help me to produce good seeds


Through good habits

That are pruned into good deeds.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, WORLD!

J.D. Griffith




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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Unwrap the Gift

UNWRAP THE GIFT

Hebrews 2:14-18

V. 17: “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

Jeremy (and his family) went to visit his cousins, Danny and Benjy, (and their family) the day after Christmas. Entering the playroom, Jeremy tripped over the torn wrapping paper that covered the floor. “I know that you didn’t just leave the wrapping paper on the floor a whole day, guys! Comeon now, you’re acting like babies instead of 8 year old kids!” 10 year old Jeremy scolded. He crouched down and grabbed the paper he could reach, saying, “Throw this paper away!”

“Mom didn’t say we had to” Benjy whined.

“But you’re already enjoying the presents, aren’t you?” Jeremy challenged.

Excited to tear wrapping paper off presents—kids delight with their new gifts—and forget to clean the trash off the floor. But often we forget to unwrap the gift of Jesus, and delight in the Miraculous Gift (see devotion) that God gave to us, His kids. Just as the opening Scripture teaches, Jesus was made human, just like us. We can’t say that “we can’t be like Him.” or “He doesn’t know how we feel.” Rubbish—just like the used wrapping on the floor!

What’s more: when we believe in Jesus—as the Son of God Who died for our sins on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead—we get more gifts. Many people just adore the gift of Jesus Christ, and don’t bother to unwrap the gift of salvation. Is it because we resist making Jesus Lord over our lives?

What do we think we have to lose making Jesus King of our lives? What would He steal? Our independence? We are totally free when we depend 100% on Christ instead of our own wimpy human strength. The Father gave us free will so that we’d come to Him on our own, instead of being robots that automatically obey. But let’s use our free will to choose to do the smart thing, the right thing. Let’s unwrap Jesus and put our trust in Him alone. All other ways of living are trash.

Jesus isn’t a baby anymore. Will you dare to trust in the risen Lord to be Lord of your life?

Take Home Nugget

We should all be rejoicing, every day and in all situations. Jesus has come to set us free (from sin), to bless us with hope for the future, and to offer us eternal life in heaven.

Joyful living for Jesus followers is a certainty—because we base living on Christ.

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, December 23, 2011

Miraculous Gift

MIRACULOUS GIFT

Matthew 1:18-25

Vv. 20-21“…Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save the people from their sins.”   Blue font are words from an angel of the Lord.



The Christmas story, recorded in Matthew and Luke, is the most familiar story in the Bible. Jesus’ birth is often the Bible’s favorite story—rightly so—because it speaks of the most Miraculous Gift ever given. Let’s never gloss over the story just because we’ve heard it so often. The Christmas story deserves full attention every time we hear it, because it’s the Father’s miraculous gift of salvation to a fallen people.

This familiar deserves attention because it contains hidden clues about how to achieve victory in our own lives. Notice that Mary surrendered herself to the Lord for His purpose, although it caused her confusion and ridicule (RID-e-kule means mockery and scorn). Joseph surrendered himself to the Lord for His purpose, even though he became the laughing stock of a small town. The shepherds surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and walked to Bethlehem to discover the miraculous gift. The Wise Men surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and followed a star that led them to the miraculous gift.

Jesus surrendered Himself to the Lord for His purpose—and died a torturous death on the cross—presenting us His shed blood as the miraculous gift. Only Jesus knew the outcome of these surrendered lives. Everyone else was delightfully surprised. Each one took the step of faith by surrendering lives to the Lord for His purpose, and achieved profound (pro-FOUND means intense or extreme) victory.

The Miraculous Gift of God’s Son Jesus—and that belief in Him achieves everlasting life—is a profound delight that shouldn’t surprise believers. The gift of faith is what we all believe and stand firmly upon. Faith is a miracle, too.

What gifts are you presenting to loved ones this Christmas?

Take Home Nugget

The nugget today is the “surrender ourselves to the Lord for His purpose” clue that achieves victory in our own lives. The outcome is never anything we know. But the Christmas story shows us that the result of a surrendered life to the Lord for His purpose guarantees victory and delight. Faith never knows where it’s being led, but loves the One Who’s leading.

J.D. Griffith

To follow the leading of God,

To step out in faith and obey,

Is always the path we should take

Whenever we can’t see the way.

Sper

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BELIEVERS IN THE WORLD!




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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Best Gift: Assurance

BEST GIFT: ASSURANCE

Colossians 3:16-17

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

“Let’s talk some more” Greg said at recess from 4th grade. He threw the baseball to Miguel, asking, “How do we KNOW FOR SURE that we’re going to heaven?”

Miguel caught the ball, and stopped. “That’s heavy, Greg….For one thing, the Holy Spirit is the deposit that seals us for eternal life” (Ephesians 4:30). Throwing back the ball, he said, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy by criticizing your belief, or how you live. We’re different from the other guys.”

“How so?” Greg caught the ball, throwing it back.

“You and I are brothers in Christ” (2Corinthians 5:17). Miguel grounded the ball to Greg. “Our adoption into God’s family is a sure thing. Nothing we do risks losing that.”

Greg fielded the grounder. “Wow, that’s so cool!” He threw the ball back to Miguel. “I don’t make as many mistakes as I used to, but I’m sure to mess up again. What happens then?”

Giggling, Miguel caught the ball. “Just tell God that you’re sorry. He’ll forgive you, and you’ll be tight with Him again” (1John 1:9).

Most saved people question their salvation at some point. Frustration brings doubt about important issues. Here’re three tools that measure salvation, below. Answer “Yes” to them, and your salvation is certain, no question….Ready?

1. Do you trust Scripture? Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Either people believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid for sins, or they don’t. (John 3:16).

2. Do you believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit? Whoever believes in Jesus receives the indwelling power of One Who is greater than the world (1John 4:4). He identifies us as God’s kids (Romans 8:16).

3. Do you live like Jesus’ disciple? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2Coringhitans 5:17). Transformation means changes to life’s old ways. Our new nature serves the Lord.

Your innermost desires reflect whom you serve. I agree with Greg when he said in God is Good, God is Great devotion, “The worst thing is to not believe in Jesus.”

Take Home Nugget

Of course believers still sin. No matter how crooked our walk, the Holy Spirit isn’t shy to convict us of sin. His tug of guilt over sin is the final test of assurance that we’re secure in God’s grip.

I don’t care what others say,

My walk is Jesus’ way.

Although I occasionally still sin,

I know in the end who’ll win.

J.D. Griffith



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Friday, December 16, 2011

Mind-Blowing Wealth

MIND-BLOWING WEALTH

Ephesians 1:3-14

Vv. 4-6: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance to His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”

Remember how God’s pleasure and will works everything out for our good in God is Good, God is Great devotion? This devotion will prove that!

“Want to play catch?” Miguel asked his classmate, Greg, at recess from the 4th grade.

“I just need to blow off steam, I’m so mad!” Greg threw the ball hard into his gloved hand.

“Why” Miguel wondered.

“My Dad just lost his job. We may have to move—and it’s almost Christmas!”

Miguel’s concern showed on his furrowed brow. “That’s tough, Greg. I am really sorry….But you’re a Christian, right?”

Greg nodded his head, catching another hard-thrown ball. Turning to face Miguel he asked, “What’s that got to do with it?”

“Everything! Whenever I get down, I remember that Jesus died for me, and how rich I am as a Christian.”

Miguel’s right. Christians are heirs to mind-blowing wealth! Our inheritance will never perish, spoil, or fade. It’s reserved for us in heaven right now (1Peter 1:4). In fact, followers of Jesus already have it!

Ephesians 1:11 says, “In Him [Jesus] we are chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” This treasure isn’t earned; it comes because of whose we are. The deal is sealed with the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who guarantees promised eternal life.

This seal shows Who owns and has authority over us. This seal guarantees freedom, salvation, and resurrection from death! What else is our inheritance? Most of the delight is beyond earthly understanding, but Scripture gives us a sneak preview. Our weak human bodies and souls will be transformed into what will never wear out. We’ll have glorious bodies, and be free from sin and death (Philippians 3:20-21).

After talking awhile, Greg smiled at Miguel. “You’re right, Miguel. I shouldn’t think of my troubles as the worst thing in the world. The worst thing is not believing in Jesus!”

Take Home Nugget

God blesses His kids with mind-blowing riches to show us “the incomparable riches of His grace expressed in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). This amazing goodness should inspire us to devote each day to live for Him.

J.D. Griffith

“Whatever is done in love for Christ

Will one day have heaven’s reward;

Today let’s do what we can for Him,

Our loving Savior and Lord.

Hess


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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

God is Good, God is Great

GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT

Matthew 19:17

“‘Why do you ask Me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One Who is good.’”

Psalm 145:3

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.”



“God is good. God is great. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” third-grader Benjy prayed at the table. Smiling, he snatched a hot dog from the platter. “How do I know that God is good and great?” he took a bite and began chewing. “Thur times thuff ith bad” he tried saying.

“You know better than to talk with a full mouth” Benjy’s Mom chided.

“Yeah, you know better!” Benjy’s twin brother, Danny, echoed. He kicked Benjy and grabbed a hot dog. “God is good and great ‘cause He gives us stuff to eat!”

Danny’s right…to a point. But what if we don’t have anything to eat? Is God still good? How can we say that God is good and great when we’re sad, sick, or hungry?

“God is good and great all the time” is the Christian’s worldview.

We find evidence of God’s goodness and greatness on every page of the Bible. God does whatever pleases Him, but He always works toward achieving His purpose. He works every situation—about which I know nothing, nor could understand if I did know—for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God’s running the whole universe, including our lives (even though we think that we’re in charge).

That’s humbling. We can believe that God is good, because goodness is His nature. He cannot act otherwise than what is His nature. He cannot lie, for example. Doesn’t that give you pause?

Knowing that God is good provides courage to cry out for help when we’re freaked. He promises to provide for every need. We’re content, because if we need anything else, He’d give it to us (Matthew 6:8).

To say that God is great acknowledges that He’s sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler), not limited by anything. He naturally works things out for good and He gets the glory. That’s right. God works everything out for your good and His glory. Believing that God is good and great encourages us to praise and thank Him. “For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever” (at the end of the Lord’s Prayer) affirms our belief that the glory belongs to Him.

Take Home Nugget

Some only say, “God is good” when things go their way. If their God is good only in good times, then their God is not the God of the Bible!

Blessings, goodness and greatness in God I find.

Believing this simply blows my mind!

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, December 9, 2011

Forever Presence

FOREVER PRESENCE

Psalm 100:1-2

The Message: “On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into His presence.”

God is God everywhere, all the time. There is nowhere to flee to where God isn’t. Is this comforting or does it make you feel invaded to acknowledge that God’s presence always surrounds you? When do you recognize His presence? Is His presence felt more when surprised with something wonderful, or in extraordinary circumstances? Do people usually sense God’s presence in dreadful situations? Can you admit that God’s presence is felt ESPECIALLY when we sin?

Ezra, a priest and teacher of the Law of Moses, arrived in Jerusalem. He was shocked to observe forbidden things. A few thousand Israelites had returned after being exiled to Babylon. The city needed so much repair, after Babylonian destruction and looting. Ezra went to help rebuild the Temple, and found God’s gracious hand amidst the rubble (Ezra 8:18). But he also saw intermarriage between the Israelites and the neighboring peoples—Canaanites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites—whose detestable practices they began adopting (Ezra 9:1-2).

Ezra tore his robes, pulled hair out from his head and beard. He sat down horrified (Ezra 9:3). The people got it that he recognized their disobedience. Whoever trembled, or felt guilty, gathered ‘round to hear Ezra’s prayer (Ezra 9:4-6). This scene witnesses how we can relate to God’s presence when we sin. God’s eyes pierce each of His children, one by one.

Each believer can relate to the Israelites’ guilt and sadness. God’s presence is truly felt when we’re plagued (PLAGED means overwhelmed, weighted down) with shame.

The Holy Spirit urges repentance from sin at these times. When we truly ask for forgiveness, and turn back to righteousness living, our relationship with God is restored. His presence often warms hearts after sincere repentance.

1John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Can you relate to God’s warm touch after you repent of sin?

Take Home Nugget

Let us practice the presence of God with song and laughter every day. Although we do not always feel His presence and love, it surrounds and protects us 24/7.   God made us and determined our time of life, even the exact place where we live.  In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 18:26-28).

Holy Father, we feel loved knowing that You are with us no matter where we are. Thank You for guilty consciences, and the privilege of praying for repentance of sin. We love that welcome pulse of warmth deep inside when we sense that we’re forgiven and reconciled (REK-on-siled means restored) to Your embrace in love.  Amen

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

God's Names

GOD’S NAMES

Psalm 52:9

“I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints.”

Previous God’s Name devotion urged readers to stop saying, “Oh my God!” as a point of emphasis in casual conversation. Saying that phrase is irreverent; totally disrespectful speech referring to the creator of the universe. And whoever says that phrase—other than when in dire need for God to save—will be punished. (Maybe not immediately, but eventually.  The Bible puts great emphasis on names).

This new devotion intends to sow seeds of revering God with how we speak His name. God has many names, and they stand for: His character, Who He is, and what He does. They represent the principles and promises in the Bible. Check out God’s names, below:

Name   /     What it means

Yahweh or Jehovah   /  God is the self-existent and independent One

El Shaddai   / Almighty God

El Elyon  /   God Most High

Yahweh-Jireh   /  The Lord will provide

Yahweh-Tsidkenu  /   The Lord our righteousness

Elohim   /  Creator Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Singular name using plural verb agreement.

El Roi   /  the God Who sees

El Shaddai  /   the All-Sufficient One

Adonai  /   the Lord

Jehovah-Rapha   /  the Lord Who heals

Jehovah-Shalom  /   the Lord is peace

Jehovah-Raah  /   the Lord my Shepherd

El Elyon   /  Supreme Ruler

Moses was nervous about leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He asked God how he’d answer if they asked him who sent him to lead them. God told Moses, “Tell them I AM sent me to you” (Exodus 4:14). Who would dare argue with that?

Ancient banners were made out of wood or metal. Shaped into various emblems, they were then fastened to the bare staff of a long pole. These banners often served as a rallying point for troops in battle, announcing victory. They stood for the ideals and aspirations of whomever carried them, arousing devotion to a nation, a cause, or a leader. When Moses led the Israelites into battle against the Amalekites, he held a banner calling on God’s power. This banner was named Yahweh Nissi which meant the Lord is my Banner.

Take Home Nugget

Our Brother Jesus introduced a new name for His Father, God. When we believe in Jesus, God becomes our Father, too. Jesus invites us to address the Creator of the universe as Father (Romans 8:15). How cool! We may call God by the family name, Abba, or Dad!
Can you agree to never profane our Daddy’s name anymore?

Father God is one totally cool Dude!

He hears every plea and meets every need.

How could we be so thoughtless, so rude

To Him in thought, speech, and deed?

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, December 2, 2011

God's Name

GOD’S NAME

Deuteronomy 5:11

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”



Wanda and 6th-grade classmate, Trina, claimed two seats at the swing set during recess. Trina looked around, and whispered, “This 9th-grader named Donovan spoke to me at the skating rink last weekend. And, oh my God, he is sooooooo cute!”

“What did he say?”

“He said, ‘You skate like a pro!’ And I got so nervous that I, oh my God, I actually burped in his face!”

“Oh my God, Trina! How can you recover from that?”

How does someone recover from a horrible mistake, especially when it’s so in-your-face public? How embarrassing! While we may get used to apologizing to others for silly, stupid things we do, it’s quite another thing to do something that offends on purpose. And it looked to Donovan that Trina purposefully burped in his face—after he complimented her skating!

OMG has become a frequent cool texting term. The spoken words sprinkle freely in daily conversation today. It could truly mean that one is super stunned and unable to deal with something. But more often, it’s not a cry out to our holy Lord. It’s become an adverbial phrase for "can you believe it"? Or a response that means, "impossible", or "how awful!"

In fact hearing it has become so common today that it can actually be justified saying it with the excuse, “everyone’s saying it!” But those who do so either don’t know, or don’t care what the consequences (KON-see-QUEN-ses mean result or outcome) are of saying this phase in vain. Vain (vane) means hopeless, ineffective, unproductive, worthless, OR proud, arrogant, self-important, conceited.

Using this phrase is like swearing the Lord’s name. It is irreverent (ir-REV-er-ant means disrespectful, flippant) speech. It’s used on purpose today, for emphasis of importance. Using it freely sprinkled in speech or text means that the user doesn’t fear God, or doesn’t know the consequences, cost, or penalty for abusing Gods name. The only way God’s kids can recover from this mistake is to confess the sin.

God’s command in the opening Scripture isn’t a suggestion. He doesn’t rather we don’t take His name in vain. He doesn’t love us so much that He’ll overlook hearing it from us. In fact, He is just, so He must punish those who use His name in vain! This Scripture is both warning and declared punishment for whoever uses His name improperly. What God promises, He delivers.

Take Home Nugget

The devil’s #1 strategy is to get you to ignore God’s commands. If you’re guilty of this sin, confess it to God and carefully watch your speech!

Guard thoughts closely. They can become words at any time.

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Consider

CONSIDER

James 1:2-4, 12

The Message vv. 2-4: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so that you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

Today challenges us more than yesterday. Tomorrow may be even harder to get through. We saw that when Sarah acted out prematurely (pre-ma-TUR-lee means ahead of time, hastily, rashly), God’s best wasn’t received. (See I’ve Got it, and So Far, So Good? devotions). And we saw that Jacob’s struggle with God to claim His blessing was God’s best in Worth the Struggle devotion.

“Consider” is an accounting term that means to evaluate (e-VAL-u-ate means measure or calculate). James wrote these words to encourage us to evaluate our troubles as seen from God’s eyes. James is offering us a divine perspective, instead of viewing hardship from a human point-of-view. Surprising benefits to struggling through suffering and hardship are revealed when seen through the Father’s eyes.

We saw Jeremy cheer Benjy’s victory against his twin brother, Danny, in Worth the Struggle devotion. Can you imagine that Jesus and James are cheering for your victory in every struggle? Humanly speaking, trials hurt. But in God’s view, struggles help. They help by evaluating how we respond to difficulty. Let us “consider” what God wants trials to accomplish in His kids’ lives. Every difficulty tests, measures, and grows our faith. God notices our growth, (and we can, too). The next test finds us dealing with, or putting up with the trial better. (Less drama, less emotional wear-and-tear).

Into every struggle, our Father has hidden a beautiful character gem. Whether we grow or mark time (remain unchanged) during trials is seen by how these gems shine. Are we more patient? Are we more considerate of others? Every choice we make, every response to hardship measures our transformation into Christ-likeness. This is the Father’s goal.

How far do you “consider” you are from being like Jesus? The closer we get, the more we rejoice when facing yet another trial. This was James’ point.

Take Home Nugget

None of us want to struggle through pain, but it’s unavoidable in today’s fallen world. Why not respond to trials with an eternal point–of –view? Why waste your struggle? When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit (instead of refusing to grow) our character gems will be polished into a brilliant sparkling shine—noticeable by all.

J.D. Griffith

You’ve given us Your Spirit Lord,

To help us grow, mature, and learn.

Teach us from Your written Word,

So truth from error we’ll discern.

Sper


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Friday, November 25, 2011

Relationship Love

RELATIONSHIP LOVE

JOHN 14:21

The Message: “The person who knows My commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves Me. And the person who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and make Myself plain to him.”

(Jesus' words are in Red font;  the Father’s words are in Purple font.)

“God, are You there?”

“I’m listening.”

“It’s Frank. You may not know me, but Jesus sent me.”

“Welcome!” Door opens wide to show a great cloud. “You’re coming on the best recommendation! Come in. Sit down. What can I do for you, Frank?”

“Well, uh, I’m embarrassed to say.” Hear feet shuffling. “I’ve ignored you all my life.” Pause. “But I’ve fallen and need Your help. Will You help me? Please?”

“Tell Me all about it, Frank.”

“Well, I’ve got this roofing business. Many people are depending on me, and my company’s success. We’re doing pretty well, too. But yesterday I fell off a roof. I can’t move, or even open my eyes. My wife’s holding my hand. I can hear her reading from the Bible. I hear her prayers for me to wake up. We’ve got three kids. She needs to be home to take care of them!”

“Lisa is very dear to Me. She never stops trying to get you to worship Me.”

“Yeah, tell me about it.”

“So what’s your problem, Frank?”

“I didn’t think I had a problem.”

“And yet here you are.”

“Right. Here’s the thing: I need to get well and return to work. Seasonal businesses end in bad weather, and it’s almost winter!”

“So?”

“You don’t get it! Cold weather kills my work. I’ve got to get back to it, Lord. This last project will feed us through the winter. I can’t be off now!”

“Did you just call me Lord?”

“Uh. I don’t remember. I suppose I did. Jesus is with me, urging me to pray. He coached me to repent of my sins. He wants me to admit that You don’t owe me a thing.”

“And…”

“Jesus said to mention His Name. If I could only get on my knees…”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“I deserve nothing from You, Lord. I repent of my drinking and gambling. I just want to win the lottery so that I can take care of everyone!”

“That’s your excuse?”

“Yeah.” Gulp. “I promise to stop that…if You’ll just heal me.”

“Your sins are forgiven, Frank. Wake up and begin serving Me now. If you love Me with your whole heart, I will give you the desires of your heart!” (Psalm 37:4).

Take Home Nugget

Frank opened his eyes.

There is One Who all my needs knows.

Addressing these He promises to supply

Answers to all my woes,

When in faith to Him I cry.

J.D. Griffith


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Miraculous Gift

MIRACULOUS GIFT
Matthew 1:18-25

Vv. 20-21

“…Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save the people from their sins.”   Blue font are words from an angel of the Lord.



The Christmas story, recorded in Matthew and Luke, is the most familiar story in the Bible. Jesus’ birth is often the Bible’s favorite story—rightly so—because it speaks of the most miraculous gift ever given. Let’s never gloss over the story just because we’ve heard it so often. The Christmas story deserves full attention every time we hear it, because it’s the Father’s miraculous gift of salvation to a fallen people.

This familiar deserves attention because it contains hidden clues about how to achieve victory in our own lives. Notice that Mary surrendered herself to the Lord for His purpose, although it caused her confusion and ridicule (RID-e-kule means mockery and scorn). Joseph surrendered himself to the Lord for His purpose, even though he became the laughing stock of a small town. The shepherds surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and walked to Bethlehem to discover the miraculous gift. The Wise Men surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and followed a star that led them to the miraculous gift.

Jesus surrendered Himself to the Lord for His purpose—and died a torturous death on the cross—presenting us His shed blood as the miraculous gift. Only Jesus knew the outcome of these surrendered lives. Everyone else was delightfully surprised. Each one took the step of faith by surrendering lives to the Lord for His purpose, and achieved profound (pro-FOUND means intense or extreme) victory.

The miraculous gift of God’s Son Jesus—and that belief in Him achieves everlasting life—is a profound delight that shouldn’t surprise believers. The gift of faith is what we all believe and stand firmly upon. Faith is a miracle, too.

What gifts are you presenting to loved ones this Christmas?

Take Home Nugget

The nugget today is the “surrender ourselves to the Lord for His purpose” clue that achieves victory in our own lives. The outcome is never anything we know. But the Christmas story shows us that the result of a surrendered life to the Lord for His purpose guarantees victory and delight. Faith never knows where it’s being led, but loves the One Who’s leading.

J.D. Griffith

To follow the leading of God,

To step out in faith and obey,

Is always the path we should take

Whenever we can’t see the way.

Sper

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BELIEVERS IN THE WORLD!




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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Worth the Struggle

WORTH THE STRUGGLE

Genesis 32:28

“Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.’”

Ten year old Jeremy urged his little cousin Benjy, “Come on, you can take him!”

Eight year old Benjy grunted while wrestling his twin brother, Danny, on the family room carpet. Smells of Thanksgiving dinner wafted through the house. Danny and Benjy continued wrestling until Mom called, “Dinner!”

The nation of Israel was born during an intense struggle between Jacob and God. The God’s Best devotional series taught that Christians claim Abraham as the patriarch of their faith in God, passed to us through Isaac and Jacob. Jacob could teach us all a lesson about not giving up with struggle. We should thank God for every struggle.

Jacob’s life was one of skill, deception and disappointment (see lesson). After he deceived his father, Isaac—into blessing him instead of his older twin, Esau—struggle became his life. Jacob worked seven years to marry Rachel. When he discovered that Leah was his wife, Jacob worked another seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:16-30).

But throughout Jacob’s trial-filled life, he wanted a relationship with God more than anything. He was determined to struggle to get what he wanted. Camping alone near the banks of the Jabbok River, Jacob was challenged to a wrestling match. Lasting until dawn, Jacob refused to give up until his opponent, a “man,” touched Jacob’s hip. From that moment, Jacob walked with a limp (Genesis 32:22-32).

The opening Scripture tells us that the “man” renamed Jacob, Israel. Why? Jacob’s struggle taught him dependence on God. Let believers not be deceived: Life will be hard from time to time. Just because life’s hard is no excuse for us to give up. God hasn’t let us down. He’ll never abandon us!

The “man” Jacob wrestled was God Himself. (Why the Man's words are in purple in the opening).  God assumed a form that Jacob could wrestle, and went easy on Jacob.  Jacob's limp reminded him to whom he belonged, Who's really in charge.

Won’t you remember Jacob and give God thanks for your struggles this Thanksgiving? They could be your biggest blessing!

Take Home Nugget

Jacob=Israel now. The man=the country Israel, today. A people and a nation were born that day, almost 4,000 years ago. The twelve tribes of Israel are Jacob’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Jacob’s adoption of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, took Joseph’s place, and became heads of tribes.

Jacob’s descendents are known as the children of Israel, God’s chosen people.

God’s present in every trouble.

Forget the hardship, forget the pain.

God’s worth your intense struggle--

Let hallelujahs be your refrain!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, November 18, 2011

This is My Land

THIS IS MY LAND

Seventh of seven in God’s Best devotion series.

Genesis 26:1-6

Vv. 2-6: “The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for awhile, and I will be with you and I will bless you. For to you and your descendents I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father, Abraham. I will make your descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through all your offspring all the nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My requirements, My commands, My decrees and My laws.’ So Isaac stayed in Gerar.”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” Where’s their peace? God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.

This map shows Gerar to be in south Canaan. The Mediterranean Sea is west of Canaan. 


Gerar is also known as Tel Haror, Tell Abu Hureireh, or Geder. God’s covenant with Abraham shows his descendents include most of the world’s population, (Arabs, Jews, and Christians are blessed through Abraham). As many as stars in the sky! God’s covenant included land as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). That land is Canaan, or what is Israel today. Notice the cities with red dots:  Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Gerar, especially. 


Water is always an issue in the desert. Abraham and Isaac were both forced to dig wells for their survival.  Well issues caused them to move on after settling down.


“Then Isaac moved away from [city of Gerar] and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father, Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given therm.” (Genesis 26:17-18).

Isaac and Ishmael settled in different parts of the Middle East. While Ishmael’s land spread far and wide, Canaan is a narrow strip (See Ishmael’s Claim devotion).


Take Home Nugget

God’s best only comes when we wait for His perfect timing in answer to prayer, or receiving His promise. Not waiting always leads to trouble. We just traced the tension in the Middle East today back thousands of years ago to the sons of Hagar and Sarah.
God’s everlasting covenant came from Abraham through Isaac (Genesis 17:19), and includes the land of Canaan (v. 8).  But Abraham’s people didn’t honor their part of the covenant.  Their disobedience caused God to scatter them, put them into bondage, and destroy their land.  Many have returned to their homeland, Israel, but there’s no peace.

Waiting on and obeying God are two ways for believers to get His best. Won’t you consider this the next time you’re impatient when waiting for something?

J.D. Griffith

The stories in the Word of God

Are there for us to see

How God has worked in people’s lives

Throughout all history.

Sper

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ishmael's Claim

ISHMAEL’S CLAIM

Sixth of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 25:13-18

Vv. 13-15, 18: “These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in order of their birth: Nebaioth the first-born of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah….His descendents settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as you go toward Assur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” Where’s their peace? God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.

Do you remember how God assured Abraham that Ishmael would be the father of 12 rulers, and a great nation in Genesis 17:20? (See But…devotion). God did not lie. Ishmael’s sons lived between Shur and Havilah. Havilah means stretch of sand. The Wilderness of Shur is desert that borders Egypt to the West, the Mediterranean Sea on the North, the Red Sea to the South, and Israel (Canaan) to the East. Assur refers to what became Assyria, (eventually modern-day Iraq).









The darker green represents the Assyrian Empire until 824 B.C. The light green represents the Egyptian Kingdom and the Assyrian Empire before 671 B.C. (B.C. means Before Christ. Jesus’ birth reset our world’s date to 0. After year 0, we use A.D. (Anno Domini which means in the year of our Lord). Unrest throughout the Middle East began thousands of years ago. Ongoing wars changed ownership of lands from one kingdom to another. Ishmael’s descendents’ land overlapped where Isaac and his descendents settled in Canaan.


These lands, except for Canaan (Israel--tiny pink shoreline East of Mediterranean Sea), are Arab nations today:


Genesis 16:11-12 says the angel of the Lord told Hagar: “‘I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.’ The angel of the Lord also said to her: ‘You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall call him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.’” Emphasis mine.

What must Hagar have thought about Ishmael being a “wild donkey of a man?” What could that mean? It could mean that Ishmael would not be dependable. He might be unpredictable (un-pre-DICT-a-bl means erratic, impulsive, hot-tempered, unreliable.

How would your family describe you?

Take Home Nugget

Can you see why Sarah’s short-circuiting God’s promise forced a different path than what God intended for our best? (See I Got It! devotion). 

J.D. Griffith

Whatever trouble may assail,

Of this we can be sure:

God’s promises can never fail,

They will always endure.

Hess




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Friday, November 11, 2011

WOW!

WOW!

Fifth of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 21:1-3

“Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.” Emphasis mine.

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” Where’s their peace? God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.



How happy Sarah must have been—after waiting so many years—that God would bless her with a baby! She must have regretted not having Abraham’s first child, and all the conflict with Hagar! (See devotions I got it! and So Far, So Good?).

We certainly understand Sarah’s frustration. Waiting patiently for God’s best sometimes seems impossible. We learn as we grow. We also get to build faith on our journey, because Jesus is walking beside us.

Do you have any questions on this God’s Best devotional series? Sarah’s heartache didn’t sound like God’s best, did it? Believers aren’t promised a life of roses; we’re promised times of both joy and hardship (Psalm 4:7, James 1:2-8). Hardships test and teach God’s kids, purifying our faith (Job 23:10). If we never lack: needing, wanting, or suffering, we’d NEVER be tested. Why do some people fall apart when times get tough? How can others simply take hardship in stride (Psalm 16:8)?

Some people make life look easy—rolling with the flow however life tilts—whatever the storms. Sure they get disappointed when things go wrong. They could face difficulties on every side, but always end on their feet. They may not get what’s happening, but are never depressed. Despite getting punched out and bullied, they continue to bounce back—and are stronger for it (1Corinthians 4:12-13, 2Corinthians 4:8-9).

It certainly isn’t God’s will that we suffer, but it IS His will that we be transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29). Jesus showed us how to live courageously and sinlessly all the way to victory. He never short-circuited the Father’s will (like Sarah did in I Got It! devotion). Jesus refrained from using His divinity when times got tough, even willingly dying on the cross! Jesus shows us how to wait on the Father’s timing to get His best.

Take Home Nugget

While it took many years for Sarah to finally give birth to Isaac, she would be the first one to encourage us to hold firm to what God promises, and believe that it’ll happen. Sarah chose the hard road to receiving her promise. Won’t you think about Sarah the next time you’re tired of waiting for God’s best?

As a believer, trust that in all life’s setbacks, God’s plotting for your best.

J.D. Griffith


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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

But...

BUT…

Fourth of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 17:18-22

Vv. 18-21: “And Abraham said to God, ‘If only Ishmael might live under Your blessing!’ Then God said, ‘Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendents after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.’”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” Where’s their peace? God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.



The title of this devotion, But…has a flip side. First, Abraham wanted to ensure that Ishmael would also receive God’s blessings, but God wanted to impress upon Abraham that His everlasting covenant would come through Isaac. Can you see God’s frustration with Abraham? Pleasing kids isn’t easy, especially when they have their own ideas.



Genesis 18 shows that something astonishing happened next. Abraham saw three men standing near to the entrance of his tent. He rushed up to them, and bowed low to the ground (a show of respect). He begged them to stay, offering them hospitality. He hoped that refreshment would entice them to hang around. But why?

Abraham must have guessed the importance of this unexpected visit. He brought water for the men to wash their feet (feet get dusty wearing sandals when walking in the desert). After everything was prepared, Abraham brought them meat from a choice calf, fresh bread, and milk. While they were eating, Abraham stood close by under a different tree. (Another sign of respect). “Where is Sarah?” they asked Abraham.

“In the tent” Abraham answered. (Sarah was listening, hiding behind the tent flap).

The Lord responded, “I will return about this time next year, after you and Sarah have a son.” (Genesis 18:10).

“Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, After I am worn out, and my master is old, will I have this pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12).  But Sarah must have been overjoyed.

“Why are you laughing?” the Lord asked.

“I wasn’t laughing” Sarah lied, blushing.

“Yes you were! Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).

Take Home Nugget

Isn’t it embarrassing when you’re caught in a lie? But red-faced Sarah might was probably too thrilled to be upset.

Abraham walked with the men a ways, and was told that all nations of the world will be blessed through him. Check out Genesis 18:1-15 to see if one of the men wasn’t the Lord, Himself!

Faith is confident that God ALWAYS does what He promises.

J.D. Griffith


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Monday, November 7, 2011

So Far, So Good?

SO FAR, SO GOOD?


Third of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 17:1-16

Vv. 5-8, 15: [The Lord said] “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you the father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendents after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendents after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendents after you; and I will be their God….As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her, I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Why can’t Israel live in peace? Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.



More than ten years have passed since Sarai gave Hagar to Abram to be his wife. (See I’ve Got it! devotion). Now that God changed their names, their lives would certainly be different.

Why would godly people (Abraham and Sarah) choose a path of self-sufficiency? (Self-suf-ISH-in-see means ability to satisfy one’s needs). Intense desire clouds one’s thinking. Desperation (des-per-A-shon means hopeless despair) comes when one isn’t thinking straight. (Indeed, the devil tempts God’s kids to give in to desperation). Why would God Almighty EVER need our help to deliver one of His promises? From a human standpoint, we simply get tired of waiting.

No one is immune to impatience. The danger of strong desire, human reasoning, and others’ influence, is giving into bad judgment. We justify taking action, because “waiting” seems non-productive. We think it’s good to attack a problem with action (what it means to be pro-active).

But, God’s best is achieved ONLY when His kids wait for His perfect timing. (God’s way always runs counter to human logic or instinct). When waiting on God becomes an attitude we choose, we’re fruitful for the Lord. We grow in trust and obedience to Him. We see how God works, and that increases our faith.

Take Home Nugget

Trouble in Abraham’s household started after Hagar got pregnant. Genesis 16:4-6 says that Hagar hated Sarah. Sarah grew jealous, and blamed Abraham. Abraham told Sarah to do what she thought best. So Sarah mistreated Hagar, and Hagar left Sarah’s house. Check out the lesson to this devotion to see where Hagar went.

J.D. Griffith

Oh what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear;

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

Scriven

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Friday, November 4, 2011

I've Got It!

I’VE GOT IT!

Second of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 16:1-6

Vv. 1-3: “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.’ Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Why can’t Israel live in peace? Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.



Today, when a couple has trouble having a baby, they can get help from a doctor. While Brad’s Mom and Dad have this option, it’s very expensive. But Sarai didn’t have this choice. (See The Promise devotion).

We live in a fast-paced world, and are used to quick results. Fast food restaurants offer quick meals. Equipped with drive-through lanes—to pay for and pick up food without even having to stop and get out of the car—makes these restaurants very popular. The Internet and search engines, such as Google or Bing, supply answers to every question we think to ask. Who has the time to look things up in books today? Have people stopped waiting on God for His best because waiting takes too long?

So, it’s easy for us to understand that Sarai wasn’t interested in waiting any longer. It had already been ten years, and still no baby. Did God forget? Sarai probably wondered. She must have known that she was past the age to have children (Genesis17:17, 18:11). Desperate, Sarai must have decided to “help.”

Perhaps she surprised Abram. “Guess what honey, I decided to give you Hagar to be your wife, too. She can begin our family. Won’t the Lord be pleased that we came up with a way to fulfill His promise?” (Did she even pray about her decision, or discuss her idea with Hagar?)

“Uh, I don’t know, Sarai” Abram might have replied. “It IS an interesting idea. Let me think about it.” Finally, Abram agreed to Sarai’s plan, and married Hagar. (He could have refused.)

Take Home Nugget

Apparently, “waiting” isn’t natural for humans. After all, patience (PA-shins means enduring without complaint) is one of the fruits of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22). When we step out of God’s plan and take matters into our own hands, we NEVER receive God’s best.

Hallelujah to God, Who is able

To promise what’s ALWAYS true!

Give me patience to remain in Your timetable

Lord. Give me assurance when I don’t have a clue.

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Promise

THE PROMISE

First of seven in God’s Best devotion series

Genesis 13:14-17

Verse 16: [The Lord said to Abram] “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.”

This God’s Best devotional series is designed to show you why the Middle East is a hotbed of conflict today. Why can’t Israel live in peace? Arab nations surround one Jewish state, Israel (Canaan). God promised Abram in Genesis 12:7: “To your offspring I will give this land.” God’s best is only received when we wait on His timing.

Brad stopped short when racing through the kitchen on his way outside. His brow wrinkled as he asked, “What’s wrong, Mom?”

Brad’s Mom sniffed, and wiped her eyes while sitting at the table. She forced a smile. “Nothing’s wrong, don’t worry.”

“But you NEVER cry! Tell me what’s wrong” Brad pleaded.

“Well, Dad and I want to give you a brother or sister. But…”

“But what, Ma?”

“We’ll just have to trust God.” She patted Brad’s hand. “Go outside and play.”

Offspring are children. God promised Abram as many offspring as the dust of the earth. WOW! All in one house? Where does it begin? One child grows up, gets married, and has kids. Two children grow up, get married, and have kids. Offspring multiply. The more kids a couple have, the more offspring. It begins with one child.

Just like Brad’s Mom, Sarai, Abram’s wife, wanted to have a child. Unlike today, where women often get jobs outside the home, women’s job back in Abram’s time was to have children. The more children a woman had, the greater her worth. Sarai must have felt like a failure, and a disappointment to her husband, Abram. That doesn’t seem fair, does it?

It takes a man and a woman to make a baby. Some men and women can have physical problems that interfere with having children. When a woman got pregnant after waiting a long time in the Bible, it says that God “opened her womb” (Genesis 29:31, 30:22). This issue can be very frustrating for some women.

So, Sarai must have been delighted when Abram told her God’s promise. No longer would she be mocked by others. She must have clung to that promise, sure that she would get pregnant soon. But that didn’t happen. Not after one month. Not after one year. It took more than ten years for Sarai to hold her baby boy in her arms.

Was the delay because Sarai’s and Abram’s faith was weak? Can God forget His promises?

Take Home Nugget

Weak faith is different from having no faith. God often grows His kids’ faith through tests and trials. When we feel weak, we can ask Him for more faith (Luke 17:5). God always provides what we need, especially when we ask (James 4:2).

It often helps how we feel

When afraid and totally alone,

To cling to the Almighty with zeal—

What the greatest saints have always known.

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, October 28, 2011

Trick or Treat

TRICK OR TREAT

John 1:29

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!’”

“Trick or Treat!” a group of kids on the front porch screamed when Shakira’s Mom opened the front door.

“Don’t you all look great?” Shakira’s Mom exclaimed. “Are you Cassie?” she asked a candy striper.

Cassie lifted her mask. “I knew you’d guess who I was, Aunt Donna!” She chose a PayDay candy bar. “Thank you! Can you guess who these other kids are?”

As the bowl was passed around to all the kids who were dressed up in various costumes, each one took a piece of candy. As they turned to leave, each one said, “Thank you!”

Over two thousand years ago, a man was traveling incognito (in-kog-NEE-toe means disguised). This guy looked like an ordinary person, but He was totally different from what everyone guessed. Because he wasn’t wearing a crown or purple robes, no one recognized Him as royalty. This guy was the Son of God! But, He looked ordinary. Just like you or me.

This is typical when Jesus isn't recognized for who He is. After all, who would have guessed that Messiah would be born in a stable?  And even if Jesus was recognized as royalty, no one thought that Messiah would die on a cross to pay for people's sins. They expected Messiah to come and free people from the Romans. They expected a politician! Or at least, they expected a soldier.

Jesus isn’t what anyone expects—yesterday or today. But He is the perfect One to knock on the door of our hearts (Matthew 7:7, Revelation 3:20). Jesus enters as King to anyone who welcomes Him into the heart. Jesus brings gifts. Forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life are treats for whoever welcomes Him inside their heart. Instead of our treating Jesus, He brings treats for us!

Jesus is King in the spiritual kingdom. He’s already defeated all opponents, including death and the devil. When He comes knocking, won’t you welcome Him inside? He’s the best Friend, and He’s the best Master. Jesus willingly serves us, doing whatever is necessary to give people a saving knowledge of God.

Have you thanked Jesus for the treats He brought you?

Take Home Nugget

In Jesus’ time, the bondservant had the worst job. This task was to wash the feet of everyone entering the house (people wore sandals and walked on dusty streets). Jesus even performed this task—willingly! The night before His Passion week began, Jesus served by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:4-16).

Peter was uncomfortable by Jesus' service.  But in the end, we all Thank Jesus for His working out our salvation--what a treat! 

Jesus took my place and bore my sin.

So I, guilty, could eternal life win!

J.D. Griffith




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